Chapter 22: The gaze

Henceforth, the development of Zhen Corporation surpassed that of the Gu Hong era in every aspect.

In no time, rumors about Gu Han Sheng began circulating among the upper echelons of Yucheng.

Though he conducted himself in a grand manner, Gu Han Sheng remained modest in character.

He declined any media interviews and absolutely avoided attending any gatherings he could refuse.

However, in the past year, perhaps his temperament had been grasped by others to some extent, as insiders occasionally invited him to appear.

For tonight's auction, according to Gu Han Sheng's intentions, he would naturally decline, but the previous afternoon, his assistant Ji Chen received a call from his elderly mother at the office.

Wen Mingting mentioned she had taken a liking to certain bracelets, necklaces, as well as some paintings and porcelain at the event, and asked Gu Han Sheng to arrange it.

Gu Han Sheng exchanged a glance with Ji Chen without a word, only to find Ji Chen shaking his head with a suppressed expression.

Over the phone, Wen Mingting said, "I've inquired around. There's hardly any legitimate charity auction. They're all deceptive. I heard there are many socialites attending. You shouldn't be busy with work all the time; you should socialize more."

Every time this topic arose, Gu Han Sheng wanted to hang up immediately, but constrained by her identity, he could only patiently respond, "Mother, your son is only thirty this year."

"You're the only one who has the nerve to say that. When I was your age, you were already running errands for me."

"..."

Gu Han Sheng rarely softened his demeanor, saying, "Do you only like high-born ladies? Are socialites from non-illustrious families unacceptable?"

She retorted, "Stop teasing me. I'm not someone who cares about social status. I just want you to consider your future seriously and marry a wife soon."

After a moment of silence, Gu Han Sheng changed his previously stubborn attitude and replied, "As you wish."

Tonight's event, euphemistically termed a charity auction, was nothing but a superficial gesture made by the elites to maintain appearances.

After the auction proceedings concluded, mingling ensued as usual. The wealthy discussed business while the influential awaited flattery from the affluent. Meanwhile, those on the fringes of high society endeavored to gain a modicum of recognition within the circle.

The entrance time for the auction was 7:30, and it commenced promptly at 8.

Tonight, Liang Shu, as Mr. Yu's companion, wore a nude pink off-shoulder evening gown, with the hem slightly shorter in the front and longer at the back, adorned with intricate Chinese-style embroidery that varied at each cross. Her legs were fair, straight, and slender.

The daring design at the lower back featured a slit directly to the waist, enhancing the perfection of her shoulder and waist contours.

Being dutiful, she arrived early.

When Mr. Yu escorted her through the main entrance, the hall was still relatively empty, and thus, no one paid much attention to her.

After seating themselves, with about twenty minutes remaining until the event commenced, Liang Shu, fulfilling her role as a companion, sat quietly in her seat. However—

Glancing at the hand still linked with hers, she smiled discreetly at the man beside her and said, "Mr. Yu, would you mind releasing my hand?"

It was appropriate for her to hold his hand when they entered, but him still holding onto hers now was rather...

"If you insist on holding my hand, I might have to raise the bidding..."

As she inwardly scoffed, the man seemed to suddenly realize and released her hand, saying, "My apologies, Miss Liang. That was rather presumptuous of me."

Tsk tsk, these people, such actors.

Liang Shu withdrew her hand, offering a polite smile in return.

They sat quietly for a while longer as the auction was about to begin.

Liang Shu couldn't shake off the chilling sensation on her back, her gaze unconsciously scanning the crowd, only to unintentionally meet a pair of chilling eyes.