Chapter 21: Stunning the Audience

Tianxi Hotel.

Chi Zhen'er felt a sense of vengeful satisfaction after her time with Chen Yao. Once she finished showering, she changed into a nude-colored, off-the-shoulder gown. The hem of the dress trailed elegantly along the floor, creating a stunning silhouette. Chen Yao personally fastened a diamond necklace around her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Zhen'er, you are truly beautiful."

Chi Zhen'er leaned into his embrace, a flush still lingering on her cheeks. "How do I compare to Chi Mu? Who is more beautiful?"

"You are naturally the more beautiful one. She is such a sight now that even a beggar wouldn't want her!"

"But you are still her fiancé."

Chi Zhen'er pouted coquettishly and turned to hold Chen Yao. "Brother Yao, when will you break off the engagement with her? I don't mind, but I'm afraid that if we are discovered, you'll be branded as a cheating scoundrel."

"Zhen'er, the Chen family is a prominent and respected name in Haishi. If I break off the engagement now, after everything she has been through, it would make me look heartless and unprincipled. The Chen family wouldn't be able to save face."

"But I'm only thinking of you. If this drags on, what if she clings to you forever?"

Chen Yao felt a chill run down his spine at the thought of spending his life with Chi Mu’s disfigured face. He panicked. "What do you suggest I do?"

"If we could let everyone see her face at the recognition banquet, then even if you break off the engagement, people would understand. After all, no man would dare marry such a woman, and no wealthy family would accept such a daughter-in-law."

As Chen Yao wavered, Chi Zhen'er produced a packet of powder and coaxed him, "This is a medicine that makes the skin itch. If you put it in a drink for Chi Mu, she will be forced to remove her mask herself. It will have nothing to do with you."

Under Chi Zhen'er’s persuasion, Chen Yao accepted the powder. Little did he know, this powder would not cause itching. It was an aphrodisiac.

...

The Chi family announced that the Ji family, the wealthiest in Haishi, would attend the recognition banquet. Consequently, the event was crowded with dignitaries eager to make an impression on the Ji family.

Chi Lifeng, mindful of the guests' privacy, directed the livestream cameras only toward the stage. Once Chi Mu arrived and the family appeared together to perform a display of fatherly love and filial piety, the rumors of domestic abuse would be debunked.

Yun Sufan was busy hosting the wives of the elite. Chi Zhen'er was surrounded by a group of socialites, basking in their compliments.

"Zhen'er, you look so beautiful today."

"Your dress is gorgeous. I heard it was custom-made for you by Lewin, the final disciple of the world-renowned designer Blake. I’m so envious! I’ve tried to book him for ages but never succeeded."

"Since even the Ji family is attending your recognition banquet, it’s no wonder you could get Lewin to design a gown for you."

"I heard the young master Ji, Ji Yuanjing, is coming. He is the CEO of the Ji Group and the future head of the family. Zhen'er, how did you manage to invite him?"

"Is he pursuing you?"

Chi Zhen'er lifted her chin, a mix of pride and shyness in her expression as she hinted, "I don't know what he is thinking."

"It must be! If he isn't pursuing you, why else would he come here to chase your sister?"

"Hahaha, that's hilarious! That adopted daughter was spouting nonsense on camera and ruining the Chi family’s reputation. Does she even have the nerve to show her face at your banquet today?"

"The real daughter has returned, and the adopted one is jealous. Zhen'er, you are so innocent; you must be careful of her!"

Chi Zhen'er felt a surge of secret joy, though she feigned innocence. "My sister already knows she was wrong. Please don't speak about her like that."

Just then, a spotlight shone toward the main entrance. Ji Yuanjing walked in, one hand in his pocket, moving with effortless grace. Dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit, he possessed an air of noble, extraordinary refinement that drew countless gazes.

By his side stood a young woman. Against the light, her golden gown shimmered as she moved, accentuating her graceful figure. With every step, she exuded a captivating charm. Above her gown, her neck was fair and slender. A gilded mask, delicate as feathers, obscured her features, revealing only a pair of lively fox-like eyes—mysterious and regal.

She looked like a star in the night sky, shining brilliantly. Her radiance was so dazzling that even the favored Ji Yuanjing seemed like a mere accompaniment. The socialites around Chi Zhen'er were stunned into silence.

"Wow, Young Master Ji is so handsome!"

"Who is the woman with him? Her temperament is unparalleled!"

"Could it be his girlfriend? She won't even show her face—how romantic!"

"The gown she’s wearing is designed by Blake! Do you see the Vermillion Bird totem at her waist? That is Blake's unique signature; everything he designs has one!"

"That’s so cool! So is she really his girlfriend?"

"But isn't the young master pursuing Zhen'er?"

Finally, the crowd turned their eyes back to Chi Zhen'er. She offered a strained smile. "She is not the young master's girlfriend. Since the young master has arrived, I will go and greet him."

Only she knew that the woman was Chi Mu. *How did she manage to get Ji Yuanjing to have Blake design an evening gown for her?* How dare she constantly try to outshine her!

Chi Zhen'er suppressed her anger and walked toward Ji Yuanjing. He was speaking with Chi Mu when acquaintances approached to offer toasts. As he socialized, more people gathered around him, surrounding him like stars around the moon. Chi Mu quietly retreated to the edge of the crowd, while Chi Zhen'er couldn't even get close. She watched from afar, already imagining the mockery of the socialites.

Chen Yao approached with a glass of champagne. Seeing Chi Mu in her magnificent attire, a flicker of awe crossed his eyes. If she weren't disfigured, he would still be willing to marry her. She was beautiful and obedient; she would have made a very virtuous wife.

Chen Yao sighed inwardly. He took a glass of coconut fruit wine from a passing waiter's tray and handed it to Chi Mu. "Mumu, you haven't been back to the Chi house for a month. Have you been busy preparing your graduation project for me?"

Chi Mu took the glass and swirled it lightly. "If that’s what you want to believe, then so be it."

"I knew you still had me in your heart!"

Chen Yao was delighted. His eyes darted to the glass in her hand. "I know you like coconut fruit wine. Try it—I picked it out specifically for you."

"Are you sure you want me to drink it?"

"Yes!"

Chi Mu looked at him deeply, then parted her red lips and took a sip of the wine.

Not far away, Chi Zhen'er saw Chi Mu drink the wine and smiled smugly. She took a glass of the same coconut fruit wine from a waiter's tray. "If you like something, I should naturally have a taste of it too." She raised the glass and drank it in one gulp.

On stage, the Chi Corporation began its official livestream. In an instant, the number of viewers surged, exceeding ten thousand. Chi Lifeng and his wife stepped up. "Thank you all for attending my daughter's recognition banquet. Zhen'er suffered a great deal after she was lost, and we are fortunate that she returned to us several months ago. I hope you will all witness this moment of our family's reunion!"

With that, he gestured toward the floor. "Zhen'er, Mumu, come up here and say a few words to everyone."

Chi Zhen'er walked to Chi Mu's side and affectionately took her hand. "Sister, let's go up together."

At that moment, the socialites gasped in shock. This woman, who had captivated the entire venue, was actually the adopted daughter?!