Madam Qin averted her gaze and spotted Meng Yang just a few steps behind Qin Man and Yao Ran. He was with a group of young people, all of them looking sharp and elegant.

“Hello, Auntie!”

“Good evening, Auntie!”

The kids greeted her one after another.

They had impeccable manners, and looked nothing like the troublemakers they were notoriously known to be.

Madam Qin smiled and waved them closer. “You areJingjing’s friends, right? She gave me very strict instructions to take care of you the moment you arrive. Come, I’ll take you to your exclusive seats.”

“Thank you, Auntie!” Lin Xin gladly replied. She wore a white lace dress, which, coupled with her immaculately braided hair, gave her a very youthful glow.

Beside her, Meng Yangwas dressed in a tailored black suit, looking suave and debonair.Chu YaoandXiao Pangwere behind them, both smiling widely as they were guided into the hall.

It took a moment for Madam Qinto realize thatYao Tangwas not among them. She blinked twice, then shook her head.

Perhaps Yao Tangwas just a little late. There was no need to worry. She was just glad that her daughter had found such good friends.

“Hello, Madam Qin. How have you been?”

A socialite had come up to them without their notice, and Madam Qinhad no choice but to exchange a few pleasantries with the guest.

…

A while later, the young guests finally settled at the table that Qin Jinghad specially prepared for them.Meng Yanghad just seated himself when he spottedYao Ranand her mother in thedistance. He nudged his friend beside him without taking his eyes off the pair. “Hey,Xiao Pang, what the hell isYao Randoing here?”

“I’m not sure, but I heard that the Yao familylives in this neighborhood as well. They must have been invited out of courtesy.”

Hearing their quiet exchange, Lin Xinfollowed the boys’ line of sight and saw whom they were looking at.

Almost immediately, conversations erupted from all directions as heads turned toward the door.

“Look, look! Isn’t she gorgeous?”

“Do you have any idea how amazing she is? She choreographed the music video of a famous singer, and it blew up in just a matter of hours!”

“Oh, that’s very impressive. But look, her companion is charming as well. My, they make a perfect couple, don’t you think? Where can I find someone as handsome as him?”

“Oh, wow, it’s Yao Tang! She’s super famous around here. I’m a fan of hers, too, actually. I didn’t expect her to be atQin Jing’s party.”

“They’re classmates, I think. They must be pretty close.”

Yao Tang andCheng Yanentered the villa side by side, amidst the excited discussions of the busybodies around them.

Yao Tang was looking absolutely stunning tonight.

Her dress was made up of an intricately embroidered bodice that tapered down her torso and gave way to layers upon layers of thin fabric in different shades of rose. Diamonds had been sewn into the dress at random, making it glitter here and there, with every move she made.

Her long, ebony hair fell over her shoulders, and it was the perfect compliment to her milky-white skin, along with the soft blush of her outfit.

She looked utterly captivating, with just the perfect amount of mystery and glamour hanging about her.

Cheng Yan, on the other hand, was wearing a bespoke tuxedo that showed off his height and the broadness of his shoulders. He did nothing more than walk into the room, yet he was easily on par with the hottest male celebrities in the country.

What a striking couple, indeed!

Qin Jing happened to enter through another door at that moment, just as a cheerful new song began to play. She had gathered her skirts in both hands as she slowly stepped forward. A tiara sat on top of her head, and she had a bright smile on her face. She looked just like a princess making her entrance at the ball.

Her eyes immediately went to Yao Tangacross the hall.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the birthday girl made a beeline for her best friend as the other guests watched.

Yao Ran stood in a far corner and glared at the scene unfolding before her. Her eyes were burning with jealousy.

She hated the fact that Yao Tanghad managed to command everyone’s attention without much effort.

Most of all, Yao Randespised how attachedQin Jingwas to that wench! With her single-minded actions, she had effectively heightened the guests’ interest inYao Tangeven more.