Chapter Forty-Two: Gathering of the Elite

(1/3)

When Hua Jingjing saw how excited I became upon spotting a minor celebrity, she mocked me, “Just this third-rate star is enough to get you so worked up? Goodness! If you see the real A-list celebrities inside, won’t you be scared to death? Please, try to compose yourself, will you? Don’t forget you are someone of status now—stay cool, remember: arrogance and silence! All right, let’s go down.”

I was very curious and asked, “Just who is this classmate of yours? How can a birthday party attract such big stars? Which celebrities are coming?”

Hua Jingjing pushed open the car door, turned back to me, and said, “See for yourself! And whatever you do, don’t embarrass us by asking for their autographs. You’ll be a laughingstock.”

I took a deep breath, tried to calm my nerves, then stepped out of the car. Hua Jingjing came over, scrutinized my appearance one last time and reached out to adjust my tie. “That’ll do. Remember what I told you. Now, act affectionate—we’re a couple tonight.”

She slipped one hand around my arm, lifted her trailing evening gown slightly with the other hand, and together we walked with poise towards the villa.

The villa’s entrance shone with bright lights, and the strains of a beautiful waltz drifted out. I noticed quite a few burly men in black suits and earpieces standing at various posts around the door and perimeter. Each looked sharp, full of vigor, exuding the aura of well-trained professionals. I couldn’t help but think of one word: soldiers.

I couldn’t help but wonder where on earth so many formidable bodyguards had been hired from, and at what cost. We’d only taken a few steps when a man in his forties, who was welcoming guests at the door, spotted us and came over with a smile. “Well, if it isn’t Jingjing! Haven’t seen you in years, and you’ve grown into such a lovely lady.”

Hua Jingjing smiled back, “Uncle Wang, how are you! It really has been years. You look in even better shape now, and your Eagle Claw technique must be even more formidable?”

The man laughed, “My little tricks aren’t worth mentioning.” Then he looked at me and asked, “And this gentleman is…?”

Hua Jingjing quickly nudged me forward and introduced me, “This is my boyfriend, Tang Qian! Uncle Wang Bingzhang here used to be my father’s trusted subordinate—he’s a martial arts expert. Maybe one day you could learn from him?”

I remembered Hua Jingjing’s instruction, so I smiled, shook hands with the middle-aged man, and said coolly, “A pleasure to meet you.”

He also sized me up, replying politely, “Welcome, welcome! Come inside, the party’s already started.” As he gripped my hand, I was startled by the dry, hard strength of his palm—his handshake was so powerful it hurt intensely.

I almost cried out, my face changing color. Sensing my frailty, the man let go and smiled. Hua Jingjing, noticing, quickly called out, “Uncle Wang, he doesn’t practice martial arts, be gentle!”

He laughed heartily, “Sorry, occupational hazard. Please, go inside!” Hua Jingjing dragged me away, telling him, “We’ll leave you to your work, then.”

Shaking my hand, I frowned. “What’s with that Wang guy? Why so rough?”

Hua Jingjing glanced back at the man, then explained, “He’s head of the security team for my classmate. Used to be a special forces commander—very tough! You’d need a dozen men to handle him. He just likes to test people, don’t take it personally.”

With that, we entered the villa’s main hall. I was immediately dumbstruck. The vast, dazzlingly opulent hall was filled with elegantly dressed socialites. In the center was a huge dance floor, where, to the accompaniment of a live band in the corner, couples glided gracefully to the music. All around were long tables covered in white cloth, laden with a dazzling array of gourmet buffet dishes. Waiters in white shirts and black trousers wove through the crowd carrying trays of fine wines for anyone to take.

(2/3)

The extravagance and luxury of the banquet exceeded anything I had ever imagined. No sooner had I entered than a woman in her early thirties hurried over. “Jingjing! What took you so long? We’ve been waiting forever!”

Hua Jingjing immediately let go of my hand and, beaming, caught hold of the woman’s arm. “Sister Shi, it’s been so long! You’re more beautiful every time I see you!”

The woman lit up with pleasure, laughing, “As if! You’re the one who keeps getting prettier.”

The two women immediately began chattering away. Hua Jingjing glanced around and asked, “Sister Shi, where’s Xiao Shu?”

“She’s still upstairs getting ready. She’ll be down soon,” Sister Shi replied, pointing upstairs.

Hua Jingjing opened her purse and took out a beautifully wrapped gift box. “This is my present for the birthday girl. Sister Shi, could you keep it for Xiao Shu?”

“Oh, come now! You two are old friends, no need to be so formal.”

“It’s only right. Just a small token—though I hope she won’t think little of it!”

