Chapter 21 The Company Banquet

Gu Yao held onto Wen Jin all the way, the heat of his palm slowly seeping into her skin, as if her heart was pulsing right in her hand, fluttering in tandem with his. He didn’t let go until they reached the door of Lin Xi’s dressing room.

Lowering her head, Wen Jin clasped her own wrist, feeling as though the warmth from his touch lingered there, burning. When Gu Yao finally released her, he looked down, his heart rippling like a stone dropped in still water, lashes trembling as a faint heat crept up his ears.

Suppressing the restlessness in his chest, he spoke, “You silly girl, if someone insults you, don’t you know how to answer back?”

“Next… next time, I promise!” Wen Jin stammered.

Gu Yao couldn’t help but laugh, curling his forefinger and tapping it lightly against her forehead. “Still thinking about a next time?”

The sudden gesture left Wen Jin stunned and blushing furiously.

Gu Yao was startled by his own impulsiveness, his ears flushing scarlet. He quickly withdrew his hand, coughed to cover his embarrassment, and hurried to change the subject, “You’d better get ready.”

“Ready for what?” Wen Jin asked curiously.

Gu Yao regained his composure, answering calmly, “I’m here to pick you and Lin Xi up for the company’s gala tonight.”

Wen Jin blinked, hesitating, “Us? Both of us, including me?”

“Of course. Didn’t Lin Xi tell you?” Gu Yao replied, as if it were a matter of course.

“Alright… I’ll go change then.” Wen Jin smiled, raised her brows, and turned to leave.

Gu Yao watched her retreating figure, his eyes unreadable. Something indescribable began to spread quietly within him.

Inside, Lin Xi had been eavesdropping on the commotion, crouched by the door with her ear pressed against it, an impish grin on her face.

Behind her, Lu Yuxiu shook his head in exasperation, indulgence softening his expression.

“Hurry, go on! I need to get changed,” Lin Xi suddenly chirped, bouncing over to him.

Lu Yuxiu’s expression darkened. “Why are you changing clothes?”

“For the company gala, of course,” Lin Xi replied, oblivious to his tone, tugging him up.

Lu Yuxiu’s gaze locked on her. That would mean countless men leering at her.

“I’m coming too,” he declared without hesitation, eyes narrowed.

“Huh?” Lin Xi cocked her head, surprised and disapproving. “But this is Xingchen’s gala. You, an artist from Xingguang, have no reason to go. It would only stir up trouble—totally inappropriate!”

Lu Yuxiu was at a loss. He could only watch as Lin Xi, utterly carefree, chose a gown—a V-necked, elegant dress—posing with it before the full-length mirror.

His brow twitched as he imagined her bare neck and slender legs revealed to the air, drawing the covetous gazes of other men. He tensed, a stone sinking into deep waters.

A faint chill emanated from him as his dark eyes fixed on her, like a beast robbed of its prize, ready to pounce at any moment.

Unable to bear it any longer, he strode forward and snatched the gown from her hands.

“What is it?” Lin Xi frowned in confusion.

“It’s cold tonight. Wear this,” Lu Yuxiu said, his voice low and restrained. He tossed aside the dress she’d chosen and handed her a thick, conservative gown that covered her from head to toe.

Lin Xi took the dress, noticing it was a pantsuit. She compared it in the mirror and muttered, “This one feels so old-fashioned. I still think the other one is prettier.”

“Just listen,” he said, lips pressed into a thin line, his tone flat but authoritative. The sharpness of his jaw accentuated his striking features, his hair falling softly over his brow.

“Alright…” Lin Xi, unsure whether she was cowed by his presence or simply distracted by his looks, blinked and obediently accepted the dress, heading into the changing room.

Only after she turned did Lu Yuxiu close his eyes and exhale slowly.

He had no excuse to go with her, so he could only let Gu Yao take Lin Xi away. He returned to his villa and resumed reading “How to Get Along with Girls.” Though some of the logic was dubious, he had no experience in courting women, so any advice was better than none.

Suddenly, he remembered something. He took out his phone and dialed a number.

“Hello, Master Xiu, is there anything you need?” came an anxious voice after a few rings.

Lu Yuxiu’s tone was cold and emotionless. “Brother Lang, how are the photos coming along?”

The paparazzo, Li Lang, was flattered. “Everything’s just as you ordered, Master Xiu. Not a single photo has leaked.”

“Send me a few of them,” Lu Yuxiu ordered in his deep voice.

“Uh?” Li Lang was caught off guard. “Right away, I’ll send them now.”

After hanging up, Lu Yuxiu’s phone buzzed with new messages. He opened the photos: Lin Xi eating ice cream, with him frowning disapprovingly beside her; another of him holding her hand during a scene while she, unbothered, focused on the script; and another of them getting into a car together, presumably heading to a hotel…

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he saved each picture to his album, taking them out again and again to admire.

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Gu Yao waited for the two women in the car, ready to take them to the company gala.

