Chapter 111 The CEO’s Divorced Wife’s Gentle Knife (10)

Chapter 111 The CEO's Divorced Wife's Gentle Knife (10)

After making Tang Qing swivel the camera around, Sheng Baihui confirmed there were no suspicious figures before getting to the point. "This Sunday is my birthday. It’s going to be quite the party at my place—you should come too."

"I’ll arrange for Mrs. Zhang to pick you up. I’ve got your outfit and makeup all set up for you."

Tang Qing froze for a moment before asking, "Does... Li Zhou know about this?"

"Why do you care about him? It’s my birthday—what does he have to do with it?"

"This is between us, not him."

Sheng Baihui muttered over the phone, decisively making the choice for Tang Qing. "Anyway, you’ve already given me your address. When the time comes, just follow Mrs. Zhang to get ready."

Afraid Tang Qing might refuse, Sheng Baihui promptly hung up before she could get a word in.

"A birthday banquet..." Gazing out the window, Tang Qing turned the words over in her mind. "Looks like I’ll be seeing our Big Boss Li again soon."

Sheng Baihui had prepared couture runway pieces for Tang Qing, many of which were exclusive overseas designs.

Among the pile of gowns, Tang Qing chose the most subdued one.

The dress was primarily white, with fancy-colored diamonds adorning the neckline and straps. Even under the softest light, paired with Tang Qing’s naturally fair skin, she seemed to glow.

From the chest downward, the dress featured a combination of quilted diamond pleats and tulle, elongating her silhouette. The delicate tulle added a subtle translucency—lightweight yet tasteful.

Aside from the fancy-colored diamonds on the bodice and straps, tiny crystals were also sewn along the lower edges of each diamond pattern, glistening like water with every movement.

Mrs. Zhang’s eyes widened as she took in Tang Qing’s reflection in the mirror.

Who knew Madam could be so dazzling?

Tang Qing had always worn everyday clothes, and her petite frame made her blend into crowds—nothing particularly striking except her fair complexion.

But now, all dressed up, Mrs. Zhang suddenly realized Madam was actually quite striking.

Sheng Baihui’s birthday banquet was bustling with guests, all from high-society families—including many pampered young heiresses.

These socialites, familiar with one another, were accustomed to sucking up to the strong and stepping on the weak.

As the sole heir of the Li family, Li Zhou had once been the top candidate for these heiresses’ Prince Charming. Yet, to their shock, Tang Qing had swooped in and took him.

A few of these young ladies stood to the side, holding wine glasses, their eyes repeatedly scanning the entrance, wondering if they’d catch a glimpse of Li Zhou’s mousy and timid wife today.

"So, is that Mrs. Li coming or not?"

"What Mrs. Li? I heard they’re getting divorced," interjected Li Xiaer from the Li family, her voice laced with her usual venom.

"I always said it—a nobody who married up thinking she’s royalty."

"Too bad she didn’t have what it takes."

Intrigued, the others leaned in. "Really? Li Zhou’s dumping her?"

"Di Shi spread the word. She’s Li Zhou’s personal assistant—she wouldn’t just make things up about her boss." Li Xiaer wore a Chanel couture piece, a classic design often chosen as an entry-level option.

Unfortunately, the dress’s fit was off—likely altered last-minute—and looked ill-fitting from head to toe.

Amid the gossip, Li Xiaer was the first to spot Tang Qing!

At first glance, Li Xiaer's expression instantly changed!

No way! She’s actually wearing that dress?!

The dress Tang Qing was wearing, Li Xiaer had seen it in the promotional video of the fashion show earlier this year. At first glance, she had fallen in love with it, but unfortunately, she wasn’t even eligible for a custom order.

Is Li Zhou really this generous with his soon-to-be ex?

Li Xiaer wasn’t the only one thinking this way. The other socialites, upon clearly seeing the gown Tang Qing was wearing, couldn’t hide their jealousy:

"Isn’t that this year’s spring collection?"

"Ugh, some people are shameless. Even when getting divorced, they milk the Li family for all they’re worth."

"Exactly, on her way out of the Li family, yet she still has the nerve to show up like this..."

"Hey, you’re Tang Qing, aren’t you?"

Finally snapping, Li Xiaer stepped forward first. Seeing the dress she had been longing for up close only made her more envious.

"That dress you’re wearing—did Li Zhou give it to you?"

"Pfft, dressing like royalty doesn’t make you royal. I thought it’d be more impressive."

Green with envy, Li Xiaer’s naturally acerbic tone grew even sharper. "Just two years, huh? So, Li Zhou doesn’t want you anymore?"

Tang Qing was taken aback by the sudden attack.

The girl in front of her, stuffed into a badly fitted Chanel dress, looked like a stiff, awkwardly embedded statue—only her mouth was moving, spouting nothing but venom.

"Did you need something from me?"

The little white rabbit’s voice was meek and wavering, utterly harmless.

Li Xiaer had long known this country girl was timid and submissive, never picked up an ounce of class in two years—always unfit for high society.

"I can’t stand social climbers. Booted offstage but still clawing her way back."

"What? About to be thrown out, so you’re here at Mrs. Sheng’s birthday to cash in one last favor?"

Every word was a knife. The old Tang Qing would’ve burst into tears by now.

Surprisingly, the woman who usually wilted like a dodder didn’t cry this time. Instead, she steeled herself and stared straight at Li Xiaer.

"So… after all that, you’re just telling me that once I step down, you want to take the stage?"

Compared to Li Xiaer’s sharp tone, Tang Qing’s voice was almost gentle. "Also, you kept mentioning the dress earlier."

"At least my ‘imperial robes’ actually fit. But, miss… yours seems two sizes too big, doesn’t it?"

That light, airy remark stripped Li Xiaer bare.

True haute couture is always custom-fitted, with a lead time of at least four months. The dress Li Xiaer wore was likely a secondhand find, hastily altered—hence the awkward fit.

"You—!"

Called out in front of everyone by Tang Qing, Li Xiaer flushed crimson. "What are you even saying?!"

"I don’t get it!"

Tang Qing looked as delicate as ever, "I'm sorry, then just ignore what I said."

"Your dress is absolutely perfect for you!"

Walking past Li Xiaer, Tang Qing turned to leave but was abruptly grabbed by the wrist!

"You can't leave!"

Li Xiaer was all about appearances, and Tang Qing's words had basically said her dress was second-hand.

If she really let Tang Qing walk away today, she would become everyone's joke tomorrow.

"Tang Qing, you can put whatever crap you want in your mouth, but you don't get to say whatever you want!"

"Apologize to me!"