The next day, Su Wanwan spent the whole day preparing for the dinner party.
The butler invited a top-notch styling team. From hairstyle, makeup to dress matching, every aspect was meticulously refined. Su Wanwan was like a doll, at will, but her heart was in turmoil.
Mrs. Lu has such good skin that she hardly needs much makeup. The makeup artist was praising her while applying her makeup.
Su Wanwan forced a smile. She usually wears at most light makeup and has never gone through such a complicated process of dressing up.
While getting her hair done, she couldn't help but secretly search for the important people who might attend tonight on her mobile phone to catch up on business knowledge. Since I'm going to play Su Mingwei, I can't show any timidity.
At exactly six o 'clock in the evening, Lu Tingchen returned to the hotel on time. He changed into a custom-made dark blue dress, which made his figure look even more upright and his presence powerful.
When he saw Su Wanwan, who was already dressed up properly, a trace of amazement clearly flashed in his eyes.
She chose a champagne-colored floor-length dress. The simple and elegant cut perfectly outlined her slender waist and graceful shoulder lines. The makeup is exquisite yet not exaggerated. The hair is tied up in a lazy French bun, with a few strands of loose hair casually hanging down, adding a touch of softness and beauty. Wearing the diamond necklace sent by Lu Tingchen around her neck, she shone brightly under the light.
"Is it okay?" Su Wanwan asked somewhat uncomfortably. This outfit was indeed beautiful, but it made her feel unlike herself.
Lu Tingchen didn't answer directly. Instead, he walked up, picked out a pair of pearl earrings from the jewelry box and put them on her by hand.
His fingertip casually brushed past her earlobe, causing a subtle shudder. Su Wanwan held her breath and dared not move.
"Remember," his deep voice rang in her ears, "speak less and smile more tonight." When you encounter difficult problems, look at my expression."
His breath brushed past the side of her neck, and Su Wanwan felt her heart beating abnormally fast.
"I see." " She replied softly.
Lu Tingchen took a step back and examined her, seemingly finally satisfied: "Let's go, Mrs. Lu." "
He stretched out his arm. Su Wanwan hesitated for a moment and then gently held it. At this moment, she felt as if they were a real newlywed couple.
The cocktail party was held in the banquet hall of the top hotel in Jiangcheng. When Ross slowly drove into the hotel gate, the outside was already surrounded by reporters, with flashes of cameras going off one after another.
Su Wanwan took a deep breath and felt Lu Tingchen pat the back of her hand. "Don't be nervous. Just follow me."
The car door opened, and the deafening sound of the shutter and the flashes instantly drowned them out. Lu Tingchen got out of the car first and then, in a gentlemanly manner, reached out to support Su Wanwan. She stepped out of the car door gracefully, with a smile just right on her face, as if she were born for such occasions.
The journalists shouted questions frantically:
"Mr. Lu, I heard that you got married in a rush. Why did you suddenly decide to get married?" "
"Mrs. Lu, how did you win the heart of the most diamond young man in Jiangcheng?" "
There's a rumor that this marriage is a business alliance. Is that true?
Lu Tingchen didn't answer at all. He just protected Su Wanwan and walked in calmly. His palm was firmly placed behind her waist, providing her with support in an intangible way.
Entering the banquet hall, Su Wanwan was secretly astonished by the luxurious scene. The crystal chandeliers were dazzling and resplendent, with celebrities from all walks of life shuttling among them, their clothes fragrant and their hair flowing, drinking and toasting each other.
Their appearance immediately became the focus of the entire venue. Everyone curiously sized up the "Mrs. Lu" who had suddenly emerged, and whispers never ceased.
"Tingchen, you're finally here!" " A middle-aged man came up with a smile, "This must be the bride, right?" Sure enough, a talented man and a beautiful woman."
Lu Tingchen nodded slightly: "Chairman Li." Wanwan, this is the chairman of Hongda Group.
Su Wanwan greeted with a proper smile, "Hello, Mr. Li. I've long heard of your great reputation." She remembered that the materials mentioned that this real estate tycoon had important cooperation with the Lu family.
A trace of surprise flashed in Mr. Li's eyes, as if he hadn't expected that this "pretty face" Mrs. Lu could accurately recognize him: "Mrs. Lu really has a sharp eye." "
Next, people kept coming forward to exchange greetings. Su Wanwan always maintained an elegant posture. She could say appropriate polite words to every guest introduced by Lu Tingchen and occasionally interject a couple of words related to the other person's industry, demonstrating both refinement and insight.
