The days passed by steadily. Shen Tang was always busy shooting her drama, while Gu Huaian reported to her every morning and night like a clingy big puppy.
Shen Tang quite enjoyed this and didn't find it annoying at all.
Strangely, Miao Miao hadn't contacted her for a good many days. Things were also quiet on Zhou Qinglian's end, with no mischief being stirred up.
It wasn't until Shen Tang received a message from Gu Huaian to accompany her to a banquet that she knew an opportunity had arrived.
This banquet was being held by the Zhou family and all the invitees were of the same social circle.
Shen Tang was attending as Gu Huaian's family member. She wrapped up work early that day, and Gu Huaian had sent over a styling team to get her ready ahead of time.
They were the same team that had styled Shen Tang before, so everyone was quite familiar and worked very efficiently.
After Shen Tang had tidied up, she went downstairs with her bag and ran into Qi Yue who was dressed up just as elegantly.
"Yueyue, you look so beautiful today," Shen Tang said.
Qi Yue flipped her hair coquettishly. "Of course. Us sisters are going to outshine everyone tonight."
Shen Tang: "..."
Don't get ahead of yourself just because I complimented you.
Although it was true that both of their looks for tonight were quite eye-catching, who wouldn't dress up for a banquet like this?
Qi Yue had always been very confident.
As Shen Tang was about to get into Qi Yue's car, Gu Huaian stepped out of another car.
"Tangtang~"
His voice was so tender that Qi Yue immediately rolled her eyes. "Alright, your family member is here. Looks like you can't ride with me anymore."
The corners of Shen Tang's mouth couldn't help curving up. "Hehe, we see each other every day. It won't make much difference."
"Yes, yes, just look at you, not hesitating one bit with your eyes glued to him. Go on, don't be an eyesore here."
Shen Tang clip-clopped over in her high heels. "You came!"
The drive over would take two hours, plus another two hours for the return trip. Just thinking about it made Shen Tang feel tired already.
Gu Huaian hugged Shen Tang and nuzzled his face in her hair, murmuring, "I missed you."
Those words instantly drained all of Shen Tang's energy.
"I...I missed you too."
Seeing this, Qi Yue in the other car twisted her lips and sharply snapped the curtain closed.
The two separated after a brief embrace. After all, Shen Tang was a public figure and had eyes on her all the time.
Once they were in the car, it sped off. Qi Yue also hurriedly told her driver to get going.
After the two cars had left, a man in a duckbill cap emerged from around the corner. He glanced at the photos he had taken and a sly smile spread across his face. "This will make headlines."
It was standard practice for paparazzi to first contact the celebrity and offer to sell the photos back before leaking anything, since their ultimate goal was money.
But to his surprise, after emailing the Gu Corporation, there was no response for a long time.
This left him unsure of what to do - should he sell or not sell? His asking price wasn't high either, just seven figures. There was no way the Gu Corporation couldn't even afford that little bit of money.
But that's a story for later. Back to Shen Tang and the others arriving at the banquet. All eyes turned to look at them when they entered.
Zhou Qinglian, as the host, naturally came up to greet them. She was dressed in pure white, with ink black hair cascading down her back and light makeup on.
It had to be said, she looked truly beautiful tonight - a kind of shattered beauty that made people want to protect her.
"Huaian, you came. Miss Shen, long time no see."
Gu Huaian's expression was aloof. Shen Tang smiled and nodded. "Miss Zhou."
On the surface, there was no sign whatsoever of any discord between them.
It was best that Zhou Qinglian was willing to maintain this surface peace. After all, Shen Tang had no desire to engage in any petty squabbles either.
But somehow, Shen Tang felt uneasy about Zhou Qinglian's attitude.
After a brief exchange, the few of them split up.
Shen Tang watched Zhou Qinglian for a bit before withdrawing her gaze.
"Is your sister here?"
"I'm not sure."
Shen Tang pressed her lips. She wanted to ask Miao Miao but didn't want to reveal her alt account right now.
Seeing her dilemma, Gu Huaian said, "Let me ask."
Soon he replied, "She's here, upstairs."
Shen Tang's heart tightened. Miao Miao, don't do anything rash!
Speak of the devil.
Not long after, Gu Yun'an came downstairs. From afar, Shen Tang noticed her abnormal complexion. Was she sick?
Gu Yun'an scanned the crowd and met Shen Tang's eyes before walking over.
Not just Shen Tang - Gu Huaian's face had also darkened.
After all, Gu Yun'an wasn't his real sister. And with her parents' recent scheming, his patience toward her was wearing thin.
If she dared make any moves against Shen Tang, he wouldn't stand on ceremony just because they were relatives.
Gu Yun'an felt utterly confused. Should she really do as Sister Lian had said?
She knew in her heart that it was wrong, but last time when she had refused, Sister Lian had attempted suicide by taking pills. If it happened again, they might not be able to save her in time.
Yet she also didn't want to do that to Shen Tang - it would ruin her!
In a daze, Gu Yun'an went downstairs and saw that Shen Tang had indeed arrived. Her face turned even paler.
"Ow!"
She bumped into someone and the person was quite angry. But seeing Gu Yun'an's sickly complexion, they couldn't help feeling concerned. "Hey, you alright?"
Gu Yun'an shook her head. "I'm fine..."
"You don't look fine at all..." The man wanted to say more but Gu Yun'an had already walked away.
She only had eyes for Shen Tang right now.
The man scratched his head in confusion and left.
Shen Tang had kept an eye on Gu Yun'an the whole time and naturally witnessed this scene too.
She couldn't help doubting if hiding her identity from Miao Miao had been a mistake.
If Miao Miao knew her monkey sister was actually Shen Tang, perhaps she wouldn't be so conflicted?
Or she might outright reject Zhou Qinglian's request.
Of course, these were just Shen Tang's guesses.
The truth was she had gotten to know Miao Miao over a very short time, far less than her history with Zhou Qinglian.
She really wasn't sure whose side Miao Miao would take if her identity was exposed.
After all, they did have a long friendship. Shen Tang didn't want to see the two of them fall out either.
"Big brother, sister-in-law." Gu Yun'an murmured.
"You look very pale. Are you feeling unwell?"
Gu Yun'an clenched the hem of her dress nervously. "No, I'm not unwell, just a little tired."
"I see. Make sure to rest up."
"Okay..."
After speaking, Gu Yun'an sat down not far away, looking very troubled.
Seeing her state, Shen Tang couldn't help feeling distressed.
Just what was Zhou Qinglian making her do? It seemed too harsh.
As more and more people came over to chat, Shen Tang eventually had no time to think about anything else. Her mind was completely occupied with socializing.
This was so tiring. Shen Tang felt like her face would freeze from all the smiling.
Just then, a server came up beside her and whispered something to her. Shen Tang's expression changed instantly.
"Alright, I'll head over now."
