After months of intensive training for the World Patisserie Challenge, Lu Xinyi was glad that she wouldn’t have to subject herself to any compet.i.tion or cooking battle anytime soon. Her mood gradually improved when the twins came home that afternoon. Still, she hadn’t received anything about her husband yet.
There would be a celebratory banquet that night which she also had to attend. The minute she finished having dinner with her children, Lu Xinyi hurriedly bathed, changed her clothes to a party dress, and did her hair and light makeup with Jiao Jiao’s help.
After kissing the twins’ goodbye, the Fu siblings drove her towards the hotel where the venue of the banquet was.
When she arrived, Headmistress Han was already on stage, addressing the guests to express her grat.i.tude. Since everyone was focused to congratulate Headmistress Han and Han Yixin, no one noticed her late arrival except the circle of her friends.
Lan Xiaoli and Tang Lilou pulled her towards the buffet area and gave her a plate. Since she already had her dinner earlier, Lu Xinyi filled her plate with small desserts.
“Xin Jie, are you okay? I saw a news article earlier. I’m telling you now, those are true. Shen Yi arrived at the hotel with Li Yuren. His sister only came later to pick him up.” Tang Lilou didn’t waste time and explained what she found out about the malicious news spreading around.
The grip Lu Xinyi had on the chopstick unconsciously tightened, and her heart pounded. She should have known that her husband wouldn’t betray her, but his absence still dampened her mood.
“Really? Why didn’t they say so? I’m wondering what was up since we arrived last night. Say, Lou’er, do you think you can help me teach those media a good lesson not to mess up with my marriage?” A s.a.d.i.s.tic grin appeared on her lips.
Tang Lilou’s face lit up. She scooted closer to her cousin and discussed her plan.
Seeing them together like this, Lan Xiaoli laughed amusedly.
“Sister Tang’s way of getting even is really weird,” she commented, which was heard by Surya Rath.o.r.e and Ye Xieren.
Ye Xieren shrugged and sipped his wine.
“If the government opened a new ministry for revenge, Sister Tang should apply. She knows some twisted ways to make her opponents suffer without her breaking a sweat,” he commented.
Lu Xinyi endured the long night and thanked anyone who congratulated her latest achievement, but all of these meant nothing for her at the moment. She just wanted to see Shen Yi right now, and she didn’t know how long she could endure such loneliness.
She excused herself and went to the bathroom with Zhang Qing. Since it was a celebratory party, socializing with alcohol was customary.
“Zhang Qing, can you please call Qiao He again? Please ask him where my husband is. I need to see him.” Under the influence of alcohol, Lu Xinyi broke down and cried in Zhang Qing’s arms.
“Miss…” Zhang Qing also felt helpless for her boss. She was aware that Shen Yi’s disappearance had certainly put a strain on Lu Xinyi. It was surprising for her at least that her mistress was able to win the compet.i.tion under such pressure.
However, even before she could agree to Lu Xinyi’s request, screams from the banquet hall were heard. Lu Xinyi sobered up and ran back to the banquet hall with Zhang Qing, but even before they reached the hall, the scene that greeted them in the hallway just outside the banquet hall was horrifying.
Jiao Jiao had a shot wound on her side which was bleeding profusely, and a familiar woman was supporting her limp body up with a gun pointed on her head.
Lu Xinyi’s face turned white as a paper when it dawned on her what could have happened. The main exit was blocked by men in black and had pointed their rifles towards the other guest inside the banquet hall.
“Feng Qianyu! What’s the meaning of this?!” Lu Xinyi could feel her hurt pounding hard against her chest.
Jiao Jiao was following them to the bathroom when she noticed Feng Qianyu’s suspicious movements. She called the Fu siblings to go up for backup while she checked on their mistress but failed as Feng Qianyu already shot her when she attempted to leave the banquet hall.
“Oh, Madam Shen. I’m so tired of playing and watching you. I think my father also thinks the same. Your husband, where is he?” Feng Qianyu asked her back.
Lu Xinyi had no idea what her cla.s.smate was talking about. Feng Qianyu… was he related to that Feng Zexian who was also after her husband? That made sense to her.
“I don’t even know where my husband is. How am I supposed to answer your question?” Lu Xinyi unexpectedly replied calmly.
She had never had an argument or interaction with Feng Qianyu before. Lu Xinyi knew she was smart considering she was able to break into the ranking effortlessly.
Feng Qianyu was a young woman in her early twenties. She had a pretty face, good figure, and personality which were really likable. Lu Xinyi just didn’t expect that she was capable of hurting others like this.
“I don’t believe you! President Shen cherishes you the most! He certainly wouldn’t abandon you not when my father is hunting him down,” the young woman insisted.
“I really don’t know where he is.” Lu Xinyi swept her gaze back at the banquet hall and saw the guests trembling with fear. “Release them. They have nothing to do with this.” She lifted a hand and convinced Feng Qianyu to release Jiao Jiao.
“Miss…” Jiao Jiao was fighting hard to stay conscious of her surroundings. She could see the panic on Lu Xinyi’s face through her blurred eyesight.
Jiao Jiao had already lost a lot of blood, and she would collapse anytime soon. The gun wound could be fatal, and Lu Xinyi certainly wouldn’t allow any of her bodyguards to lose their lives because of her. They somewhat became a part of her family.
“Release them? Alright, I’ll grant your wish, Madam Shen. Sure, I’ll set them free so long as you’ll take their place and come with us.”