The whole venue was dazzling, if that word was even enough to describe the heavenly effect of the crystals that were hanging from the ceiling, perfectly reflecting the light and creating a shimmering effect. In contrast with the black drapes and black carpet, the crystals looked like stars – glittering and gracing the guests with their magnificent beauty.
There were more than twenty circular tables decked in simple black linens with white cushioned chairs surrounding each table. To add to the elegance, the centerpiece on each table featured two different sized cylinder vases. One was filled with black gems, while the other, white. On top of these vases were white pillar candles that were recessed slightly in the gems. From the menu to the glassware, everything was in black and white.
In the center of the venue was a circular object that was covered with black linen. There was also a stage just a few feet away from the circular object that was decorated with black and white drapes and lanterns.
To the left of the stage, an extravagant display corner featured all of the awards that the Facci Group had received over the years, while on the right another display of swag bags and various gifts that will be given to the guests after the event could be seen.
“I’ve heard that those pens are very expensive,” Manager Hao said in a low voice. Next to her sat QiaoQiao who was wearing a white mermaid gown.
“I don’t know. Why do you think President Lily sent us an invitation? Do you think she will embarrass us?” QiaoQiao asked. Originally, QiaoQiao was not invited to this event, however, a famous businessman asked her to be his plus one. Since this was common in the entertainment industry, QiaoQiao immediately agreed. After all, this was not the first time that a handsome young businessman asked her to be their arm candy for an event.
However, after Lily had mentioned that they were not invited, she immediately asked the businessman to find someone else instead. Lily Qin already made it clear that she was not welcomed, so how could she still show her face at the event?
“I don’t know. Maybe an apology? She was quite rude back then,” Manager Hao said, her eyes still glued on the giveaways. “Look at those snowballs. I bet they are really expensive. How rich do you think President Qin is?”
“I looked at the awards earlier and discovered that Facci Group is a conglomerate with many subsidiaries, but their main focus is construction and oil,” Manager Hao continued talking, but QiaoQiao’s mind was elsewhere else. She was not naïve. She’d already noticed the disgust in Lily’s eyes when she looked at them yet she still invited them. What could be her goal? Embarrassing them at an important event like this was too far fetched. QiaoQiao was sure that Lily Qin would not waste her time scheming against a mere actress like her.
Then her mind travelled to Zhuo Jingren. That time in the boutique was actually the first time that she had seen him up close. Because of Zhuo Capital’s sponsorship of some of her films, she actually thought that Zhuo Jingren would recognize her. The moment Zhuo Jingren walked inside the boutique, QiaoQiao felt as if her world had stopped revolving, as if, she and the man who just arrived with a very worried look on his face were the only ones standing there.
QiaoQiao’s heart started beating faster the moment Zhuo Jingren took his first step towards her. It was as if butterflies were fluttering inside her stomach. She remembered all those Barbie movies that she watched and thought that this would be the moment when the Male Lead would introduce himself to Barbie after being smitten by her beauty. However, contrary to her expectations, Zhuo Jingren did not even take a glance at her.
After that incident QiaoQiao bawled her eyes out for the whole night. The humiliation and disappointment that she felt was so intense that she vowed not to take any projects that were sponsored by Zhuo Capital, but the little expectation that Zhuo Jingren would notice this refusal is what QiaoQiao hoped for inwardly. She still hoped or maybe wished that he would inquire what was wrong and maybe… just maybe even approach her.
“Hey… QiaoQiao stop dozing off.” Her thoughts were interrupted when Manager Hao gently elbowed her.
“Huh? What is it?”
“It’s President Zhuo. He just arrived and the host just announced that we are going to start in one minute. Do you think he is a special guest for tonight?” Manager Hao whispered before she added, “President Zhuo does not attend events like this so he should be treated like a special guest, right? Ah… this reminds me… Do you think President Zhuo has a special relationship with President Qin?”
“What are you spouting? President Qin already has a man. He is the heir of GC Jewels. The one wearing an all-white suit. He is in the front, that one beside President Zhuo,” QiaoQiao said. Lily and Fernando did not act as if they were a couple during Fashion Week but the way their actions were so in sync with each other was enough to prove that they have a special relationship. Moreover, both of them were from Europe, so It is only reasonable for them to be together.
“Ah… so handsome. Look, President Zhuo is wearing an all-black outfit while that man is wearing all white. Both of them are so rich too.” Manager Hao gave QiaoQiao a knowing look before she nodded in approval. “QiaoQiao, becoming their woman is such a lucky thing. That should be your top priority for coming here, today.”
“Sister Hao, don’t embarrass me any further. President Zhuo does not even know me.” QiaoQiao lowered her head, a tinge of sadness flashing in her eyes.
“That’s why you have to make yourself known,” Manager Hao said. Seeing QiaoQiao give her a puzzled look, Manager Hao leaned in closer to tell QiaoQiao about her cunning plan. President Zhuo is a man, and just like any other man he too is vulnerable when it comes to beautiful, weak women.
