He had already told Jian Xi about his upcoming business trip.
He Qingchen had a simple breakfast and then set off with Xu Yan.
Since it was the neighboring city, they had to go by car, and the driver had been waiting outside early.
Actually, there was no need to rush, but ever since Jian Xi arrived, whether it was work or socializing, he always felt an eager desire to return to her!
After He Qingchen left, Jian Xi went to the little wooden cabin to start her work for the day.
Su Yinghe somehow got word that He Qingchen was not at home today, so she picked Jian Xi up at noon and didn't plan to send her back in the evening!
Jian Xi gave Zhao Sister-in-law the day off and also informed the driving instructor that she wouldn't be attending class today. Then she went off to have fun with Su Yinghe.
In the evening, Su Yinghe and a few of her friends organized a get-together and invited Jian Xi to join them. It was a perfect opportunity for Su Yinghe to introduce Jian Xi to her group of girlfriends since Jian Xi didn't know many people in City B.
Jian Xi was happy to go along and meet new friends!
At this point, neither of them knew that some of Su Yinghe's girlfriends had already heard of Jian Xi's reputation, as her name had occasionally been mentioned by their elders or family members.
One girl named Li Shujing's father had even booked a fortune-telling session with Jian Xi half a year in advance!
So when they learned that Su Yinghe was bringing Jian Xi along, they were all eager to befriend her!
At the Jinse Club's VIP Room 666, several girls were excitedly discussing how to win over Jian Xi when she arrived. Among them was a glamorously dressed woman who feigned agreement with a disdainful look in her eyes.
Li Luxi thought to herself, "What's so great about this fortune-teller? I don't know why you're all so eager to impress her!"
Li Luxi was the daughter of the wealthy and influential Wang Youquan, whose advances toward He Qingchen's sister had been rebuffed at a mall's perfume store.
Originally, Li Luxi wasn't invited to this gathering, but she showed up uninvited. Although Wang Youquan wasn't from a prestigious family, he was still a prominent figure in the upper echelons of society. Everyone present was part of the same circle, and their families had some business cooperation. They all knew about Li Luxi's unsavory relationship with Wang Youquan, but since she was already there, they couldn't very well kick her out!
After being humiliated by He Qingchen and Jian Xi that day, the first thing Li Luxi did was run back to Wang Youquan and complain, but he scolded her harshly, warning her never to mess with the woman named Jian Xi again.
Ever since becoming Wang Youquan's mistress, he had doted on her, but this was the first time he had been so harsh with her. Furious, she refused to eat for an entire day, but Wang Youquan showed no sympathy and instead went to his paralyzed wife, ignoring Li Luxi for several days.
It wasn't until Li Luxi promised not to bother the "vile woman" Jian Xi again that he finally returned to her!
However, Li Luxi was a vindictive person who couldn't let this go. She hired private investigators to look into Jian Xi's background—how could this woman who didn't share He Qingchen's surname claim to be his sister?
Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain as He Qingchen had protected all of Jian Xi's information, revealing nothing!
Li Luxi couldn't swallow this humiliation. She never expected to run into Jian Xi at this gathering, but the Su family's young mistress Su Yinghe seemed like a formidable person as well!
While outwardly agreeing with the others, Li Luxi's mind raced, wondering if there was a way to exact revenge on Jian Xi without anyone finding out it was her.
Meanwhile, Su Yinghe drove Jian Xi to the Jinse Club, and a server led them to the private room.
"Girls, I'm here!" Su Yinghe announced as she pushed open the door and brought Jian Xi inside.
Su Yinghe was a bold and straightforward person who associated with those she liked and ignored those she didn't, though she wouldn't openly show her dislike.
Glancing around the room, she noticed a few people she disliked, but didn't express any displeasure, knowing how hard some had tried to force their way into her circle.
What she didn't know was that one of these unwelcome guests was actually planning to harm her mentor's apprentice!
Of course, she was unaware of this at the time.
"Come, come, Little Seven, let me introduce you to..." Su Yinghe introduced Jian Xi to her closer friends one by one, but there were a few in the room, including Li Luxi, whom she didn't introduce.
Li Luxi bit her lip hard, digging her nails into her palm, but there was nothing she could do. She couldn't afford to offend the Su family, especially since she wasn't the only one left out of the introductions. With this thought, her expression softened somewhat.
Jian Xi smiled and greeted each of the girls Su Yinghe introduced, addressing them as "Sister."
Among this group of young ladies from prominent families, even the youngest was three years older than Jian Xi, so Su Yinghe had her call them all "Sister."
Jian Xi didn't say much around unfamiliar people, so she mostly listened quietly as the others chatted, sipping her juice in small sips. The others were drinking alcohol, but Su Yinghe had strictly instructed Jian Xi to only drink juice!
Initially, they just made small talk, trying to make Jian Xi feel comfortable by occasionally steering the conversation to include her.
Gradually, as the atmosphere livened up, they started playing games, and Jian Xi was drawn into the fun.
The room was large, but there was a stark contrast between the two sides of the sofa. Jian Xi's group was playing enthusiastically, while Li Luxi and two other girls on the other side were quietly engrossed in their phones.
Eventually, the two girls couldn't take it anymore and nudged Li Luxi. "Luxi, why are we even sticking with them? This is just embarrassing for us. Let's just leave."
The other girl chimed in, "Yeah, they're all just stuck-up young ladies. They'll never play with us, so let's go!"
Li Luxi glared at them and said dismissively, "You two don't understand! These girls are all from top families, and that Su Yinghe is even from one of City B's most prominent families. If we can successfully become part of this circle, it would be hugely beneficial for your family's companies and my... godfather!"
The two girls exchanged glances and fell silent, realizing Li Luxi was right. That was precisely why they had shamelessly tried to join this group in the first place – to become part of their exclusive circle!
