Chapter 121: The voice was too grating, it offended her ears.

"He doesn't like to be in the spotlight. If the opportunity arises, I will go."

Being able to stand by the Prince's side meant the person was likely someone of significance, and the fact that the Prince had tacitly allowed such a gesture made it even more telling. The man beside Bai Yajing nodded repeatedly. "You are naturally welcome!"

Bai Yajing felt a surge of reluctance; the hard-won opportunity to get close to the Prince had just slipped away.

"Prince, if you ever have the time, we would always welcome you."

Listening to Bai Yajing’s voice, which was practically dripping with sycophancy as she fluttered her lashes, Shen Chutang felt goosebumps rising all over her skin. She leaned into the Prince’s embrace and covered her ears. "I feel uncomfortable."

The next second, the Prince spoke to Bai Yajing in a cold, sharp tone. "Are you finished?"

Bai Yajing was bewildered. "Huh?"

"Your voice is too grating. It’s offending her ears."

Bai Yajing’s expression stiffened instantly, a forced, awkward smile plastered on her face. "Prince, you really know how to joke."

Shen Chutang cast a sidelong glance at her. "Are we on the kind of terms where we can joke with you?"

Bai Yajing’s face grew even more mortified.

Shen Chutang continued, "Back when you were with Jiang Han, I didn't say anything. What's the matter? Old habits die hard, don't they?"

Upon hearing the name Jiang Han, Bai Yajing turned pale, staring at the woman before her in utter disbelief. She couldn't possibly believe that this woman was Shen Chutang!

How could this be? The useless eldest daughter of the Shen family, whom everyone looked down upon, was now standing here looking so radiant and elegant—it was the very person she had once deemed beneath her notice!

The man accompanying Bai Yajing also looked displeased. The implication in that remark was clear; he felt as though he had been humiliated, but with the Prince present, he couldn't afford to cause a scene. He walked away with a dark expression.

Bai Yajing finally snapped back to reality and hurriedly chased after him.

Once they were gone, Shen Chutang stood up straight, pulling away from the Prince’s embrace. He silently withdrew his arm.

"Thanks." Shen Chutang smiled. "Seeing her face was refreshing."

He had originally thought the little one would use her status to exact some form of retaliation, but she hadn't. She had merely given a small warning and, in the process, helped him get rid of a woman who had been trying to get too close.

Many people approached the Prince to exchange pleasantries, and Shen Chutang took the opportunity to step aside and rest.

Shi Hanhan followed her, smiling. "Sister Chutang, isn't the Prince dashing?"

Shen Chutang picked up a glass of wine. "I can't even see his face, so how would I know what he looks like?"

Shi Hanhan chuckled. "But I've seen him; he’s super handsome!"

Shen Chutang nodded. "Oh."

Shi Hanhan couldn't help but feel anxious for Lu Beiqin; it was clear that Shen Chutang hadn't taken a liking to him at all.

However, Shen Chutang noticed that everyone seemed to be paying her extra attention. That made sense; having just danced with the Prince and now mingling with the eldest daughter of the Shi family, everyone was curious about her background.

Shi Hanhan said, "Sister Chutang, wait for me here. I'm going to grab some food."

"Alright."

Not far away, Shen Tingting was still feeling resentful and wanted to see the Prince, but Liu Shuhua said, "There's likely no chance with the Prince."

"Mom, why are you dampening our spirits and boosting theirs?"

"Isn't that woman right there? You can try to get close to her—an indirect approach to achieve your goal!"

Shen Tingting’s eyes lit up. "Mom, you mean..."

"Look at her style, the perfume she wears. Mimic her every move. If you can become good friends with her, will you ever fear lacking the chance to encounter the Prince again? No matter how beautiful a woman is, there comes a day when one grows tired of her. When a fresh face appears—one who carries the aura the Prince likes—don't you think you could catch his eye?"

Shen Tingting nodded repeatedly; Liu Shuhua was right. Although the Prince had rejected her, she couldn't just resign herself to fate!

While Shen Xuejun was busy socializing, Shen Tingting immediately took Liu Shuhua’s hand and walked toward where Shen Chutang was standing.

"Miss, I saw you dancing with the Prince earlier. It was truly magnificent. My daughter was so moved by it that she wants to become your student."

Shen Chutang raised her eyes to look at Liu Shuhua and Shen Tingting, a mocking curl at the corner of her lips. "Become my student?"

Shen Tingting chimed in immediately, "Yes, I really love the dance you performed, and your outfit is simply stunning. It’s something most people couldn't even dream of pulling off!"

Liu Shuhua added with a sycophantic smile, "Exactly! This young lady must be a gem among men; this attire only highlights her extraordinary temperament."

Listening to the mother and daughter’s flattery, Shen Chutang found it somewhat laughable. Usually, they would either label her as a fool or a bumpkin, yet now that she was wearing a mask, they were calling her a gem among men. It was truly ridiculous.

Shen Chutang calmly took a sip of red wine and intentionally lowered her voice. "Is that so? I suppose I could consider it."