CHAPTER 594: CHAPTER 511 BANQUET

Leng Mochen’s gaze flickered: "You encountered them?"

Li Si nodded lightly, "Don’t keep everything from me, okay? Didn’t we agree before that we wouldn’t hide things from each other anymore?"

Leng Mochen’s expression darkened further as he pulled Li Si onto his lap.

"I didn’t intend to hide it from you, but since you already know, I’ll tell you. Qin Xin and Nie Xiuwei are both currently in Beijing!"

Li Si’s first concern was his safety. She gripped his hand tightly, her voice trembling: "Now that Nie Xiuwei is back, would they try to harm you?"

She vividly remembered Nie Xiuwei’s sinister and deranged appearance.

Leng Mochen grasped her shoulders reassuringly, "Don’t worry! Nothing will happen to me!"

He decided not to mention Han Mingzhe yet, as doing so would involve revealing the incident where Buding was nearly kidnapped.

He didn’t want Li Si to live in constant fear.

Li Si frowned slightly, sensing instinctively that he was still hiding something from her.

The next day, before the banquet, Li Si spent time carefully dressing up.

She chose a lake-blue V-neck evening gown adorned with crystals, paired with same-tone pointed high heels. Her hair was styled into a high updo, with only a delicate diamond necklace and tiny earrings accentuating her neck.

On her wrist was a matching diamond bracelet, and she carried a white handbag—the latest design from S brand, which Leng Mochen had sent over days earlier.

When Leng Mochen finished changing into a black suit and stepped out, he saw Li Si standing in front of the fitting room, her appearance instantly catching his eye.

This outfit made her skin look even smoother and brighter, evoking a desire to confirm whether she was truly real.

He walked over quickly, enveloping her in his arms from behind. Together, they gazed at their reflection in the mirror.

"The neckline is a little too daring!" He took the opportunity to tease her as he touched her lightly.

He didn’t like others seeing the alluring beauty of something that belonged only to him.

Li Si grabbed his mischievous hand, laughing as she turned to look at him. "This is the most conservative one, okay? It’s summer; do you want me to wear a turtleneck gown instead?"

She hadn’t wanted to wear anything too revealing either. Among the delivered dresses, this one was considered conservative, with just a V-neck design crossing the front and back.

Yet if someone wanted to peek, a quick downward glance would reveal the enticing curve of her neckline.

Leng Mochen sighed helplessly, holding the playful little figure in his arms, "Honestly, I wish you wouldn’t attend at all! I’d rather keep you all to myself."

The charity auction tonight was organized by several major institutions and corporate groups in Beijing. As the head of the Leng Family and Mo Si, he was obliged to attend personally.

"Alright! Let’s take a spin, bid on something, then leave. How’s that?"

Li Si wasn’t fond of such banquets either, where people wore fake smiles and exchanged superficial pleasantries that left one’s face stiff by the end.

But there was no choice. This was simply part of the social circle, and certain events had to be attended for appearances’ sake.

Leng Mochen took her hand, "Sounds good!"

The banquet tonight was a charity auction hosted by their social circle, cleverly camouflaged as a money-spending endeavor.

Thankfully, the funds raised were genuinely put to good use, all donated to children in impoverished mountainous regions.

This interested her somewhat, and since Bai Shasha and Xu Er were also attending, she felt mildly more enthusiastic about it. Otherwise, she’d typically stick close to Leng Mochen, exchange a few simple greetings, and smile politely at such events.

Her family didn’t require her to engage in "wife diplomacy," so she relished her laid-back role.

She often saw women radiating charm across the room, fully adept at playing every angle. All she could do was silently admire them; her own personality didn’t allow her to act that way.

Arriving at the banquet venue, they stepped out of the car and walked the red carpet. Numerous reporters swarmed around, cameras flashing wildly as Li Si smiled politely, holding Leng Mochen’s arm.

Perhaps inspired by tonight’s theme, the venue was decorated in a minimalistic and refreshing style.

Li Si accompanied Leng Mochen, strolling halfway around the room but failing to spot Bai Shasha or Xu Er. Instead, they encountered Mrs. Leng and Mr. Leng together.

"Mochen, Sisi, you’re here too? How’s Buding lately? Your father and I just returned from Shanghai and brought back some little gifts for you!"

Mrs. Leng looked noticeably well. Since misunderstandings had been cleared, her relationship with Leng Qiankai had grown much closer.

Li Si responded with a gentle smile, "He’s been really good! Thank you for thinking of us!"

"Don’t mind us; go about your business!" Mrs. Leng smiled tactfully.

She knew such occasions weren’t appropriate for casual family chit-chat.

Leng Mochen then bumped into a business acquaintance who had come with his wife.

After introducing both parties, Li Si greeted them with a warm smile and engaged in brief conversation.

During this time, Jin Jiachao, Jin Yichen, and Leng Ning arrived, all dressed impressively. Everyone exchanged polite greetings.

Leng Ning leaned close to Li Si’s ear and whispered, "Sis-in-law, I’ve got some shocking news for you!"

Curious, Li Si tilted her head toward her, "What is it?" Leng Ning’s expression didn’t seem joyful.

Leng Ning pouted slightly, muttering, "Do you remember Yin Xuan?"

"Yin Xian’s sister?"

Li Si couldn’t recall anyone else she knew with the surname Yin.

Leng Ning nodded. "She and Yichen know each other. Her advertising company recently started collaborating with his firm."

For reasons unknown, seeing them talk together for the first time had made Leng Ning feel unsettled.

She wasn’t usually the petty or jealous type and considered herself quite magnanimous.

But she couldn’t shake the discomfort, as if their pairing looked right somehow.

Li Si patted her shoulder, glanced around at the setting, and softly advised, "You might just be overthinking it!"

Jin Yichen seemed unlikely to be the kind of man who played around.

Leng Ning hung her head, talking to herself, "I hope I’m overthinking it..."

After parting with Leng Ning, Li Si carried a glass of champagne, elegantly swirling it briefly, her gaze sweeping over the men and women at the banquet. She found it dreadfully dull.

Leng Mochen stood not far away, surrounded by a group of people discussing something. Judging by his indifferent expression, she could tell he was growing impatient.

Only when his gaze fell upon her did warmth flicker in his eyes.

Xu Er and Bai Shasha arrived slightly late. Bai Shasha’s outfit tonight—a classic little black dress—was subtle yet highlighted her spirited and cheeky charm when paired with her makeup.

"Sisi, Xu Er said he’d bring me here yesterday, and I was excited! But now that I’m here, it’s so boring!"

Bai Shasha pouted in complaint, wishing she hadn’t bothered coming.

Wearing formal gowns meant enduring high heels, a stark departure from her usual sneakers and flats, which she was far more used to.

Noticing her discomfort earlier, Li Si glanced at her shoes, "Banquets are always like this. Are those shoes cutting into your feet?"

Bai Shasha nodded hurriedly, "They’re rubbing against the back of my heels. Sisi, let’s find a spot to sit down! I’m dying here!"

Ever since stepping out of the car and walking the red carpet, her heels had been torturing her, each step a painful rub against her skin.

Scanning the room, Li Si noticed an unoccupied corner sofa partially concealed by potted plants.

Sitting there wouldn’t appear rude.

She looped her arm around Bai Shasha’s and suggested, "Let’s go sit over there!"

Seeing the spot, Bai Shasha instantly felt a sense of relief. Anything was better than standing around painfully; her feet were throbbing.

(To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers, please go to m.qidian.com to continue reading.)