Cai Yongcheng’s health was evidently not very good. After experiencing both great joy and intense anger, though he ultimately remained unharmed, his energy was noticeably depleted. At the party, he introduced his son, Cai Xiaowen, Secretary Lin, and Gu Xicao to the guests before excusing himself to rest.

Cai Xiaowen had to attend to Mr. Cai, leaving Secretary Lin to entertain the guests. She apologized to Gu Xicao, saying, “Master Gu, I’m really sorry. Please wait for a moment, and I’ll come back later to make introductions for you.”

Gu Xicao responded considerately, “No need to trouble yourself. There are so many guests here today. You go ahead and attend to them; I’ll manage on my own.”

“Please don’t feel constrained. If there’s anything you’d like to eat, just let the waitstaff know. We have all kinds of dishes today,” Secretary Lin said with relief, finding Gu Xicao increasingly admirable.

Someone so young, yet already so accomplished, and with such composure—she was bound to become someone of great importance in the future.

Gu Xicao nodded and watched Secretary Lin as she moved to entertain the other guests. Picking up a glass of orange juice, she mused to herself about how tough the life of the wealthy seemed—constantly having to deal with people harboring ulterior motives. Secretary Lin’s role wasn’t easy.

But, she thought, it also showcased Secretary Lin’s capabilities.

“So, you’re the famous Master Gu?”

As Gu Xicao sipped her orange juice, savoring its fresh taste, someone spoke behind her.

She turned to see a group led by Li Lixin. All of them were dressed impeccably in suits or evening gowns. Their arrival immediately drew attention from the surrounding crowd.

“That’s right. And you are?”

Gu Xicao raised an eyebrow, her tone neither servile nor overbearing.

Li Lixin scrutinized Gu Xicao from head to toe before turning to his companions. “Can you believe this girl is supposed to be a master?”

His companions chuckled. “Masters are everywhere these days. You see them on TV all the time, but none of them have ever managed to predict a lottery number.”

Miss Su chimed in, “Exactly. I think Mr. Cai must have been deceived. Either that, or he staged this whole thing to make fools of us. This little girl probably hasn’t even graduated college, yet she dares to play at being some sort of mystic.”

Miss Su spoke loudly enough for the surrounding guests to hear, drawing their attention.

Gu Xicao sipped her juice lazily and replied, “How can you know if something’s real or fake without trying it yourself? Making baseless accusations without proof—how is that any different from being a fool?”

“Who are you calling a fool?!” Miss Su, with her fiery temper, was instantly incensed. She glared at Gu Xicao, her teeth clenched in anger.

Gu Xicao blinked innocently. “Whoever gets worked up must be the fool. I didn’t say it was you specifically.”

Her gaze swept over Li Lixin’s group, her tone entirely devoid of deference or the flattery they were accustomed to from others.

These wealthy second- and third-generation heirs were used to being treated with respect wherever they went. Even high-ranking officials and powerful figures would usually show them courtesy because of their family backgrounds.

They hadn’t expected this so-called master, whom they looked down on, to be so unyielding.

Miss Su was livid, and the others, including Li Lixin, looked visibly displeased.

“Do you really think you’re somebody special?” one of Li Lixin’s companions sneered, pointing a finger at Gu Xicao. “If it weren’t out of respect for Mr. Cai, we wouldn’t even bother speaking to you!”

Li Lixin stopped his companion from continuing.

With one hand in his pocket, he studied Gu Xicao’s indifferent expression. His instincts wavered. Li Lixin wasn’t stupid. He understood that Mr. Cai had deliberately introduced Gu Xicao to the guests to help her build connections. But her dismissive attitude toward them made him question her abilities.

Was this some sort of calculated act to feign mystery, or did she genuinely possess talent and simply have the temperament of a true master?

An idea came to Li Lixin. “Master Gu, since it’s such a rare occasion, why don’t you read my fortune—specifically my romantic prospects? What do you say?”

