The Haisha Charity Night had begun.
First initiated by several well-known Chinese actors during the SARS outbreak, the event was originally a star-studded effort to raise funds for medical relief. Over time, it grew into an annual gathering of China's entertainment elite, top entrepreneurs, directors, and public figures—where charity met social capital under glittering lights.
This year, the event was being held in Binhai City.
And with Marching Ant Corporation now considered China's brightest tech star—and headquartered right in Binhai—an invitation to the charity night was inevitable.
It was also the first time the company was participating.
Zhao Min had initially planned to attend, but she was now in Europe negotiating international deals for Butterfly Eye, aiming to launch it on the global market. In her absence, the company would be represented by its chairman, Chen Mo.
At exactly 8:00 PM, Chen Mo and Xiao Yu arrived outside the lavishly lit banquet venue. The driveway was lined with luxury cars—BMWs, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys—transforming the scene into an unofficial exotic car show.
Inside the vehicle, Xiao Yu looked out the tinted window and subconsciously gripped Chen Mo's hand tighter.
Her heart was pounding.
She had never been to such a grand event before. These weren't just celebrities—they were CEOs, elites, and power brokers. In this crowd, she felt like Cinderella in a borrowed gown, holding the hand of a very real prince.
"Feeling nervous?" Chen Mo asked gently, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"A little," Xiao Yu admitted, forcing a small smile.
"To be honest," Chen Mo chuckled, "this is my first time at something like this too."
Xiao Yu felt her anxiety ease slightly. As long as Chen Mo was beside her, the rest didn't matter.
When their car stopped at the entrance, they stepped out hand in hand, Xiao Yu dressed in a flowing silk gown that turned more than a few heads. Her pure, elegant demeanor paired with Chen Mo's calm presence made them an eye-catching pair.
They approached the check-in area, where they were promptly stopped by staff.
"May I ask which organization you represent?" the greeter asked politely.
"We're from Marching Ant Corporation," Chen Mo said calmly.
"Oh? Ms. Zhao Min isn't attending?" a coordinator nearby asked, checking the guest list.
"She's currently in Europe for business," Chen Mo replied.
"I see. Please sign here. The reception will begin shortly," the staff member said, handing them a pen.
As the two entered the venue, the greeter quietly picked up a walkie-talkie.
"Director, Zhao Min didn't come. Marching Ant is being represented by Chen Mo and a woman named He Xiaoyu."
"Got it. Adjust their seating. Move them from the primary table to one of the standard company tables. Shift Huayi Group's CEO forward."
"Understood."
The banquet venue was a beautifully arranged open-air garden lit by chandeliers and lanterns. Guests clustered in elegant groups, sipping wine and exchanging pleasantries. Security personnel strolled the perimeter, making their presence known but not intrusive.
Xiao Yu's hand tightened again around Chen Mo's.
"Don't be so tense," Chen Mo whispered. "I'm already thinking of sneaking out early."
His quiet joke made her giggle, lightening the atmosphere.
As they slowly made their way in, a sharply dressed middle-aged man approached with a wine glass in hand. His eyes locked on Xiao Yu.
"Assistant He?" he said with a smile. "Zhao Min couldn't make it tonight?"
"Hello, Mr. Qi," Xiao Yu greeted politely. "Ms. Zhao is currently overseas and won't return for a few days."
"That's unfortunate," he said, clearly disappointed. "I was hoping to speak with her about a partnership. Maybe next time." With that, he turned and walked away, barely sparing a glance at Chen Mo.
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. "Who was that?"
"Qi Ming, CEO of a mid-tier tech company. Not particularly big. I met him once during contract negotiations," Xiao Yu said with a slight shrug. "Kind of a bootlicker."
Chen Mo smiled. "You've been hanging around Zhao Min too long. You're getting spicy."
"Where's the lie?"
Despite Xiao Yu's growing ease, most attendees who recognized her simply nodded in passing or made brief conversation. She was known as Zhao Min's assistant, not someone with executive weight.
Chen Mo, however, was a ghost. No one recognized him, let alone greeted him.
"Feeling bored yet?" Xiao Yu asked as they circled the venue.
"If you weren't here, I'd be asleep in that corner over there," Chen Mo said, pointing toward a quieter spot.
The two found a secluded corner and sat down. Chen Mo picked up a glass of freshly squeezed juice and took a sip.
"Even the drinks here taste expensive," he remarked. "Each glass probably costs more than a day's salary."
"It's a charity banquet. Half the purpose is just to be seen."
"I know," Chen Mo said, setting the glass down. "But I already miss my lab."
"Want to play a game on your phone?" Xiao Yu teased.
"Gladly."
Chen Mo pulled out his phone and opened a mobile game. He only played during downtime, and this certainly qualified.
A few minutes later, a soft voice interrupted them.
"Excuse me—is this seat taken?"
They both looked up.
A girl stood before them, radiant under the soft lighting. She wore a simple yet elegant dress, her makeup tasteful, her expression a little guarded—but her eyes were unmistakably bright.
Xiao Yu blinked, then smiled. "You're Gao Wenwen, right?"
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"She's an actress," Xiao Yu whispered, leaning in. "She got famous off a drama series, but was blacklisted after rejecting a powerful executive. People say she refused to compromise her dignity."
Gao Wenwen smiled, slightly embarrassed. "That's me."
"You're welcome to sit," Xiao Yu offered warmly.
Gao Wenwen took a seat and quietly sipped her juice, her eyes somewhat distant. Chen Mo glanced at her for a moment. There was something about her that stood out—poised, but with a quiet strength. In the entertainment industry, it was rare for someone without backing to maintain such dignity.
Just as he was about to return to his game, a sudden commotion rippled through the crowd.
The next chapter was about to begin.