Chapter 424: Chapter 424 Proceed as Planned
The competition originally scheduled for today was postponed to tomorrow, because a renowned medical maestro arrived in Jing City today and hosted a banquet. Many people from the medical and business circles scrambled for an invitation.
As a result, the competition was deferred to tomorrow, specifically to accommodate today’s banquet.
Nan Qiao took Chen Xinwan to her company to pick out outfits. She had already designed evening gowns for the whole family to attend the banquet.
“Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Second Brother, you guys pick something you like. I’ll take Mom to the women’s section to see—I designed an evening gown for her.”
“Qiaoqiao, you go ahead. I’ll help your brothers choose. We’re all men; we’re fine with whatever. You and your mom should really pick nicely and dress up beautifully.” Bai Zhenyang said seriously.
Nan Qiao found her dad humorous, his words a bit amusing.
Chen Xinwan answered sternly, “You guys need to look handsome too. Otherwise, if someone asks and finds out you’re Qiaoqiao’s brothers, think about it—wouldn’t that be embarrassing for Qiaoqiao?”
Nan Qiao was caught between laughter and tears; her parents were just too funny.
However, Bai Jingting and Bai Jingrui agreed with what Chen Xinwan said.
Bai Jingting: “I’ll go pick out an outfit. Can’t let my little sister lose face.”
Bai Jingyan: “Our family’s good looks can make anything look fashionable—even if we wore burlap sacks!”
Chen Xinwan took Nan Qiao to select clothes: “Qiaoqiao dear, let’s go find some outfits. Don’t worry about them.”
Nan Qiao designed a deep blue gown for Chen Xinwan. Tailored perfectly to Chen Xinwan’s measurements, every detail was impeccable.
When Chen Xinwan put it on, each step she took made the gown shimmer elegantly with her movements.
Looking at the fabric of the gown, Chen Xinwan was both amazed and delighted: “Qiaoqiao, this design is absolutely flawless.”
“Mom, as long as you like it.”
Chen Xinwan couldn’t be happier.
“Qiaoqiao dear’s designs are always stunning; the more I look at this dress, the more I love it.”
“Mom, the makeup artist will take you to get ready. I’ll go pick out a dress for myself—see you in a bit.”
“Alright, Qiaoqiao dear, thank you for your hard work.”
Chen Xinwan followed the makeup artist out.
Nan Qiao chose a black off-shoulder gown, perfectly highlighting her graceful figure.
Her hair was tied up, sleek and neat, yet it did nothing to diminish her beauty.
When Chen Xinwan came out after finishing her styling and saw the beautiful Nan Qiao, she exclaimed with praise: “Qiaoqiao darling, you look stunning.”
Nan Qiao replied with a soft smile: “Mom, you look gorgeous yourself.”
Chen Xinwan felt excited and joyful—finally, she could attend an event hand-in-hand with her daughter.
…
The family arrived at the banquet venue.
The appearance of Nan Qiao and Chen Xinwan attracted everyone’s attention.
Such exquisite gowns and stunning faces—how could anyone look away?
Nan Qiao said, “Mom, I’ll head over there first—we’ll keep some distance, alright?”
As Nan Qiao moved toward the right, she encountered Huo Siyu.
Huo Siyu wore a pink gown, looking refined and radiant.
“Qiaoqiao, I’ve done a little digging—Li Xia and Jiang Linyu are both here. Not only that, but Du Qianqian’s uncle, Du Yongmao, will be attending too.”
Nan Qiao responded with a hum and whispered, “Let’s proceed as planned.”
Huo Siyu signaled an OK with her hand.
As Nan Qiao lifted her gaze, she spotted a familiar figure.
Dong Qingqing arrived at the banquet hall alongside Li Xia.
Dong Qingqing seemed overwhelmed by the dazzling atmosphere, cautiously observing everyone’s conversations and manners.
With just one glance, others could tell Dong Qingqing was attending such an event for the first time.
Dong Qingqing whispered nervously, “Senior, I’ll stick with you, okay? I’ve never been to something like this, and I’m feeling a bit tense.”
Li Xia’s eyes briefly flashed with disdain but transformed into a bright smile as she turned her head: “Qingqing, wasn’t this your idea to come? How can you be scared now?”
Dong Qingqing scanned the room nervously, completely oblivious to the mocking tone and expression hidden in Li Xia’s response.
She tried to straighten her posture but couldn’t shake her unease.
“Qingqing, go grab that drink over there, sit down, and calm yourself. I just spotted some friends—I’ll go catch up with them first.”
Before Dong Qingqing could respond, Li Xia had already walked away.
Dong Qingqing uneasily made her way to the drinks area and picked up a chilled beverage, taking a few sips.
When she raised her head, she saw Nan Qiao.
Dong Qingqing scrutinized Nan Qiao’s attire and cursed inwardly: Nan Qiao looks annoyingly gorgeous! How could she end up at such a high-class banquet?
With her phone in hand, Dong Qingqing stealthily snapped a photo of Nan Qiao chatting with Huo Siyu.
After completing the covert shot, she stared at the photo on her phone.
Dong Qingqing muttered: Even from a bad angle, Nan Qiao still looks amazing. Does she never have a bad picture?
Still dissatisfied, Dong Qingqing sat on a chair, pretending to be on her phone, and tried again to snap from a tricky angle.
Looking at the photo again—she was still stunning.
Dong Qingqing continued fiddling with her phone, mumbling non-stop: “Pretty men truly look good no matter what—they’re even enchanting when laughing.”
Just as Dong Qingqing was about to snap another secret photo, she realized Nan Qiao was no longer in sight.
She had just been there—where did she suddenly disappear to?
Dong Qingqing scanned the room but couldn’t locate Nan Qiao.
Just as she was about to stand up, Nan Qiao sat down opposite her.
“Were you looking for me?”
Dong Qingqing stared at Nan Qiao in shock—her fair complexion, beautiful features, elegant demeanor, and poised posture were simply flawless.
Dong Qingqing recalled the Nan Qiao from school and now faced this refined version in front of her. She couldn’t figure out which Nan Qiao was the real one.
“Nan Qiao, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“If you can be here, why can’t I?” Nan Qiao smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow.
Dong Qingqing was struck speechless, staring at Nan Qiao’s calm and composed demeanor.
Nan Qiao spoke plainly: “There’s a security camera on the ceiling to your left. It captured you secretly photographing me. Dong Qingqing, you might want to think about how to handle that.”
Dong Qingqing jerked her head upward to look—and sure enough, there was a camera.
Panic-stricken, she stammered, “I wasn’t taking pictures of you.”
“Whether you did or not, your photo gallery will tell the truth.”
Nan Qiao’s words threw Dong Qingqing into chaos. She gripped her phone, then abruptly raised her head and declared, “Who said I had photos of you on my phone? I was just taking selfies. Nan Qiao, stop making trouble out of nothing. The people here tonight are either rich or powerful—do you think being pretty guarantees someone will stand up for you?”
Nan Qiao chuckled softly, her tone light: “How do you know no one will stand up for me?”
“There are plenty of women here much prettier than you. Beauty doesn’t always pay the bills.”
Nan Qiao’s smile lingered, her voice melodious: “Do you think Li Xia would still let you be her lackey if she found out you were causing trouble here?”
Dong Qingqing despised being called a “lackey” and couldn’t tolerate the term.
Nan Qiao continued calmly: “Such a devoted lackey—do your parents even know? You worked so hard to get into Jing University, only to aim for a career as Li Xia’s lackey?”
Dong Qingqing’s anger overflowed as she snapped, “Shut up!”