Lu Tingchen seemed calm on the surface, but in fact, he was astonished inside. He had originally been prepared to help her out of the predicament, but he never expected that she would handle it so smoothly.
When no one was around, he asked in a low voice, "How do you know so much?"
Su Wanwan winked slyly, "I've been doing my homework all day." We can't bring shame to Mr. Lu, can we?
At this moment, the lively light flickering in her eyes made Lu Tingchen lose his mind for a moment. This is not like the spoiled and shallow Su Mingwei in the materials.
"Tingchen!" " A sweet and cloying female voice suddenly chimed in.
Su Wanwan turned her head and saw a seductive woman in a fiery red deep V-neck long dress walking towards them. Her eyes were fixed on Lu Tingchen, completely ignoring her presence.
"Miss Zhao." Lu Tingchen nodded faintly, his attitude clearly cold.
This Zhao Jing is the daughter of the Zhao Group. She has always had feelings for Lu Tingchen. The two families once intended to marry into each other, but Lu Tingchen refused.
Zhao Jing finally gave Su Wanwan a casual glance, her tone filled with undisguised contempt: "Is this Miss Su?" I heard that you two got married in a rush not long after you met? Really... "Commendable courage." "
The irony in the words is obvious. Several guests around pricked up their ears, waiting to watch the good show.
Su Wanwan was neither angry nor annoyed. Instead, she smiled even more gently: "When you meet the right person, what does the length of time matter?" Miss Zhao, don't you think so? She gently held Lu Tingchen's arm, her posture intimate and natural.
Lu Tingchen patted her hand in cooperation, his eyes unusually gentle: "Wanwan is right." "
Zhao Jing's face immediately turned extremely pale, but she didn't want to show it, so she had to force a smile and said, "That's really congratulations." I hope Miss Su can adapt to Mrs. Lu's life. After all, this position... It's not that easy to sit in.
"Thank you, Miss Zhao, for your concern," Su Wanwan responded calmly. "With Tingchen by my side, I believe everything will be fine."
In this confrontation, Su Wanwan emerged victorious. After Zhao Jing left in a bad mood, Lu Tingchen lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "I never expected Mrs. Lu to be so skilled in acting."
The warm breath brushed past her ears. Su Wanwan's ears were slightly red, but she still maintained a smile: "Mr. Lu, you're too kind. Both of you." "
Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall. Grandpa Lu actually came in person. Although he was in a wheelchair, he looked in good spirits.
"Why is Grandpa here?" " Lu Tingchen was somewhat surprised and hurriedly led Su Wanwan to meet him.
"Such an important occasion, of course I have to come and support my granddaughter-in-law." " The old man said with a smile, obviously very satisfied to see them together.
He held Su Wanwan's hand, his voice not loud but clear enough for the people around to hear: "Wanwan, if Tingchen dares to bully you, tell Grandpa. I'll teach him a lesson for you." "
This statement may seem ordinary, but in fact, it is a declaration to everyone of his recognition and respect for this granddaughter-in-law. For a moment, those eyes that had been filled with contempt and suspicion all turned respectful.
Su Wanwan was both touched and guilty. She said gently, "Grandpa, don't worry. Tingchen has been very kind to me."
The old man nodded in satisfaction, said a few more words to them, and then asked the caregiver to push him to the rest area.
After this little incident, Su Wanwan clearly felt that the people around her treated her with even more respect. This is the prestige of Old Master Lu in Jiangcheng.
After a few rounds of drinks, Lu Tingchen was pestered by several important business partners to discuss something and asked Su Wanwan to wait for him in the rest area first.
Su Wanwan took a glass of juice and walked to the relatively quiet terrace to get some fresh air. The cool night breeze caressed her face, and she slightly relaxed her tense nerves.
"Pretty good acting, Su Wanwan." " A familiar yet annoying voice suddenly came from behind.
Su Wanwan stiffened all over and slowly turned around. Her cousin Su Qianqian was standing there, with a mocking smile on her face.
Why are you here? Su Wanwan asked subconsciously. Although the Su family is also considered wealthy, they are not yet qualified to attend a banquet of this level.
Su Qianqian proudly waved the invitation in her hand and said, "I came to accompany Sister Zhao Jing." Surprised? I would see your wonderful performance as "Su Mingwei" here.
