After Jiang Chaoge finished speaking, the old lady glanced at her —

Not bad, not too foolish.

So, the old lady smiled slightly: "Alright, back to business, tonight’s banquet is hosted by the Jiang Family, I’ve taken up enough time."

Jiang Bin immediately lowered himself and said, "It’s a blessing for the Jiang Family to have the old lady’s guidance, and also a blessing for Chaoge."

The old lady looked at Jiang Chaoge again and smiled faintly.

Jiang Chaoge, feeling pleased, let her gaze fall on Gu Anxi, trying to find a hint of resentment, but there was none. Gu Anxi leaned beside the old lady, not taking anyone seriously, including King Jingyao.

Jiang Chaoge thought, just now Gu Anxi had used a ruse to force King Jingyao to agree. She would have to work hard later; that lucrative project must be taken by the Jiang Family.

Now the situation was different, it was no longer the time for Gu Anxi to do as she pleased.

Just then, music started playing, and the host, with a passionate voice, announced the beginning of the ball, inviting Jiang Qi and Jiang Chaoge on stage to open the dance.

Understanding the situation, Jiang Qi smiled slightly: "I won’t join in the fun! Why not let Mr. Wang and Chaoge open the dance, that would be more fitting."

As his words fell, there was a hint of anticipation on Jiang Chaoge’s face as she smiled softly at King Jingyao.

Old Wang, being generous, knew he had to give the ladies face at such times, regardless of whether he liked it or not, or whether he wanted to marry. He had to consider the Jiang Family’s reputation, so he stood up generously, "Sure, I’ll dance with Chaoge."

Instantly, Jiang Chaoge became the object of envy for all the women. It was known that this dance was extraordinary, not everyone was qualified to dance with Mr. Wang, and in the Jiang Family’s home court, the significance of sharing a dance with him was even greater.

Jiang Chaoge was so nervous her palms were sweating, somewhat at a loss —

She had longed for and desired this for so long, now it was within reach, she was almost unaccustomed. Fortunately, as she stood there dazed, Jiang’s mother gave her a push: "Chaoge."

Only then did Jiang Chaoge regain her composure, and with a charming smile, said: "Mr. Wang, please."

King Jingyao calmly and composedly accompanied her on stage, and amidst the envious gazes of the crowd, they danced a solid dance.

Jiang Chaoge was intoxicated.

She was intoxicated in this feeling, knowing that all the women’s eyes were on her, tonight she was absolutely the focus, reaping career, love, and power. She was no longer the pitiful afterthought of the Jiang Family, but someone above others.

She wanted to dance another, to hold on to this feeling, but King Jingyao gracefully said, "Not in great shape, one dance is enough to give you face."

Jiang Chaoge immediately considerately accompanied him back. Only after a few steps did her gaze inadvertently fall onto the sofa where Gu Anxi was, unexpectedly seeing Lin Hua and Feng Sheng, talking with Bo Xichen and Gu Anxi, with the elders present, looking quite joyful.

In Jiang Chaoge’s eyes was a hint of mockery —

Lin Hua, just a defeated subordinate of hers.

Jiang Chaoge’s hand, intentionally or unintentionally, linked with King Jingyao’s. Old Wang also saw Lin Hua, huh, looking quite loving with that kid Feng Sheng, and he was somewhat unhappy in his heart.

At that moment, Jiang Chaoge’s hand was linking with his, and he was a bit dumbfounded, not understanding what game she was playing! But for the project, he had to endure it, besides, they had just danced, and Lin Hua was already engaged.

Old Wang pretended to be strong, with a serene smile, walked over and greeted: "Lin Hua, you’re here!"

His gaze briefly lingered on Feng Sheng’s face, a short exchange as men do.

Of course, although Feng Sheng’s status was not as high as King Jingyao’s, he was the boss of the largest law firm in Beicheng, he handled the situation well, neither consciously showing affection. As Lin Hua went to the bathroom, he took the cocktail from her hand and later took a sip casually.

Old Wang felt a pang of acidity.

Beside, Gu Anxi exchanged a glance with her uncle, the young girl stifling her laughter.

Bo Xichen reached out to stroke her hair, and Old Wang felt another pang of acidity —

It seemed everyone in the world had love, except him.

Though feeling sour, Old Wang continued to chat with Feng Sheng pretending to be very cordial, maintaining his dignity, heaven knew how much he missed his Jingchuan now...

Gu Anxi naturally knew he was feeling sour, hehe, wasn’t he just feeling grand while dancing, now with Lin Hua around, why so sour?

Then, listening to the men’s conversation became somewhat uninteresting, so she thought of going to the bathroom.

But then, looking around, goodness, Jiang Chaoge had left at some point. Gu Anxi smiled, not taking it to heart, and slowly walked towards the bathroom...

*

Lin Hua’s fruit-colored long dress tonight made her look different from usual, elegant yet youthful. Her good upbringing gave her an impeccable aura, which was the part Jiang Chaoge envied the most.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw Jiang Chaoge blocking the sink area, and she raised an eyebrow.

