Chapter 42: I Understand As Well

Noticing Pei Susu’s concerns, Fu Zhichen, standing behind her, wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Sister, other people’s affairs are probably beyond our control.”

Thinking of how he had just shielded her without hesitation, Pei Susu let out a faint sigh, then squeezed his arm in response.

“…I understand as well.”

Besides, without any evidence, how could they intervene in such matters?

This minor episode quickly passed. After Pei Susu and Fu Zhichen finished selecting gifts for their partners, they returned to the Song residence.

“Sister, the invitation to Mo Qingyu’s birthday banquet arrived a few days ago. Let’s attend together.”

Pei Susu had indeed forgotten about it. Though not a major event, it was important enough for her to take seriously.

“All right.”

Seeing the anticipation in Fu Zhichen’s eyes, Pei Susu couldn’t help but laugh softly and agree.

As expected, Fu Zhichen’s face lit up with delight, then suddenly took on a pitiful, puppy-like expression.

“But I have a meeting to handle that day. I might arrive a bit late and won’t be able to enter with you.”

Pei Susu chuckled.

“I’m not a child who can’t attend alone. Arriving a little late is nothing; go ahead and take care of your business.”

If he abandoned the enormous responsibilities of the Song family just to accompany her, that would truly be neglecting his duties.

Fu Zhichen understood what she was thinking, but he only wished to be by Pei Susu’s side at all times.

A few days quickly slipped by, and soon it was Mo Qingyu’s birthday.

Fu Zhichen had already prepared the banquet attire in advance.

Chapter Forty-Two

The black velvet mermaid dress was adorned with subtle patterns, mysterious and noble like a sea nymph, striking without overshadowing, yet still elegant and splendid.

Fu Zhichen’s taste had always been impeccable.

“Miss Pei, President Song asked me to escort you first.”

Fu Zhichen’s assistant stood respectfully at the door. Pei Susu nodded, placing the invitation in her purse. “Thank you for your trouble.”

As President Song’s legitimate girlfriend, the assistant hastily waved his hand. “It’s an honor to escort you.”

Pei Susu knew all the privileges she enjoyed now stemmed from Fu Zhichen’s feelings for her, and her heart softened.

The car soon arrived at the hotel entrance. Many guests had come for Mo Qingyu’s birthday, and the arrival of the extended Lincoln, far from discreet, attracted considerable attention.

“Miss Pei, we’ve arrived.”

Others might hesitate to step out in such a setting, wary of the spotlight, but Pei Susu exited without so much as a change in expression, her mermaid dress swaying gracefully.

“Miss Pei, you look beautiful today.”

Mo Qingyu was at the entrance greeting foreign guests. Upon seeing Pei Susu, she smiled and walked over politely.

Pei Susu frowned slightly at Mo Qingyu’s attire.

“President Mo, your outfit seems a bit inappropriate.”

Mo Qingyu was the birthday girl today. Pei Susu couldn’t quite pinpoint what was off about the dress, but her first impression was uneasy.

Mo Qingyu glanced down at herself and spoke after a moment.

“If you think it’s unsuitable, I’ll change. The accompanying designer prepared several backup dresses—no harm done.”

Hearing this, Pei Susu realized her own abruptness and felt apologetic.

“It’s your birthday. Was it improper for me to say this suddenly?”

Mo Qingyu wasn’t sensitive about such matters and shook her head.

“Perhaps your advice will help me avoid a mistake. After all, it’s just a dress.”

She turned to instruct someone nearby, then returned with an apologetic smile. “I had hoped to go upstairs with you, Miss Pei, but I’ll have to change first. Please make yourself comfortable.”

Pei Susu nodded.

“As long as I haven’t disrupted your plans.”

Fu Zhichen’s assistant still followed behind, but Pei Susu needed no special care—she was perfectly capable even alone.

Taking the elevator up, the banquet hall was not far ahead. As Pei Susu walked forward, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

“An’an, I didn’t expect you so early.”

Luo Yuan stepped in front of Pei Susu, who nodded cordially yet distantly.

“There was nothing else planned today, so I arrived a bit early.”

Kindness without cause often hides ill intent. Pei Susu considered her relationship with Luo Yuan less than close, and with this being a Mo family event, it was best to avoid unnecessary entanglements.

Luo Yuan’s gaze slid past her to the assistant, smiling slightly.

“I didn’t expect President Song’s assistant to be at your side.”

The assistant merely nodded politely.

Luo Yuan raised her champagne. “Our recent cooperation went so smoothly; I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you. Since joining the company, your business has soared. In time, I fear no one else will match you.”

Pei Susu grew impatient but concealed it, exchanging a few polite words before attempting to pass Luo Yuan. Sensing Pei Susu’s dwindling patience, Luo Yuan mercifully stepped aside.

“This is President Mo’s event, so I won’t say more.”

With the way clear at last, Pei Susu stepped forward, but suddenly stumbled over something.

“Miss, careful!”

The assistant reacted swiftly, steadying Pei Susu as she nearly fell, but Luo Yuan also staggered, spilling her champagne toward Pei Susu.

Pei Susu responded quickly, dodging instinctively, though her purse slipped to the floor.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry, President Pei.”

Luo Yuan’s tone was deliberate. “I don’t know what tripped me just now. Are you alright?”

Pei Susu regained her balance and frowned at Luo Yuan.

Their distance had been considerable; it was impossible for Luo Yuan to trip her by accident. Clearly, Luo Yuan had acted deliberately!

A few unfamiliar guests glanced over, but such occasions were not suited for confrontation. Fortunately, the dress was unharmed, so Pei Susu restrained herself and picked up her purse.

“It’s fine, forget it.”

Luo Yuan gave a light laugh and walked away, leaving Pei Susu with lingering doubts.

Was it really just to bump into her?

“Miss, shall we go in?” the assistant prompted, breaking Pei Susu’s train of thought. She lowered her gaze, her long lashes like raven feathers.

“Yes.”

At the door, the attendant spoke politely as a matter of procedure.

“Miss, may I see your invitation?”

Pei Susu opened her purse, only to discover the invitation was gone. Instantly, the events of earlier fell into place; she finally understood.

So it had all been orchestrated—their group had planned to set her up, just to steal her invitation from her bag?

Seeing Pei Susu unable to produce her invitation, the attendant’s expression changed, his tone growing colder.

“I’m sorry, miss. Without an invitation, you cannot enter.”

The attendant’s voice carried, and those nearby all turned to look.

Mo’s family banquets had high thresholds; many schemed to forge connections with Mo Qingyu. Now Pei Susu was lumped in with them.

“President Mo sent me an invitation, but I must have misplaced it.”

Pei Susu’s voice was firm, not rushed, and showed no sign of panicked embarrassment. Her composure set her apart from ordinary guests, and the attendant hesitated.

Suddenly, a burst of nervous laughter sounded beside her.