Chapter 28: The Charity Gala (2)

They wanted to deal with Zhen Mi, and hoped to push the endorsement onto Bai Xi, but was she even worthy of it?

The final trio to make their entrance were Ouyang Mufeng of the Ouyang family, Gong Yi of the Gong family, and Huangpu Shenqing, the CEO of Huangpu Corporation.

Ouyang Mufeng wore a white suit, a smile resting on his lips, brushing his hair back ever so slightly—a picture of gentlemanly elegance.

Gong Yi appeared in a houndstooth suit, a black shirt beneath. His hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers, his tall, graceful bearing exuded a noble air.

Huangpu Shenqing, as always, was clad in impeccably tailored black. The suit wrapped perfectly around his flawless figure. His brown eyes flashed coldly, chestnut hair falling loosely, his entire person radiating an icy indifference, as if he’d stepped from a frozen chamber.

From the moment they entered, all eyes were fixed upon them, never wavering.

Admiration, affection, jealousy, fear, curiosity—and even resentment from Huangpu Qing’an, indifference from Ouyang Muya, and bafflement from Shangguan Renran—all these emotions swirled in the crowd.

Their seats were in the very first row: Huangpu Shenqing, Gong Yi, Ouyang Mufeng. Conveniently, the right side of the front row was now full—six seats occupied.

Shangguan Renran’s attitude shifted from initial confusion, to indifference, and now to surprise.

Because Huangpu Shenqing was sitting right beside her, and the feeling was... peculiar.

“Hi, Miss Shangguan,” Ouyang Mufeng was the first to wave.

“Hello,” Shangguan Renran nodded, her tone graceful, as if meeting for the first time.

“Sis, Miss Xia, who is this…?” Ouyang Mufeng glanced around after taking his seat.

“Why are you everywhere?” If she weren’t so far away, Ouyang Muya would’ve loved to slap him, tell him to keep his distance. Not that he would listen, but still.

Now he’d even moved next to Renran?

Ouyang Mufeng just smiled, saying nothing further—he knew if he spoke again, he’d be in trouble later.

You really hit the nail on the head.

Since sitting down, Huangpu Shenqing’s gaze had been glued to Shangguan Renran. Her skin was like water, her rounded, snow-white shoulders and slender pale legs—he wanted nothing more than to cover her from head to toe.

Shangguan Renran felt goosebumps rising. Why was this man staring at her?

He made her thoroughly uncomfortable. She parted her lips to speak, but just then he turned his gaze away.

She truly was…

“Welcome, everyone, to this charity dinner sponsored by Ouyang Corporation. First, let us thank Ouyang Corporation for their many years of support,” the host began, leading applause, which everyone followed.

“Secondly, we thank our distinguished guests for their generous contributions and treasured items.”

Applause again.

“Finally, all proceeds from tonight’s auction will be donated to the foundation, providing aid to those in need.”

The host’s fervent, rhythmic speech stirred a sense of harmony among the crowd.

“Now, let us begin the bidding with the first item—a set of white porcelain jade cups donated by Ouyang Corporation…”

While the host presided over the auction above, Xia Wanqing whispered to Shangguan Renran in front.

“Renran, what did you donate? Let me tell you, the only thing I could bring was jewelry from Aunt Ye, but I couldn’t bear to part with it. So I snuck off with Father’s treasured painting—rumored to be by the legendary AiCo, worth a fortune.”

“Aren’t you afraid your father will punish you?” She knew Uncle Xia raised Wanqing almost like a boy.

“What’s there to fear? I’ll just buy it back myself. Just don’t bid against me, okay? Let me spend as little as possible,” Xia Wanqing was worried she might not be able to reclaim it, since everyone would want such a painting.

“All right, I won’t bid.” She wouldn’t interfere, but there were others—Wanqing should tell them all, but imagining that scene was rather amusing.

Xia Wanqing thought so too. “So, would you help spread the word? Tell everyone not to bid?”

“But how…” Shangguan Renran was troubled. She didn’t know these people—how could she ask?

“You just need…” Xia Wanqing glanced at the person beside her, “as long as that gentleman doesn’t bid, I still have a chance. Renran, please!” Wanqing pressed her hands together, eyes shining, a pitiful plea.

“I can’t promise anything,” they weren’t acquainted.

“Just try, say something.” After all, he’d inquired about Renran last time. Xia Wanqing sat upright, ready to watch her speak.

The auction was already at the third item, but for some reason, she felt a bit nervous.

She glanced to her side, where that man, illuminated by shifting lights, his refined profile like a favored child of heaven.

“That… I wanted to ask, in a moment… if you could…”

“What did you say? I didn’t hear you.” In truth, Huangpu Shenqing’s hearing was excellent—he’d trained abroad for a time—but he wanted to hear her speak directly.

Shangguan Renran moved a little closer. “I said, could you maybe…”

“I can’t hear you, closer.”

Damn it.

Shangguan Renran leaned in again, her voice louder. “I said, please don’t bid.”

Huangpu Shenqing leaned closer, so near he could see her eyelashes, and each breath was filled with her sweet, milky scent. “Say it once more.”

Shangguan Renran stared at his magnified face before her, utterly bewildered.

Xia Wanqing was even more shocked. Wasn’t this just a conversation? Why did it look like they were about to kiss? Was she seeing things, or had the world changed?

Shangguan Renran pushed him away and sat upright, her eyes darting, heart pounding.

Huangpu Shenqing laughed aloud—it was the first time he’d seen Shangguan Renran show any emotion.

Though it was slight, the two beside him heard it.

Hearing that magnetic laughter, Shangguan Renran’s cheeks flushed.

Gong Yi was even more startled, having watched the two slowly draw closer.

And naturally, others around them noticed as well.

Ouyang Mufeng had never seen his second brother act like this. He nudged Gong Yi. “Is Miss Shangguan the one Second Brother’s been searching for?”

Gong Yi regarded him as if he were a fool. Was his brain made of glue? Only now did he realize?

“Damn,” Ouyang Mufeng muttered under his breath. No wonder things felt different.