Chapter 116: Meeting on a Narrow Path

Chen Yu asked, "Is there anything troubling you? Perhaps I can help."

Xia Yangyang shook her head. "You can't."

Chen Yu said, "Little Miss, I didn't bring you along to be glum. Countess Alexander is hosting a masquerade ball in the banquet hall; shall we go?"

Xia Yangyang replied reluctantly, "You go. I don't want to."

Chen Yu insisted, pulling Xia Yangyang to her feet. Opening her suitcase, he couldn't find a single dress or even a pair of high heels. He looked at her in disbelief. "Little Miss, are you even a woman?"

Chen Yu frowned, stroking his chin. "Wait here. Luckily, I know someone. I'll borrow a dress for you."

Before Xia Yangyang could stop him, Chen Yu left the room. He soon returned with a short black dress and a pair of white crystal high heels.

Xia Yangyang was surprised. "Who did you borrow this from?"

"Don't worry. If I told you, you wouldn't dare wear it. Try it on; you're about her size, it should fit."

Xia Yangyang didn't want to attend the masquerade ball, but couldn't resist Chen Yu's persistent urging. Reluctantly, she put on the dress and heels. The exquisite, elegantly simple dress perfectly complemented her figure, making her look charming and statuesque. The black was mysterious and enticing, while the slightly sheer hem added a touch of playfulness.

When Chen Yu saw Xia Yangyang emerge from the fitting room, his eyes lit up. "Little Miss, you're going to break countless hearts today! A bit of makeup would be even better."

Xia Yangyang said, "Isn't it a masquerade ball? Once we put on masks, no one will recognize anyone. What's the point of makeup?"

Chen Yu laughed. "Well, your natural beauty is quite enough. If you don't want makeup, then don't."

The ball was held in the hotel's top-floor ballroom. The Countess invited all the hotel's VIP guests, many of whom were eager to pay their respects. Guests could choose a masquerade mask, or choose not to wear one.

Xia Yangyang chose a black full-face mask, completely concealing her face. Chen Yu casually selected a prince's mask. Once inside, Xia Yangyang put on her mask. Although she was a minor player, the man at her side certainly wasn't. Chen Yu had mentioned that many reporters had infiltrated Lake Bay, so Xia Yangyang felt it was best to be cautious.

The banquet hall buzzed with beautiful people engaged in cheerful conversation. Champagne towers sparkled everywhere, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of fruity wine. Guests gathered in small groups, chatting and sipping wine.

From afar, Xia Yangyang spotted Shen Manbing. She wore a full-length white dress encrusted with diamonds, her long, wavy hair and meticulous makeup making her resemble a fairytale Snow Queen. She didn't wear a mask, holding it in her hand, just like Chen Yu. And the man standing beside her, talking…

It was Gu Qichen!

Xia Yangyang had suffered from a twitching eyelid all day, but when she saw Gu Qichen, it stopped. A heavy feeling settled in her heart. Gu Qichen had said he was on a business trip; it turned out he was vacationing with Shen Manbing.