Chapter 97 - Engagement Party

"Heya my darling, I arrived in our meeting place but my radar for your endless charms couldn't detect your presence. You're not ghosting me, are you? In any case, hit me up if you've arrived, okay? See ya~" Zoey noted, leaving a voice mail to her darling daddy dear. 

After she made sure Cora Ma and Zion Kwan left Z Image headquarters, Zoey also departed the establishment to attend the engagement party. On her way, Zoey contemplated whether to pick him up. 

However, although Zoey made a brief stop at his place, Zoey changed her mind midway. She had been a 'bit' pushy recently. Therefore, it was the moment of truth if she charmed him enough for Matthew Xi to see her willingly. 

Moreover, Zoey sent him the 'teaser' last night. She should have more confidence in her own charms, right? After all, ice melts if put in a place with enough heat. Just like the ever cold Matthew Xi, her teaser would at least give effect even a bit, right?

"Well, I would have my fun first while he's not around then." She muttered, checking her look via the rear mirror. 

Satisfied, Zoey smiled before putting on another layer of red lipstick. Pucking her lips, she grinned as her heart raced a little. 

Inside this establishment, Zoey would surely see some familiar faces. Just imagining the looks on their faces, Zoey giggled. After all, Zoey didn't have any friends inside this place. 

If anything, the majority of the guests probably dislike her for their own good reasons. The reason Zoey didn't mention this to Cora Ma. She would perceive it as Zoey stepping her foot inside the lion's den. 

Well, it could be perceived as that. However, Zoey wasn't that messy bumpkin anymore. She's at the best version of herself: established, independent, and ferocious. 

This place was the perfect place to declare that she doesn't give a crap to their opinions. It would be the best place to parade that none of them successfully dragged her down. 

"Congratulations for their loveless marriage..." She giggled. A sinister vibe emanated from her as she hitched outside her car. 

*****

[CROWN HOTEL's FUNCTION HALL]

Inside the glamorous function hall, delicate laughters of graceful women and men in formal tux resonated across the hall. The gigantic chandelier shone above, offering an elegant sparkle to the surrounding. 

"Congratulations Miss Wei and Mr. Tang for your engagement." A man in his luxury tux, escorted by a fine petite lady, congratulated with a polite smile. 

"Thank you, Professor Meng." Ezekiel Tang smiled back, tapping the delicate hand clinging on his arm. 

"We appreciate your presence tonight. We know you're a busy person, so thank you." The lady next to Ezekiel Tang, Clara Wei, slightly bowed her head, showing gratitude for gracing them with the man's presence. 

Obviously, her humble manners despite her achievements delighted Professor Meng. Hence, he grinned as he spouted his blessings for the soon-to-be bride and groom. 

"Isn't this Professor Meng? Aha! I can't expect less from Mr. Tang for inviting such an important figure in this joyous event!" Suddenly, a man in his late 40s approached Ezekiel Tang and Clara Wei with a glass of wine in his hand. 

"Director Long, so you also made it!" Seeing an old friend, Professor Meng humored as he chuckled. 

"Director Long, I'm glad you made it. Thank you." Unlike his demeanor yesterday with Zoey, Ezekiel Tang was more gentle and calm before these people. 

"Hehe! I can't let down Miss Clara since she personally handed me the invitation." Director Long laughed heartily, offering Ezekiel Tang and Clara Wei a knowing look. 

"Well, my soon-to-be wife really put all her efforts in this event. I can't express my gratitude for granting her request and made this day perfect for her." Sounding as the doting lover, Ezekiel Tang glanced at Clara Wei and smiled. 

Clara Wei blushed, biting her lower lips as she smiled at her future husband. 

"Hehe. What a wonderful husband you'll be, Mr. Tang!" Seeing the light atmosphere surrounding this seemingly perfect couple, Director Long chuckled. 

"No one will make this perfect than Mr. Tang himself!" Complimenting Ezekiel Tang to the heavens, Director Long humored, causing their circle to share a minute of chuckles. 

"Anyway, I heard Mr. Tang had established a good relation with Mr. Sun..." After exchanging silly flattery, Director Long raised his brows as he gave Ezekiel Tang a knowing look. 

His words insinuated something because the Sun Corporation was currently the recent talk in the business industry. After all, it was already confirmed that the Xi Corporation would invest in their project. Therefore, Ezekiel Tang establishing good ties with the Sun's would benefit them in the future. 

"Director Long, this is my son's engagement party and I believe there's another time for that." Suddenly, a woman in her early 60s yet appeared as if she was in her 40s approached them. 

Her gaze traveled from the two of their distinguished guest, before moving it to her son and future daughter-in-law. She smiled, satisfied at the two soon-to-be husband and wife. 

"My apologies, Mrs. Tang." Chuckling, Director Long stretched his lips from ear to ear as if he wasn't offended or sorry. "You know, I only wish for the best for Mr. Tang." He added, shrugging his shoulders in nonchalance. 

"Haha," Softly chuckling, Mother Tang covered her lips by the back of her hand. 

Just then, the lively crowd had a brief stop upon seeing the figure entering the hall. Speaking of the devil, Richard Sun entered the hall with overwhelming confidence. 

The guests who heard the grand news for the Sun Corporation stared at him in awe. The stares, especially from the ladies, boasted Richard Sun's ego to the maximum level. It was no surprise. After all, the Sun's were stepping up to another level above this social ladder.

Despite that, he remained calm and elegant at the surface as he traveled his gaze. Upon spotting Mother Tang and Ezekiel Tang, he smiled gently and headed his way to their direction. 

"So rumors are not just rumors, I see." Pleased at the presence of Richard Sun, Director Long muttered as he glanced at Ezekiel Tang. 

Meanwhile, Ezekiel Tang tilted his lips up as he gave Director Long a brief side eye. Although Ezekiel Tang wasn't particularly impressed at Richard Sun, he had to admit he needed him to achieve greater heights. 

After all, having Richard Sun attend this event proved their close connections with the Sun without opening their mouths. Moreover, Richard Sun would be their stepping stone for the Tang Family to approach the Xi's. 

"Mr. Tang! Congratulations on your engagement!" As soon as Richard Sun reached their standpoint, he greeted with a magnanimous smile. 

Shifting his gaze, Richard Sun stared at Clara Wei for a second before his smile grew wider. "I haven't met Miss Wei in person, but I see why Zeke didn't hesitate to put a ring on her finger." He humored, sincerely commending the actress' beauty. 

With Richard Sun's entrance, most of the guests didn't notice Zoey, who entered after the hall minutes later. 

"Eh? That freak is also here... how interesting.." Zoey whispered, the side of her lips curled into a vicious smirk.