Aurora Foundation Gala – Country F, Evening
The ballroom of the prestigious St. Bellamy Hotel glistened with soft crystal light. Beneath the chandeliers, the world's elites mingled in couture gowns and tailored tuxedos, every conversation a quiet ripple of prestige and power.
When Lu Jingyan stepped in, the entire atmosphere shifted.
Her silver gown clung to her like liquid moonlight, regal and effortless. The neckline was elegantly structured, her back gracefully exposed, and every step she took on her silver heels echoed with composed confidence. Her hair was swept into a low chignon, her makeup luminous but understated.
She was beauty, but not fragile—she was a storm in calm waters.
Mei Xiaotong walked beside her, in a crimson velvet gown with a daring slit, exuding both loyalty and fire. She leaned slightly toward Jingyan as flashes from cameras started.
"All eyes are already on you," she murmured. "Don't let them blink."
"I wasn't planning to," Jingyan said with a soft smile, masking the tension in her chest.
But before they could fully integrate into the mingling crowd, a familiar voice sliced through the pleasant music and chatter.
"Well, well. Look who decided to crawl out from the ashes."
Cheng Ciao.
Draped in gold, smugness painted on her heavily made-up face. Standing right beside her was Li Man, her longtime companion in drama and petty cruelty. They were part of the crowd Jingyan once walked away from—and not on friendly terms.
The nearby guests quieted just enough for their words to become audible.
"I thought this was a prestigious event," Li Man added with a mocking smile. "Did the dress code drop to charity case?"
Mei Xiaotong's heels clicked sharply against the marble as she stepped forward, placing herself slightly in front of Jingyan. Her voice rang clear, polite—but dangerous.
"Isn't it funny how the ones who talk the most are always the ones invited for name, not merit?"
The surrounding guests chuckled awkwardly.
Cheng Ciao's face tightened. "I wasn't talking to you, Miss Manager."
"No," Mei said evenly. "But it's always you who speaks first when you sense someone else's shine. Don't tell me you're still bitter that Jingyan made it back to the top without stooping to your level?"
"Back to the top?" Li Man scoffed. "She's just a glittery has-been. All this"—she gestured toward the cameras and the silver dress—"is rented attention."
Jingyan remained composed, not saying a word, but her fingers gently brushed the hem of her gown—steadying herself.
Cheng Ciao smirked. "I suppose your silence confirms it. You haven't changed at all, have you? Always hiding behind your silence, waiting for someone to save you."
"I didn't realize self-restraint was a weakness," Jingyan finally said, her voice calm but cool. "But I suppose you wouldn't recognize grace if it walked up and slapped you."
Gasps.
Even Mei raised a brow in surprise.
But before the tension could escalate any further—
The main entrance stirred again.
Cameras immediately turned, clicks increasing rapidly.
Two tall figures entered—both dressed in black, commanding attention like magnets to steel.
Leng Xuanmo, poised in a jet-black tuxedo, his gaze sharp, scanning.
Mo Tianyi, relaxed but watchful, a small smirk playing on his lips.
The crowd shifted again.
And the energy in the ballroom snapped like a live wire.
Jingyan turned—her breath caught.
Leng Xuanmo's eyes locked on her, and his expression darkened the moment he noticed Cheng Ciao and Li Man too close to her for comfort.
Without a word, he began walking.