The situation was now extremely awkward. Xia Qingtian and Li Mengxiao wanted to leave, while Yu Linwan and Cheng Feiran were trying to enter.
Although Xia Qingtian and Li Mengxiao deliberately stepped aside to let the two seniors pass, the latter pair showed no intention of either yielding or walking straight in.
Both sides were now deadlocked in place.
Li Mengxiao immediately tugged at Xia Qingtian’s sleeve—they could just take the side exit instead.
They were in a foreign country; it was better not to stir up trouble.
Xia Qingtian patted Li Mengxiao’s arm reassuringly, signaling that there was no need to worry.
The gazes Yu Linwan and Cheng Feiran cast upon Xia Qingtian were dripping with arrogance and disdain.
Just as Xia Qingtian was about to ask them what their problem was, a white-haired gentleman in a tailored suit and bow tie walked in. His eyes swept over Xia Qingtian and the others before he stepped forward and introduced himself.
"Good evening. I am Werner Norman, the butler of Château Camille," the elderly steward said in somewhat halting Z-language. "I am here to escort our honored guest to Château Camille."
"But the banquet isn’t until tomorrow, is it?" Xia Qingtian asked in surprise.
That was what Wen Ning had told her—Mr. Gu would arrive in Paris tomorrow, and the stylists would come then to prepare her. All she had to do was accompany Mr. Gu to Château Camille at the appointed time.
"Such a clueless little rookie," Cheng Feiran sneered, clearly no stranger to this kind of VIP treatment. Yu Linwan also wore an expression of utter entitlement.
The two had enjoyed such privileges back in their home country, but they never expected that even Madame Camille, the fashion doyenne, would hold Wanqing Entertainment in such high regard here in Paris.
Did this mean the K&S endorsement was practically in the bag?
Wanqing Entertainment had suffered repeated setbacks in the domestic entertainment industry lately. They desperately needed a high-profile comeback to prove their worth.
This time, Yu Linwan had pulled countless strings just to secure an invitation to Madame Camille’s banquet. She’d even personally brought Cheng Feiran, Wanqing’s top star, to compete for K&S’s global ambassadorship.
Even if they didn’t succeed, simply getting face time with Madame Camille would be an opportunity in itself!
Artists were like that—you never knew when inspiration might strike, and a casual stroke could birth the next fashion legend. Especially someone like Madame Camille.
Moreover, the banquet would be attended by fashion industry heavyweights. If they played their cards right, Wanqing’s attractive, charismatic talents might land more collaborations.
Yu Linwan was determined to make Wanqing Entertainment thrive, determined to surpass Gu Entertainment!
While Yu Linwan’s mind raced with schemes, Cheng Feiran seized this chance to humiliate Xia Qingtian.
"People aren’t created equal," Cheng Feiran said loftily. "Just trending on social media a few times doesn’t make you a star."
"Those who’ve truly made it in this industry enjoy resources and treatment far beyond what a nobody like you could ever imagine."
"You’d do well to stay humble from now on." With an affected flip of her hair, she added, "Don’t think having a backer makes you untouchable. Wen Ning isn’t here to protect you. Here... you’re nothing."
"We’re ready," Cheng Feiran then told Werner Norman. "We can leave now."
"Very well." Werner nodded but still double-checked: "May I ask which of you is Ms. Xia Qingtian?"
The question left everyone stunned—especially Cheng Feiran and Yu Linwan, who couldn’t believe their ears.
What? He was here for Xia Qingtian?
Her? As if she deserved it!
"That would be me," Xia Qingtian answered, blinking.
"Ms. Xia, Madame Camille has sent me to escort you to Château Camille this evening. Dinner and your suite have been prepared. Please come with me." Werner gave a gentlemanly bow.
"May I contact my company first?" Xia Qingtian asked cautiously. "I’m supposed to wait here for Mr. Gu."
"It was Mr. Gu who contacted Madame Camille," Werner replied respectfully.
"What?!"
Before Xia Qingtian could respond, Yu Linwan exploded: "You’re saying... Yaoyang personally asked Madame Camille to send for Xia Qingtian?!"
Since when had Gu Yaoyang ever cared so much about a woman?
Even during their past relationship, he’d never gone to such lengths for her!
Xia Qingtian’s lips twitched at the undisguised jealousy in Yu Linwan’s voice.
Did this Wanqing CEO even remember she was a married woman?
Ignoring Yu Linwan’s dramatics, Xia Qingtian contacted Wen Ning before smiling politely at Werner. "I’ve confirmed with my company. I can leave with you now, but I have some luggage in my hotel room."
"Not to worry. We will have it packed and delivered to Château Camille," Werner assured her.
"This is my good friend. May she accompany us?" Xia Qingtian pulled over Li Mengxiao, who was still dazedly absorbing the scene.
"Of course." Werner nodded before glancing at Yu Linwan and Cheng Feiran. "And these two..."
"We’re not acquainted. We just happen to share the same nationality," Xia Qingtian said breezily. She wasn’t feeling charitable.
Cheng Feiran had repeatedly provoked her, and Yu Linwan—a married woman—openly coveted her boss. Xia Qingtian wanted no part of that mess.
As she passed them, she tilted her head and smiled. "Having connections is wonderful, isn’t it?"
Cheng Feiran’s face darkened completely, her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She bitterly regretted not slapping Xia Qingtian earlier.
Now that Xia Qingtian was Madame Camille’s honored guest, any rash action might cost Wanqing its banquet invitation.
Yu Linwan clearly realized this too. She could only glare daggers at Xia Qingtian as the latter stepped into the waiting limousine.
Only once the car was moving did Li Mengxiao snap out of her daze. Clutching Xia Qingtian’s arm excitedly, she whispered, "Qingtian, this feels like a dream! Oh my god!"
"Look at you, so easily impressed," Xia Qingtian teased, though she knew her meager connection to Mr. Gu didn’t warrant him going out of his way like this.
If it were Mobius’s doing... that might make sense.
But how could Mobius possibly have that kind of influence with Madame Camille?
After some thought, she concluded it must be the tenfold luck at work.
**System:** *Heh. Whatever makes you happy.*