Domineering Sponsor (GL) - Chapter 2

Such a high-end banquet still had its own hierarchy. Ji Haolan and Chen Mumu, of course, entered with the most basic status. They were outside, enjoying the buffet and drinks. The group of women inside, however, had a different standing altogether. Their wine was personally served by attendants, and their food reached a level of luxury and extravagance that those outside could hardly imagine.

These women were impeccably dressed. Their faces always wore either playful smirks or calm, composed smiles. The rules of the upper class danced in their fingers. No one could see through the thoughts behind those smiles.

Once you were seen through, your thoughts became a weakness.

But today was meant for fun. One of the women seemed especially amused. She pulled aside the curtain that marked their social divide and gazed out freely with a look of critical interest.

Zhuang Ruolan chuckled at her and shook her head. Her hair was tied into a neat, slightly soft bun. The light brown hue of her hair gave her a gentle appearance. With a helpless tone, she said, “Zhou Lu, you really enjoy these parties. It’s only the second one this year, and it’s not even June yet.”

Zhou Lu laughed. “We’re the hosts. Whether it’s twice or ten times a year, people would still be lining up to get in. Believe it or not.”

Zhuang Ruolan smiled again. Zhou Lu was right. For them, this banquet was just a bit of entertainment. For many others, though, it was a rare chance to climb higher and expand their networks.

Still, that did not change the true purpose of the banquet. That was always clear.

It was about finding someone pleasing to spend a pleasurable night with.

This kind of game was not uncommon. Love could be bought. Lovers could be paid. Those who believed they had good looks would purchase an invitation at the best price they could manage. A pearl pin at the entrance marked them as candidates to be chosen.

The wealthy men and women came with proper status. They wore butterfly pins. While expanding their networks, they also selected a lover for the night. This level of participation could not be bought with money. If your status was high enough, you would naturally know how to join.

Zhou Lu scanned the room with interest. She was clearly in the mood tonight. “I’m doing this for Wei Xia. She really needs a partner. How long does her mom plan to keep her single?”

Wei Xia, who had been silent the whole time, lifted her eyes. A wine glass rested between her fingers. She let out a cold snort. “Then I should be thanking you.”

Wei Xia was the youngest among the three, but by far the most impressive in ability. Her personality was difficult because she was strong-willed and self-centered.

She was a strange one. Around the age of fifteen, she had still been called Wei Xiameng. One day, she told her parents, “I want to change my name. The word ‘dream’ doesn’t suit me. I want to be called Wei Xia.”

That name had been given to her by her grandfather. He had hoped her life would be as brilliant and colorful as a midsummer night’s dream. It was something deeply meaningful, not to be changed lightly.

Yet Wei Xia had spoken as if it were only natural. “My life is something I’ll hold in my own hands. It has nothing to do with dreamy illusions.”

Her parents could not win against her. Her nature was domineering and firm. She changed her name at fifteen and began shaping her own destiny from that point on.

She was also the only one among the three who had built everything from scratch.

Seeing Wei Xia’s lack of interest, Zhou Lu coaxed her. “Come take a look at this little mouse who wandered into the wrong place. Who knows? Maybe your taste is special, and she’ll be the one who catches your eye.”

As she said this, she peeked out again, clicking her tongue. “Actually, if you look closely, her face isn’t bad.”

Her intense stare drew Wei Xia over out of sheer boredom. She leaned in for a glance. For a moment, she could not look away.

Everyone knew Wei Xia was particular. No one ever caught her interest. Even if she agreed to be with someone, it never lasted more than two weeks. Most couldn’t even touch her bed before being kicked off it.

Zhou Lu teased her. “Well? Can you swallow that one?” She said it jokingly. She never expected Wei Xia to be interested in someone like that.

Wei Xia curled her lips and sat back down. “She’s alright.”

“Ha—wait, what did you say?” Zhou Lu thought she had misheard.

She watched as Wei Xia signaled for an attendant and pointed toward Ji Haolan, who was still eating meat in her little corner when the attendant suddenly interrupted.

“Excuse me, miss. A few ladies would like to invite you to sit with them,” the attendant said, gesturing discreetly toward the curtained section.

Ji Haolan had no idea about the envious glances gathering around her. She simply glanced toward the curtain and tilted her head. “No, thank you. I’m just waiting for a friend.”

The attendant returned and delivered the message. The group was stunned. “She refused? Seriously?”

Wei Xia looked again in Ji Haolan’s direction. Then she coldly said, “Forget it, if she’s not interested.”

“Waiting for a friend? How dumb,” Zhou Lu grumbled. “You finally found one you liked, and you’re letting her go?”

Wei Xia threw a grape at her. “Eat. You talk too much.”

The two of them moved on to another topic, but Zhuang Ruolan sat rubbing her chin, clearly deep in thought.

Ji Haolan had barely resumed eating when another attendant appeared. She looked up, ready to decline again, thinking it was the same issue. This time, the attendant held out a room card.

“Your friend asked me to give this to you. She hopes you’ll wait for her in this room.”

“Mumu?” Ji Haolan asked.

The attendant hesitated. “She only said she was your friend.”

Ji Haolan figured it must be Chen Mumu. She didn’t know anyone else, so it had to be her wanting to meet up somewhere quieter. She had eaten her fill anyway, so she stood and followed the attendant upstairs.

The room was very upscale. The attendant swiped the key card, opened the door, and said, “The minibar is available. Enjoy your evening.”

Ji Haolan was still wondering what there was to enjoy, but the attendant left quickly, giving her no chance to ask.

She never refused anything free. Soon enough, she was at the bar, poking around until she found a bottle of wine with a lovely aroma. Curious about the taste, she drank two glasses.

Back downstairs in the banquet hall, Wei Xia had completely lost interest in the event. She put down her wine glass with a bored look.

“This is dull. I’m going home.”

Zhou Lu cried out, “It just started! You’re leaving already? What’s the point, then?”

Wei Xia scoffed. “You enjoy yourself.”

Zhuang Ruolan chuckled and handed her a room card. “Maybe the fun is elsewhere. Go see for yourself. Take this. Try your luck.”

The other two immediately guessed what she meant. Zhou Lu wrinkled her nose. “That’s awful! You’re sending her to bed with someone?”

Zhuang Ruolan shrugged. “I’m not forcing anyone. Just creating a second chance. If someone truly does not want to, what can we possibly do other than let them go?”

Then again, if it was Wei Xia…

Zhuang Ruolan only played this card because she saw Wei Xia showing rare interest. She had not expected the girl upstairs to be so gullible and easy to lure. “See if you’re up for it.”

Both women stared at Wei Xia. She said nothing. Just when they thought she had no intention of going, she reached out and took the card. She waved it casually in her hand, then walked away.

“Is she actually going?” Zhou Lu asked, watching Wei Xia’s retreating back.

Zhuang Ruolan handed her empty glass to an attendant and replied, “Who knows? You understand Wei Xia’s nature.”

Zhou Lu shrugged. “True.”