Chapter 21.2

The Liao family and the Xu family weren’t exactly rivals, but in business, they were competitors. Feng Xueming was going to marry into the Xu family, yet he was often seen spending time with Liao Yazhe, which had raised some eyebrows.

“Isn’t he here now?” someone remarked, looking toward the door.

Liao Jiqing entered with his wife, followed by Liao Yazhe and… Fan Qi, the woman who had been in the gossip columns just yesterday with Young Master Feng? After a public clarification from Madam Feng, why was she now with Feng Xueming’s good friend? Moreover, she wasn’t just entering with Liao Yazhe, but with the Liao couple.

If Fan Qi were Liao Yazhe’s companion, she should have entered with him, but instead, they were walking side by side.

Liao Jiqing said something to his wife, who went over to join the other ladies, while he stayed with Liao Yazhe and Fan Qi to greet some familiar friends.

Liao Jiqing was chatting with Mr. Zhu, and Mrs. Zhu, Jin Xiaohui, stood beside her husband, with Fan Qi and Mrs. Zhu standing next to each other.

Since the release of Golden Lotus Memories, Fan Qi was considered to be taking over from Jin Xiaohui, who had previously retired from the entertainment industry.

Naturally, the reporters turned their cameras toward them. When they saw the photographers, Mrs. Zhu, Jin Xiaohui, posed elegantly, while Fan Qi remained indifferent, standing aside as though attentively listening to Liao Jiqing’s conversation with Mr. Zhu.

Madam Feng was sitting next to Old Madam Liu, chatting, when one of the ladies glanced toward Fan Qi. “The fake goods these days are really impressive. This little star’s necklace could almost pass for real.”

Hearing this, the other ladies’ eyes quickly turned toward Fan Qi. She was wearing a black dress that accentuated her figure without clinging too tightly. The fabric looked luxurious, but none of them could recognize the brand.

The most eye-catching detail was the necklace around her neck. It was in the Art Deco style from the 1920s-30s, with geometric shapes and diamonds that were large enough to be at least two carats each—if they were real. But what truly stood out was the jade pendant hanging on her chest. Its color was so rich and pure that it was the kind of rare gem one might only see at an auction.

Earlier, Madam Feng’s ruby necklace, when paired with Mrs. Zhu’s jewelry, had made her feel outshone. But now, compared to Fan Qi’s necklace, her ruby necklace appeared gaudy.

The ladies were well aware that the wealthier someone was, the more cautious they were with their money. No one would give a priceless piece of jewelry to a fleeting entertainer for fun.

“This little star is so naive. In a place like this, who wouldn’t have a keen eye? Wearing a fake item, and such an obvious one too. Doesn’t she fear the scandal tomorrow?”

“It’s only these little stars from the mainland who dare to wear such extravagant pieces at these kinds of events. If it were one of us, we wouldn’t dare even show our faces after this.”

Madam Feng sneered, “She probably hopes the newspapers are all over it tomorrow. I’ve learned my lesson—never again will I entertain any of her nonsense. Yesterday, she was in the papers with my son, and today, she’s hanging out with the Liao father and son.”

“She’s one of those little stars who’ll strip bare for a few bucks. Look at the way she holds herself so shamelessly, as though she has a face so thick that even the largest needle couldn’t prick it,” someone added in agreement with Madam Feng.

Meanwhile, Fan Qi had no idea that the elite ladies were gossiping behind her back. She was listening intently to Liao Jiqing, who said, “As the saying goes, a hero’s origins don’t matter. Livermore came from a poor family and later became a major short seller on Wall Street. I started out as just a data clerk at the exchange, but look where I am now. This industry relies heavily on talent, and when I see that in Fan Qi, I see a younger version of myself. Back then, I was angry that the agencies were exploiting the small investors, so I wanted to help her. I never imagined she would be so naturally gifted for this business.”

“Mr. Liao, if I didn’t have the skills, I’d surely be embarrassing Mr. Zhu,” Fan Qi said, playing along. She was socially adept, but felt mentally exhausted in such an environment.

“Having a beautiful talent like you as an advisor would add a whole new dimension to investing,” the man said, his eyes lingering on her.

“The true joy of investing is in the profits,” Fan Qi corrected him with a smile.

“Of course.” Mr. Zhu’s gaze shifted back to Fan Qi’s jade pendant. “Miss Fan, this jade—what’s its origin?”

“It’s a family heirloom,” Fan Qi answered.

Mr. Zhu turned to Liu Xiangnian, then back to Fan Qi. “I see.”

Fan Qi wondered why Mr. Zhu had looked at Liu Xiangnian when asking about her jade.