As the two women fell into animated conversation, I was left on my own. I wandered to a long table, picked up a glass of red wine from a passing waiter, and quietly observed the upper crust mingling in the hall. Before long, I began to recognize some familiar faces.

These were celebrities in the truest sense—famed directors, film and music stars, sports idols, political figures, business tycoons, famous performers, international guests, and prominent personalities from Hong Kong and Taiwan. There were also many I didn’t recognize but who clearly belonged to the upper echelons. To see so many luminaries at once made me extremely nervous. I felt as if I were floating through a dream, unsure what I ought to do. I took a deep breath and gulped my wine, reminding myself, “Calm down! No one here knows you, there’s nothing to be nervous about. Just keep quiet, smile, and you’ll be fine.”

At that moment, a shrill woman’s voice called out, “Hua Jingjing! You finally showed up! I thought you weren’t coming!” A woman in a pink off-the-shoulder evening gown approached. She looked about the same age as Hua Jingjing, with passable features, though her skin was rather dark and her hair had been dyed a flamboyant red, tied back in an exaggerated style. She minced along with a showy air.

Trailing behind her was a handsome young man in an elegant suit, tall and slender, his long jet-black hair tied at the back like a girl’s.

Seeing them, Hua Jingjing’s expression immediately frosted over, and she sneered, “Were you hoping I wouldn’t come, so I wouldn’t see how much weight you’ve put on these past two years?”

The woman, who was only slightly plump, flushed with anger at being called fat. “Hmph! I call this voluptuous. Unlike some people who are nothing but skin and bones, flat as a board.”

Hua Jingjing, provoked, snapped, “Who are you calling flat?”

The woman grinned triumphantly. “Whoever you think I mean!”

“You!” Hua Jingjing was at a loss, trembling with rage, unable to retort.

At this, the handsome young man stepped forward, looking at Hua Jingjing with deep emotion. “Jingjing… It’s been so long. How have you been?” His eyes brimmed with feeling, as if he had much to say but could not express it.

(3/3)

Hua Jingjing regarded him calmly, her eyes untroubled, and replied coolly, “You’re here too? I’m well, thank you for your concern.”

The young man looked heartbroken, his eyes reddening as he lowered his head. The woman beside him, incensed, yanked him away. “Go stand over there! This isn’t your place to speak.”

Publicly scolded by the woman, the young man blushed crimson with embarrassment, unable to argue back. He turned away in frustration and walked off. The woman snorted, turning to Hua Jingjing. “Didn’t you say you brought your boyfriend? Where is he? Let me have a look!”

Hua Jingjing smiled faintly, walked over to me, and affectionately slipped her arm through mine. “Darling, let me introduce you. This is Miss Gong Jinhong, my childhood classmate.” She led me to the woman and, with pride, added, “And this is my fiancé—Mr. Tang Qian!”

I found it amusing—so I’d been promoted from boyfriend to fiancé! Next time, who knows—I might be introduced as her husband. Still, now was the time to play the part of the aloof superior, which would only please Hua Jingjing more. So I merely nodded with an air of indifference, as if barely acknowledging her.

Gong Jinhong looked me up and down, taking in my expensive attire and arrogant demeanor, unable to hide her jealousy. Unwilling to concede defeat, she asked, “Mr. Tang, is it? You seem quite impressive—may I ask where you work? Or do you run your own business?”

This was always the most troublesome question for me—I had no such career.

But knowing this woman was Hua Jingjing’s least favorite person, I didn’t bother to be polite. The more overbearing I acted, the happier Hua Jingjing would be. So I ignored her, took Hua Jingjing’s hand, and said, “I see someone I know over there. Let’s go say hello. And in future, spare me these pointless introductions—they’re tiresome.”

I led Hua Jingjing away, making it clear I didn’t take Gong Jinhong seriously at all. Her face instantly flushed red with anger, her whole body shaking, so furious she nearly smashed her wine glass on the floor.

Hua Jingjing was delighted, flashing me a secret thumbs-up and grinning with joy. In a burst of excitement, she kissed me quickly on the cheek, then, blushing, snuggled up to me as if we were truly a couple in love.

Startled, I thought, “Isn’t Hua Jingjing overdoing it?” I was about to speak when applause broke out in the hall. Instantly, everyone turned and began clapping enthusiastically, gathering around to welcome someone.

Hua Jingjing smiled, “Look, the birthday girl is here!”

I turned to see a woman in a long white gown descending the wide staircase at the far end of the hall. She was breathtakingly beautiful, radiantly pure—like an angel drifting down from the heavens.

My heart felt as though it had been struck by a giant hammer, stunned into utter stillness. Holding my breath, I stared in disbelief at the woman in white. Only one thought filled my mind:

Was I seeing her again?