Gu Anran went to the mall to get herself a new evening dress when she unexpectedly stumbled upon a strange scene.
A man was being chased out of the mall by security. His clothes were disheveled, and his hair messy, yet no matter how she looked at him, he didn't resemble a beggar. At first, Gu Anran planned to ignore it and walk past, but the man suddenly felt familiar.
After thinking for a moment, her eyes widened slightly.
He Xun…
In her previous life, this man would later dominate the fashion industry, becoming a legendary designer whose works were sought after by royalty and celebrities worldwide. Yet at this moment, he was being humiliated and chased out like trash.
An idea immediately formed in her mind.
Gu Anran walked up to him.
"Hello," she greeted.
He Xun lowered his head in embarrassment, too ashamed to respond.
"From my analysis," Gu Anran continued calmly, "you're a fashion designer."
He Xun stiffened.
"How about you work for me?" she said with confidence. "I'll make sure your designs are recognized worldwide."
She smiled—calm, assured, and fearless.
He Xun stared at her in shock, then slowly stood upright. For the first time that day, light returned to his eyes.
THE BANQUET
Gu Anran finally arrived at the Song Mansion, where Matriarch Song's birthday banquet was being held.
She straightened her back, lifted her chin, and walked inside with composed elegance.
The moment she stepped into the banquet hall, countless gazes turned toward her.
She wasn't surprised.
The dress she wore was breathtaking—tailored perfectly to her figure, elegant yet powerful. It was He Xun's design, the first masterpiece created after their agreement.
Even her makeup had been personally arranged by him.
She looked radiant.
"Mom," Gu Yuhan whispered through clenched teeth, jealousy burning in her eyes. "What is that bitch wearing? Why didn't she wear the gown we gave her?"
Li Meirong's face darkened. "I don't know either. But she's been acting strangely lately—much smarter than before."
Her eyes narrowed coldly. "Don't worry. After tonight, no one will admire her beauty again."
Gu Yuhan sneered. "You're right, Mom. Let her enjoy the spotlight for now. After tonight, she won't be able to."
Gu Anran sat quietly in a corner, calmly observing the hall. When she noticed the vicious gazes from Li Meirong and Gu Yuhan, her lips curved slightly.
So they're finally making a move.
While she was thinking of countermeasures, she didn't notice a pair of sharp eyes watching her intently from afar.
"Hey, Second Brother, what are you looking at?" Xie Niangli asked, poking Lu Zhenyu's shoulder.
Lu Zhenyu shot him an irritated look.
"Second Brother," Song Qingshen added teasingly, "didn't you say you were busy and couldn't attend Grandma's birthday banquet?"
"Since I'm already here," Lu Zhenyu replied coldly, "why are you still asking questions?"
Lin Feng smiled quietly beside them. He knew the truth.
The moment Lu Zhenyu heard that the Gu family would be attending, he had canceled his schedule without hesitation. It was the first impulsive decision he had made in years.
Gu Anran was seated quietly when Gu Yuhan finally walked toward her.
Seeing her approach, Gu Anran sighed inwardly. A drama is about to begin.
"Sister," Gu Yuhan said softly—but deliberately loud enough for others to hear.
"Where have you been? Mom and Dad were worried sick. They even called you several times, but you didn't answer."
She shook her head, looking distressed.
"Sister, you've been going out and coming home late so often lately. That's really not good… it's dangerous."
Immediately, whispers filled the air.
"So the rumors are true. The eldest Miss of the Gu family really is indecent."
"The second Miss is so kind and considerate. If I didn't know better, I'd think she was the eldest daughter."
"One is upright and gentle, the other is completely opposite. The Gu family is lucky to have the second Miss."
Gu Yuhan lowered her head modestly, gloating inwardly.
Then she continued, voice trembling, "Sister, I even gave you a designer gown.
But you didn't wear it… I suppose you didn't like it. Although this dress you're wearing isn't from a famous brand, it still looks alright."
She sniffed, acting aggrieved.
Gu Anran sneered inwardly. Still the same tricks.
"This eldest Miss is too much. She'd rather wear a nameless dress than accept her sister's goodwill."
Finally, Gu Anran slowly stood up.
Her eyes were innocent, her expression pitiful.
"Sister," she said softly, "don't you know why I've been going out so often?"
The hall gradually quieted.
"Mom said the company was struggling and there was no money to pay my final-year tuition. I didn't want to burden the family, so I borrowed money from the bank."
Gasps spread among the crowd.
"I'm currently working at a bar to repay the loan," she continued calmly.
Then she looked at Gu Yuhan, eyes full of sincerity.
"Sister, the gown you gave me was too revealing—front and back—and even the hem was torn. I truly couldn't wear it. I had no money, so I could only settle for this dress."
She lowered her head apologetically.
"I'm sorry if you feel offended. I know you chose that gown carefully… with love."
Then, as if recalling something unintentionally, she added softly,
"Sister, when we were young, you once stole Dad's antique and gave it to your crush. You even sneaked out to a birthday party when you were fifteen. I covered for you and took the punishment. So how could you think I'd deliberately embarrass you?"
"I'm really disappointed, Sister."
Silence followed.
Then outrage erupted.
"The Gu family earns millions, yet they couldn't pay tuition?"
"They buy luxury bags but force their eldest daughter to work in a bar?"
"The second Miss deliberately gave her a torn, revealing gown?"
"She almost fooled all of us!"
Gu Yuhan's face turned pale.
"I—I'm sorry, Sister!" she cried tearfully. "I didn't know the dress had issues. I bought it from my usual boutique…"
But no one believed her.
Under countless mocking gazes, Gu Yuhan covered her face and ran out of the hall.
Gu Anran watched coldly, a faint sneer on her lips.
Not far away, the entire scene had been witnessed clearly.
"It seems the eldest Miss of the Gu family isn't someone to mess with," Song Qingshen said.
Lu Zhenyu's eyes darkened with interest.
"This banquet," Xie Niangli said lazily, "is getting interesting."
Lu Zhenyu didn't reply—but for the first time, his gaze lingered on a woman far longer than usual.