Chapter 538 - I Don't Need Your Help.

Zoey, who was unaware of Matthew's action and the unprecedented trouble coming at her, followed the butler. Once they arrived at the entrance of the event hall, the butler slowly opened the door for her.

As soon as it opened, Zoey's eyes were welcomed with grandeur. Although she had seen it before, she was still in awe that Professor Meng's birthday party was akin to those parties held by the elites of the elites in the social ladder.

"Thank you," Zoey turned to the butler and slightly bowed. 

Pleased, the butler also returned the polite gesture while Zoey headed inside. When Zoey was inside, the door closed behind her.

Zoey looked around the spacious place. Everyone was busy chatting with each other, making connections, or just some old fellows catching up. Bright smiles were plastered on everyone's faces, adding grace and harmony to the atmosphere.

There were a lot of famous figures around. There were well-known celebrities, a few politicians, and businessmen. Upon seeing a few familiar faces that she had been acquainted with in her previous life, the side of her lips tilted into a smile.

"Professor Meng is surrounded with good people," Zoey muttered as her eyes softened. "Too bad he's too kind that even those corrupted people could hang around him."

Zoey sighed upon spotting Ezekiel Tang and Clara Wei. It was not hard to see them as they were gathering attention from everyone.

Not that Zoey didn't expect that. She could still vaguely remember Ezekiel and Clara owning the party as if they were the host. Still, since Professor Meng was kind and didn't really like the attention, he saw them as his life saver.

"Well, if they keep on doing this, I can make business connections in peace." Zoey muttered as she looked around to find an opportunity to join a particular circle.

She didn't know anyone here in her previous life. But since she was shameless, she immediately looked for Professor Meng. But now, she already had an advantage and knew how to impress a few people she wanted to do business with.

"I wonder if Cecil is here…" As Zoey looked around, she unconsciously whispered before it trailed off as she pursed her lips. "Right… I promised him." 

Zoey added as she clicked her tongue. "I shouldn't have agreed." She mumbled and rolled her eyes.

However, she couldn't really blame herself. Matthew seemed determined for some reason and it was hard to refuse his request. Despite the dilemma agreeing with him, Zoey still agreed and was trying hard to throw most of the schemes in her head.

"Tonight, I will only do moral and legal deeds." Zoey reminded herself as she took a glass of champagne from the waiter who was serving drinks to everyone.

"Hmm!" As she sipped from the glass of champagne, Zoey's eyes wandered to the people around. She was searching for a few good fellows she could approach.

After a minute of scanning the place, Zoey's eyes lit up as she spotted a circle of businessmen. Since they were well-known business partners and individual business owners, no one tried to bother them. But, Zoey smirked as her target to make a fortune was them!

However, just as Zoey was approaching their circle, her arm was suddenly grabbed by someone. Out of instinct, Zoey turned her head to the person who grabbed her arm.

"Hey," Richard grinned as he let her arm go. "It's good to see you here, Miss Zhou." 

Richard slowly shoved his hands inside his pockets as he stared at her. Zoey arched her right brow as she peered at the charming Richard from head to toe.

"I can't disappoint Professor Meng, can I?" Zoey replied as she regained her poise. "Is there anything you need from me, Young Master Sun?"

"Haha, nothing." Richard chuckled as he lightly shook his head sideways. "But I know you will need me." 

Richard added in conviction. Zoey nearly cringed as her brows furrowed her brows at his last remarks.

"You don't know anyone here, right? Let me introduce you to some people." Richard offered, bearing a polite smile on his lips.

'I don't need your help.' Zoey sassed internally as she wanted to roll her eyes. Duh? She wasn't a damsel in distress and Zoey didn't need anyone's help in lifetimes.

She once survived this event once. Thus, she would surely have a great outcome in this lifetime having more knowledge about the guests.

"I appreciate your kind gesture, Young Master Sun. However, I would have to refuse." Unlike her sarcastic thoughts, Zoey responded politely with a smile.

"Huh? Why?" 

"It wouldn't be nice if others misunderstood that..."

"Ah! Don't worry about it. I don't mind being misunderstood as your boyfriend." Before Zoey could finish her sentence, Richard cut her off with a gleeful chuckle.

With that being said, Richard immediately walked towards the direction Zoey wanted to approach initially. He didn't even give her a chance to complete her sentence or argue as he said;

"Follow me."

"... that I'm riding on someone's coattails." Zoey whispered in disbelief as Richard assumptions were completely different than hers.

'Geez! This guy is annoying!' Zoey scoffed internally as she stared at Richard's retreating back. 'However, being introduced is not bad either instead of chiming in in their conversation so suddenly.'

Zoey sighed before dragging her feet to follow Richard. Although she hated the idea of being indebted to Richard, Zoey had still card up on her sleeve to shut him up.

"Whatever," Zoey muttered as she followed Richard as he casually approached the circle of businessmen with Zoey behind her.

Unbeknownst to Zoey, as Richard approached her, Ezekiel noticed the two of them. He narrowed his eyes as he studied Zoey's back while Richard let her arm go.

'Huh? That guy is hitting on someone after trying to flirt with Clara?' Ezekiel wondered internally as he studied Zoey's figure.

Soon, Richard and the woman -- who was apparently his ex -- seemed as if they came to an agreement. Thus, they began approaching a particular circle of men.

However, as the two did, Ezekiel caught a glimpse of Zoey's side profile that caused his eyes to widen. 

"Zoey…?" Ezekiel whispered as his jaw suddenly tightened along with his fist.