"How is that cringey? Haven't you seen your husband's recent interview? That description was the top-rated comment online, it's gone viral!"

As Jiang Rong spoke, she found the report on her tablet and tapped the screen. "Take a look."

Qin Fan's gaze fell on the interview video that Jiang Rong had opened—

In the video, the man was dressed in a noble, haute couture suit, sitting calmly on a deep red sofa as he was interviewed. His features were refined and handsome, making him unforgettable.

The most eye-catching detail was the string of black Buddhist prayer beads, inscribed with scriptures, in his right hand. The beads weren't on his wrist, but draped casually over his long, pale fingers. His knuckles were distinct and strong, as perfect as a work of art, seemingly made to be treasured.

Qin Fan was certain; this was indeed her husband of convenience.

She casually opened the comments below.

However, the original top comment had been replaced by another—

The new top comment: Bodhisattva, save me.

A slow smile curved Qin Fan's red lips. She decisively took a screenshot, sent it to her phone, and then saved it.

Seeing this series of actions, Jiang Rong had been about to tease her, but the van had already stopped in front of the styling studio.

Jiang Rong checked the time. There was no time for jokes. She quickly opened the door and urged, "Hurry and get out, we're running late. We need to get there early."

Qin Fan put her phone away. "Don't worry, we have enough time."

Seeing Qin Fan remain so calm as if Mount Tai could collapse before her without her flinching, Jiang Rong didn't know whether to be happy or worried.

It was good that her mentality was so stable, but wasn't it a little too stable!!!

......

During the peak of summer in Bei Cheng, the sky was only just beginning to dim at six in the evening.

The white van stopped punctually in front of the Xinghe Luqi Hotel.

Guided by an attendant, Qin Fan used her invitation to smoothly enter the private banquet hall on the twelfth floor.

The banquet hall was decorated in an antique style, the kind of atmosphere favored by the wealthy.

It appeared low-key, but in reality, every detail of the layout was luxurious, highlighting the extraordinary status of the guests on this floor.

Two carved sandalwood screens separated the space into two sections. The outer area was a self-serve social area, while the inner area was for the seated banquet. Only the most elite among the honored guests were qualified to enter the inner section.

Even some who received an invitation were not qualified to be seated at the banquet.

Jiang Rong was self-aware enough not to plan on taking Qin Fan into the seated area.

Fortunately, as soon as they entered, they saw the internationally renowned director, Song Lin, sitting on a sofa. She quickly led Qin Fan over to greet him.

Right now, Qin Fan didn't lack acting skills or experience; she just lacked a good role to put her in front of an audience.

Jiang Rong remembered that Director Song was recently preparing a big IP film, and even getting an audition opportunity would be good.

Song Lin remained silent, but the real estate boss sitting next to him, Yu Zhousheng, was sizing up Qin Fan's face—a face that ranked among the top even in an entertainment circle filled with beauties. His tone was amiable: "I've had the pleasure of admiring Miss Qin's classical dance. I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting Miss Qin for a private performance."

"Of course, not for free. After all, I am planning to invest in Director Song's new film."

Song Lin said nothing. Whether Qin Fan agreed or not had nothing to do with him.

After all, such matters were consensual.

As an industry insider, how could Jiang Rong not understand Boss Yu's implication? Her expression changed, and she quickly looked toward Qin Fan.

She was afraid that this little ancestor of hers would lose her temper, forgetting that this was not a place to act rashly.

Seeing that Qin Fan's expression had turned sour, Jiang Rong quickly lowered her voice and whispered a reminder in her ear, "Calm down, calm down. Whatever you do, don't get angry and don't offend him. Just think of him as a wild t-o-a-d. How can a person argue with an animal!"

Seeing Sister Jiang frantically giving her looks, Qin Fan swallowed the sarcastic retort on the tip of her tongue. Then, lifting her lashes, she looked at Boss Yu with a faint smile, "How unfortunate, I've twisted my ankle."

Sister Jiang nearly fainted on the spot—

'My dear ancestor, can't you come up with a more convincing excuse! You're wearing heels over ten centimeters high; who would believe you've twisted your ankle?'

Song Lin, who was watching from the side, couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

Boss Yu also noticed Qin Fan's ankles, standing steadily in her high heels, and immediately felt insulted.

The thought of Song Lin's laughter made him lose even more face, and he vented all his anger on Qin Fan. "Security! Get them out of here! Don't they know what kind of place this is? Just any woman thinks she can waltz in."

The commotion was so loud that everyone else in the hall turned to look.

A wave of discussion arose—

"Isn't that Qin Fan?"

"If she gets kicked out on the spot, I'll be embarrassed for her."

"Qin Fan has really been going downhill ever since she left the classical dance world. If she gets thrown out today, she'll become the laughingstock of the entertainment industry."

"..."

Qin Fan's eyes grew cold. She had never tolerated being wronged in her entire life.

Even when angry, a beauty is still beautiful. Yu Zhousheng looked at Qin Fan's face, dazzling under the lights, and felt he could give her another chance.

He cleared his throat and said magnanimously, "It's not too late if you regret it now."

Qin Fan looked at the untouched glass of wine on the coffee table.

just as she was about to raise her hand—

Who would have thought that a young, elite-looking man in a suit would emerge from behind the screen. "Miss Qin, our President Xie invites you to join the banquet."

President Xie?

!!!

The guests in the outer area stared in astonishment as President Xie's secretary, Secretary Wen, who was never far from him during work hours, walked respectfully toward Qin Fan.

Not just them, even Jiang Rong was stunned.

What a coincidence, President Xie was here too!

Jiang Rong nudged Qin Fan's arm and whispered in her ear, "Only your superficial husband can save you now. Hurry up and go!"

Secretary Wen knew Qin Fan's identity. He glanced at the stunned Boss Yu. "Miss Qin, shall I have security escort Boss Yu out?"

"Escort out" was the same as "kick out."

Everyone present understood the meaning.

Qin Fan, however, was calm. It would be a waste not to use her convenient husband's people. She nodded imperceptibly. "Yes."

The surroundings fell deathly silent.

Even the arrogant Boss Yu from a moment ago didn't dare to object.

After all, Secretary Wen's words represented President Xie's will. Would he dare to defy President Xie unless he wanted to go bankrupt?

Lifting her skirt, Qin Fan gracefully followed Secretary Wen behind the screen.

At the banquet table, the dozen or so seats were nearly all filled.

A single glance revealed that they were all renowned tycoons of the business world.

Only the seat next to the head of the table was empty.

When Qin Fan's eyes swept over the main seat, her gaze paused—

She rarely saw Xie Yanli in a black shirt. It made his already refined, picturesque face look exceptionally stunning. That is, until the man put down his wine glass and looked up at her.

His eyes were cold and indifferent, devoid of joy or sorrow, like an emotionless ice sculpture. In an instant, all the stunning beauty vanished, replaced by frost.

Qin Fan's fingertips, holding her skirt, tightened subconsciously. Before she could speak...

She saw the man curl his long fingers and tap the table next to the empty seat to his right. In a cool tone, he called her name: "Qin Fan."

"Come here."