Chapter 119: Stealing the Spotlight

Shen Tingting’s face flushed bright red, filled with excitement. Today’s gown alone had cost over a hundred thousand yuan—ordinary clothes worth just a few yuan could never compare! As for that girl Shen Chutang, she was still dressed casually, looking like a country bumpkin stepping into a grand manor—a laughable sight, utterly unworthy to be her rival!

Just then, a man slowly emerged from the darkness. In an instant, the noisy crowd fell abruptly silent—it was the Young Master arriving!

This man was called the Young Master literally because of who he was. His family’s wealth rivaled that of a nation, and at a young age, he already commanded his own business empire, ruthless and decisive, swift and commanding. Yet he was remarkably low-key, rarely showing himself in public, and had no known romantic entanglements. No matter how fierce he was, to be a woman in his life was the highest honor.

Many present kept their distance, treating the Young Master with wary respect, while others dreamed of the impossible—like a sparrow becoming a phoenix.

Shen Tingting had been worried the Young Master might be as terrifying in appearance as rumors suggested, but when he appeared before her, she was instantly captivated. The man was tall and imposing, exuding a silent power that demanded respect. A lion-shaped brooch adorned his chest. Though his face was masked and his features hidden, his perfect figure made his looks irrelevant.

The music began, signaling the start of the ball. Everyone awaited the Young Master to lead the first dance.

But his gaze never swept over them. Shen Tingting grew restless—if someone else seized the chance first, it would be a disaster!

Liu Shuhua leaned in and whispered to Shen Tingting, “Why are you still standing there? Go up and take the initiative! You must win him over!”

Shen Tingting nodded and coquettishly approached the Young Master. “Hello, may I have this dance?”

When a lady makes the first move, a mature and refined gentleman usually obliges, granting the courtesy of this one dance.

Several other women nearby cursed their hesitation—they should never have waited; now they’d been beaten to it!

---

The man lowered his eyes, looking down at her with a commanding gaze. “I’m allergic to cheap perfume.”

Shen Tingting froze, stunned in place.

The women who had just been regretting their hesitation now smiled knowingly. To think they could snag the Young Master—what a fantasy!

As these women grew restless, a commotion arose beside them.

Everyone turned towards the source and saw two people approaching.

One woman carried an ethereal aura. Though her face was veiled, her delicate chin revealed she was a natural beauty, stunning the crowd upon arrival.

Strangely, no one recognized her from earlier greetings in the courtyard. No one knew which family’s daughter she was.

Many men stirred with interest. Shi Hanchan quickly made a gesture to Lu Beiqin.

Soon, Shen Chutang noticed the Young Master walking in their direction.

The man extended his hand toward her. “May I have this dance?”

Shen Chutang declined politely. “Sorry, I’m already married...”

She had no intention of dancing, just planning to state her marital status. But Shi Hanchan grabbed her hand and placed it in the man’s palm. “She says yes!”

Shen Chutang was surprised. “Hanchan?”

Shi Hanchan winked at her. “Cheer up, Sister Chutang!”

Before Shen Chutang could respond, the man took her hand, wrapped his other arm around her slender waist, and led her onto the dance floor.

Lu Beiqin’s gaze was deep and intense as he looked at Shen Chutang, and she looked up at him. “Have we met somewhere before?”

---

The man chuckled softly. “I thought you’d have a smoother way to approach me.”

Shen Chutang studied him for a moment, then her face lit up. “Five million?”

Lu Beiqin was speechless.

He hadn’t expected her to recognize his face from the black market back then. Perhaps because it was masked, it was even easier to be identified.

Shen Chutang hadn’t realized the Five Million was the Young Master. No wonder he had given her the precious Lotus Secret Fruit without hesitation—he clearly didn’t care about that money.

Lu Beiqin carefully controlled his tone, hoping Shen Chutang wouldn’t notice. “You used the Lotus Secret Fruit?”

Shen Chutang’s resistance to him lessened somewhat. “Thanks for your generosity. If it weren’t for that one herb, the whole process afterward wouldn’t have worked!”

The man spoke again. “You still owe me a favor.”

Shen Chutang nodded. “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.”

“I thought you deliberately avoided contacting me, trying not to repay the favor.”

Before, Shen Chutang had only found him strange and hadn’t thought to reach out. But now, knowing his status, she certainly wouldn’t keep his number tucked away.

It might come in handy someday.

Shen Chutang smiled slyly, like a clever fox. “I was worried you were busy with countless affairs and didn’t want to disturb you. Rest assured, I always keep my word!”

The Young Master curled his lips into a slight smile, leaned in, and whispered close to her ear, “Then let’s settle that favor tonight.”