Chapter 164: Afraid of a Bunch of Loafers

These young masters from the four prominent families are highly sought-after by every starlet in the entertainment industry. Previously, Gu Qichen was their primary target.

Xia Yangyang had never witnessed such a scene before. The stars, whether aloof or glamorous, vied for attention, creating a real-life palace intrigue.

Gu Qichen lightly knocked on the door. The occupants of the private room finally noticed them. Xue Shaotang reacted first, pushing Bai Zhi off his lap. "Young Master Gu," he said, "I thought even Liancheng couldn't get you to come."

He then saw Xia Yangyang behind Gu Qichen and was stunned. "Who's this middle schooler? Why did you bring a little sister?"

Xia Yangyang remained silent.

Gu Qichen put his arm around Xia Yangyang's shoulders. "This is my wife, Xia Yangyang," he said casually.

Xue Shaotang's jaw nearly dropped. "Your twenty-year-old wife? She looks underage! Are you sure she's not a middle schooler?"

Ignoring Xue Shaotang, Gu Qichen took Xia Yangyang's hand and approached Mu Liancheng, the host. Their arrival instantly silenced the room. All eyes fell on Xia Yangyang.

She was neatly dressed, her makeup-free face boasting flawless skin and delicate features. Her high ponytail revealed a shiny forehead. Her casual attire did make her look like a middle school student, as Xue Shaotang had observed. This was the lady of the Gu family, one of the four wealthiest families in the southern city—vastly different from their expectations.

Gu Qichen approached Mu Liancheng. "Liancheng, I apologize for being late."

Mu Liancheng smiled. "Your presence is an honor. It makes me happy." His eyes flicked to Xia Yangyang. "Sister-in-law is charming, indeed. No wonder Young Master Gu hesitated to bring her, worried about a group of scamps making advances."

Xue Shaotang quickly added, "We are flamboyant scamps, and you two are family men. But Liancheng, why didn't you bring your adopted daughter to the birthday party? Even Young Master Gu brought his wife. That's hardly generous."

Mu Liancheng replied, "Mine isn't suited for polite society."

Xue Shaotang laughed. "Oh really? So you admit she's family. It seems her meeting us is imminent."

Gu Qichen said casually, "Didn't Liancheng just say he's worried about you lascivious fellows getting ideas?"

Their conversation was filled with humor and laughter, revealing their close friendship. Xia Yangyang could see this clearly.

Among the guests was Lin Zhiwei, head of the Lin family and Lin Yuanyuan's brother. Xue Shaotang, a childhood friend of Mu Liancheng, came from a powerful military family, though not one of the four great families.

Presumably because she was Gu Qichen's wife, the women present made an effort to befriend her, drawing her into games. After a while, she relaxed, joining in the conversation and laughter.