Chapter Sixty-Two: Gathering

Previously, Mu Tingye had wanted to refuse, but now he could accept it. Such a good thing—if not kept for himself, should he leave it to some other scoundrel?
“Alright.” His tone was cheerful, his lips curving into an irrepressible smile.
“By the way, Uncle Tingye, since we haven’t seen each other all summer, everyone wants to get together, so in a few days I’ll be joining my class’s gathering.”
A well-fed man is especially agreeable; without even thinking, he nodded and said, “Alright.”
So easy to persuade...
****
As the city lights began to glow, the bustling metropolis, after a day of clamor, revealed itself in another dazzling guise. Against the backdrop of night, it became ever more enchanting, captivating all who beheld it.
Tianchi KTV was a renowned high-end club, offering every indulgence imaginable. The atmosphere was refined and tranquil. The moment she entered, the girl was greeted by a delicate fragrance, cool and rich, enveloping her senses with a lush, pleasant aroma. The décor was truly astonishing, every detail revealing thoughtful design—high-end yet vibrant, a feast for the eyes. The girl nodded to herself in quiet approval.
She stepped into the private room; everyone had already arrived.
“Sorry I’m late.”
All eyes turned to the doorway. The girl standing there wore a long-sleeved, pure white dress, the cinched waist subtly accentuating her figure, the fabric exuding quality and elegance. Lotus-edged hems lent a gentle, playful touch, and with her adorable bun hairstyle, every gesture and smile was utterly captivating, her very presence radiating charm and drawing all eyes to her.
No wonder she was famed as the campus beauty; the moment she appeared, she became the focus of the entire room.
Having not seen her all summer, everyone was eager to steal a few more glances now that they finally had the chance.
Lin Yuexin was basking in her own pride, having dressed herself with great care. Surveying the room, she thought no one could rival her, not even Yu Qian, who could only stand aside. But at the sound of that sweet, familiar voice, Lin Yuexin’s smile froze. She turned to look and saw the girl, dressed like a runaway princess, her expression gentle and kind. Jealousy and resentment welled up in Lin Yuexin’s gaze.
She envied Jiujiu’s flawless, porcelain-white skin, while her own, darkened by years of part-time work, was the color of wheat and marred with small blemishes.
Though she tried to edge into high society, she couldn’t compare to Wei Jiujiu. No matter that Jiujiu had been taken in by the Mu family—growing up in such a household, one couldn’t help but acquire a touch of elegance and poise.
“Jiujiu, you’re finally here! Come, I saved you a seat.”
Seeing her best friend, Yu Qian waved excitedly, then hurried over, taking her hand and leading her to the seats.
The girl, being dragged along, shook her head helplessly. After a summer apart, Qianqian was still the same as ever.
On approach, she saw Lin Yuexin’s stiff smile. Looking down, she noticed the other girl wore a beige blouse with a blue miniskirt, her makeup fresh and youthful—adorable and quiet, without a hint of her family background.
“Xin Xin, long time no see.” The girl’s smile could light up the world, making everything else fade into the background—she alone shone, catching everyone’s gaze.

“Mm, long time no see.” Lin Yuexin forced herself to hide the bitterness in her voice and returned a gentle smile.
Yu Qian, feeling sorry that her friend had to immediately play along with Lin Yuexin’s act, pressed her into a seat. “Alright, enough chatting. Sit down, let’s get ready to eat.”
“Yes, have a seat,” everyone echoed, nodding enthusiastically. “I’ll get the waiter to bring some snacks.”
In the presence of a beauty, everyone was eager and welcoming.
A soft blush colored the girl’s porcelain cheeks. Embarrassed, she stood and thanked them, “Thank you, everyone. Please, let’s all sit together.”
There was nothing aggressive about her charm—she was all gentle sweetness, soft enough to melt the hardest heart.
Everyone’s attention turned to her, each secretly sighing. Not only was Jiujiu beautiful, her temperament was wonderful. Who knew whose arms she’d finally fall into?
Lin Yuexin, sitting nearby, couldn’t help but notice the appreciation in everyone’s eyes. Dissatisfaction, jealousy, and envy flashed across her face. They’re not so different, so why did everyone only notice her?
Yu Qian inadvertently caught Lin Yuexin’s fierce glare and deliberately asked in a loud voice, “Xin Xin, what’s wrong?”
Her voice was startling, and hearing Lin Yuexin’s name, everyone looked her way. The sharp-eyed among them didn’t miss the jealousy burning in her gaze and shook their heads in disappointment—still the same, too envious for anyone to like her.
Lin Yuexin quickly masked her discomfort with a smile. “I’m fine, everyone, let’s sit down.”
Since she said so, no one pressed the issue. After all, they were classmates.
Fortunately, a few lively classmates soon livened up the atmosphere, and the room filled with laughter and stories of summer days at home. If one ignored the jealousy in Lin Yuexin’s eyes, everything was perfect.
Colorful lights shimmered over the partygoers, casting an enigmatic glow. Drinks of all hues crowded the tables, inviting people to lose themselves in their allure.
Fearing Mu Tingye’s displeasure, the girl drank only two glasses, but even so, she was slightly tipsy, a blush blooming on her cheeks and her eyes growing hazy. She stood to speak to Yu Qian. “Qianqian, I’m going to the restroom.”
Yu Qian, uneasy about her going alone, said immediately, “Jiujiu, let me go with you.”
The girl smiled and shook her head, gesturing toward Lin Yuexin, who was trying desperately to join the conversation. “Keep an eye on her. I’m a bit worried.”
Yu Qian understood—she needed to keep watch over Lin Yuexin; after all, a mad dog might do anything.
Seeing their continued tacit understanding, the girl’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Don’t worry about me. Tianchi is very safe.” With that, she left.
In the restroom.
Just as the girl was about to leave the stall, she heard voices outside.

“Has the drug been added?”
A second voice replied, “Yes, you can trust me.”
“Go to room 888 now and pour this bottle of red wine for him.”
“Him? What does he look like, where is he sitting?”
“On the far right of the center sofa.”
“Alright, leave it to me.”
...
The girl inside the stall dared not move, terrified of being discovered. She hadn’t expected to overhear such a shocking plot in the restroom—someone was actually trying to drug another person. It was simply unimaginable.
[Do you know who they’re targeting?] the system suddenly spoke, piquing the girl’s interest.
[Who?]
[Mo Ziyan.]
Him? Since that farewell at the orphanage, she hadn’t seen or heard anything about him. To think they would cross paths again by chance.
The system added, [He’s now become the master of Xi Cang Sect, controlling all the underworld forces—almost no one dares cross him.]
[Then why would anyone try to harm him?]
[These people are old members of the sect. They resent that someone so young has become the master. Besides, Mo Ziyan knows tonight is a trap—he’s fully prepared. So, do you want to make his acquaintance?]
[Absolutely! System, just keep me safe.]
[Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.]