Chapter 369: 369 Why can’t I treat you like this?

No one took Shi Lan’s words to heart; they merely thought she was bluffing. How could a mere artist know anything internal?

Shi Lan was utterly indifferent to the gazes of those around her; she was fearless in such situations.

Did Yan Ziqing think she had humiliated her?

Well, that would require the lady herself to care.

After the lady had taken her seat, she had Xiao Yue fetch some red wine and pastries. Actually, the view from this spot… wasn’t bad at all.

She was indeed the only person at the event who, after arriving, was confined by security and treated like a criminal by Yan Ziqing.

People looked at her with sympathy, but the lady didn’t care at all, and furthermore, she had a good appetite.

Binbin, among the guests, couldn’t help but use his phone to take a picture, delighting in An Lan’s embarrassing situation.

Wasn’t she always defiant to everyone and everything?

What about now?

Soon, the number of guests at the venue gradually increased. Once they got used to having a monitored artist in the corner, they no longer cast curious glances.

Time was slowly approaching six o’clock.

Most guests had already arrived, but today’s most prominent guest, Yan Shixiu, was nowhere to be seen.

No calls answered, no messages returned. At this moment, Yan’s mother was very flustered, but she dared not tell Yan Ziqing or Yan’s father.

On the other hand, the lady and Yan, who was at the dinner, were enjoying their conversation immensely.

Yan: “You’re at the scene?”

Shi Lan: “Yan Ziqing found two security guards to corner me, restricting my freedom, not allowing me to move freely.”

Yan: “Mrs. Yan, are you… complaining?”

Shi Lan: “Someone told me that complaining is a virtue.”

Yan: “Then Mrs. Yan, please be patient for a bit longer, behave, and sit in the corner to watch the drama unfold. Don’t drink too much.”

Shi Lan: “I can drink.”

Yan: “You wouldn’t know how charming you look when you’re drunk. Only I get to see it.”

Facing Yan Shixiu’s sudden flirtation, the lady almost bit her own tongue.

Tonight was not only going to feature announcements from Shuangshi and Huahai, but also Huahai’s legal team would arrive to claim damages. At that time, having the lawyer take out his drama-watching wife would certainly be explosive.

Tonight was Yan’s home turf, so Shi Lan did not plan to steal the spotlight, yet she couldn’t help having a husband who was crazy about pampering his wife.

After all, between the two of them, with the ties that bind and being bound, even if Huahai took the lead for Shi Lan, no one would suspect anything.

The matter concerning Binbin would soon become Shi Lan’s main concern.

So, tonight, she was focused on watching the drama.

But even while sitting in the corner, Shi Lan could hear her man’s name throughout the event, as everyone was here for Yan Shixiu. Did Yan Ziqing really think she had that much influence? Who here would waste their time for her sake?

However, Yan Ziqing, utterly without any self-awareness, navigated among the guests with her father, automatically assuming Yan Shixiu would definitely make a grand final appearance whenever his name was mentioned.

But as time went on, the clock struck seven in the evening, and there was no sign of Yan Shixiu, not even a hint of him.

At that moment, Yan Ziqing obviously panicked, quickly pulling Yan’s mother aside and asking, “Mom, where’s big brother? Didn’t you say he promised to come? The situation is so critical now, where is he?”

“He never promised me he would come. I’ve always told you, he just needed to think about it,” Yan’s mother said.

“Mom, do you want to see me humiliated? Today, the whole world knows that Tianwang is hosting the banquet, inviting celebrities from inside and outside the circle. I’ve already told everyone that big brother will attend the banquet. How will I face them now? Call big brother quickly!”

“It was you who spoke of uncertainties as certainties. Whose fault is that?” Yan’s mother asked.

“Mom, now is not the time to shirk responsibility. Big brother must show up immediately!”

Yan’s mother took a deep breath, then took out her phone and dialed Yan Shixiu’s number again.

This time, Yan Shixiu answered, but his voice was cool, tinged with coldness, “Mom.”

“Shixiu, where are you?”

“In a neighboring city.” Yan Shixiu replied truthfully.

“Is there any way you could come back before your sister’s reception ends?”

“I can’t.” Yan Shixiu responded.

“You…” Yan’s mother choked up a bit before continuing, “are you doing this on purpose?”

“I never promised that I would definitely have time, I just said… I would think about it.” Yan Shixiu repeated his attitude from that time.

“Can’t you do it for your sister…”

“I can’t.” Yan Shixiu didn’t even let Yan’s mother finish, “I’ve told you long ago not to fantasize about things you shouldn’t.”

“Shixiu…”

“The deeds of that father and daughter over these years, you, as their mother, should know better than anyone. Do not ask me. Yan Shixiu three years ago was already sold by your whole family. Coincidentally, it happened at such a reception too.”

After speaking, Yan Shixiu hung up the phone, leaving Yan’s mother unable to stop her tears.

At this very moment, the reception hall was full of guests and superstars. However, the person they were all expecting would not make an appearance.

Yan’s father and Yan Ziqing, alike, had a strong desire to perform.

In this situation, he didn’t forget to play the host, speaking a few words on behalf of Yan Ziqing.

“Welcome, distinguished guests, for attending the Tianwang Entertainment reception hosted by my daughter. I also represent my son in expressing our sincerest gratitude to you all. I wholeheartedly hope that in the future, Shuangshi and Tianwang can collaborate in many areas…”

The young lady sat in the corner, nearly sick to her stomach hearing such words.

Yan Ziqing indeed took after her father, theatrically moving everywhere to force herself into the spotlight.

It’s just too bad…

Yan’s father spoke pompously, embarrassing himself with his speeches. After finishing, he asked Yan Ziqing, “Where is your big brother? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”

“I’ll ask Mom.” Yan Ziqing looked around for Yan’s mother and eventually found her in the hotel garden, looking troubled.

“Mom, where’s big brother?”

“Your big brother can’t make it.”

“How can he not make it? Didn’t he promise?” Yan Ziqing, anxious, took out her phone to call Yan Shixiu, but sadly, it was turned off. “How can big brother do this to me?”

Why couldn’t he do this to you?

“Mom… call big brother again; I need to go pacify the guests.”

Having said that, Yan Ziqing hurried back to the reception hall, but the powerful Shi located not too far away had already seen her anxiety and panic.

Tsk tsk, it’s eight o’clock already.

Among the guests, some were starting to get impatient. After all, two hours had passed and there was still no sign of Yan Shixiu.

“Everyone, please remain calm. My big brother is on his way. You all know how busy he has been since the establishment of Shuangshi.”

Really?

The young lady had already started eating sunflower seeds.