Chapter 17 – The Summit Banquet Begins

Shuhui didn’t notice the silent battle of glances between the two men. She simply chose a sapphire-diamond back necklace.

The blue sapphire graced her neckline, while the diamond chain draped down her bare back like shimmering tassels.

Her smooth, jade-white skin was even more dazzling than the gems themselves. Shuhui turned to check in the mirror and found the effect quite pleasing.

Amy’s praise flowed naturally, genuine admiration lacing her tone as she helped pick matching earrings and hairpieces. With a beauty like Madam Qin wearing their brand, it was like free walking advertisement for the luxury house.

Only then did Qin Yushen realize that the gown’s back was cut scandalously low. His brows furrowed deeply.

The front already exposed her neck and collarbones, and the back—there was practically no fabric at all. What kind of ridiculous clothing was this?

He suddenly spoke: “Shuhui, tonight’s weather will be quite cool.”

Hong Kong had been unusually damp and chilly lately, as though a typhoon was brewing. Amy’s hand stilled, waiting to hear more.

“You could wear something with more coverage,” he added flatly. “Something warmer.”

Amy’s heart dropped. Was Qin Yushen voicing his dissatisfaction with their haute couture? She almost fumbled the earrings, carefully glancing over.

She had served many society wives before. When their husbands were present, most of the time, the final say rested with the men.

If Mr. Qin disliked it… would she end up with no sale at all tonight?

Shuhui, however, was calmly comparing earrings. She removed one and waved it before Amy. “This one’s better on the right side. What’s wrong? You’re dazing off.”

Amy stammered, “Madam, it seemed… Mr. Qin just said—”

Shuhui interrupted breezily, “Don’t mind him. His opinion doesn’t matter. He’s only here to pay.”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but carried clearly across the dressing area.

Qin Yushen: “…”

Amy’s head snapped up, a sudden flash of inspiration hitting her. And sure enough, Shuhui confirmed it with her next words.

“That’s it then. No hairpieces tonight. As for the gowns—keep them all, except the pink one. For jewelry, keep the set I’m wearing, and also the ones Ningning touched earlier.”

She nudged the man’s polished leather shoe with her stiletto tip. “Settle the bill.”

“…”

The payment went through. When the receipt printed out, Shuhui picked up the pen and signed Qin Yushen’s name in swift, flowing strokes.

The script was neat, delicate, without much force—but undeniably elegant. Watching his name emerge beneath her hand, the corner of Qin Yushen’s lips twitched faintly upward. He said nothing.

Amy crouched to accept the signed slip, her hands trembling from excitement. Such a massive order in one go—Shuhui was like a newly risen God of Wealth.

She had bet correctly.

As a client manager, Amy’s job was to maintain existing VIPs and cultivate new ones.

Tonight, both the Qin and Fu families had scheduled appointments with their brand. By status alone, Amy could’ve assigned her team to Shuhui and gone to handle the more established Fu family herself.

After all, Shuhui had entered the Qin family through a storm of scandal. No one in the luxury circle was sure she had the spending power of a true society lady. For the past month, the other managers had all kept their distance, watching coldly.

No invitations to salons, fashion parties, or shows had been extended to her.

But Amy had wanted to meet Shuhui for some time. Work had kept her stuck in Italy until recently. To personally serve Shuhui, she even gave the Fu family’s appointment to another manager. She wanted to be remembered as the first one Shuhui could trust.

She had seen that viral interview clip. There was a steadiness in Shuhui, a poise beneath her beauty.

Given time, she would no doubt secure her place as Madam Qin.

And in the competitive luxury sales world, where clients were scarce, seizing such a new patron required boldness.

Leaving the Bamboo Residence, Amy led her team out through the estate gates, her smile unrestrained. It wasn’t just about commissions—it was the pride of securing a client everyone else had doubted.

On the ride back, a sweet-tongued assistant gushed:
“Amy-jie, your instincts are amazing. Madam Qin was so decisive. Her husband’s completely under her thumb—one ‘settle the bill,’ and he swiped the card immediately!”

Everyone liked flattery. Amy, who could butter up clients professionally, naturally basked in her juniors’ praise.

“That’s why you should value these outings as learning opportunities. Watch carefully.”

Her gaze swept across the team and stopped. “And as for the one I glared at earlier during the jewelry session—I won’t name names this time. But that was your warning. Never, ever let personal displeasure show in front of a client. Not even a flicker. Understood?”

“Yes!” they chorused.

---

By half past eight, night had fallen cool and clear. Victoria Harbour glittered with lights.

A Rolls-Royce with plates from three regions stopped before the banquet’s Gothic castle venue.

As soon as they stepped out, coats were whisked away. The city had just endured days of storms, and temperatures had dropped sharply, with stark differences between day and night.

Shuhui, frail and sensitive to cold, shivered as the chill bit her exposed skin.

She slipped her hand through Qin Yushen’s arm for warmth.

He bent his head, murmuring: “I told you you’d be cold. Put your coat back on.”

“Stop talking. There are reporters. Let’s just get inside quickly,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

Hand in hand, they mounted the steps. Cameras flashed wildly at the castle entrance.

This was official coverage—no one dared to shout improper questions. Every photographer was desperate for the best shots.

“Madam Qin, look here!”

“Stunning, Madam Qin! Over here, please!”

“Can we get a back shot?”

Shuhui cooperated gracefully, even tugging Qin Yushen a couple of steps to avoid the unflattering overhead spotlight.

Qin Yushen: “…”

And wasn’t she the one insisting they hurry inside?

While the flashes popped like fireworks, Shuhui leaned close, ventriloquist-quiet: “Smile. Dare keep that stone face, and see what happens.”

“…”

Her words grew sharper by the day.

Still, he obeyed—switching from holding her arm to encircling her waist, forcing the corners of his lips into the semblance of a smile.

The reporters went wild with enthusiasm.

“What a perfect couple!”

“May you share a century of love!”

“Eternal happiness together!”

…