Stealing ML’s White Moonlight C10

Chapter 10

On the evening of July 27, the banquet was held at Chentian Hotel, the finest hotel in the imperial capital.

Shen Lihuan wore a burgundy evening gown, following closely beside her father, Shen Jiashu, and her mother, Gu Qinglan. The red fabric highlighted her fair, jade-like complexion, while the form-fitting design accentuated her graceful figure. However, her sharp, commanding aura prevented anyone from viewing her as a mere decorative vase.

Shen Jiashu was dressed in a blue suit, exuding the mature charm of a seasoned man with every gesture. Gu Qinglan, in a white gown, was as radiant as moonlight, exuding a refreshing elegance. Standing together, the couple complemented each other perfectly.

Guests arrived one after another, many approaching them to make conversation. Everyone knew that Shen Jiashu had returned to the imperial capital to take over the Shen family business, so they tactfully offered only flattering words.

Shen Lihuan found such banquets tedious, but she maintained a faint smile—neither too cold nor overly enthusiastic.

Not far away, Liang Yinqiu and Shen Zhongyuan were also surrounded by people.

Meanwhile, Shen Pingting was gathered with her friends, seemingly discussing Shen Lihuan. From time to time, some turned their faces toward her, either cautiously or brazenly scrutinizing her.

Before long, You Changqing arrived on the red carpet, holding the arm of a delicate-looking young man. With sharp eyes, Shen Lihuan spotted them immediately. She politely excused herself from a shy young man who had approached her for conversation and walked straight toward You Changqing.

You Changqing wore a pink evening dress that reached just above her knees, revealing a pair of slender, fair legs—even her ankles were exquisitely beautiful.

Shen Lihuan’s gaze lingered on them, unwilling to look away. It was the first time she realized she might have a fixation on legs.

Sensing the burning gaze on her calves, You Changqing curled her lips into a faint smile.

“Changqing, you’re here. You look stunning tonight—the most dazzling presence at the entire banquet.”

After admiring those perfect legs, Shen Lihuan took a long stride forward, slightly bowing in a welcoming gesture toward You Changqing.

You Changqing returned the courtesy with grace. “You’re not bad yourself—like a proud, thorny rose.” One that only I can approach.

Shen Lihuan chuckled softly. “Thank you for the compliment, Changqing.”

The young man beside You Changqing, You Changhong, let out an awed “Wow” at the sight of Shen Lihuan. It was the first time he had seen a girl who could match his beautiful sister.

Noticing the sound, Shen Lihuan shifted her gaze toward him. His fair face immediately turned pink, and paired with his fluffy, curly hair, he looked absolutely adorable.

You Changqing ruffled her silly little brother’s hair and smiled at Shen Lihuan. “Lihuan, this is my younger brother, You Changhong. He’s two years younger than us.”

“He’s so cute! Since I’m close with your sister, you can call me Sister Lihuan from now on,” Shen Lihuan declared, treating Changqing’s brother as her own.

“Hello, Sister Lihuan! I’m really lucky to have two such beautiful sisters!”

You Changhong clasped his hands together in front of his chest, looking utterly dreamy. He was a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast—regardless of gender, he loved looking at attractive people, and everyone knew about his preference.

As You Zongzheng and his wife, Yang Zhiying, entered the banquet hall, they immediately saw their two children conversing with a girl. When the girl turned her face, You Zongzheng recognized her—it was Shen Lihuan from the Shen family.

His eyes flickered with interest. Now that the new head of the Shen family was Shen Jiashu, it was uncertain whether Shen Pingting would still be the heir. Having his daughter befriend Shen Lihuan might not be a bad thing.

Seeing that the You family had arrived, Shen Jiashu and Gu Qinglan welcomed them, and soon the two couples were engaged in lively conversation.

Before long, all the guests had arrived, and the banquet officially began.

Shen Zhongyuan made a few opening remarks, focusing on introducing Shen Jiashu to everyone—making it clear that he was now the head of the Shen family.

After Shen Zhongyuan’s speech, Shen Jiashu took the stage, saying a few words with a warm smile. However, no one dared to underestimate him. A man who had built a massive business empire like Jialan from scratch could hardly be a mere gentleman.

Once the banquet was underway, Shen Pingting approached Shen Lihuan with a few young men, saying she wanted to introduce them to her.

