Chapter 22 My wife, Shen Modi

Shen Modi emerged in a stunning purple strapless gown. As she walked, her graceful movements were mesmerizing. The two-million-yuan jewelry she wore gave off the impression of being worth twenty million. The purple gown truly embodied the essence of "dreamy." Her slender waist, long body, swan-like neck, off-shoulder style, delicate collarbone, and porcelain-like smooth skin exuded an air of noble elegance. If one didn't know her ordinary background, they might mistake her for someone from a prestigious family. Her noble and elegant demeanor seemed entirely innate.

"Is it okay?" Modi asked gracefully.

Huo Mingze smiled and generously complimented her, "You look stunning, like a celestial being descended to earth."

Modi blushed at the praise, "It's not as exaggerated as you say."

Huo Mingze set aside the magazine and stood up, extending his hand toward Modi. She placed her hand in his.

"You really do look beautiful," Huo Mingze said as he held her hand.

"Thank you!" Modi replied.

"Let's get something to eat first. The event might be quite tiring later," Huo Mingze noted, glancing at Modi's shoes. She usually wore flat shoes, but tonight she was in seven-centimeter high heels, which would surely be uncomfortable later.

…

The event officially started at eight in the evening. However, luxury cars began arriving at Jizhou Hotel from around six. Tonight's event was the annual business networking event of Haicheng. Though termed a business exchange meeting, it was more accurately described as a social gathering. Virtually everyone of status in Haicheng would attend. Those with a strong business sense would strive to find opportunities for cooperation, and if not, meeting a few business giants was also beneficial. Younger attendees were often looking for romantic encounters.

Six years ago, Huo Mingze and Yao Yutong had met at such an event. Tonight, Song Keying and Gu Tianxi also attended. They arrived around seven.

Song Keying wore a blue evening gown. Her silent demeanor was gentle, and her appearance and charm were impressive. Gu Tianxi, dressed in a bespoke suit, radiated an aloof aura. Song Keying, holding Gu Tianxi's arm, entered the venue, drawing many admiring glances. Numerous young women cast appreciative looks at Gu Tianxi and whispered among themselves, "Hey, who is that handsome guy? He's so good-looking; I haven't seen him before."

"I don't know. He might be the young master who has been studying abroad and just returned."

"This cold demeanor is really so alluring. I've never seen the young lady she's with. Which family is she from?"

"Ah, I remember now. She's the daughter of that jewelry tycoon from Meicheng—Song Keying."

"Yes, yes, that's Gu Tianxi from the Gu family. The media reported on their wedding recently."

"Well, he's already married. What a pity. I thought he might be a young master just back from abroad. Guess we missed our chance. Speaking of which, I wonder when Third Young Master Huo Mingze and Yao Yutong will get married. I'm looking forward to their wedding; it will surely be spectacular."

"Yao Yutong is here. Huh, why is she alone today? She used to always be with Third Young Master Huo."

"Who knows? Maybe Huo Mingze is busy and arrived late or didn't come at all. I've heard that competition within the Huo family is quite fierce now, and none of the three young masters are easy to deal with."

"Shh, lower your voice. Let's not discuss these matters here." Everyone quieted down.

Someone approached Yao Yutong and greeted her, "Yutong."

Yao Yutong smiled and walked over to greet everyone. Even if the relationships weren't perfect, it was customary to greet one another among the ladies. After exchanging pleasantries with a few of them, Yao Yutong smiled and left. In a large circle, there were smaller circles; she had her own.

In the north corner of the banquet hall, Song Keying attentively served Gu Tianxi a drink. "Tianxi, here."

Gu Tianxi remained expressionless, not taking the drink from Song Keying. Instead, he reached for a glass of red wine from a passing waiter's tray. Song Keying's face fell slightly. She whispered, "Tianxi, do you have to treat me like this?"

"You should be thankful that Uncle Shen is fine," Gu Tianxi replied coldly.

Song Keying's face turned pale. She bit her lip and apologized, "Tianxi, I'm sorry." She knew that Gu Tianxi was aware of her provoking Shen Weiguo. She was unwilling to accept it and said with frustration, "Tianxi, could you at least be fair to me? I'm your wife; why do you always think about the Shen family?"

Gu Tianxi looked at Song Keying coldly and warned, "I'll say it again. I have had nothing to do with Shen Modi for three years, but Uncle Shen once did me a favor."

"But you've always been so distant with me, especially since we came to Haicheng."

"Should I keep you on a pedestal?" Gu Tianxi retorted.

"That's not what I meant. I…" Song Keying began, but Gu Tianxi interrupted, "If you can't handle it, go tell Grandpa you want a divorce."

"I don't want a divorce, Tianxi. I was wrong. I shouldn't have pushed you…" Song Keying was about to apologize and express her feelings when she noticed Shen Modi entering the room. She was struck by Shen Modi's appearance and aura.

In a purple strapless gown, high heels, and tassel earrings, with her hair simply styled in an updo with two strands falling naturally, Shen Modi looked both noble and elegant. Song Keying had always known Shen Modi was beautiful and would outshine others with a bit of grooming. She had seen Shen Modi at events before, but tonight, Shen Modi was more breathtaking than any time she had seen her before.

The stunning sight made her feel a pang of jealousy. She immediately glanced at Gu Tianxi, only to see him briefly look towards the door before calmly averting his gaze. Song Keying breathed a sigh of relief. She whispered, "Tianxi, let's go and greet General Manager Zhao."

"Mm," Gu Tianxi replied indifferently.

Song Keying was no longer concerned about Gu Tianxi's attitude; she just hoped the evening would end soon. She was afraid that Gu Tianxi's attention would once again be captivated by Shen Modi.

Yao Yutong was chatting with her friends. She was venting her frustrations, and her friends sympathized with her. One of them remarked, "Mingze is being so petty. You just went abroad, and he went and found someone else to marry?"

"He made me choose between going abroad and staying with him. He used to be infinitely tolerant of me, so I never expected he would actually follow through this time."

"Mingze is here? The woman with him is his arranged marriage partner? Yutong, didn't you say that the woman he married in the arranged setup comes from a poor background and looks quite plain?"

Yao Yutong, upon hearing that Huo Mingze had arrived, turned to look. At the entrance of the banquet hall, Shen Modi was arm-in-arm with Huo Mingze. Shen Modi exuded elegance, while Huo Mingze radiated nobility; together, they appeared to be a perfect match—an ideal pair.

Yao Yutong's hand tightened around the stem of her wine glass, and her smile faltered, freezing on her face. Huo Mingze, how could you bring this woman here?

Then, she heard Huo Mingze say to the CEO of Giant Power Investments, "Thank you for the compliment, General Manager Liu. This is not my secretary, nor a new girlfriend; she is my wife, Shen Modi."