The makeup artist, being quite gossipy, couldn't help but ask, "Miss, do you have a boyfriend?"
"Yes," Su Hua responded.
Jiang Qing, standing beside her, rolled her eyes. Su Hua had always been taciturn, but when it came to matters involving Lin Xuan, she always answered every question.
The makeup artist found Su Hua quite approachable and started talking more enthusiastically.
"I can see the happiness in your eyes, Miss. You must have a really good relationship with your boyfriend, right?"
Su Hua: "Yes, it's pretty good."
"Miss, you're so beautiful, your boyfriend must be very outstanding. Is he exceptionally handsome?"
"He is very handsome and very talented," Su Hua smiled, her mind filled with the thought of her beloved, Xuan, who she believed to be the most wonderful person in the world.
After the makeup was done, the staff led Su Hua to a row of dresses. "Miss, these are the evening gowns I've selected for you. Please take a look and let me know which one you like."
Su Hua examined each dress carefully.
Finally, her gaze settled on a white gown. White went best with black.
"I'll take this one," Su Hua decided.
After changing into the evening gown, Su Hua headed to the Royal Hotel. Hong Yuanjie drove the car, with Jiang Qing sitting in the front passenger seat.
The parking lot outside the Royal Hotel was filled with luxury vehicles. Inside the banquet hall on the first floor, men in suits and tuxedos, along with women in elegant evening gowns, were engrossed in lively conversations while holding glasses of wine.
Starlight Group currently held a dominant position in the entertainment industry, and no other company could rival them in the gaming sector. The company's future looked incredibly promising.
Lin Li, who was highly cherished by the Lin family, was just celebrating his birthday, yet the family had spent over twenty million yuan to throw this extravagant party for him. This showed how much importance they placed on him.
Lin Li was likely to inherit Starlight Group in the future.
Many company executives were attending this seemingly small birthday party solely to build a good relationship with Starlight Group.
If it weren't for the fact that Lin Li already had an fiancée, these executives would have pushed their daughters to mingle more with him.
Lin Li's future looked very promising.
"I heard Lin Li won first place in the recent computer science competition. Plus, his finance major at Yundu University is also among the top students. My daughter says he's quite the genius," one person commented.
"Mr. Lin, I really admire you for having such a great son. Unlike my son, who just hangs out all day," another middle-aged man with a large belly flattered.
Lin Chang smiled warmly, "Oh, where, where. Your son just has different interests. Unlike my son, who only knows how to study hard."
Lin Chang looked affectionately at Lin Li, who was chatting with his friends while holding a glass of wine.
Thankfully, he had Li as his son, who always made him proud.
"Mr. Lin, where is your eldest son, Lin Xuan? I didn't see him here," the middle-aged man inquired.
Lin Chang's smile froze.
He dreaded any mention of Lin Xuan, who always embarrassed him.
He never wanted to hear that name again!
Lin Li, basking in the praise, smirked with satisfaction.
He thoroughly enjoyed this feeling of being highly praised.
"Happy birthday, Little Li," Lin Qingwan approached with a wrapped box.
"Elder Sister," Lin Li obediently greeted.
"Here, this is my birthday gift for you. Open it and see," Lin Qingwan smiled, handing the gift to Lin Li.
Lin Li opened the box to reveal a luxurious watch.
The watch was worth over ten million yuan.
"Little Li, I noticed you admiring this watch many times, so I decided to buy it for you," Lin Qingwan said lovingly.
She had always doted on this younger brother, almost granting him anything he wanted.
"Thank you, Elder Sister," Lin Li said with deep gratitude.
Seeing Lin Li's reaction, Lin Qingwan couldn't help but think of Lin Xuan. Every time she gave something to Little Li, no matter what it was, he would always accept it with enthusiasm, which gave her a sense of fulfillment.
Lin Xuan, on the other hand, always refused her gifts, making her reluctant to give him anything.
But he was her brother, after all. She had neglected him in the past and now wanted to make up for it.
Lin Li put on the watch with excitement, declaring, "Elder Sister, I love it. You've spent so much."
In truth, Lin Li had intentionally made Lin Qingwan aware of his liking for this watch.
While he could afford the ten million yuan, he wasn't willing to spend it himself, so he had maneuvered to get Lin Qingwan to gift it to him.
"As long as you like it," Lin Qingwan replied with a gentle smile.
"Click-clack."
Qin Ruoyao entered the banquet hall carrying a small bag. She wore a pink evening gown and had carefully applied makeup, but somehow she seemed a bit out of place among the attendees.
The security guard, assuming she was there to find a wealthy suitor, stopped her, "Miss, sorry, but you can't just enter here randomly."
"I have an invitation," Qin Ruoyao said haughtily, handing the invitation card to the guard.
After checking the invitation, the guard respectfully gestured, "Miss, please go inside."
Qin Ruoyao strode into the banquet hall with her high heels clicking on the floor.
Looking around, she was stunned.
Here, among the guests at this seemingly ordinary birthday party, were some of the most influential figures she had only ever seen on television or social media.
This was just a private birthday celebration.
Yet, they had all come.
And their attitudes towards Li were exceptionally friendly.
For the first time, Qin Ruoyao felt what it was like to be part of the upper-class social circle.
"Thump-thump-thump." Her heart raced.
Once she married Li, she would also be able to enjoy all this—even in the upper-class circle, she would be revered by those self-proclaimed socialites and noble ladies.
Qin Ruoyao hadn't forgotten her purpose for coming today.
She wanted to build a good relationship with Li's parents and sisters, making it easier for her to integrate into the Lin family.
Qin Ruoyao had learned about Jiang Shuqin and directly approached her.
"Auntie, hello," Qin Ruoyao said sweetly.
Jiang Shuqin frowned, "Who are you?"
"Auntie, I'm Qin Ruoyao, and I'm friends with Lin Li."
"Oh, friends," Jiang Shuqin's tone grew colder as she subtly observed Qin Ruoyao.
The dress she wore was worth at most a few hundred thousand yuan—maybe her family had some money, but not much. Such a family was far from what she considered worthy.
With just her looks, she thought she could tempt her son? That was a pipe dream.
"Auntie, your skin is incredibly well-maintained. You look like you're only in your thirties," Qin Ruoyao flattered.
"Mmm," Jiang Shuqin's response was dismissive.
"Auntie, what skincare products do you use?" Qin Ruoyao continued, trying to keep the conversation going.
"Enough," Jiang Shuqin said impatiently. "I need to chat with my friends. Please help yourself."
It was clear she was dismissing Qin Ruoyao.
Qin Ruoyao's face stiffened.
Looking around, she realized she didn't know anyone here except Lin Li.
She had no choice but to approach Lin Li.
At that moment, a petite girl ran over and wrapped her arm around Lin Li's, cheerfully calling out, "Lin Li Brother."