Chapter 55: Charity Gala

Chapter 55: Charity Gala

The charity gala was hosted by a local charity organization in collaboration with the local government, and it was held at the Century Hotel in Lingchuan City.

As night fell, luxury cars started pulling up outside the hotel, attracting curious glances from passersby.

Inside the hotel, two middle-aged men held wine glasses in one hand and embraced their female companions with the other, exchanging pleasantries with acquaintances they met.

"Hey, isn't that Mr. Li? Long time no see!"

"Mr. Zhang! It's been too long!"

Noticing the young women accompanying them, both men exchanged knowing glances.

"Mr. Li, you're still quite popular with young ladies, huh!"

"Hey, how could I compare to Mr. Zhang?"

The two men clinked their glasses, playfully teasing each other about their charm.

Their female companions, meanwhile, observed each other's attire during the men's boasting, comparing whose items were more expensive.

In the end, Mr. Li's companion wore a triumphant smile, as the bracelet on her wrist was clearly superior to the other woman's.

Mr. Zhang's companion, feeling left behind, pouted in frustration, vowing to get even with him later.

More guests arrived, including executives from several prominent companies. In their presence, Mr. Li and Mr. Zhang seemed less significant.

The organizers greeted the guests warmly, their faces lighting up at the prospect of the upcoming donation event.

"Has Mr. Yu from Qigui Group arrived?"

"Not yet, but he should be here soon, right?"

"It's not 'soon' — look, isn't that him now?"

When Fu Yining appeared on the arm of Yu Zhili, they instantly became the center of attention.

Everyone recognized Yu Zhili, but only a few knew Fu Yining, the eldest Miss of the Fu family.

Those in the know were aware that the couple's relationship wasn't particularly strong; just the fact that Yu Zhili never brought his wife to public events made it clear.

So when the two appeared, it felt like the air around them momentarily froze.

"Why are they all staring at us?" Fu Yining asked, puzzled.

"Maybe it's because you look stunning tonight," Yu Zhili replied calmly.

Fu Yining raised a polite smile, paused for a moment, and continued walking with Yu Zhili.

Although the sheepskin heels didn't look particularly high, Fu Yining was still getting used to them, so she leaned on Yu Zhili for support.

The tall man was very cooperative, bending his arm for her to hold onto.

As the couple moved on, the stunned crowd slowly blinked and turned to chat with those nearby, still whispering in curiosity.

"I don't know, I've never seen her before."

"It's unusual for Mr. Yu to bring a female companion to an event like this. She must be someone important, huh?"

"I think so too."

Fu Yining's appearance was misleading, and coupled with how close Yu ZhiLi was standing to her, their intimate gestures made people suspect something was going on.

However, they weren't close enough to Yu ZhiLi to dare ask him directly, so they could only gossip with those around them.

"Mr. Yu."

"Mr. Zhao."

Fu Yining followed Yu ZhiLi as they stopped in front of someone. Upon closer inspection, wasn't this their old neighbor, Zhao Qinmin from Zhichun Pharmaceuticals?

Zhao Qinmin naturally recognized Fu Yining as well, but he was slightly surprised to see her at this charity gala.

"Madam Yu is here too?"

"Yes."

"Ah, it's still the younger generation who have good relationships. My wife doesn't want to go out with me anymore."

"Mr. Zhao, you're joking."

Fu Yining suspected he was being sarcastic, but she had no proof.

Zhao Qinmin happily introduced them to the people around him, and they politely shook hands, exchanging the kind of pleasantries that made Fu Yining's teeth hurt.

The gala hadn't officially started yet, and worried that Fu Yining might find their conversation boring, Yu ZhiLi let her go to enjoy herself.

"There are some snacks over there."

Yu ZhiLi pointed in a direction, and Fu Yining nodded.

"I see, I'll just stay over there, then?"

"Yes, I'll come find you in a bit."

"Okay."

Fu Yining lifted her skirt slightly and turned to leave.

The organizers of the charity gala had prepared a formal dinner for the guests, and of course, there were various snacks to temporarily curb one's hunger.

Fu Yining hadn't eaten all evening, and her stomach was growling from hunger. Her gown wasn't practical for eating without restraint, so she could only pity herself as she picked up a small, palm-sized cake and slowly nibbled on it with a small fork.

The air conditioning in the hotel was on, and it wasn't cold at all. Feeling too warm, Fu Yining adjusted her shawl, pulling it off her shoulders.

A striking woman nearby held a wine glass. Her gaze lingered on the dazzling gemstone necklace around Fu Yining's neck, and with a flicker of interest, she approached.

"Miss, you're all by yourself? Why is that?"

"Hmm?"

Fu Yining, who was sitting on the sofa and biting her fork, looked up. Seeing a strange woman standing in front of her, she asked in confusion, "Who are you?"

"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself first. My name is Li Jia, Li like chestnut, Jia like festival."

"Hello."

"May I ask for your name?"

"My surname is Fu."

Fu Yining gave her a polite smile and used her fork to poke at the small cake on her plate.

"Miss Fu, hello." Li Jia, as if not seeing her resistance, asked with a chuckle, "May I sit here?"

"Go ahead."

This wasn’t her place, so she couldn’t really refuse someone who wanted to sit here.

"Thank you."

Li Jia sat down next to Fu Yining with a smile. It felt a little too close for two people who had just met.

As Fu Yining moved slightly to the side, Li Jia followed, giving her a look that said, 'You’re not getting rid of me.'

"..."

Fu Yining gave up, and then Li Jia asked with a bright smile, "I’m curious—did you come here with Mr. Yu from Qigui Group? How do you two know each other?"

"We don’t really have any connection," Fu Yining didn’t want to discuss her private matters with a stranger and casually replied.

Li Jia smiled and nodded, "Got it."

"...??"

What exactly did she see?

Fu Yining followed Li Jia’s gesture and saw a short, heavyset guy with a bit of a receding hairline.

Li Jia explained, "That man is the boss of XX company. Not only is he ugly, but he also loves to brag. If he didn’t have some potential value, I wouldn’t even consider him."

"I heard that this man’s current wife was a mistress who succeeded in becoming the second wife. A few days ago, he had the nerve to say he’d divorce his wife to marry me. Can you believe it?"

Fu Yining felt a bit uncomfortable listening to Li Jia’s complaints, having no interest in gossip.

When she wasn’t paying attention, Li Jia casually placed her hand on Fu Yining’s thigh, her tone suggestive, "I prefer someone like you over those arrogant, clueless men!"

Fu Yining was shocked.

Oh no, she’s coming on to me!