Chapter 79 The Banquet Begins!

Compared to Lin Feng’s incredulity, Chu Lingshuang leisurely sipped her tea, her thoughtful gaze lingering on him. Her unabashed, penetrating eyes made him uneasy, so Lin Feng simply turned his head away, refusing to meet her look.

He pondered Chu Lingshuang’s motives. He felt he had already figured out her reasons for the matchmaking, but her decision to bring him along was far too ambiguous and inevitably aroused suspicion. If she really announced those matters at the banquet later, how would he handle himself? Was he supposed to swallow the humiliation in silence? No!

Lin Feng suddenly narrowed his eyes. No matter how erratic Chu Lingshuang was, she wouldn’t go that far. If their relationship were revealed, it would only bring harm to her. He was merely someone cast out from his family, while the Chu family’s status was extraordinary. Recalling how she didn’t want outsiders to know about their association at the convenience store last time, he realized it shouldn’t be him who worried about this. Perhaps he simply wanted to escape her clutches too badly.

Comforting himself with this thought, his anxiety eased considerably.

Time passed quickly. Soon, a knock sounded at the door.

“Miss Chu, the banquet has begun. Master Gu invites you to the main hall.”

A man’s voice came from outside.

Chu Lingshuang put down her teacup with an impassive expression and replied coolly, “Alright.”

She rose, glanced at Lin Feng who was still seated, and a cold smile suddenly appeared on her frosty features. “Still sitting there? My bodyguard.”

Lin Feng took a deep breath, glared fiercely at Chu Lingshuang, and resignedly stood up.

“Take the gift box,” she instructed, turning toward the door.

Lin Feng lowered his gaze, picked up the exquisitely wrapped gift box from the table, and followed behind her.

Her figure was truly exquisite. The pale green dress set off her fair skin, making her look like a princess fleeing through the woods. Her long hair cascaded down her back, accentuating her slender waist. As she walked, the flowing mermaid gown outlined her perfect silhouette, the swaying hem glittering with sparkling diamonds.

Wherever she walked, she was the center of attention.

All those attending this banquet were prominent figures in the capital, and their companions were equally impeccably dressed. Yet, wherever Chu Lingshuang appeared, the others faded into insignificance...

“Is that really Miss Chu?!”

“I never expected the Gu family to actually invite her!”

“They say the eldest Miss Chu is stunningly beautiful. I thought it was just a rumor... my goodness...”

“The Gu family must feel so honored. Having Miss Chu present is a privilege like no other!”

As they passed by, Lin Feng heard the murmurs from those around him, neither too loud nor too soft.

He twitched his lips. Indeed, he had been shocked by her beauty at first sight, but who would guess that beneath such a lovely exterior lurked someone nearly deranged? Listening to the rare words of admiration, Lin Feng couldn’t tell if he was lucky or unfortunate...

As Chu Lingshuang ascended the steps to the main hall, Master Gu immediately stood up, laughing, “It’s been a while, Miss Chu! You’ve truly blossomed!”

His words carried through the hall, the implication clear.

I’ve known you since you were young.

This old man was trying to elevate his own status.

So even the most elite behaved like this.

Lin Feng did his best to maintain his bodyguard persona, following behind Chu Lingshuang with a solemn expression, silent as he swept his gaze across all the faces present.

Fortunately, he didn’t recognize a single one.

Chu Lingshuang, on the other hand, paid no mind to Master Gu’s flattery, responding with a polite smile.

“Master Gu, I’ve brought a birthday gift for Young Master Gu,” she said, bowing slightly, her demeanor dignified and poised.

Lin Feng understood and handed over the gift, as Gu Wenxuan appeared behind Master Gu, clad in an expensive white suit.

He stepped forward with a smile, accepting the gift box with both hands and thanked Chu Lingshuang, “Thank you, Miss Chu.”

The smile vanished from Chu Lingshuang’s face, replaced by pride and cold arrogance.

Gu Wenxuan’s smile froze, a shadow flickering in his eyes.

Master Gu was so delighted he barely noticed Chu Lingshuang’s expression, hurrying to announce, “Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my grandson’s birthday banquet! My son and daughter-in-law are still on their way and will arrive shortly!”

Gu Wenxuan, holding the gift box, added with a smile, “Please enjoy the meal, everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful time!”

Elegant piano music began to play, and the guests started chatting and laughing.

To these people, Gu Wenxuan’s birthday was not the main event—they were simply seizing the opportunity to discuss business or forge connections.

Seeing the crowd grow lively, Master Gu finally turned to Chu Lingshuang with a beaming smile. “Lingshuang, this is my grandson Gu Wenxuan. He’s just returned from studying abroad, about the same age as you. Why don’t you young people take this chance to chat?”

He patted Gu Wenxuan’s shoulder and laughed, “Wenxuan, take Miss Chu inside and have a talk.”

The implication was clear: too many people here, too chaotic.

As though everything had been arranged beforehand, Gu Wenxuan gestured politely toward the inner hall, his face warm and pleasant. “Please, Miss Chu.”

Chu Lingshuang nodded slightly, accepting his invitation, and led the way backstage.

Master Gu excitedly rubbed his hands, instructing someone nearby, “Go tell them—no matter who it is, no one is allowed into the inner hall!”

“Yes, sir!”

At the door of the banquet’s inner hall, Gu Wenxuan walked ahead, opened the door, and gestured inside with gracious politeness.

Chu Lingshuang glanced briefly at the interior, then strode in with cold aloofness.

Behind her, Lin Feng was about to follow, but two security guards blocked his way.

“Sir, please wait outside.”

Lin Feng couldn’t have been happier not to go in; he stopped in his tracks and stood at the door.

Inside, Chu Lingshuang looked back, instantly understanding the guards’ intent. She halted, gazing straight at the gentle-faced Gu Wenxuan. “Young Master Gu, what is the meaning of this?”

Gu Wenxuan wasn’t foolish—he understood exactly what she was asking. He smiled, “Don’t worry, Miss Chu. If you need anything, just let me know. Grandpa said we two should have a good chat, and there’s no need for others to come in.”

Yes, yes! Lin Feng cheered inwardly. He was just an outsider; better not let him inside.

Little Gu, hurry up and show your skills—deal with this devil once and for all!