Chapter 333: Chapter 0333: It’s Finally Here! (1) Chapter 333: Chapter 0333: It’s Finally Here! (1) Mu Lan, ever since the launch of her brand LAN, attended all events in her own designs. Due to several trending searches, some ladies from the Sea City high society began to seek her customization. Originally not too fond of socializing, she now became much more amenable, accumulating a network of important contacts.

At first, others kept a respectful distance due to her being Mrs. Huo, but with minimal contact, they found her personality incredibly likable, provoking an unconscious desire to get closer, including some of Sea City’s nouveau riche.

Looking around today, several ladies were wearing Mu Lan’s designs, many of which were inspired variations from her college portfolio.

Holding a glass of wine, a smile on her face, she was quite happy with today’s banquet.

“Feeling good?”

Huo Tingxiao wrapped an arm around Mu Lan’s waist, whispering into her ear. Mu Lan sipped her champagne and softly explained,
“Of course, I’m happy. I saw three people wearing my gowns at such an important event.

One of them is a young lady from the Luan Family, a famous VLOG blogger. This kind of promotion is very useful.”

“You’re getting the hang of business operations.”

The tone in Huo Tingxiao’s voice was an unmistakable compliment, Mu Lan raised an eyebrow.

“Verbal praise is a bit hollow; how about something concrete?”

Concrete?

Huo Tingxiao whispered something in her ear, Mu Lan immediately blushed and protested,
“Rascal, are you rewarding yourself or me?”

Huo Tingxiao was dead serious.

“Actually, it’s to reward you.”

The two playfully bickered quietly until Huo Qidong appeared, Huo Tingxiao’s smile vanishing instantly.

Huo Qidong actually brought Xian Yaping to such an event today–he really wasn’t afraid of losing face!

Mu Lan immediately felt Huo Tingxiao’s change in mood and instinctively grasped his hand, fingers interlocking.

With this gesture, she told him there was nothing to worry about.

Huo Tingxiao looked down at his calm little wife, his anger subsiding a bit.

He knew that Pei Zhao had no good intentions. It wasn’t surprising to encounter Huo Qidong at the banquet, but the fact that Xian Yaping could come along, behaving as if she were Mrs. Huo, truly disgusted Huo Tingxiao.

The guests were put in a difficult position, unable to pretend she wasn’t there, especially since Xian Yaping was eagerly greeting everyone with a flushed face.

“Aren’t you going to say hello, President Huo?”

Pei Zhao, in his wheelchair, approached from not too far, smiling at Huo Tingxiao as he spoke.

Huo Tingxiao’s cold gaze settled on Pei Zhao, not wanting to say much, clearly knowing this was to embarrass him.

“Is that why you invited me here?”

“How could that be?”

Pei Zhao’s smile was sinister, simply letting Xian Yaping appear to disgust Huo Tingxiao wouldn’t have much effect. The real fun was yet to come.

“Such petty tricks hardly make any difference to me.”

Huo Tingxiao’s tone was calm and composed, truly a prince arrogant to the core, something Pei Zhao hated most about him–even his kindness seemed like alms.

“Oh? Are you sure?”

The enigmatic demeanor of Pei Zhao was too much for Mu Lan to bear, prompting her to speak out.

“CEO Pei always seems to prefer leaving things unsaid. I wonder what joy he finds in keeping everyone guessing,” Luo Ning said with a light laugh, standing next to Pei Zhao in a black evening gown.

“CEO Mu is now a big name in the fashion circle. She speaks so confidently and still cares about others’ pleasures.”

The sparring between women has always been subtle, especially on such occasions. It’s necessary to save some face.

Mu Lan looked at Luo Ning, her smile growing broader.

“Miss Luo is joking. What big name am I? I’m just someone who makes clothes for others.

Speaking of celebrities, Miss Luo is the real deal, always in vogue and setting trends in the fashion world.”

These words made Luo Ning’s expression turn sour, not for any other reason but because just a few days ago, her styling team’s negligence had caused her always impeccable fashion image to crash and burn with the worst outfit on the red carpet.

The haute couture gown was fine, but since all the models on the runway were going bold with no undergarments, as a female actress, she couldn’t possibly wear something that daring. Hence, she opted for a lining that was very mismatched, instantly cheapening the look of the dress and making it look like it was rented from some backwater studio, sparking a fierce wave of mockery.

And to make matters worse, Liu Ai was wearing a brand by Mu Lan and swept the hot searches, winning best dressed of the evening–a stark contrast to Luo Ning, whose presence was completely overshadowed. Mu Lan’s words were like a thorn, and Luo Ning couldn’t help but take them to heart, which naturally soured her mood.

“CEO Mu has such a sharp tongue. I truly admit defeat,” Luo Ning replied.

“Miss Luo is too modest. I’m only stating the facts. With a celebrity like you attending such an important event with CEO Pei today, could there be some good news about to be announced? If so, let me extend my congratulations in advance.”

Mu Lan’s second jab cut even deeper, making Luo Ning clench her fist at her side. If Pei Zhao had wanted to give her a title, he would have done so long ago; there was no need to wait until now.

This Mu Lan really was all pretense. Luo Ning couldn’t believe she wouldn’t understand Pei Zhao’s intentions.

“You misunderstand, CEO Mu. CEO Pei and I…”

“Miss Luo is a public figure. It’s important to be cautious in speech and conduct. I understand. As long as you haven’t made it public, I will certainly keep it confidential. Rest assured, Miss Luo.”

Rest assured? What’s there for her to be assured about? It’s because she’s Luo Ning that she can’t rest easy.

Luo Ning pursed her lips in frustration, choosing not to speak further.

Mu Lan knew when to stop pursuing a loss, and a hint was all that was needed.

Pei Zhao glanced at Mu Lan indifferently, but her previous comments did not anger him.

The main event was still to come. He wouldn’t get caught up in these trivial matters.

“Why did Lin Yize arrive so late today?” Luo Ning asked, trying to make conversation. Pei Zhao glanced at the entrance, and soon, Lin Yize appeared with his companion.

Today, Yun Meixian looked exceptionally elegant in a water-ink cheongsam that accentuated her figure. Even in her fifties, she maintained an excellent physique.

Her black hair was styled into a bun, utterly outshining Xian Yaping in terms of aura.

Mu Lan found it strange that Lin Yize would bring Yun Meixian directly to such an event.

“Lin Yize actually brought his own mother to the annual meeting…” Huo Tingxiao heard Mu Lan muttering to herself and slightly narrowed his eyes.

Yun Meixian’s appearance indeed caused a small sensation, after all, to maintain such appearance at her age was remarkable, rivaling veteran actresses.

Even Luo Ning, worldly as she was, found it hard to turn away, imagining just how stunning Yun Meixian must have looked in her youth.

While Huo Qidong was mingling with others, he casually glanced towards the entrance and saw Yun Meixian holding Lin Yize’s arm. He felt as if struck by lightning, his eyes fixed in that direction, wondering how she could possibly be here.

While Xian Yaping was still basking in the vanity of being Mrs. Huo, her complexion turned pale the moment she saw Yun Meixian.