Chapter 83: What Does It Mean to Undermine Others?

Since Xi Rou’er wanted her to play the villain, she would naturally return the favor in kind.

[That’s good. Take care of yourself, don’t worry about others.]

[Anyone at all?]

[Yes, anyone. You are the priority.]

Yun Fu gazed at the words on her phone screen, and she could almost picture Lian Hanqi’s expression on the other end of the call.

There was no exchange of interests between them, yet he seemed to have known her for ages, always appearing at the moment she needed him most.

Yun Fu pressed the phone off and did not reply.

Just then, He Fang and Gu Haoyuan came out, one carrying ginger soup, the other porridge, with Mu Bai and Ouyang Ting helping at their side.

“Xiao Fu, come have some ginger soup to ward off the chill.

Xiao Xi, have some porridge with Yun Fu, and if you’re still not feeling well, you should see a doctor.”

Xi Rou’er glanced at Yun Fu, surrounded by several people, then looked at herself, accompanied only by the photographer.

She clenched her fists tightly, barely restraining her emotions.

Ever since Yun Fu arrived, nothing seemed to go her way!

She had the system, after all. Hmph, such things wouldn’t happen again!

After breakfast, the director presented today’s mission.

“A renowned Chinese businessman, upon hearing of your visit to Italy, was delighted and has specially invited you all to join him for dinner.

Please proceed to Mr. Wen’s estate for the banquet as soon as possible.”

This was a star-studded variety show, destined for broadcast across major platforms; attending a banquet abroad was, by any measure, a remarkable opportunity.

The six hurried to prepare. It was a casual banquet; formal attire wasn’t required.

Still, most took care with their appearance.

Only Yun Fu simply changed into another dress, still wearing a black down coat, yet even so, her curves and beauty could not be concealed.

[There’s no denying it—Yun Fu’s beauty is unrivaled.]

[Absolutely, she’s stunning, so slender even in thick clothes, and that’s on camera. Her figure is incredible.]

[She barely tidied up and looks amazing. I envy her so much.]

Xi Rou’er emerged and saw Yun Fu sitting idly, absorbed in a game of Snake. Her eyes flickered.

She sat there in a languid pose, almost boneless, yet not the least bit disheveled—rather, she radiated a quiet command.

No makeup, her hair loosely tied, a few stray strands framing her exquisite face, making her beauty seem ethereal.

Beneath the black down coat was a knitted dress that flattered the figure like no other, and on her, it traced her curves flawlessly.

Xi Rou’er had chosen a cheongsam to accentuate her own classical elegance, thinking it would give her an edge. Now, though, she saw that Yun Fu, even clad in sackcloth, could stand beside her as an equal.

Jealousy consumed Xi Rou’er.

They all boarded the production team’s vehicle to Wen’s house.

It was a villa, expansive, with a splendid garden.

Wen Hui was among the earliest Chinese to venture abroad and was now a successful businessman. When the production team approached him, he agreed without hesitation.

For one, he worked in the media industry; for another, encountering compatriots in a foreign land was always a cause for warmth.

At this banquet, Mr. Wen had invited only them and a few of his friends.

As they entered, a man with greenish eyes called out in surprise, “Rou’er?!”

His pronunciation was imperfect but clear enough; he was addressing Xi Rou’er.

He greeted her warmly, switching to English with enthusiasm.

“Rou’er! What are you doing here? It’s been so long. You’re even more beautiful now!”

Xi Rou’er was equally excited.

“Davis, it’s been ages. Are you here for Mr. Wen’s banquet as well?”

“Yes, Wen is my mother’s good friend—and mine, too.”

[Ah, that’s Davis! I can’t believe we’re seeing him here. What an honor.]

[Who’s Davis?]

[He’s a piano maestro. His mother is Italian, his father American. Rich and brilliant, a legend—and friends with Xi Rou’er.]

[Our goddess is truly worthy. All her friends are legends.]

Not only that, during the introductions, Davis even said, “Rou’er is my junior. We studied piano together.”

Back then, when Xi Rou’er went abroad, she met Davis, became friends with him, and eventually learned piano with him under an internationally renowned master.

[Wow, I didn’t even know our goddess was so skilled at piano. She’s a disciple of Boro Lee—she could perform on the world stage.]

[You didn’t know? Xi Rou’er has even performed in America before.]

Hearing Davis’s introduction, the guests lavished her with praise.

Xi Rou’er covered her mouth, smiling modestly. “Not at all, my senior is far more accomplished. I’m still learning.”

Mr. Wen’s friends showered her with compliments.

“Miss Xi, you’re too modest. If only we could hear you play the piano once.”

“Yes, Miss Xi, no need for modesty—please play for us.”

Davis eagerly invited his junior to perform.

Unable to decline their enthusiasm, Xi Rou’er walked gracefully to the piano.

A beauty in a cheongsam beside the piano—the crowd’s gaze was transfixed.

[So beautiful—even if I can’t tell, it sounds wonderful.]

[Our goddess makes us proud.]

[This is the kind of idol young people should admire: outstanding, perfect.]

[Honestly, it seems Yun Fu only has her looks.]

[Hey, praise if you must, but don’t disparage others!]

[If your favorites can’t compare, that’s reality, not disparagement.]

The banquet opened with a piano piece, and the atmosphere grew lively.

Because of her performance and her connection to Davis, Xi Rou’er became the most sought-after lady in the room, with everyone wanting to dance, chat, and drink with her.

Yet her attention lingered on Gu Haoyuan, though he never looked her way.

Just as Xi Rou’er was about to continue her pursuit of Gu Haoyuan, a Wen family servant whispered something to Mr. Wen.

Mr. Wen hurriedly set down his wine, striding out in haste.

A moment later, he returned with a handsome young man, treating him with great respect.

“Mr. Carrettlin, please, this way.”

At the mention of that surname, everyone present felt a jolt of surprise.

How could such a person appear here?

The staff who had accompanied Yun Fu to fetch items yesterday instantly recognized him—it was Yun Fu’s friend.

So, was he here for Yun Fu?

As that thought flickered, he greeted them, “Dear Fu, why aren’t you the least bit excited to see me?”