He removed a gemstone pin from his tie. “If your prediction is accurate, this pin will serve as your fee. But if you’re wrong, you’ll owe us an apology. Out of respect for Mr. Cai, we’ll let the matter drop after that.”

His suggestion immediately excited the others, who clapped their hands in approval.

Gu Xicao glanced at the pin, her lips curving slightly. “Are you sure you want me to read your fortune?”

There was an odd expression on her face.

Miss Su, assuming that Gu Xicao was afraid of making a fool of herself, smirked triumphantly. “What’s wrong? Are you scared? I’d be too—if you make a mistake in front of everyone, you’ll be humiliated. Who would come to you for a reading after that?”

Ignoring Miss Su, Gu Xicao fixed her gaze on Li Lixin. “I can do it, but what if you deny my prediction? If I say you have a girlfriend and you refuse to admit it, there’s nothing I can do.”

“That’s easy. We’ll have Secretary Lin act as a witness,” Li Lixin replied confidently. “I’ll write down my situation on paper and hand it to her. We’ll compare afterward.”

Secretary Lin had just finished greeting a few of Mr. Cai’s friends when she was informed of the commotion involving Gu Xicao. She felt a headache coming on as she learned that Li Lixin wanted Gu Xicao to read his fortune.

“Mr. Li, Master Gu is genuinely skilled. If you’d like a reading, perhaps you could arrange for another time?” Secretary Lin suggested tactfully.

She was cautious by nature. Since Gu Xicao’s predictions were often uncannily accurate, there was a chance she might reveal something awkward or unpleasant about Li Lixin, which would be embarrassing in front of such a crowd.

But Li Lixin and his companions were in high spirits and unwilling to listen.

Miss Su, in particular, made a snide remark: “Secretary Lin, are you afraid she’ll be exposed as a fraud? We’re all curious to see how accurate she is. Li Lixin is willing to have his fortune read. It’s just for fun—why take it so seriously?”

Li Lixin quickly wrote a few lines on a piece of paper, folded it, and handed it to Secretary Lin. “Don’t worry, Secretary Lin. If she truly has the skill, there’s nothing about me that can’t be revealed.”

Secretary Lin didn’t take the paper immediately but instead glanced at Gu Xicao.

Seated on a velvet sofa, Gu Xicao was leisurely enjoying a slice of strawberry cake. Without looking up, she said calmly, “Secretary Lin, since he insists, let’s give him what he wants.”

With both parties in agreement, Secretary Lin had no choice but to nod.

Parties were typically filled with dancing and socializing, but this unexpected turn of events provided an exciting diversion. The crowd eagerly gathered to watch the spectacle unfold.

Zhou Minwen had just returned from touching up her lipstick in the restroom when she noticed the hall was oddly quiet. No one was dancing, and the sofas were empty. Startled, she grabbed a passing friend. “Ah Zhi, where is everyone? I just stepped away for a moment, and now they’ve all disappeared!”

“Ah Wen, you don’t know? That Master Gu is reading fortunes for the youngest Li family son. Everyone’s gone to the study to watch. Let’s hurry over; it’d be such a shame to miss the show.”

Ah Zhi tugged Zhou Minwen along toward the study.

Both women were popular actresses. Although they had come to the Cai family’s party to network with influential people, they weren’t about to miss the opportunity for some excitement.

Inside the study.

Li Lixin crossed his arms. “Master Gu, you only need my name? You don’t need my birthdate or time of birth?”

Gu Xicao shook her head. “Your name is enough. But, Mr. Li, I’ll ask you one last time—are you sure you won’t regret this?”

“Regret? Regret what? I’ve got nothing to hide,” Li Lixin said confidently.

Ah Zhi and Zhou Minwen arrived just in time to hear this declaration.

Ah Zhi muttered, “I heard this Li family young master has quite the reputation as a playboy. Wouldn’t it be something if his fortune revealed something scandalous?”

Everyone knew that wealthy heirs often had colorful private lives, with affairs aplenty and even rumors of more serious transgressions. It wouldn’t be surprising if something truly shameful were uncovered.

