Crystal and her best friend froze for a moment. Then, Crystal jumped up excitedly. "Really? Thank you, William!"


    Her best friend, however, crossed her arms, looking displeased. "What''s with that tone? It''s like we''re begging you toe along. Do you even realize how many people would dream of being invited to an event with Crystal?"


    "What happens between me and her has nothing to do with you, does it?"


    I didn''t like her best friend much.


    I didn''t care if she looked down on me, but she always made snide remarks right


    to my face. Did she really think that I wouldn''t respond?


    "What did you just say?" she snapped, clearly furious.


    I had barely said a word, yet she was already angry. I couldn''t imagine how she would react if I returned the favor and belittled her as she did me. She would probably blow a fuse on the spot.


    Crystal hurried to mediate when she sensed the tension between us. "Come on. You''re both my good friends, and you''re both just looking out for me. Let''s not argue. William, I''ll pick you upter, okay? Could you maybe wear something nicer? If you have nothing suitable, I can take you shopping."


    "No need. I''ve got it covered."


    I knew how to dress for an event like this.


    After that, I headed back to the dorm. I wouldn''t have minded chatting longer if it were just Crystal, but her best friend watched me like a hawk, ready to pounce on any mistake. I decided to leave before things became more unpleasant.


    When she came to pick me up the next day, she was visibly surprised to see me in a high-end, casual designer outfit. She seemed to want to say something but ultimately held back. Instead, she simply gestured for me to get in the car.


    Her reaction was so obvious that I couldn''t ignore it.


    Once inside, I couldn''t help but ask, "Is there something wrong with the way I''m dressed?"


    I nced at her outfit and suddenly realized she was dressed very formally. While a gown paired with jewelry wasn''t unusual, her dress was more of a red-carpet evening gown. It wasn''t for everyday wear.


    The White family often held gatherings, and as one of only three heirs, I was always treated like a treasure, surrounded by warmth and care.


    From my experience, family gatherings were typically casual and focused onfort. That was why I opted for a subtle yet luxurious outfit to align with Crystal''s status.


    I thought I had nailed it. But now, I realize that I might have gotten it wrong.


    As expected, Crystal hesitated before exining, "Our family gatherings are quite formal. Everyone wears business attire, and men usually wear suits."


    "Suits?" I was stunned. In the White family, anyone who showed up in a suit to a family gathering would definitely be mocked. Could the customs between families be this different?


    Feeling unsure, I quickly messaged my family''s stylist for advice.


    The reply came quickly. "Mr. White, there can indeed be significant differences between families. The White family values close-knit rtionships, so gatherings feel more like warm reunions.


    "However, many prominent families host gatherings primarily for business reasons, maintaining connections out of necessity. These events often revolve around business deals, not personal connections. I suspect that the gathering you''re attending resembles thetter."


    So that was how it was.


    I smacked my forehead. If I had known about this earlier, I would have just followed Crystal''s advice instead of assuming I knew better.