<h4>Chapter 371: Chapter 371: Qiao Xi Makes a Stunning Entrance</h4><h4></h4>


    "Young Master Zhong," this is just normal courtesy, no one will misunderstand."


    Mingzhu still wouldn’t give up, gazing at him with emotion-filled eyes.


    Zhong Yi ignored her, walking forward as if he hadn’t heard. Wan Jiang, standing beside him, was holding back hisughter, his shoulders shaking.


    Mingzhu snapped, "Assistant Wan, what’s wrong with you?"


    Wan Jiang almost suffocated from holding back hisughter but still pretended to be calm, "Miss Xiang, I’m indeed a bit unwell. Don’t mind me; Young Master Zhong is getting away."


    Mingzhu stamped her foot and hurried after him in her high heels.


    She caught up with Zhong Yi and leaned in close to him.


    As they entered the banquet hall, the new faces from the Imperial Capital didn’t draw too much attention. Only a few with keen senses noticed something extraordinary about their identities.


    Especially since Mingzhu’s face had be well-known at the tryout conference.


    Mingzhu felt as though they were allughing at her, whispering behind her back. Those curious and probing gazes stung her like bees were stinging her.


    All because of Qiao Xi, who had won thepetition through foul means!


    If it hadn’t been for Shen Xuanzhi’s help, she would have surely lost!


    She also regretted letting Li Songwen take action. If it had been a fairpetition, she might not have lost!


    Her gaze wandered through the crowd, watching the waitstaff move about. Her eyes suddenly fixed on Ye Zhimeng, and an idea formed in her mind. This fool hadn’t left the country yet, so she could still use her.


    Before Mingzhu could put her n into action, the lights around the banquet hall suddenly dimmed.


    A few moments of silence filled the crowd.


    The lights at the spiral staircase snapped on, capturing everyone’s attention.


    Bathed in the white light, the young woman at the top of the stairs looked as if she were covered by a soft filter. She wore a dark green trailing gown that entuated her fair skin, and the tailoring at her waist highlighted her figure’s excellent lines.


    A ssic oval face, with superior contours.


    Her almond eyes sparkled with generosity and confidence. She hadpleted her transformation; her demeanor had changed dramatically in just a few months.


    She rested one hand on the banister, her silver heels tapping gently as she moved, sparkling with light.


    A soft gasp arose from the crowd as the women’s eyes all shed with astonishment.


    Rumor had it, she had married into the Huo Family as a bridal substitute, curing Huo Xingzhou’s legs, and elevating him to his current status!


    Rumor had it, she was the disciple of the National Doctor Cheng Han, healing a person who hadin in a vegetative state for over twenty years!


    Rumor had it, she was just a country bumpkin.


    But today, she didn’t look the part of a country girl. Her demeanor wasparable to that of a noble heiress.


    "Isn’t Young Madam Huo the very definition of a phoenix rising from the ashes?"


    "If you had the skill to cure Huo Xingzhou, you could soar to the skies too! But who could have predicted that we’d have to curry favor with a country girl in the future? Life is so unpredictable. We’ll have to suck up to her from now on."


    Mingzhu clenched her fists tightly, watching Qiao Xi descend the stairs step by step.


    With a hint of sourness, she said, "No matter how much she dresses up, she can’t change her lowly origins. The world will always remember she’s a viger, no matter how outstanding she bes!"


    Zhong Yi beside her had an inscrutable look in his eyes as he spoke indifferently, "Mingzhu, do you care about my origins too? After all, I am an illegitimate child. ording to you, even bing the heir to the Zhong Family can’t change a person’s lowly birth."


    Mingzhu was startled by his tone, quickly saying, "No, that’s not it. How can shepare with you! Young Master Zhong, I didn’t mean that; please don’t misunderstand. In my heart, I’ve always... admired you."


    She carefully watched Zhong Yi’s expression, fearful of saying the wrong thing and upsetting him.


    The Zhong Family, a colossal entity no one in the Imperial Capital dared to offend lightly.


