Chapter 45: At the Charity Gala

As Lin Xi stepped out after washing her hands, she saw Lu Yuxiu being approached by a woman with short hair.

“God Lu, God Lu! I didn’t expect to see you here! I’m an artist from Orange Brocade Media, do you remember me? I met you on set before!” The short-haired woman was dressed provocatively, her strapless dress plunging so low it was barely decent.

Lu Yuxiu had seen women like her countless times and regarded her as if she were invisible, his aura chilly and his gaze indifferent.

“God Lu, last time I didn’t have a chance to get your contact information. Would you mind leaving it for me this time?” The short-haired woman looked at him eagerly.

Just as Lu Yuxiu was about to figure out how to refuse, a crisp female voice interrupted.

“Not convenient!”

Lin Xi, in her shimmering golden gown, emerged gracefully from the corridor. At her voice, Lu Yuxiu’s eyes lit up instantly, a smile blossoming on his lips as he fixed his gaze only on her.

She walked over, naturally linking her arm with Lu Yuxiu’s to declare her claim, casting a cool glance at the short-haired woman.

The girl stood frozen, dumbfounded—so the rumors online were true!

“Sorry… Sorry for bothering you…” The short-haired woman stammered before hastily walking away.

“Hmph!” As soon as she left, Lin Xi withdrew her hand, crossing her arms defiantly over her chest.

“Speak! How many butterflies have you attracted?” Lin Xi glared at Lu Yuxiu, her lips pursed high in displeasure.

Lu Yuxiu smiled helplessly, raising his hands in surrender. “Dear little ancestor, I’m innocent!”

At the nickname, Lin Xi couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Don’t call me that!”

Seizing the moment, Lu Yuxiu took her hand. “You really are my little ancestor. I wouldn’t dare deceive you.”

Lin Xi’s smile overflowed. “Alright, I’ll believe you just this once. Next time, you won’t get off so easy!”

“Thank you, my little ancestor!” Lu Yuxiu stole a kiss from the corner of her lips, and together they returned to the banquet hall.

The charity gala was about to begin. After snapping some dazzling photos of the celebrities, the media were promptly ushered out—an annual tradition since the founding of “Elegant Lady.”

In its first year, “Elegant Lady” welcomed the press and even gave them seats, but good intentions are not always reciprocated. Some unscrupulous outlets, desperate for attention, accused the event of being mere show, squandering resources, and profiteering under the guise of charity.

The scandal was huge, disheartening many, and the founder of “Elegant Lady” died in depression, leaving the event to fade into obscurity. Later, someone stepped forward, uncovering the truth and laying out the charity’s finances for all to see. Only then did netizens awaken to reality. Each year since, people began to honor the departed philanthropist.

Humans often learn to cherish only after loss.

After its revival, “Elegant Lady” became a coveted gathering for stars. Every year, industry insiders congregate here, retaining reverence for charity, and the media are relegated to snapping only official photos without entering the venue. This place has become a sanctuary for insiders, a tradition fiercely protected—even actors in costume refuse to miss it.

As the music abruptly ceased, the hall plunged into darkness. Lin Xi’s heart began to pound, and she gripped Lu Yuxiu’s hand beside her.

Suddenly, in the dimness, a spotlight revealed two figures: a man and a woman, the hosts. One of them was a familiar face to Lin Xi—Xu Feng.

The hosts were elegantly dressed, radiant with smiles, announcing in unison, “Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining the ‘Elegant Lady’ charity gala. We extend our heartfelt and enthusiastic welcome to all our guests, and wish you a delightful afternoon!”

“Tonight, as the city lights rise, the ancient city is enveloped in a gentle, harmonious atmosphere. We gather at this harbor of the soul, clinking glasses and savoring this splendid night—a blessing indeed,” the female host declared with vibrant spirit.

Xu Feng raised his microphone, smiling, “I believe everyone here today is fortunate and happy, for we are all chasing our dreams, striving on the path to our ideals. Life is but a dream, its course uncertain, yet our longing for love remains undiminished. While we enjoy happiness, there are countless fragile lives, unknown to us, who lack even the chance to pursue dreams, battling illness day after day. Tonight’s charity gala is dedicated to them.”

“In the clamor of the world, let us preserve that thread of tranquility in our hearts. This moment is beautiful, warm, and full of love. Now, we solemnly declare the gala officially begins,” the female host announced with her perfect smile.

“Let us welcome the queen of tender ballads, Ning Wan, for the opening performance, ‘Love Exists’,” Xu Feng said, and together with the female host, withdrew from the stage.

Lin Xi looked at Lu Yuxiu in surprise—his mother would open the gala? Her gaze pierced him like an arrow. Lu Yuxiu merely squeezed her hand, saying nothing.

