Chapter 6: The Charity Banquet

Tonight’s charity banquet was the annual global private gala, with numerous media waiting outside the entrance. The press could only capture photos of guests entering and leaving the hall; no images from inside would ever be leaked.

The car turned into the underground parking lot. Bodyguards opened both doors, and the occupants slowly stepped out. Flashbulbs popped incessantly as professional event photographers snapped pictures, while a hostess approached to greet them.

Ning Lu gazed upon the resplendent private residence, grand and palace-like, and felt a subtle thrill stir within her heart. She had only ever seen such homes on television before and never dreamed she would one day walk through these very doors herself.

“Achoo!” The evening breeze was slightly chilly, and Ning Lu sneezed.

Lu Yanfeng took off his coat and draped it over Ning Lu’s shoulders, a wave of warmth enveloping her.

“No need—” Ning Lu began to refuse, but Lu Yanfeng pressed a hand gently on her shoulder.

“It’s a bit cold tonight.” Just as he spoke, someone called out behind him.

“Old Lu!” Ning Lu turned toward the voice and saw a man about Lu Yanfeng’s age approaching.

The man carried a glass of red wine in his left hand and offered a glass of champagne to Lu Yanfeng with his right.

“Old Chen!” Lu Yanfeng’s lips curved into a natural smile upon seeing his old friend.

“Hey, I was wondering why you showed up so late! Turns out you’re more interested in women than friends!” Chen Bing’an’s eyes scanned Ning Lu up and down, his tone laced with teasing.

Chen Bing’an had been Lu Yanfeng’s close friend since middle school; they had kept in touch daily ever since.

“That’s not true. There was some traffic on the way,” Lu Yanfeng shook his head.

“I just saw you put your coat on her. I’ve known you for years and never seen you this gentle,” Chen Bing’an pressed further, a deeper smile playing on his face as he met Lu Yanfeng’s gaze.

“Don’t spout nonsense,” Lu Yanfeng shot him a warning glance.

Listening to Chen Bing’an’s teasing, Ning Lu felt an inexplicable embarrassment, acutely aware of the look cast her way. Those overly intense glances seemed to imply she was frivolous, with a hint of contempt in their tone.

Ning Lu knew she was out of place here. Walking beside Lu Yanfeng only invited more gossip.

“Still defending her? Figures—an old bull prefers tender grass!” Chen Bing’an quipped, prompting Lu Yanfeng to pat his chest with a warning look.

Seeing Ning Lu too shy to lift her head, Lu Yanfeng thought no young woman could withstand such middle-aged jests.

“Let’s go inside,” Lu Yanfeng said, turning to Ning Lu.

“Okay.” Ning Lu kept her gaze lowered, staring at her expensive heels.

She comforted herself, believing that avoiding eye contact would spare her from others’ disdain.

They passed through the corridor into the banquet hall, where many greeted Lu Yanfeng warmly.

Guests were curious about the woman at his side; rarely did he bring a companion, especially since his beloved’s passing.

Tonight was a rare occasion, and the whispers among the guests grew louder and louder.

Ning Lu tightened her grip on her handbag, overhearing others accuse her of gold-digging and remarking that she looked underage.

“You won’t stop people from gaping unless you lift your head,” Lu Yanfeng whispered in her ear with a smile as he greeted others.

He saw right through Ning Lu’s little insecurities; the girl was simply shy.

“Hm?” Ning Lu looked up into Lu Yanfeng’s eyes, a flicker of confusion in hers.

People around turned to look, keeping some distance but unable to divert their gaze.

Her features were strikingly beautiful, her skin fair and flushed, and especially those captivating eyes.

“Oh my! She’s actually so beautiful?”

“I thought she was too ugly to dare look up…”

“Who is this woman? I’ve never seen Old Lu bring anyone before.”

“Doesn’t she somewhat resemble so-and-so?”

The murmurs swelled.

Ning Lu’s mind swirled with questions, unable to understand their surprise.

Their reactions were a mix of excitement and curiosity, but Lu Yanfeng himself remained calm.

Knowing the whispers, he simply ignored them and continued chatting amiably.

“This lady is?” someone finally asked, unable to hold back.

Everyone nearby glanced over, their eyes filled with admiration for the questioner.

Who dared ask such a question before Lu Yanfeng unless they were courting trouble?

“Ning Lu is the companion I personally invited,” Lu Yanfeng replied ambiguously, signaling that she was his guest while hinting at a notable status.

“Miss Ning is very lovely,” the man complimented. “If you ever have the chance, you should try out at my film company.”

“Thank you…” Ning Lu began to respond but was cut off by Lu Yanfeng.

“That chaotic place of yours isn’t suitable. Don’t taint Ning Lu,” Lu Yanfeng said disdainfully.

The man laughed heartily.

Eyes all around fixed on Ning Lu, stunned by Lu Yanfeng’s protective attitude—something never seen since the passing of his beloved.

For the first time, Ning Lu saw someone openly stand up for her, and a warmth blossomed in her chest.

When she was bullied before, no one ever spoke up for her; she always wished someone would defend her.

That day had finally come, and Ning Lu felt a bit overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

“Alright, I won’t corrupt the little lady then,” the man agreed with Lu Yanfeng’s words.

Just as Lu Yanfeng was about to say something, a bodyguard approached and whispered in his ear.

Lu Yanfeng turned to Ning Lu, gently patting her hand.

“Go get something to eat. I have some matters to attend to,” he instructed quietly.

“Okay.” Ning Lu nodded obediently.

Lu Yanfeng left with the bodyguard. As one of the evening’s main figures, once he departed, the crowd slowly began to disperse.

Ning Lu observed the stark reality of the world around her calmly, long accustomed to being judged and dismissed.

Without Lu Yanfeng, she was nothing here.

She walked slowly to the terrace, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. A shadow fell over her.

As she turned, she met a pair of deep, piercing eyes and startled.

“You!” Ning Lu instinctively stepped back, her back pressing against the railing.

“So?” Lu Hongyu raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile curling his lips.

Ning Lu glanced nervously around, fearing another incident like last time when she was photographed.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered, biting her lip as a warning.

Seeing the panic on her face, Lu Hongyu’s playful nature surged.

“I’m not just going to appear here…” he said, his hand sliding beneath her skirt. “I’m going to enter here.”

Ignoring her protests, Lu Hongyu flipped her around and pinned her against the railing with swift, decisive movements.

Ning Lu bit down hard on her lip, terrified that even a single sound might give them away.