Yang Xiaofei chatted with Lu Fan for a moment before being called away by a director, seemingly for something important. Lu Fan instantly found himself with free time.
"What's going on?" Yang Zixin asked. "You need to tell me honestly, how do you know him? He's a流量明星 (liúliàng míngxīng - trending star), someone not easily accessible."
"He had a facial injury before, and I healed it," Lu Fan shrugged. "Consider it me doing him a favor."
"I see!" Yang Zixin nodded. "No wonder he favors you. So you helped him out, that makes sense!"
Yang Zixin was well aware of Lu Fan's exceptional medical skills; he had even healed the elder Mrs. Hu just a few days prior. What puzzled him was Yang Xiaofei's unusually polite attitude towards Lu Fan.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiaofei was called aside by a director who whispered, "Hurry up and tidy your appearance. Young Master Chu is coming tonight, and you'll need to accompany him for drinks. After all, besides the Shen family, Young Master Chu is also a sponsor for this event!"
"Who is Young Master Chu?" Yang Xiaofei frowned. "This isn't just my solo concert; why aren't the others here?"
"You don't know this, but others simply don't have the fortune," the director chuckled. "Your agent should have told you this, but as your superior, I'll share this good news. The main reason Young Master Chu is sponsoring this concert is for you. Without you, this concert wouldn't receive the Chu family's support!"
"I don't know him at all!" Yang Xiaofei frowned. "Is there a mistake?"
"There's no mistake; Young Master Chu knows you," the director said with a smile. "His godfather is Master Jiu of Chu Zhou, a man of considerable reputation there. You mustn't offend him lightly."
Yang Xiaofei frowned. Although she was very reluctant, she knew that offending Young Master Chu would lead to dire consequences.
As the saying goes, a strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake. If she had to accompany him for drinks, as long as it didn't harm her, it was acceptable. However, she knew gossip would likely follow soon after, something she had become accustomed to and felt helpless against.
Besides Yang Xiaofei, several other figures were present at the reception. These were also celebrities, though mostly from the second or third tier, not quite polished enough for high society.
Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, a group of men suddenly arrived outside the banquet hall. The leader, wearing sunglasses and holding a sashimi knife, strode directly towards the center of the reception.
"Young Master Chu has arrived!"
The director exclaimed, and everyone else fell silent. As people of high society, they were quite familiar with Young Master Chu.
"Excuse me, everyone!" Young Master Chu said with a smile. "The concert was a great success today, and it's my honor, Chu, that you could all attend this reception!"
"Who is he?" Yang Zixin glanced over. "He doesn't look like a good person; more like someone who likes to throw his weight around!"
"Keep your voice down, don't let him hear," Hu Yu said nervously. "He's Young Master Chu, well-known in Chu Zhou. I heard his godfather is Master Jiu, very influential in the underworld of Chu Zhou; no one dares to offend him easily!"
"I see!" Yang Zixin nodded, finding such people quite distasteful.
After Young Master Chu gave a brief speech, the crowd resumed their conversations. However, he wasn't idle; he walked towards Yang Xiaofei. "Miss Yang, you are even more beautiful than I imagined!"
"You flatter me, Young Master Chu!" Yang Xiaofei smiled awkwardly. "The Chu family sponsored half of this concert, so I must thank you."
"Miss Yang is quite eloquent!" Young Master Chu nodded approvingly. "Shall we have a drink?"
As he spoke, Young Master Chu casually placed his hand on Yang Xiaofei's shoulder.
Yang Xiaofei resisted and moved back.
This scene was witnessed by many, but no one dared to speak, as they were well aware of the power behind Mr. Chu.
"This is disgusting!" Yang Zixin was furious. "He's such scum! How dare he ruin my goddess like this!"
Hu Yu also gritted his teeth in anger but dared not utter a word. He knew very well that Young Master Chu was no ordinary person, nor was he someone they could casually discuss.
"Miss Yang, why be so distant?" Young Master Chu smiled. "Within Chu Zhou, there's nothing I desire that I cannot obtain!"
With that, Young Master Chu took a step forward and pulled Yang Xiaofei into his embrace.
Yang Xiaofei's expression changed drastically. "Young Master Chu, please be mindful. This is a public place, or I'll call the police!"
However, at that moment, a hand grabbed Yang Xiaofei from behind, shielding her. "Brother, aren't you going too far? At least show some respect!"
Lu Fan looked at Young Master Chu with a casual demeanor.
"You t-"
"Don't worry, he can't do anything to me!" Lu Fan said indifferently.
Yang Zixin ran over. "Xiao Fan, let's go quickly! He must have called his men!"
"Yes, if we don't leave now, it'll be too late!" Hu Yu added urgently. "He's the godson of Chu Zhou's Master Jiu, and you actually hit him!"
"If I leave, wouldn't she be in trouble?" Lu Fan stated directly. "I'm right here. I want to see how powerful Chu Zhou's Master Jiu really is."
Seeing Lu Fan's stance, Hu Yu was already terrified. He knew Lu Fan had some connections, but Chu Zhou's Master Jiu was not someone to be offended lightly. Once provoked, no one could save Lu Fan.
Yang Xiaofei merely frowned, not overly alarmed. She knew Lu Fan's identity and, more importantly, his backing.