Chapter 37: The Sudden Appearance of Two People

Because Mu Yinyin's identity as Lord Yan is concealed, although he had sent her another invitation, he could not address her as such here.

From her impression, this woman was anything but ordinary. The fact that she was present alongside Jiang Ling and the others already indicated that she was unusual.

As the man observed her, Mu Yinyin's lips curled slightly, and she smiled gently at Lu Si Nian. "You may call me President Mu."

Lu Si Nian's eyes flickered. "President Mu?"

Jiang Ling smiled, "She is our President Mu of Starshine."

Many around them had overheard Jiang Ling's words.

A wave of astonishment swept through everyone's eyes.

There were only four people in Starshine Group who could be called president. The company had no chairman, and the chief figure had never appeared in public; the other three were well known.

Now, with this address—President Mu of Starshine—everyone immediately understood her position.

Mu Yinyin was the head of Starshine Group.

The mysterious head.

Lu Si Nian smiled lightly and, this time, took the initiative to extend his hand. "President Mu, it's a pleasure."

Normally, a lady would offer her hand first, but Lu Si Nian took the initiative with Mu Yinyin.

To the onlookers, this was an extraordinary honor—Lu Si Nian was actually shaking hands with a woman, and so proactively and courteously!

Those who had just passed by realized Lu Si Nian had greeted Mu Yinyin without knowing her identity.

People standing nearby could not help but whisper.

"What’s going on? President Lu is being so proactive with someone from Starshine Group?"

"Yes, Starshine is formidable, but compared to the Lu and Fu Groups, there’s still a gap. Yet President Lu was so quick to approach, and even shook hands with Mu Yinyin!"

"Maybe he thinks President Mu is too beautiful? She is indeed the highlight of the evening. It's only natural for a gentleman to pursue a lovely lady."

"That’s possible, but have you ever seen President Lu get close to any woman? There are plenty of beautiful, capable women, yet he’s never been this proactive."

"Does this mean, from now on, if you want to curry favor with the Lu Group, you’ll need to build a good relationship with Starshine first?"

This remark struck a chord with many. They began to consider that to get close to the Lu Group, one might need another target for flattery—though it also meant another possible avenue.

Plans were being made in their minds.

In just a short while, the news that Starshine Group’s head had appeared at the Lu family banquet spread quickly—at least within their circle.

At that moment, Mu Yinyin looked at Lu Si Nian’s outstretched hand, curled her lips, and shook it, "Good evening, President Lu."

She spoke only those few words, saying nothing more. Her demeanor remained calm and composed.

Their handshake was brief, without lingering, and Lu Si Nian smiled, "Please, come in."

Mu Yinyin nodded, not interfering with Lu Si Nian’s duties, and entered with Jiang Ling and the others.

The four found a place to sit, as the banquet wouldn’t begin for a while; they had not arrived at the last minute.

Gu Xiaoqi sat beside Mu Yinyin, unable to hold back a laugh. "Did you see those people just now? Their eyes were practically glued to Yinyin. Honestly, how vulgar!"

Mu Yinyin's flawless beauty and her status made many covetous. If she had been ordinary, surely someone would have made a move after the banquet.

Li Chuan pressed his lips together, saying nothing. He was always reticent, but his words, when spoken, were sharp and hard to answer. Though he rarely spoke, he was attentive to those he cared about.

Jiang Ling grinned, "Yinyin, you’re simply too outstanding."

Mu Yinyin smiled but said nothing; she had little interest in such topics.

Gu Xiaoqi leaned in, her voice tinged with worry. "The Lu and Fu Groups are close partners. Today is the old madam’s birthday banquet—I suspect Fu Si Ye will definitely be here. Yinyin, later you..."

She hesitated, unsure whether to continue.

She feared saying too much might make Mu Yinyin uncomfortable, but saying nothing might leave her unprepared and upset.

Gu Xiaoqi's manner was subtle, hinting without pressing.

Mu Yinyin turned to her, smiling. "It’s alright."

"You..." Gu Xiaoqi was unsure what more to say.

Jiang Ling looked at Mu Yinyin, his gaze complex.

Li Chuan spoke coolly, "If Yinyin says so, there’s nothing to worry about. What are you fussing for?"

He raised his hand and flicked her forehead, an affectionate gesture.

Gu Xiaoqi immediately shrank back but couldn't avoid his teasing.

She pouted, "I’m just worried!"

Li Chuan raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.

Mu Yinyin laughed quietly, squeezing Gu Xiaoqi's hand. Her voice was confident. "Don’t worry. If I say I’ve let go, I truly have. There won’t be any problem."

As long as she didn’t drink, as long as she stayed clear-headed, nothing would go wrong.

When the waiter brought over several glasses of red wine, Jiang Ling immediately spoke, "A glass of juice for us, please."

The waiter was momentarily surprised, then smiled and nodded. "Certainly."

Wasn’t everyone here supposed to drink? Why juice?

The waiter was puzzled, but figured they might simply be thirsty and not want alcohol yet, so went to fetch it.

Gu Xiaoqi couldn’t help but laugh, "Yinyin, when will you ever have a little tolerance for alcohol?"

Mu Yinyin smiled wryly and touched her nose, looking at the others with a hint of mischief. "How about tonight you all help me practice?"

Gu Xiaoqi stiffened, then laughed, "No, no, you don’t need to practice. With us around, anyone who tries to make you drink will have to get through us first! You’re just not meant for alcohol."

Jiang Ling couldn’t help but chuckle.

Li Chuan's eyes held a trace of amusement, though he said nothing.

More and more people entered, and the four of them—so striking—drew attention even sitting in a corner.

At first, many didn’t know who Mu Yinyin was. Even in the circle of the wealthy, there was gossip and curiosity. So, many looked at Mu Yinyin with keen scrutiny, finding it all the more incredible.

They had never seen Mu Yinyin before, had never known such a presence existed. Yet now, upon seeing her, they were shocked—the stunning woman was President Mu of Starshine Group?

As the crowd whispered, suddenly two figures appeared at the entrance, drawing everyone’s attention.