Chapter 118: Do Not Reveal My Identity

“Oh dear, I didn’t see anyone ahead.”

Shen Chutang turned around to find the woman behind her already wearing a mask. Shen recognized the outfit—it was the same woman who had spoken rudely to her at the door moments before.

Shi Hanchan hurriedly grabbed a handkerchief to wipe the wine stain, but the red wine had already deeply soaked into Shen Chutang’s clothing, impossible to remove.

The woman looked at Shen Chutang with a triumphant gleam in her eyes. “Sorry about that. How about I compensate you for this outfit? Is a hundred yuan enough? The fabric looks like some street-market bargain anyway. I’ll give you a hundred, and the extra is for your emotional distress.”

Shi Hanchan was furious. “How can you be like this? Can’t you just apologize?”

“Apologize?” The woman regarded Shen Chutang thoughtfully, as if suddenly enlightened. “Oh, I truly apologize for offending the eldest daughter of the Shen family. Did I ruin your plans?”

The woman’s words struck a familiar chord with Shen Chutang. After a moment’s thought, she recalled where she had heard that voice before.

“What’s your name?”

“Bai Yajing.”

Shen Chutang nodded. “So it’s you. You got splashed with water by me in the restroom before, and now you’re out for revenge?”

Bai Yajing’s expression shifted, surprised that Shen Chutang recognized her. Yet she didn’t see any problem with this.

After all, everyone knew Shen Chutang was the least favored daughter of the Shen family—unloved by father and mother alike, with no backing. Even if she knew Jiang Han had once been involved with her, what could she do?

Bai Yajing’s eyes brimmed with disdain. “You flatter me, Miss Shen. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

With that, she tossed down a hundred yuan and left.

Shi Hanchan seethed. “That woman is utterly shameless!”

She immediately called her brother. “Brother, Sister Chutang just had red wine poured on her—her dress is ruined.”

Shi Shaoxun replied, “No worries. Bring her inside. We have spare gowns.”

After hanging up, Shi Shaoxun smiled at Lu Beiqin. “The dress you wanted to prepare finally found its use.”

Lu Beiqin glanced at him. “Remember to keep your mouth shut. Don’t reveal my identity.”

“Don’t worry. Hanchan can keep your secret; I’m no different.”

Shi Hanchan ended the call and took Shen Chutang’s hand. “Sister Chutang, let’s go change.”

Shen Chutang nodded. “Alright.”

She was not someone to silently endure being bullied, nor would she return home in such a disheveled state.

They entered the villa where a room awaited, the servant already prepared.

Shen Chutang quickly showered, washing away the scent of wine, then changed into the gown provided.

It was a shimmering halter-neck fishtail dress, tailored with a cinched waist that accentuated her exquisite curves, her slender waist no wider than a hand’s grasp.

Her fair skin complemented the halter design, revealing a delicate collarbone and a graceful, swan-like neck, lending her an ethereal, otherworldly beauty. The back was cut out, exposing her slender, pale spine.

When she emerged, Shi Hanchan’s mouth dropped open in astonishment. “Sister Chutang, you’re absolutely stunning!”

Before, Shen Chutang had only been seen in casual clothes. Shi Hanchan never imagined this dress would suit her so perfectly, radiating such elegance.

Shen Chutang seldom wore formal dresses, preferring comfort above all.

She casually swept her long hair up, a few loose strands lending her a fragile, dreamlike aura.

The attentive servant had thoughtfully prepared earrings, makeup, and shoes for her to choose from.

Shen Chutang couldn’t help but remark, “Is this how guests are treated here? So considerate.”

They even provided touch-ups for makeup.

Shi Hanchan smiled but kept the truth to herself—that Lu Beiqin had specially arranged all this. “Yes, the owner here is a kind person who treats guests very well.”

Her casual shoes were obviously unsuitable, so she selected a pair of silvery-gray high heels and a pair of long earrings. “Thank you. You can take these away.”

The servant nodded and was about to leave when Shi Hanchan quickly called out, “Wait!”

She hurriedly handed over a lipstick. “Sister Chutang, try this.”

Outside the door, the banquet had begun, and the much-anticipated masked ball was about to start.

Fortunately, everyone’s faces were half-covered; no one knew who they might be dancing with.

There was a palpable excitement among the guests.

Shen Tingting stared eagerly at the balcony where the prince had just appeared.

She had gone to great lengths to dress up today, hoping to catch the prince’s eye at first glance. Even one dance would elevate her status in high society by several rungs.