Crystal said that she would handle the rest. Her use of the word "handle" made it clear that she also realized my appearance that day was bound to stir up trouble. But since we were already here, what was there to fear?


    I stepped out of the car with her without hesitation.


    When we got out, someone nearby shouted, "Crystal''s here! Crystal and her boyfriend are here!"


    Instantly, all eyes turned to us.


    I took a deep breath, keeping my demeanor calm andposed, then walked confidently to Crystal''s side and took her hand.


    She froze for a moment, then turned to look at me. I gave her a reassuring smile. Since I had agreed toe, I wouldn''t hold back. Holding hands was the least I could do as her alleged boyfriend.


    She seemed surprised, but I could tell that she didn''t mind.


    "Crystal, this is..."


    Lexie scrutinized me from head to toe, and her gaze showed her dissatisfaction.


    It wasn''t hard to figure out why. Every male guest in the room was wearing a suit. Even the few not in full suits were dressed in formal shirts, ties, and vests. They had a polished, businesslike look.


    Meanwhile, I was in casual,fortable attire, looking like I was headed to a cafe to grab some smoothies. I couldn''t have been more out of ce.


    Based on my outfit, it probably looked like I wasn''t taking this family gathering seriously at all.


    Crystal was about to speak, but Emma suddenly interjected. "He''s just Crystal''s friend, not her boyfriend. Don''t get the wrong idea, everyone!"


    She then began shooting Crystal frantic nces, clearly urging her not to im I was her boyfriend.


    The others, however, weren''t convinced. Their eyes went straight to our sped hands. "A friend? Since when do friends casually hold hands?"


    "Obviously, he''s her boyfriend."


    "And what''s with that outfit? That''s way too casual. Does he think that this is a casual outing?"


    "He probably doesn''t know the rules for big family gatherings like this. He''s clearly from an ordinary background."


    I let out a sigh when I heard their remarks.


    As my family''s stylist had predicted, events like this were more aboutworking and showing off than building genuine family connections.


    Usually, I would let misunderstandings slide. But for Crystal''s sake, I needed to rify my position that day.


    "Actually, I—"


    Before I could finish, she cut me off.


    "Mom! He is my boyfriend. He''s not just a friend!


    "And he''s not some rich young heir. His family just runs a fruit stand. They don''t have much money. His monthly allowance is only a few hundred dors. But so what? If I only cared about someone''s wealth or status when dating, how would I be different from a gold digger?"


    Her words left everyone visibly stunned. It was clear that most people there prioritized wealth and status in rtionships. Her statement practically pped their faces, indirectly calling them all gold diggers.


    Among them, the one whose expression soured the most was Emma.


    She turned to Crystal, her re furious and full of warning. "How can he be your boyfriend? Did I agree to this? Did your father agree? Stop making decisions on your own!"