Chapter 32: The More He Looked, the More Satisfied He Became

Tonight's charity ball was held in the most luxurious and prestigious Imperial Grand Hotel in the city. The Imperial Grand Hotel was a subsidiary of the ZR Group, and Nangong Li often frequented this place. As soon as the car pulled up at the entrance, the hotel's valet ran over swiftly, nodding and bowing, “Good evening, Second Young Master!”

He then skillfully moved to open the car door on Xianyu Qing’s side, carefully shielding her as she stepped out. “Thank you,” Xianyu Qing said with gracious politeness.

The valet paused in surprise—had Second Young Master’s taste changed this time? Nangong Li stepped out as well, casting him a sidelong glance, and the valet quickly withdrew his curious gaze.

Nangong Li tossed him the car keys and asked, “Have they all arrived?” The few young men from prominent families who usually accompanied Nangong Li were regulars here. The valet immediately understood, “The other young masters have already arrived and are waiting for you in the usual spot.”

Nangong Li patted the valet on the shoulder, then moved to Xianyu Qing’s side, offering his arm with elegant gentlemanly grace.

Xianyu Qing gently hooked her hand through his arm, following Nangong Li as they entered the dazzlingly opulent hotel beneath the night’s glow.

Su Cha was the last to exit the car, trailing closely behind the pair.

The valet dared not linger any longer, hurrying to drive the car to the parking lot.

Usually, Nangong Li gathered with his friends in the bar’s private suite on the fifth floor. Tonight, since he brought Xianyu Qing, it was inconvenient to go there, so he called his close friend Gu Zi Jun, telling him to meet directly in the banquet hall on the twenty-sixth floor.

In the private suite, Gu Zi Jun was about to ask more when Nangong Li abruptly hung up, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Second Young Master Nangong had always shown disdain for such charity balls, usually staying in the bar until it was nearly time, only then making a brief appearance.

Why was he acting so out of character tonight?

Beside him, brothers Gu Chao and Gu Yue asked simultaneously, “What time did Li say he’d arrive?”

Gu Chao looked puzzled, “He said he’s already gone up.”

“Gone up? Where to?” Gu Yue was slow to catch on.

Gu Chao looked surprised, “Li’s gone to the ball?”

Gu Zi Jun nodded uncertainly.

Gu Yue was incredulous, “Why would Li go to the ball so early? Isn’t he coming to have a drink with us?”

Gu Chao suddenly remarked, “He didn’t actually bring that so-called sister, did he?”

Gu Zi Jun rubbed his chin, thoughtful, “Hmm… it’s possible.”

“Sister? What sister?” Gu Yue was confused.

Two other companions paused in their drinking and turned to listen, “What’s going on?”

Gu Chao and Gu Zi Jun exchanged a glance and stood up.

A few days ago, Nangong Li had mentioned this at a gathering, but they’d assumed he was just speaking offhand.

Now that he’d actually brought her, they couldn’t help but go up and take a look. For Nangong Li to behave so unusually and show such initiative, there must be something remarkable about this girl!

Seeing Gu Zi Jun and his elder brother leave the suite, Gu Yue naturally followed. The other two companions hesitated briefly, then joined them.

--------

The Imperial Grand Hotel had thirty floors in total.

Floors one to five housed various entertainment venues; floors six to nineteen were guest rooms; the twentieth floor and above were dedicated to banquet halls, each higher floor offering greater prestige.

The twenty-sixth floor was specially designated for charity events, with both venue and services provided free of charge. This was a contribution from the Nangong family to charitable causes, earning widespread praise from all sectors.

As a member of the Nangong family, Nangong Li seldom involved himself in company affairs, but he would represent the family in charity-related matters.

However, he disliked the socializing and flattery required at such events. Typically, he’d only appear for the charity auction or donation segment, make a contribution, and bolster the family’s reputation.

Yet tonight, he appeared early at the ball. Even more surprising, his companion was not the usual dazzling socialites, but a sweet and demure young lady!

As Nangong Li had anticipated, Xianyu Qing drew curious glances from the young men of high society as soon as she entered the venue.

Part of the attention was due to her presence beside the flamboyant Second Young Master of the Nangong family; the other was her own clean and innocent aura, which stood out against the refined ladies and glamorous heiresses present.

Some whispered among themselves, while others came forward to exchange greetings with Nangong Li.

Xianyu Qing had prepared herself mentally, knowing that such occasions inevitably required social interaction.

Still, Nangong Li was well-versed in these circles, and with him maneuvering the introductions, Xianyu Qing only needed to nod and greet at appropriate moments.

Those who approached were mostly peers with some status, and their conversations were brief and courteous.

It was only with the elders of higher standing that Nangong Li would take Xianyu Qing to offer greetings.

This charity ball was hosted by Madam Xi, who was frequently associated with Madam Nangong.

The Nangong, Zhai, Mo, and Xi families were collectively known as the Four Great Families of Imperial City. Among them, the Nangong and Zhai families were business giants; the Mo family had a lineage of officials, and members still held high office today.

The Xi family, though distinguished for scholarship, held considerable status as the patriarch was the founder of Liyang Academy, and many elders from various families had studied under him.

As the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xi family, Madam Xi loved to host charity events, both to build her family’s reputation and to expand her husband’s educational network.

However, tonight’s charity ball had another motive: Madam Xi was secretly hoping to find a suitable daughter-in-law for her just-turned-twenty-five son, Xi Junle.

Xi Junle, known as a musical prodigy, had made a name for himself in the music world. As the only son, his marriage was a matter of utmost importance.

Before the ball began, Madam Xi surveyed the crowd, but found no suitable candidates among the young ladies.

It wasn’t until she saw Nangong Li enter with Xianyu Qing on his arm that her eyes lit up: this was just the sort of daughter-in-law she envisioned!

But how had the flamboyant Second Young Master of the Nangong family gotten to her first? What a pity!

As Madam Xi sighed inwardly, Nangong Li approached with Xianyu Qing to greet her.

Upon hearing Nangong Li introduce Xianyu Qing as a distant relative of the Nangong family, Madam Xi’s eyes crinkled with a smile, “I’ve heard mention of a new cousin in the Nangong family—so it’s this young lady!”

Xianyu Qing, having learned from Sister Bai in etiquette class about the Xi family’s scholarly tradition and their emphasis on manners, performed a proper curtsy, “Good evening, Madam Xi!”

From afar, she resembled a refined young lady, dignified and poised; up close, she was like a delicate porcelain doll, sweet and charming.

Excellent, excellent! The more Madam Xi looked, the more satisfied she became.