Restricted by Lu Yuxiu, Lin Xi’s attire was extremely conservative—a white, suit-style gown that covered her to her ankles. With one hand in her pocket, her usual gentle elegance was replaced with a striking, cool confidence.

Wen Jin wore a princess dress of layered tulle, silver threads woven through the fabric, giving it both weight and elegance. The off-shoulder design made her even more radiant, accentuating her delicate curves. Her hair was simply swept up, revealing an oval face; with makeup, her bright eyes, high nose, and cherry lips became irresistible features.

When the two entered the car, Gu Yao was momentarily stunned by Wen Jin’s appearance. But the admiration was quickly replaced by a strange irritation and dissatisfaction.

With two beauties at his side, Gu Yao entered the Xingchen gala, instantly drawing every gaze in the room.

As Xingchen’s leading star, Gu Yao naturally attracted the attention of every female artist present. Dressed in a impeccably tailored black suit, he radiated a commanding presence. The dark, solemn color only emphasized his calm, mature demeanor, so different from the candidness he showed at home.

He stood straight at the entrance, outshining everything around him.

The annual company gala was a chance for artists to build relationships and foster industry cooperation.

He Wen, Xingchen’s top actress, was surrounded by a cluster of eager young artists vying for her favor. She accepted their compliments lazily, but her eyes were fixed on the door, waiting for Gu Yao. In her mind, only she had the right to stand at his side at such events; everyone else was merely background. To her, the future Mrs. Gu could only be her—no one else was worthy.

Gu Yao’s temper was infamous, making him unapproachable to most. At every company event, she was always the only one bold enough to stand by him.

When Gu Yao entered, all eyes followed. Behind him were two stunning women.

He Wen was unconcerned. Men always attracted flocks of admiring women, but she was confident in herself. With graceful steps, she approached Gu Yao.

“Yao, you’re here,” she greeted with a gentle smile.

Gu Yao nodded absently.

He Wen’s gaze shifted behind him. She recognized Lin Xi as Gu Yao’s younger sister and offered a cordial nod, which Lin Xi returned. But Lin Xi keenly sensed something else in this woman’s intentions towards her brother—a smile that was just a touch too eager.

He Wen’s eyes swept over Wen Jin as well, making Wen Jin feel an inexplicable pressure.

Lin Xi smiled serenely, linking arms with Wen Jin. She turned to Gu Yao, “Fourth Brother, I’ll be taking your companion with me! You two chat.”

Gu Yao blinked but didn’t object, a slight pleasure blooming within him. “Alright, don’t wander off.”

He Wen’s heart sank as she heard Wen Jin was Gu Yao’s companion and that he didn’t deny it. Wasn’t Wen Jin just a newly signed actress? Did she think she could soar to the top on Lin Xi’s coattails? Hmph, dream on! She might not be able to touch Lin Xi, but she could certainly handle an insignificant newcomer.

Forcing her expression back under control, she smiled, “Yao, this way please.”

“Mm.” But Gu Yao’s gaze lingered on the girls’ retreating figures, making He Wen’s strained smile nearly crack.

Meanwhile, Lin Xi whisked Wen Jin away before her blush could even fade. She pulled her into a secluded corner, facing her earnestly. “Xiao Jin, did you see that woman just now?”

Wen Jin blinked blankly. “I did—she’s very beautiful.”

“Oh, come on!” Lin Xi nearly stomped her foot in frustration, tapping Wen Jin’s forehead. Lowering her voice conspiratorially, she continued, “From my careful observation, that woman is definitely interested in my fourth brother!”

“What?” Wen Jin snapped to attention, her voice rising. No wonder that woman’s expression had been so strange.

“So you need to seize the moment and make a move! From what I’ve seen, Fourth Brother clearly likes you, he’s just slow to realize it.” Lin Xi urged her on.

“Really?” Wen Jin looked uncertainly at her, lacking confidence but unwilling to keep hesitating. “Then… what should I do?”

“She called my brother ‘Yao,’ right? So you should start calling him ‘Mr. Gu.’ That’ll definitely throw him off balance!” Lin Xi’s eyes gleamed with calculation, utterly unconcerned that her subject was her own brother.

She clapped her hands, a sly smile on her lips. “It’s called playing hard to get!”

Wen Jin nodded, as if enlightened.

Lin Xi’s eyes sparkled with pride—a worthy little protégé! She really was the most devoted sister, looking out for her brother’s love life.

On the other side, He Wen could see perfectly well that Gu Yao, though conversing with her, kept glancing toward where Wen Jin and Lin Xi had gone. A shadow flickered in her eyes, quickly hidden.

“That girl just now is Lin Xi’s close friend, isn’t she? They seem very close,” He Wen said deliberately, watching for Gu Yao’s reaction.

“Yes, her name is Wen Jin.” At the mention of those two, Gu Yao’s face immediately softened, his voice unconsciously gentler.

The smile on He Wen’s face froze. It seemed she had underestimated that little girl!