She took a few steps closer and lowered her voice, saying, "If the Lu family knew that you weren't the real Su Mingwei but just a fake, what do you think they would do?"
Su Wanwan's heart sank to the bottom, but she still remained calm on the surface: "I don't understand what you're talking about."
"Oh?" Do I need to go and tell Grandpa Lu right now that his precious granddaughter-in-law is actually a fake?" Su Qianqian smiled maliciously, "Or tell Mr. Lu that you are not the Su family's daughter he married at all?" "
Su Wanwan held the wine glass tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning pale. The thing she was most worried about still happened.
What do you want? She asked directly.
Su Qianqian chuckled softly, "Simple." First, ask your dad to transfer my dad back to the head office. Second, give me five million as hush money. Third..." She paused meaningfully and said, "Help me connect with Sister Zhao Jing and get closer to Mr. Lu." "
"Impossible." Su Wanwan flatly refused the first two conditions. She could still consider them, but the last one was absolutely unacceptable.
"Then don't blame me for being quick-witted." " Su Qianqian made a gesture as if she were about to walk into the hall.
"Go ahead and talk," Su Wanwan suddenly calmed down. "But have you ever thought about the consequences?" The Lu family can afford to let this person go, but the Su family can't stand the anger of Mr. Lu. By then, not to mention your father going back to the head office, the entire Su family might be doomed. Do you think your uncle will forgive you?
Su Qianqian's expression changed. It was obvious that she hadn't taken this into account.
Su Wanwan followed up on her success: "I can agree to help you connect with Zhao Jing, but the first two conditions are out of the question." And if you dare to tell anyone, I guarantee you'll have no place in the Su family anymore."
She stepped forward, her eyes sharp: "Don't forget, now I'm the legitimate Mrs. Lu, and you..." It's nothing."
Su Qianqian was stunned by her imposing presence and was at a loss for words for a moment. At this moment, Lu Tingchen's voice came from the entrance of the terrace: "Wanwan, it's time to say goodbye to the master." "
He walked over, naturally put his arm around Su Wanwan's waist and glanced at Su Qianqian, asking, "Who is this?"
Su Wanwan's heart was pounding like a drum. She forced herself to stay calm and said, "My cousin, Su Qianqian." I came across it by chance.
Lu Tingchen nodded faintly, as a greeting, and then left with Su Wanwan, completely disregarding Su Qianqian.
After taking a few steps, he asked in a low voice, "Are you okay?"
Su Wanwan looked up in surprise and saw a barely perceptible trace of concern in his eyes.
"It's okay," she shook her head and forced a smile. "It's just some family matters."
Lu Tingchen didn't ask any more questions, but he held her hand tighter.
On the way back, both of them were very silent. Su Wanwan gazed out of the window at the fleeting night scene, her mind in a complete mess. Su Qianqian's appearance was like a time bomb, with no one knowing when it would explode.
I performed very well tonight. Lu Tingchen suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence.
Su Wanwan turned her head to look at him unexpectedly. This is the second time I've praised her.
"Thank you," she said softly. "I was just doing my best."
Lu Tingchen gazed at her, his eyes profound: "You and your sister..." It's very different."
Su Wanwan's heart almost stopped beating. Did he discover anything?
Everyone is unique. She replied carefully.
Lu Tingchen didn't say another word. He just continued to look at her, as if trying to find some answer on her face.
The car stopped in front of the hotel when Lu Tingchen's mobile phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and frowned slightly, saying, "I still have a video conference. You take a break first."
Su Wanyan nodded and got out of the car alone, walking into the hotel. Looking back, the car had already driven far away and merged into the night.
Back in the empty suite, she wearily took off her high heels and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Tonight's experience was like a roller coaster, from tension to confidence, and then to the panic of being threatened.
The phone vibrated. It was a text message from Su Qianqian: "You're so cruel." I'll keep it a secret for you for now, but don't forget what you promised me."
Su Wanwan deleted the text message and let out a long sigh. This scene is getting more and more complicated. She doesn't know how long she can hold on.
But thinking of Lu Tingchen's occasional concern tonight and the old man's kind gaze, a bit of reluctance welled up in her heart.
It seems that she got quite immersed in this role.
And the most terrifying thing was that she began to fear the day when the show would end and the people would part ways.
(To be continued...)"