"Alright, alright, it's all up to you."
Their affection seemed to be excellent. The woman's words just now were a complaint, and at this moment, Li Jie stepped forward.
"Qiqi, how have you been lately?"
Mu Qi responded politely, "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Li. Everything has been going smoothly."
"Qiqi, who is this with you? Don't tell me you secretly found a boyfriend."
Another man, using humor, finally asked the crucial question. As soon as he spoke, everyone's gaze fell on Li Chonglou.
According to Mu Qi's intention, she should have been the one to explain. But at this moment, everyone's attention was focused on him. If Li Chonglou didn't speak up, he would feel like he was living off his girlfriend.
So, before Mu Qi could speak, he took the initiative to say, "Hello everyone, I am Mu Qi's friend."
After speaking, he politely extended his right hand. However, to his embarrassment, none of the men responded.
Fortunately, the blonde woman named Sisi stepped forward and shook Li Chonglou's hand, easing the awkwardness.
"Hello, Qiqi was just telling me about you. You must be Brother Li, her good friend who just returned from abroad."
Li Chonglou was indeed older than everyone present, so calling him Brother Li was not inappropriate.
However, Li Jie suddenly asked, "Just returned from abroad? May I ask which young master you are? What kind of business were you managing abroad?"
Mu Qi only reacted now. She subtly glared at Li Chonglou before quickly saying, "You all misunderstand. This is just a good friend of mine. He's only recently returned to the country and isn't familiar with many things, so..."
Before she could finish, Li Jie interrupted again, "Qiqi, does your friend's Uncle Mu know about this? I heard that some people abroad, after failing to make a living, use their former status and influence to find new opportunities back home."
Upon hearing this, everyone present changed their expressions. It was known that their identities were not low, and such direct insults would not typically be spoken in front of others.
Mu Qi's brows furrowed instantly. However, Li Jie then changed the topic.
"But I believe your friend Qiqi is definitely not that kind of person. Speaking of abroad, I have several factories in East India. May I know which country this friend returned from?"
Although he had softened his tone, the confrontational nature was still very strong, and everyone's eyes turned to Li Chonglou again.
It was understandable. If a stranger they had never seen before suddenly appeared, it was only natural to inquire about their background. After all, if any Tom, Dick, or Harry could enter, what was the point of holding this banquet?
This time, Mu Qi was smarter. She didn't give Li Chonglou a chance to speak and directly said, "Young Master Li, I apologize, but my friend has personal reasons and does not wish to discuss these matters. In short, he is definitely not a bad person."
*Pfft.*
A woman named An An covered her mouth and chuckled, saying softly, "Qiqi, who would dare to be presumptuous here? As for whether he is a bad person, I'm afraid only you know."
This ambiguous remark made Mu Qi, who had never even been in a relationship, blush instantly.
"An An, what are you talking about!"
Such a shy reaction, because of another unfamiliar man, made the complexions of several men present instantly turn unnatural. Li Jie was visibly displeased.
The man next to An An noticed the awkwardness and left with An An under the pretense of having something to do. At this moment, Sisi's boyfriend also suddenly called her from a distance. After a brief greeting, he quickly left.
Only then did Mu Qi realize the atmosphere was off. But before she could speak, she heard Li Jie suddenly question her.
"Qiqi, you know the current situation in Shangjing. Your friend's identity cannot be kept a secret. Otherwise, if An Wei comes in and sees a stranger causing trouble, wouldn't that be even worse?"
A flicker of confusion crossed Li Chonglou's eyes. An Wei? What was that?
Mu Qi's expression changed slightly. She took the initiative to explain to Li Chonglou, "An Wei is our guard here. He is a cultivator and is here to protect our safety. So, if he sees a stranger, he will inquire."
Li Chonglou finally understood, but he also felt a bit speechless towards this man named Li Jie.
An Wei's job is to inquire, not yours. What does it have to do with you?
However, he also understood the intentions of the people present. The current situation was similar to when he accompanied Ya Lili to a banquet. The only difference was that these people still maintained a semblance of politeness.
Of course, it was only in appearance. In terms of behavior, both situations were no different to Li Chonglou.
It was just that Mu Qi, like Ya Lili, was not good with words. She couldn't even say a simple sentence that could resolve the topic, but instead, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Li Chonglou sighed inwardly, not expecting to have to return to this side hustle.
Just as Mu Qi hadn't found a suitable excuse to explain, Li Chonglou spoke again.
"Since that's the case, I'll introduce myself first."
Mu Qi's eyes widened. Before she could react, Li Chonglou continued, "My name is Li Chonglou. I am the boss of a small company. As for the foreign industries mentioned by this friend, I don't have any. My last trip abroad was just for tourism."
Mu Qi felt a sudden pang of dread upon hearing this.
As expected, Li Jie questioned her the next second, "So you're not from a prominent family, nor have you lived abroad for a long time?"
Li Chonglou smiled and nodded.
Mu Qi had completely given up by now, looking at Li Chonglou with a hint of resentment in her eyes.
The expressions of several men changed, and they instinctively took a step back, looking at Mu Qi with disbelief.
What was Qiqi thinking? Bringing a stranger who wasn't even from a prominent family into this gathering?
Except for Li Jie, the other men exchanged glances and, in unison, found an excuse to leave quickly.
What a joke! Weren't all of them CEOs of listed companies? Standing with someone from a small company made them feel like their own value had diminished!
Before leaving, they all cast a contemptuous glance at Li Chonglou.
Unexpectedly, Li Jie did not leave.
"Qiqi, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately."
Li Jie's expression was visibly grave. Mu Qi didn't know how to refuse for a moment. Finally, after Li Jie's repeated requests, she walked aside with him.
"Wait for me here."
Mu Qi gave Li Chonglou a reassuring glance, which made Li Chonglou's mood complex.
If he had known earlier that she, like Ya Lili, not only lacked experience but also had this kind of personality, he would have trained her before entering at all costs! m..oΓg
"Why am I so unlucky."
Li Chonglou sighed softly. The only thing that reassured him now was that these true second-generation rich and second-generation officials wouldn't really do anything out of line due to their status.
Moreover, they treated Mu Qi differently than they had Ya Lili at the time.