    Zhong Yi chuckled softly, without a reply.


    Xiang Mingzhu felt uneasy in her heart, afraid of displeasing him.


    While they were speaking, Qiao Xi had already taken Huo Xingzhou’s hand. The couple, seemingly made for each other by heaven and earth, greeted several respected elders before finally approaching them.


    Huo Xingzhou was wearing a ck Armani haute couture suit, which outlined his superb physique to perfection. His temperament was cold and restrained, softening only when he lowered his head to listen to what Qiao Xi was saying.


    At this moment, his unfathomable eyes swept over Zhong Yi and he spoke sinctly, "Wee."


    The corners of Zhong Yi’s eyes lifted, forming a dazzling smile.


    He opened his mouth and said, "Since President Huo has given me an invitation, how could I note! It’s an honor to attend your... the Young Madam’s birthday banquet."


    As he spoke, he nced at Qiao Xi.


    Very distant and unfamiliar, with a hint of social courtesy.


    "Thank you, Young Master Zhong, for gracing the asion," Qiao Xi nodded her head, saying politely.


    She looked at Xiang Mingzhu, who was meticulously dressed at Zhong Yi’s side, and said, "Miss Xiang, I didn’t expect you to attend my birthday party. I thought you wouldn’t want to see me again."


    Those words were loaded with innuendo.


    Qiao Xi wasn’t altogether harmless.


    Xiang Mingzhu, provoked by herment, managed to keep aposed expression and said, "I’m attending as Young Master Zhong’spanion. Qiao Xi, don’t tter yourself too much."


    "I see. Are Miss Xiang and Young Master Zhong very close? If I’m not mistaken, the Zhong Family and the Lu Family have a marriage arrangement."


    As Qiao Xi said this, the corners of Huo Xingzhou’s mouth slightly curved up.


    Zhong Yi, however, said, "You’re mistaken, Miss Xiang and I are just ordinary friends."


    Qiao Xi, with a touch of aggression, said, "So it’s Miss Xiang who’s deluded herself."


    "You..."


    Xiang Mingzhu’s cheeks flushed with anger, yet she still had to consider Zhong Yi’s admonition.


    Not to expose their rtionship in front of others. What rtionship? She was furious; she hadn’t even held hands with Zhong Yi to this day!


    "Young Madam Huo doesn’t have much talent, but she’s sure articte. It’s unfortunate the National Doctor’spetition isn’t about arguing. The final round is in the Imperial Capital, and I doubt you’ll be as lucky to win a second time!"


    Qiao Xi’s voice was cool, and her delicate makeup made her face appear even more radiant and charming.


    "Miss Xiang, are you thinking of making another bet? What do you n to wager this time?" If it hadn’t been for Young Master Zhong and Huo Xingzhou’s partnership, she would have had the security throw Xiang Mingzhu out!


    To spare herself the annoyance!


    "Mingzhu," Zhong Yi called out with a hidden warning tone, lowering his voice to say, "The future mistress of the Zhong Family should be generous andposed, able to present herself with dignity."


    Xiang Mingzhu forced down her rage, squeezing out a reluctant smile and said, "Young Master Zhong, I’m going to visit the restroom first!"


    Fleeing to avoid being out-argued.


    Zhong Yi withdrew his gaze, looked at Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou with a smile, "My apologies, the Xiang family has alwayscked tact."


    He was actually belittling Xiang Mingzhu!


    Qiao Xi slightly knitted her brows, studying Zhong Yi’s wrist over and over. His right wrist still wore a watch that covered a patch of skin.


    If she removed his watch, would she see a scar?


    Qiao Xi’s thoughts drifted. Each time she saw his face, which resembled someone from her past, she couldn’t help but overthink.


    But then she heard Huo Xingzhou’s cold voice, "I have a question for Young Master Zhong. Why did you make a payment to Shen Xuanzhi’s ount?"


    At these words, Qiao Xi suddenly looked up, staring at Zhong Yi in shock.