Upstairs, Lin Che and Nan Lu had finally finished getting ready.
Though their makeup was minimal and their hairstyles simple, their natural beauty shone through effortlessly—fresh, gentle, and understated, creating a stark contrast to the heavy glamour downstairs.
The Gong family's arrangements had included everything: dresses, heels, accessories.And while Nan Lu looked perfectly at home in her attire, Lin Che… was wobbling.
Just a little.
Her heels were slightly higher than anything she would willingly choose, and walking felt like balancing on thin ice.
Nan Lu strode ahead confidently, the soft brownish-gold dress she wore hugging her figure beautifully. With its subtle shimmer, fitted waist, and flowing skirt, the gown elevated her already lively charm into something striking and elegant. She had done a touch of makeup—just enough to brighten her eyes and bring out the sharpness of her features.
Behind her, Lin Che followed, carefully holding the hem of her baby-blue gown as she tried not to trip.
"Lin Che!" Nan Lu called over her shoulder. "Hurry up, or else we're going to miss the party!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming—just…"Lin Che clutched the staircase railing."…just give me a second. These shoes are a death sentence."
Nan Lu rolled her eyes dramatically but extended a hand anyway, helping her friend through the last few steps.
Together they approached the entrance to the ballroom—two silhouettes in soft blue and warm gold.
Lin Che took a deep breath, straightened her gown, and lifted her chin.Nan Lu flicked her hair back and smirked.
The ballroom doors opened.
No one inside turned immediately—their attention was still fixed on the center of the hall where Gong Feng sat like an immovable pillar of gravitas.
But a reporter stationed near the entrance, camera hanging from his neck, perked up the moment he saw the two women appear.
His eyes widened.
And then, loudly enough for half the nearest guests to hear—
"I didn't know the Gong family invited celebrities tonight," he exclaimed. "Look at how beautiful these two ladies are!"
At first, no one reacted to the reporter's loud exclamation. The orchestra had just shifted into a livelier movement, conversations were swelling, and footsteps echoed across the polished marble floor as more guests filtered deeper into the grand ballroom. The noise of celebration drowned out his voice for a moment.
But curiosity has a way of catching fire.
A few guests turned their heads.
A few expressions froze.
Then came a sharp intake of breath—then another—and soon a wave of shock began to ripple across the room as more eyes followed the reporters' cameras.
Suddenly the corner near the entrance burst into activity. Cameras flashed wildly, shutters fired in rapid, relentless succession, and the once-calm reporters swarmed like they had discovered the rarest treasure.
Nan Lu emerged first.
The chandelier's light fell over her and immediately transformed her into the center of attention. Her brownish-gold gown shimmered like faint sunlight, the delicate folds gliding softly as she moved. Her face, enhanced by light makeup—peach-toned cheeks, a sweep of eyeliner that sharpened her bright eyes, and rose-colored lips—carried a stunning, almost effortless glow.
She did not flinch under the attention. She embraced it.
Her smile blossomed naturally, confident and warm, as though she had been preparing for this moment her entire life. Every turn of her head, every blink, every slight tilt of her chin looked as if it belonged on a movie poster.
Behind her, however—
a very different kind of beauty stepped forward.
Lin Che hesitated, almost shrinking in surprise as the cameras shifted toward her. She had lifted the hem of her soft baby-blue gown so she wouldn't trip, and her fingers trembled slightly. Her steps were small and careful; her expression was wary, almost timid. But that only made her more arresting.
Her gown hugged her elegantly without being provocative, the gentle lines accentuating her figure with quiet grace. The fabric shimmered faintly under the lights, creating the illusion of moonlight rippling over still water. Her makeup was barely there—just enough to brighten her features—but her face didn't need embellishment.
Lin Che possessed a beauty that drew the eye without trying.
Natural.
Unpolished.
The kind of radiance that didn't dazzle loudly—but lingered, soft and unforgettable.
And that subtle, unintentional charm threw the entire ballroom into a moment of silent awe.
Compliments floated through the crowd, though spoken quietly, almost in reverence. Her presence softened the air around her. Even her nervous blinking under the flashes made her more captivating. Many men straightened unconsciously, their gazes following her every movement, while a sharp mix of envy and unease crossed several women's faces.
And then—
A drunk guest near the shadows leaned toward his companion and muttered loudly:
"If I ever get a chance with that baby-blue one… hah, I wouldn't stop all night long—"
He didn't finish the sentence.
Because the air suddenly turned cold.
Unnaturally cold.
He sneezed violently, shivering. "W-what the—?! Why is it suddenly freezing here?"
The man had no idea…
that sitting just half a meter away from him, shrouded in the darkest corner of the hall, was Gong Feng.
He hadn't been paying attention to the commotion. He had been listening to someone speaking beside him.
But that vulgar remark—that shameless tone—
that insult—
It sliced through every other sound.
He slowly lifted his head.
His eyes moved toward the man.
His gaze turned sharp, hard and lethally cold!
The man felt a chill creep up his spine. He rubbed his arms, confused, then sneezed again. "What's happening…?"
His friend beside him suddenly looked behind and then nudged his arms.
The fool immediately understood and felt a shiver down his spine.
His useless remarks had somehow angered the most powerful man in the room!
He didn't dare look behind him. He didn't dare move.
Gong Feng shifted his gaze away from the fool with a calmness that was far more dangerous than anger.
And then he saw her.
The woman in blue.
For a moment, his breath stilled.