6. Crème de la crème

Xu Fan's heart raced as she left Qin Yichen's office, her mind swirling with the possibilities of what lay ahead. She knew that her actions had stirred a tempest within the Qin family, and now, she needed to navigate these turbulent waters carefully.

Determined to leave with her dignity, Xu Fan decided to visit the charity dinner venue the next day. She wanted everything to be perfect, not just to impress Qin Yichen but also to give her mother-in-law and husband a slap in the face.

Arriving at the grand hall, she was greeted by the event planner, a woman named Li Mei, who had been overseeing the preparations.

"Mrs. Qin, everything is coming along beautifully," Li Mei assured her, leading her through the bustling space filled with workers setting up decorations and testing lighting.

Xu Fan nodded, her eyes scanning the room critically. "I want every detail to be flawless. The Qin family name demands nothing less."

Just as she was turning around, a worker bumped into her, dropping the box she was holding.

The worker quickly apologized with her head bowed then rushed to inspect the box to see if the contents were intact. 

Xu Fan also rushed over and asked if the worker was okay. The worker and Li Mei were both stunned. They thought this rich young miss would have started screaming and complaining about the contents of the box first and not the worker.

Sensing her hesitant to answer, Xu Fan looked in the box and realized it contained candles. Some candles seemed to be broken so she assured her that it was okay and to be careful in the future.

The worker tearfully apologized again, thanked Xu Fan then went away to continue her work. 

As they continued their inspection, Xu Fan's phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a message from Xiao Fang.

There has been a change of plans,she got initations to join a socializing dinner at the Imperial Hotel that evening. A flutter of excitement stirred within her; this was a good opportunity for her to build her network .

Xiao Fang often took these invitations to these dinners for Xu fan for her to socialize and gain roles in dramas. She doesn't do anything indecent, the most she has to do is sweet talk and drink with some directers to get a small role.

"Li Mei, I have to go," Xu Fan said, her voice steady despite the thrill coursing through her veins. "Keep me updated on any changes."

The Imperial Hotel was the hottest spot to host parties or events of any sort these dates. She was trying to book it for the Charity dinner but it was booked out for that day according to the manager.

She then went with the next best chioce, Phoenix Hotel. Although smaller, it was equally amazing in her eyes, especially after she finishes with the decoration, she believes it will be the best.

Xu Fan first drove to a small sized salon where an appointment was already made for her to get ready. She needed to appear both dutiful and charming, a difficult balance to strike.

Xiao Fang picked her up from the salon, as they both would be attending the party together. The anticipation of the evening hung in the air, and when Xiao Fang finally caught sight of Xu Fan stepping out from behind the curtain, she couldn't help but gasp in admiration.

"You look like a fairy tonight," Xiao Fang remarked, her eyes widening with genuine awe.

Xu Fan had chosen a gown that seemed almost otherworldly in its beauty. The dress was a delicate shade of pale lavender, the kind of color that shifted in the light, almost like the wings of a butterfly.

It was made of layers upon layers of the finest silk chiffon, so light and airy that it floated around her like a cloud. The bodice was fitted perfectly to her slender figure, adorned with intricate, hand-sewn silver embroidery that caught the light with every movement, giving the impression of shimmering stardust scattered across her torso.

The gown's off-the-shoulder neckline was gracefully draped, revealing her elegant collarbones and the smooth curve of her neck.

The sleeves were long, made of a sheer fabric that clung to her arms like a second skin, ending in delicate lace cuffs that added an extra touch of refinement.

The skirt flowed down in a cascade of soft folds, trailing slightly behind her as she walked, creating an ethereal train that whispered across the floor with every step.

Her hair, usually left in simple styles, had been swept up into an elaborate updo, adorned with tiny silver pins shaped like stars, which gleamed against her dark locks.

A pair of diamond earrings, subtle yet sparkling, dangled from her ears, complementing the understated elegance of her look.

Xu Fan's makeup was minimal, highlighting her natural beauty. Her skin glowed softly, with a hint of blush on her cheeks, and her lips were painted a soft rose color that perfectly matched the romantic tone of her ensemble.

"Thank you, Sister Fang," Xu Fan replied, her voice soft and modest, despite the fact that she looked like she had stepped out of a fairy tale. She glanced at the clock and then back at Xiao Fang with a gentle smile. "Let's go before it's late."

With that, the two women headed towards the awaiting car, ready to dazzle the evening away.

As the elevator doors slid open on the 11th floor, Xu Fan stepped out and found herself momentarily breathless. This was not just an ordinary social dinner; it was an event that seemed to have gathered the crème de la crème of City A.

The room was a dazzling display of wealth, power, and influence. A-list celebrities mingled effortlessly with renowned directors, entertainment CEOs, and business tycoons. It was a who's who of the city's elite, and Xu Fan felt the weight of the moment settle heavily on her shoulders.

She paused for a second, adjusting the delicate fabric of her gown, trying to steady her nerves. The glamour and opulence of the party were overwhelming, but she knew this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to squander.

For years, she had been trying to break into the acting world, and tonight felt like her moment—a chance to finally make a mark. With a determined smile, she stepped further into the room, weaving through the clusters of people, her eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces or a potential opening. She knew that the right conversation could change everything.

The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the soft murmur of conversations, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, golden light, casting intricate patterns on the marble floor.

Waiters in crisp uniforms glided between the guests, offering trays of champagne and gourmet hors d'oeuvres. Every detail of the event screamed luxury and exclusivity, and Xu Fan was acutely aware of the significance of being here.

Across the room, Xiao Fang observed Xu Fan with a mix of pride and concern. She had seen Xu Fan's journey from the very beginning—the struggles, the late nights, the rejections.

Xu Fan's talent was undeniable; she had a natural grace and a depth that shone through every role she took on. But Xiao Fang also knew the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, talent alone was not always enough. The industry was a battlefield, where connections and luck often played as crucial a role as skill.

Xiao Fang watched as Xu Fan mingled with the guests, her smile confident yet her eyes betraying a flicker of anxiety. She knew how much this night meant to Xu Fan.

It wasn't just about securing a role or catching a director's eye; it was about proving to herself and the world that she belonged in this glittering, competitive world.

"She'll be fine," Xiao Fang reassured herself, though the protective part of her couldn't help but worry. Xu Fan had always been strong, but this was a different level of pressure. The stakes were higher, the risks greater.

Xu Fan, on the other hand, felt a surge of determination rise within her as she exchanged pleasantries with a well-known director- Jason Fu.

She could feel the eyes of the room on her, evaluating, judging, but she refused to be intimidated. Tonight, she was more than just a hopeful actress—she was a contender. And she was going to make sure that by the end of the night, everyone in that room knew it.

As the party unfolded, Xu Fan's charm and wit caught the director's eye. After a brief conversation and an impromptu audition of sorts, Xu Fan walked away with a promise—a role in the director's upcoming film.

She was delighted, but she wasn't stopping there. This was her moment, and she wasn't going to let it slip away. The more roles she got, the merrier.