Chapter 174: Chapter 175: A Fairy with a Strong Accent
Shen Lang had no understanding of music. He had no idea what the rich girl was playing on the piano. Even after a long while, she hadn't finished, so he continued squeezing his way to the dining table for food.
After finishing an entire plate of pasta, the piano music in the reception hall gradually came to a stop. Suddenly, thunderous applause erupted, startling Shen Lang.
Ye Yinan, holding the sides of her dress, gave a small bow to the surrounding guests, her face showing a perfunctory, emotionless smile. Her stiff movements carried a hint of urgency.
After concluding the ceremony, Ye Yinan didn't even bother to hold her dress as she headed directly toward Shen Lang at the table. Her exquisitely beautiful face broke into a radiant smile, full of genuine warmth.
As soon as Ye Yinan entered the crowd, the guests swarmed around her.
They raised their champagne glasses, congratulating her on her birthday. The words of blessing were never repeated.
Out of courtesy and friendliness, Ye Yinan's face did not show any impatience. She nodded at each guest, her businesslike smile never leaving her face.
"Being a good girl is really exhausting," Shen Lang muttered sympathetically.
Ye Yinan was well-mannered, epitomizing the image of a perfect lady. She had a thorough understanding of the intricacies of high society but knew nothing about the trivialities of everyday life.
No wonder, Shen Lang thought, that Charlotte would trade a Porsche for a broken truck filled with sunflowers.
Living such a high-pressure, mask-wearing life every day must be tiring. Just watching her made Shen Lang feel exhausted.
**"Xiao Shen,"**
At that moment, Xia Shuyi approached with a young man in his mid-twenties and introduced them enthusiastically.
"This is Gu Jian, the son of Chairman Gu of Huayue Media Co., Ltd."
"Young Master Gu, this is my friend, Shen Lang. He's been trending on Douyin lately."
"Young Master Gu, hello, hello."
Huayue Media was one of the top movie production companies in the country. Shen Lang couldn't miss this opportunity, so he quickly extended his hand in a friendly gesture.
"Hello, Brother Shen," Gu Jian said, but his expression was lukewarm. After hesitating for a few seconds, he reluctantly shook Shen Lang's hand.
Gu Jian had intended to wish Ye Yinan a happy birthday since that was the most prestigious group on the cruise.
But Xia Shuyi had intercepted him to meet some "new friend." He thought it might be someone important but found himself introduced to someone he didn't even recognize.
Looking at their age difference, Gu Jian assumed Shen Lang was just a kept man, funded by a rich woman. If it weren't for Xia Shuyi's status, Gu Jian wouldn't have even looked at Shen Lang.
Realizing Gu Jian's disinterest and his condescending attitude, Shen Lang decided to abandon his rehearsed talking points. He had no interest in flattering people, especially arrogant rich kids.
Xia Shuyi, noticing the lack of chemistry between them, quickly introduced them briefly and ended the awkward meeting.
"Xiao Shen, would you like some champagne?"
Before Shen Lang could respond, Ye Yinan broke free from the crowd.
She stepped quickly toward Shen Lang, the click-clack of her heels echoing through the room.
As the center of the party and a unique beauty, Ye Yinan drew everyone's attention wherever she went.
Even the wealthy heirs started moving closer to Shen Lang, holding their champagne glasses, eager to meet the legendary daughter of Jianghai City's wealthiest man.
Upon reaching Shen Lang, Ye Yinan greeted Xia Shuyi politely, "Sister Xia, hello, long time no see."
"Yinan, happy birthday," Xia Shuyi replied, raising her glass. "How's it been since you came back? Having fun?"
"Quite interesting," Ye Yinan said, looking at Shen Lang. Her gaze then dropped to his right hand.
Startled, Shen Lang hid his right hand behind his back, worried she might do something inappropriate in front of everyone.
"Shen Lang!"
Ye Yinan stepped forward, her face glowing with pride as she asked with a playful tone, "How was my piano performance? It's fucking awesome, right?"
**"Cough, cough..."**
Xia Shuyi almost choked on her champagne. She stared at Ye Yinan in shock, unable to believe the typically graceful woman would use such vulgar language.
It was like a fairy, who seemed above worldly concerns, suddenly speaking in a rough northern accent—completely out of character.
Gu Jian, watching their closeness, felt both irritated and surprised. The vibe between them seemed unusually intimate.
"Awesome, totally awesome. But could you not stand so close to me?" Shen Lang nervously pushed her face away with his left hand, sensing the growing attention from the crowd.
"Why haven't you looked for me recently?" Ye Yinan pouted.
"I've been busy," Shen Lang explained, pulling a small plastic box from his pocket. "Here, a birthday gift for you. Open it."
"A gift?!"
Ye Yinan was stunned, covering her mouth in surprise as she looked at the exquisite box. "Is this for me?"
"Don't overreact. Just open it."
Inside was a fist-sized, snow-white crystal orb. It was transparent, and when shaken, it created a snow-like effect inside.
"Isn't your WeChat name 'Island Snow'?" Shen Lang explained. "I saw this yesterday and thought it matched your name, so I got it for you. Do you like it?"
Ye Yinan carefully held the crystal orb, her face lighting up as she nodded repeatedly.
Her past birthdays were filled with business acquaintances giving extravagant gifts like jewelry or stocks, but they lacked sincerity. This unique gift, especially from someone she liked, felt incredibly special.
**[Ding! Ye Yinan's favorability toward the host increased by 10, now at 53. Keep it up!]**
**[Ding! The host has received a mystery box. Would you like to open it?]**
"Hmm, she seems pretty happy," Shen Lang thought with a satisfied smile as the system notified him.
"Wait, she added him on WeChat?"
Everyone around, including Gu Jian, was stunned. Ye Yinan, the heiress, had added Shen Lang, a seemingly ordinary guy, on WeChat.
Why him?
"Brother Shen, this thing looks exquisite. It must have cost a fortune," Gu Jian said, probing.
"Not really, just 500."
"500, huh?" Gu Jian nodded, pretending to analyze. "Yeah, this quality could be worth 5 million."
"Not 5 million, just 500 yuan," Shen Lang corrected with a smile.
"What? Only 500 yuan? Isn't that a bit too cheap?" Gu Jian sneered.
"Young Master Gu, gifts are about thoughtfulness, not price," Xia Shuyi interjected, trying to smooth things over.
Before Shen Lang could respond, Ye Yinan furrowed her brows and pointed at Gu Jian, her voice icy and commanding:
"F*** off."