Unexpected, yet not quite unexpected.

A girl like Jiang Chaoge could be described nicely as strong-willed, but less nicely as somewhat inferior. When she loses power, she feels unbalanced, and once she gains it, she exudes a "sudden wealth" vibe typical of the nouveau riche.

Lin Hua never thought Jiang Chaoge was better than her, even if she married King Jingyao, because a marriage without love wasn’t what she wanted.

Jiang Chaoge didn’t see it that way; she felt she had won. Lin Hua waited for that person for so many years, and yet Jiang Chaoge got him. She looked at Lin Hua with a slight smile: "Attorney Feng... suits your taste, doesn’t he?"

"You’ve been waiting here just to ask that?" Lin Hua washed her hands, lifted her head slightly, and smiled faintly.

Jiang Chaoge didn’t deny it: "Yes, I just wanted to know how you felt when you saw me dancing with King Jingyao."

Lin Hua smiled again: "He’s a good dancer. Beyond that, if Dr. Jiang wants to hear something specific, I don’t mind telling you."

Jiang Chaoge sneered: "You seem pretty disgruntled; aren’t you afraid I might retaliate? The entire Beicheng..."

"Miss Jiang," Lin Hua interrupted softly, "Why be so aggressive? Why be so impatient? Why not wait until you truly become Mrs. King to say such things? But let me advise you: even if you marry King Jingyao, it doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. Mr. King isn’t a man who can be manipulated. Remember that you’re marrying Mr. King, not becoming Mr. King; there’s a huge difference between the two." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Just as Jiang Chaoge was about to burst with anger, Lin Hua continued: "Moreover, when a man marries a wife, there are other outcomes besides growing old together—such as losing a wife middle-aged or ending up divorced. Miss Jiang, never forget to leave yourself a way out, especially since this man obviously doesn’t love you much."

After speaking, Lin Hua didn’t care what Jiang Chaoge felt, wiped her hands with a tissue, and gracefully walked away.

Jiang Chaoge turned her head: "Lin Hua, you just can’t compete with me and feel uncomfortable, so why say such sour words."

"Really? You can think whatever you like." Lin Hua smiled slightly and still left.

Jiang Chaoge gritted her teeth.

At this time, Gu Anxi slowly walked out, leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, and said coolly: "Dr. Jiang, you really act like a nouveau riche. So how did it feel to be retorted by Lin Hua?"

Seeing it was her, Jiang Chaoge’s mood worsened. She might tolerate Gu Anxi a bit in front of the matron and King Jingyao, but when alone, she felt no need to hold back, so she said coldly: "Gu Anxi, mind your own business. The Bo Family is barely holding on now; don’t think you can do as you please."

Gu Anxi chuckled, unconcerned: "All right, I’ll wait for Dr. Jiang to overthrow me."

Jiang Chaoge’s voice grew colder: "I forgot to tell you, Mr. King has just agreed to restore Jiang Qi’s work. You know what that means; in the future, the Jiang and King families are in-laws, and the young and promising Jiang Qi could likely replace Zhou Yunchen."

"Well, congratulations." Gu Anxi laughed softly: "But I still warn you, don’t fall for the Jiang Family too sincerely. Otherwise, you’re just their dog now, and you’ll continue to be their dog. Dr. Jiang, why become a dog when you can be a good person?"

Jiang Chaoge was furious, glaring at Gu Anxi.

Gu Anxi chuckled again: "Angry? I’m just stating the facts."

Jiang Chaoge gritted her teeth: "Gu Anxi, you won’t be smug for long."

"I won’t be smug, but it won’t be you who is." Gu Anxi stood up straight and said calmly: "Be careful; being too clever can backfire. Mr. King’s world is not one you can meddle with."

And she exemplified that.

Zhou Yunchen was brought up by King Jingyao himself, yet they turned against each other? She knew the reason all too well.

Gu Anxi felt a chill in her heart, accompanied by slight indifference.

The Beicheng fame and wealth arena has always been a place where some ascend and others decline. Taking it too seriously means you’ve lost.

She left, and when Jiang Chaoge called her name, she simply waved her hand.

Then she paused: Jiang Chaoge probably didn’t know that old brother might have seized the opportunity to talk to Lin Hua by now.

And she was precisely right.

Between King Jingyao and Lin Hua, if that night Feng Sheng hadn’t appeared, they might have ended it without any fuss. However, that proposal and embrace deeply hurt old brother’s heart. Imagine, how could old King Brother, a veteran in the field of romance, have experienced such a setback? The things that couldn’t be said in the hospital last time were all laid out in tonight’s atmosphere.

Lin Hua was cornered by King Jingyao in a deserted corridor; his men guarded the entrance, allowing him free reign. Fortunately, King Jingyao still remembered their past and didn’t do anything out of line, just pushing her into a small conference room and onto a single sofa.