Lin Xi glanced at Lu Jin, who watched the stage with eager eyes—it was true!

A soft yellow light bathed the center of the stage, revealing a slender, serene woman in a long gown—the legendary songstress Ning Wan, absent from the entertainment world for years.

Her state after years of retirement was enviably flawless.

Lin Xi overheard whispers, “She looks amazing!” “So jealous!”

The big screen showed photos of children suffering from various illnesses. They had lost their beautiful hair to chemotherapy, yet their smiles remained pure and kind.

Next came videos of children being treated in hospitals, lying in beds, pushed into surgery—heart-wrenching scenes. Some even comforted their parents, telling them not to worry, whispering pale-faced, “I’m fine, it doesn’t hurt.” They were just teens, some only a few years old, enduring such torment from birth.

The visual impact, combined with the tender music, moved many artists to tears. Wen Jin, overcome with empathy, cried freely while Gu Yao gently wiped her tears.

Lin Xi’s heart ached. She remembered her own illness—losing her parents, nearly unable to survive. Now, seeing these younger yet brave children, she felt both pride and deep sympathy.

It was clear the charity gala’s beneficiaries were sick children.

Lu Yuxiu stood beside Lin Xi, who focused intently on the screen, her profile gentle and pure. He watched her deeply, the dim light reflecting the shimmering waves in her eyes.

“Xiao Xi?” He leaned closer, pressing his head to hers, his hand on her shoulder, whispering.

Lin Xi turned to him. Her eyes sparkled like a sea of stars.

“Yuxiu, your mother is so beautiful.” She blurted out, clearly hiding her own sorrow.

Lu Yuxiu gazed at her with an irrepressible tenderness, not exposing her. His little girl still preferred to keep her feelings hidden.

He smiled softly, his rich voice brushing her ear, teasing, “Would you like to be her daughter-in-law?”

Lin Xi laughed, batting his hand. “What nonsense! You’re so cheeky!” She turned away, watching the screen again.

With the last perfect note, Ning Wan’s song ended, leaving everyone lost in sorrow until thunderous applause erupted.

“Thank you to our beautiful Ning Wan for warming up the gala! Next, please welcome Mr. Cheng from the organizing committee for his address…” Xu Feng returned to link the program.

Ning Wan lifted her gown as she descended the stage. Lu Jin was already waiting, taking her hand and escorting her to their table.

Passing several tables, directors and actors stood to greet them, shaking hands and exchanging a few words.

Finally, they reached the table where Lu Yuxiu and his friends sat. Lin Xi, Wen Jin, and Gu Yao all rose, faces bright with welcome.

“Mom,” Lu Yuxiu greeted his mother softly.

But Ning Wan ignored him, heading straight for Lin Xi, warmly taking her hand and pulling her to sit.

Lu Yuxiu’s lips twitched—he now understood his future position at home. Gu Yao, seeing him humbled, snorted quietly, feeling a sense of balance.

Nearby, directors and artists craned their necks, eyes wide. So God Lu and Lin Xi had met the parents—surely they were a couple.

“Xiao Xi, how have you been? Is filming tiring?” Ning Wan smiled gently, patting Lin Xi’s hand, then frowned, “Why is your hand so cold?”

Lin Xi was a little overwhelmed, glancing helplessly at Gu Yao—her instinct was still to look to her own family in public.

Gu Yao tilted his chin, signaling her not to worry and to reply.

Lin Xi caught on quickly, answering Ning Wan, “No… Auntie, I’m fine, not cold. Thank you.”

Lu Yuxiu noticed her tension and silently stood behind her chair, placing his hands on her shoulders to reassure her.

Ning Wan smiled kindly, rubbing her small hand. “Xiao Xi, don’t be nervous. Treat me like a friend. Besides, I don’t look old, do I? Haha.”

Her effort to lighten the mood worked; everyone at the table laughed, and Lin Xi grinned up at Lu Yuxiu.

Lu Yuxiu reached out and stroked her hair.

Lu Jin, unconcerned, boasted, “Of course, my wife is forever eighteen. Alright, everyone sit. Why are you standing?”

Laughter bubbled up again. Ning Wan rolled her eyes at her husband—truly “thick-skinned!”

“Haha, really? Director Lu is so sweet in front of his wife!” Jiang He exclaimed, mouth agape in amazement.

“You rascal, always talking!” Lu Jin snorted and frowned, and Jiang He immediately quieted, slipping into his seat.

Lin Xi’s smile lingered, tugging at Lu Yuxiu’s sleeve to make him sit. Gu Yao and Wen Jin also settled in, the table full and harmonious.