“Lihuan, didn’t you ask me before if I could introduce you to my friends? Look, I brought them here for you!”

She wore an expression of “Look how good I am to you,” even reaching out to take Shen Lihuan’s hand.

Shen Pingting’s friends immediately cast peculiar glances at Shen Lihuan, as if she were an item in a store, waiting to be picked.

This was a trap. No matter how Shen Lihuan responded, it would appear as though she was making excuses. What kind of girl needed her cousin to introduce men to her? If Shen Pingting successfully tarnished her reputation, Shen Lihuan would be seen as someone lacking class.

Shen Lihuan stepped back, avoiding her touch. She then scrutinized the group with a critical eye and said disdainfully, “These are your friends, cousin? I don’t understand why you’d introduce them to me, but I must say—we’re from the Shen family, and not just anyone is worthy of being our friend. I hope you choose more wisely next time, so you don’t embarrass us.”

Shen Pingting’s friends instantly glared at her. “What kind of talk is that? Do you even know how to speak to people?”

But they weren’t fools. From Shen Lihuan’s words, they realized they had been deceived by Shen Pingting.

Shen Lihuan’s father was now in charge of the Shen family, meaning she would likely inherit it. Shen Pingting would hardly be pleased with that.

So, she had tried to ruin Shen Lihuan’s reputation—using them as pawns.

Shen Pingting’s face twisted in rage at her failed scheme and the humiliation of being told she had poor judgment.

“You—Shen Lihuan, that was too much! How could you insult my friends like that?”

Shen Lihuan looked at her, amused. “You set yourself up for embarrassment, and now you blame me for speaking the truth?”

Realizing she wouldn’t win against Shen Lihuan, Shen Pingting stormed off in frustration, with her friends hesitating before following her.

About twenty minutes later, the sound of a piano filled the room, drawing everyone’s attention to the stage. A young man in a tailcoat sat by the piano, playing a beautiful melody.

“Who is that? Why did he suddenly start playing the piano?”

“He looks familiar, like I’ve seen him somewhere before…”

“Aaaah! That’s Aochen Young Master! I can’t believe he’s here—and playing such a beautiful piece!”

A girl in a blue dress squealed in excitement.

Shen Lihuan recognized the pianist as Qin Aochen, and her gaze darkened. How had he gotten in?

Beside her, You Changqing’s face turned even colder. Remembering how Qin Aochen had pestered Changqing before, Shen Lihuan immediately stepped forward. “Changqing, I’m certain we didn’t invite Qin Aochen to this banquet. I have no idea how he got in.”

“I know,” You Changqing replied icily. “He’s not someone the Shen family would ever invite.”

Shen Lihuan’s explanation made You Changqing’s heart melt.

Even if the Shen family had invited Qin Aochen, it wasn’t Shen Lihuan’s responsibility to justify it. But the fact that she cared enough to explain—did that mean she truly valued her, just as she valued Shen Lihuan?

You Changqing’s eyes grew brighter and brighter, as if the stars had fallen into them. They shone so intensely that Shen Lihuan even had the urge to cover them, afraid that the brilliance in those eyes would make her heart tremble with unease.

After Qin Aocheng finished his performance, he received a round of applause. He bowed politely to the audience and stepped down from the stage. As soon as he did, a petite and adorable girl threw herself into his arms, congratulating him. Her delicate face was filled with admiration for him, and Qin Aocheng smiled, clearly enjoying the attention.

Shen Pingting grew more and more irritated as she watched Shen Lihuan standing next to You Changqing. The moment Qin Aocheng finished playing Evil Grows Bold, she suddenly raised her voice and said, “Today is Second Uncle’s big day, and Lihuan has also prepared a gift for him. She’s going to play a piece for him, isn’t that right, Lihuan?”

Liang Yinqiu clutched her chest. This idiot! Was she worried that her position as the heir was too secure? Targeting Shen Lihuan so blatantly—if Shen Jiashu ended up resenting her for this and refused to hand over the Shen Corporation, how would she and her daughter survive in the future?

A flash of disappointment crossed Shen Zhongyuan’s clouded eyes. With Shen Pingting’s lack of foresight, if she really took over the Shen Corporation one day, those old foxes would devour her without leaving a single scrap.