When Feng Xueming saw Fan Qi, he knew she could make any dress shine, but he never imagined she’d wear it so strikingly. Especially paired with that near-perfect fake necklace—it was sensational! He couldn’t wait to take a closer look.

Madam Feng, who had been mocking Fan Qi’s naivety, saw her son smiling broadly as he approached the Liao father and son. Normally, it would be one thing for him to be friendly with Liao Yazhe, but in this setting, walking up to Liao Jiqing—wasn’t that a little much? What happened to his future father-in-law?

Wait a second! He wasn’t walking toward Liao Jiqing. He was heading straight for her. His grin was so wide, it looked like his mouth was about to reach the back of his head.

Feng Xueming had reached her side, smiling broadly. “You should have dressed like this for the ad shoot last time. It really suits you. Come with me, I want my grandfather and dad to see that my small business has a great future.”

“My main task today doesn’t seem to be modeling for WO,” Fan Qi said half-jokingly.

“Just ten minutes,” came the reply.

Fan Qi turned to Liao Jiqing. “Mr. Liao, I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, I’ll be over soon,” Liao Jiqing replied, as he still had a few words to exchange with his friends.

As the scene unfolded, Madam Feng watched her son walk with the woman who was considered a scandalous figure, heading toward her father and the men.

Xu Miao’er, standing beside her, had already turned pale, and Madam Xu’s face darkened with anger.

The other ladies at the event, ever eager for gossip, watched with anticipation.

Madam Feng quickly walked over and blocked her son’s path. Her eyes scanned Fan Qi with open contempt and disdain. Turning to her son, she said, “Xueming, Miao’er is waiting for you.”

“Mom, I need to talk to Grandpa and Dad about something. I’ll go over right away,” Feng Xueming said.

Madam Feng lowered her voice. “Xueming, you need to know your limits. I’ve tolerated you for long enough today.”

“Mr. Feng, since you still have other matters to attend to, I’ll go to Mr. Liao’s side. After all, Mr. Liao brought me here to meet his old friends today,” Fan Qi said, rolling her eyes at Madam Feng and turning away.

The sight of a man buying jade jewelry for that woman, and now seeing her son unable to control the situation, had already sent Madam Feng into a rage. She snapped, “Stop right there!”

Fan Qi turned around, slightly surprised. “Are you calling me?”

“Miss Fan, is this a case of pretending not to understand?” Madam Feng’s high heels clicked as she stepped toward Fan Qi. “Didn’t you read the newspapers yesterday? Didn’t you see what I said?”

“Mom,” Feng Xueming said, trying to intervene, “it’s not what you think.”

Feng Xueming had learned about Fan Qi’s boyfriend from Liao Yazhe. He hadn’t decided whether he would continue pursuing her yet, so he didn’t want to tell his mother or Xu Miao’er about Fan Qi having a boyfriend. These things were none of their business.

Fan Qi smiled faintly, her eyes filled with pity as she looked at Madam Feng. “I did read the newspaper. I didn’t respond because I felt there was no need to explain myself to someone like you—someone who depends on a man and lacks independent thought. Our ways of thinking are simply not on the same level.”

Feng Xueming, seeing that Fan Qi wasn’t backing down and that his mother was on the verge of losing control, hurriedly said, “Miss Fan, let’s leave it for today. We can talk another time.”

“Another time? You still want to talk to this woman?” Madam Feng questioned her son sharply.

“Mom, this is a business matter. You wouldn’t understand,” Feng Xueming said, trying to brush it off.

“A business matter? How much are you paying her for her business?” Madam Feng snapped at her son.

At this point, Feng Xueming had already brought Fan Qi quite close to his grandfather. Madam Feng’s angry words were overheard by many, and those gathered around Liu Xiangnian turned their attention to the scene, including Liu Xiangnian himself.

Fan Qi, her face cold, locked eyes with the business magnate, her voice steady but firm. “Old Mr. Liu.”

Liu Xiangnian was taken aback when a young woman stared at him directly, especially when she called him in such a manner.

“Why aren’t you controlling your daughter, who has no manners?” Fan Qi asked, turning to face Liu Xiangnian.

What had been a small surprise moments ago now seemed like a resounding drumbeat in Liu Xiangnian’s chest. He noticed the necklace around the young woman’s neck—a necklace he hadn’t seen in decades. The owner of that necklace had once worn it in a photo with him, but that photo was in black and white, and the vivid green color and the sparkling gems were missing.

Liu Xiangnian had dreamt of seeing this necklace again, but he had always feared its reappearance, along with its owner. His hand gripped his cane slightly, trembling. Why was this necklace appearing on this young woman?

Fan Qi noticed that Liu Xiangnian’s gaze had not left her necklace, his eyes fixed on it without moving.