“Ah Zhi!” Zhou Minwen whispered, pulling her friend’s hand to stop her from saying anything more. People were starting to glance their way.

Realizing she had spoken out loud, Ah Zhi blushed bright red and shrank back.

Gu Xicao smiled and said, “That’s actually incorrect. Mr. Li is not a playboy—he’s quite the romantic. In fact, he’s still a virgin.”

What?!

Gu Xicao’s words left everyone stunned.

Even Zhou Minwen couldn’t help but look at Li Lixin. Dressed in a pristine white suit with his slicked-back hair, he gave off the impression of a man well-versed in romantic escapades. Who would have thought he was still a virgin?

One of his friends burst into laughter, slapping his thigh. “A virgin? Lixin, this master is hilarious! You told us yourself you’d been with a woman since you were sixteen!”

Gu Xicao’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Secretary Lin, what’s written on the paper?”

Secretary Lin, startled, glanced at the note in her hand. Meanwhile, Li Lixin’s face turned beet red. “I didn’t write that, but… so what if I am a virgin?!”

The room fell silent.

Not only were Li Lixin’s friends left dumbfounded, but even Zhou Minwen and the other onlookers looked utterly incredulous.

A twenty-something virgin in their social circle? It was harder to believe than a meteor shower happening that very night.

“You… you really are? No way. You’re joking, right?” one of his friends asked, wide-eyed.

Li Lixin looked deeply embarrassed. “I was just bragging before! You all said you weren’t virgins anymore—how could I admit I still was? But now I think differently. I don’t think men should fool around.”

Secretary Lin was just as astonished. Li Lixin’s father was notorious for his philandering, and his brothers were known for their many mistresses. Everyone naturally assumed Li Lixin was cut from the same cloth. To discover he was actually so reserved?

For a moment, several wealthy young women and actresses began looking at Li Lixin with newfound appreciation.

In an era where even penniless men pursued casual relationships, someone as privileged as Li Lixin remaining pure was indeed rare.

“Let’s not dwell on this. Continue, continue,” Li Lixin urged, eager to change the subject under the weight of everyone’s heated gazes. “Tell me how I met my current girlfriend. If you get this right, I’ll truly be impressed.”

Gu Xicao smiled faintly. “Mr. Li, you met your current girlfriend through letter writing. You’re pen pals, aren’t you?”

The room erupted in shock.

Secretary Lin checked the note and exclaimed, “Yes, it says so here—pen pals!”

“Wow, someone still writes letters to start a relationship in this day and age? That’s so rare!” Ah Zhi couldn’t help but marvel.

The others nodded in agreement.

Li Lixin blushed. “You got it right. Now tell me—what’s in store for us? Will we get married?”

Several wealthy young women and actresses felt their hearts sink.

To find a man so principled, only to learn he was already in such a serious relationship—thinking about marriage, no less—was heartbreaking.

Miss Su couldn’t hold back. “Li Lixin, who is this pen pal of yours? Is she from a wealthy family? Will your parents even approve of her? Don’t let yourself be fooled!”

Li Lixin’s face darkened. “Don’t talk nonsense. Xiaoyun is different from others. Her family may be ordinary, but she’s hardworking and ambitious. My parents will definitely like her when they meet her!”

Miss Su felt both embarrassed and infuriated by his words.

She had been pursuing Li Lixin for years, persistently expressing her affection, yet he had never reciprocated. She had assumed it was because he had high standards or that his family had plans for his marriage. To learn that he had fallen for someone with a lesser background left her feeling humiliated.

“You’re just pen pals! How do you even know what kind of person she really is? I can’t believe your parents would ever agree to let her marry you!”

“You!” Li Lixin, furious, was about to retort when he caught sight of Gu Xicao. He suddenly remembered she hadn’t answered his earlier question.

Rather than waste time arguing with Miss Su, he turned to the master. “Master, you still haven’t answered me. What about my future with Xiaoyun?”