Chapter 30: Making the Most of Every Meeting Part 1

Emma’s question—Miao Zhu knew the answer, but she simply wasn’t willing to face it, which was why she had been avoiding meeting Mu Shanyi.

But some occasions couldn’t be avoided, like when the Cloud City Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the welcome banquet for the World Future Energy Summit, and Mu Shanyi was also attending the event.

The summit was high-profile, attended by numerous dignitaries. Guests arrived one after another, and security was tight both inside and outside the hotel.

After the afternoon rehearsal, everyone moved to the restaurant, where the organizers had prepared an exquisite working meal.

Miao Zhu hadn’t had much appetite lately and only ate a little.

There was still time before the banquet began, so everyone headed back to the lounge to wait. Jiang Jingjing mysteriously said that she had just run into Meng Shiyi in the restroom.

“That’s Meng Shiyi! She’s so beautiful in person. That red dress that shows off her figure suits her perfectly!”

Colleagues interested in the topic gathered around. “Do you all remember? A couple of months ago, the paparazzi exposed that Meng Shiyi had a sugar daddy backing her.”

“That was all over the hot searches—I definitely remember!” Jiang Jingjing had a sudden idea. “Could that sugar daddy be one of the big shots here tonight?!”

“You can’t just say things like that casually, but it’s true there were no celebrities invited this time. Her being here must be through personal connections.”

“What is she here for?”

“I think she’s either someone’s date or she’s here for someone specific.”

“She wouldn’t be here to cross over into business talks, right?”

“…”

Miao Zhu had changed into her performance gown and was touching up her makeup in front of the mirror when Sheng Xingran sent a video call request.

The colleagues chattered lively, one after another. She picked up her phone and stepped out of the lounge. A few steps ahead was the safety passage; the safety door was ajar. She pushed it open and answered the video.

Sheng Xingran had just woken up. Her work had made it into that prestigious art competition, but the final winners hadn’t been announced yet. Since the winners’ pieces would be exhibited, her stay in France was extended by another two to three weeks.

“You went to bed really late last night?” Miao Zhu saw her still bleary-eyed.

“I was watching a movie until dawn.” Sheng Xingran yawned as she spoke.

“Oh.”

“It was with Li Zi, just the two of us, no one else.” Sheng Xingran quickly added.

Miao Zhu hadn’t meant anything by it, but Sheng Xingran’s unnecessary explanation left them both momentarily stunned.

Flora’s incident seemed to be in the past, but the aftereffects hadn’t disappeared.

“What a great opportunity at that charity banquet in Hong Kong.”

“It’s not like I can help it; she left the table early.”

Two soft female voices came from outside the safety door. Through the crack, Miao Zhu saw a striking red strapless gown, her snowy skin glowing in the dim hotel corridor.

“What about tonight?”

“I’m determined to get her.”

The figures flashed by, and the conversation gradually faded into the distance.

Charity banquet, World Future Energy Summit.

Two events attended by the same person.

“You’re about to perform?” Sheng Xingran smartly changed the subject.

“Yeah, it’s almost time.” Miao Zhu’s response was absent-minded.

“Have you seen my sister yet?”

“No.” Miao Zhu instinctively lowered her eyelids, then lifted them again in an instant. “Why?”

“She’s invited to this summit too.” Sheng Xingran leaned closer to the camera, and Miao Zhu almost held her breath.

“Do you think I’ve gotten tanned lately? I was painting on the streets all afternoon.” Sheng Xingran veered off topic again.

Miao Zhu hadn’t lied to Sheng Xingran. More than ten days after their wetland park meeting, she finally saw Mu Shanyi again at the welcome banquet.

Mu Shanyi was socializing when that red dress soon appeared by her side, staying close ever since.

They chatted happily, and Mu Shanyi pulled out her phone for the other woman to scan her private number.

After the performance ended and the banquet dispersed, many guests headed to a more relaxed after-party.

The orchestra left the banquet hall for the hotel’s guest area. Wind had picked up at some point, and the moonlight and starlight were gone, replaced by dense clouds overhead.

Rain was coming.

“Hah.” Jiang Jingjing walked beside Miao Zhu, her face sour. “I didn’t have any bias against big star Meng before, but now I really want to!”

They were a bit behind the main group. Jiang Jingjing gritted her teeth and clenched her fist hard, as if she wanted to crush Meng Shiyi. “Your sister clearly—”

Jiang Jingjing stopped abruptly midway, watching Miao Zhu’s reaction. Seeing that Miao Zhu just walked calmly, not offended, she continued a bit guiltily: “…Mia, I’m not trying to pry into your privacy on purpose. It’s because last time on our business trip to the Greater Bay Area, when your sister came to pick you up, I saw you buying that at the convenience store.”

“And then when you were with your sister, the vibe between you two was just so intense…”