Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Win

After Qiao Qing Yan returned from the company, she slept off her exhaustion and let herself breathe for a full day. The next morning, just as the sun began to pale the curtains, the company’s reply arrived.

“It’s the invitation to the charity gala. Tomorrow we’ll send a team to do your makeup and hair. Your gown will be delivered to you as well.”

Wu Lan’s voice was clipped, all business—until it sharpened.

“Don’t say anything reckless once you’re there. This gala was started by Yan Jing’s richest man. Anyone who can get in is somebody. If you cause trouble, the consequences aren’t something you can afford.”

She paused, as if swallowing her irritation.

“And tomorrow, President Si will pick you up.”

Wu Lan hated the decision. She could hear it in every word. But she still had to obey.

Because the only card she had left—Xu Shu Jing—still needed the company to pull her out of this mess.

Wu Lan didn’t know what the company’s real purpose was in sending Qiao Qing Yan to an event like this. She didn’t need to. If it helped Xu Shu Jing, that was enough.

The internet had already started to shift its attention away from the hotel casting-couch scandal, but for Xu Shu Jing’s future, it wasn’t enough for the heat to die down. It had to be resolved cleanly—perfectly.

Qiao Qing Yan lowered her eyes to the invitation set before her. A charity banquet for the upper circle. With her current standing, she didn’t qualify to attend. Even a first-tier celebrity might not get a ticket.

“The company has already contacted the venue,” Wu Lan added quickly, still unwilling, as if trying to convince herself more than anyone else. “You’ll attend as President Si’s female companion. The donation’s been arranged, so you don’t need to worry about anything. Just show your face. President Si will coordinate and accompany you…”

After that, whatever narrative the PR department wanted online, the company had ways to turn it.

Qiao Qing Yan tapped the invitation with one pale fingertip. Her gaze stayed lowered, unreadable.

So this was the company’s answer.

It seemed she’d won this round.

Since she’d entered this world, there was no reason to leave this circle in such an ugly way. Some things had to be taken back—one by one.

“Mhm.” She set the invitation back on the table. Her clear, ethereal eyes didn’t even bother to linger on Wu Lan. “I understand.”

It was as if this were nothing more than an ordinary appointment.

Wu Lan stared at her, stunned. Was this really Qiao Qing Yan?

Or had someone swapped her out?