Chapter 6: The Grand Show Begins on the Terrace

Ling Ziheng noticed that after Lin Zhiwei finished eating heartily, she seemed about to make a move. Curiosity got the better of him—he wanted to find out what exactly this woman was up to. He stood up, found an excuse to head to the restroom, and quietly followed her.

Perhaps, he thought, this woman could become his ally.

He had struggled for years in Huaguo, fighting to escape the arrangements dictated by his clan in this nameless domain. Everything about this place suffocated him. Even though he was lucky enough to win Best Actor a few years ago, his path in the entertainment industry remained treacherous. His difficult personality, unwillingness to yield, lack of powerful backers, and the constant forced pairing with various actresses all conspired against him.

In recent years, variety shows had surged while film offers dwindled, and the space for him to develop had been ruthlessly compressed. Though he was exceptionally handsome and his acting superb, without any support, he could only be swept along by hidden currents—forced either to submit or to find himself a patron.

With the money he earned from acting, he managed to assemble a team of capable people, but lately, both his team and his agent urged him to transition, to adapt to the market, or else all his work would amount to nothing but burning through cash.

Still, he believed that even if he yielded, he should carve out a space for himself.

He had a vague sense that Lin Zhiwei possessed an innate cunning, a natural actress—she seemed silly and absent-minded, but if she were truly foolish, how could she move so confidently in such a turbulent crowd, calmly orchestrating her own game?

When Lin Zhiwei saw Zhao Qianlu and Qi Heng enter the hall, she grew visibly excited. Punctuality and efficiency—she liked collaborating with people like that.

Zhao Qianlu nodded slightly at her, then, without drawing attention, blended into the clan’s crowd with Qi Heng to chat.

This was Lin Zhiwei’s first time meeting Qi Heng. He was indeed quite handsome, with the air of a refined gentleman, and at first glance, quite a match for Zhao Qianlu. It was a pity, though—men like him were often drawn to delicate, helpless green-tea types. With just a little effort, their urge to protect and dote would be endlessly aroused, and Xue Yuanyuan had made good use of that advantage.

But in terms of looks, the most dazzling among those present was probably her cousin Lin Qiongjiu—though that hard-to-please young man from earlier could perhaps rival him.

Why was she suddenly thinking of a stranger she’d only met once? Lin Zhiwei shook her head. She worried endlessly over romance, but her love life was clearly a bitter wasteland. With her looks now… never mind, she thought, never mind.

Qi Heng seemed somewhat agitated, frequently scanning the room as if searching for someone.

Zhao Qianlu noticed his anxiety and spoke gently, “Ah Heng, I see a few girlfriends over there. I’ll go say hello. You should chat with your friends for a bit. See you later.”

With that, she strode off on her heels, leaving Qi Heng visibly relieved. He was searching for the figure that haunted his thoughts—the one who had promised him a surprise. He quickly made his way to the terrace.

Lin Zhiwei drifted closer to Zhao Qianlu and whispered, “Let’s go—let’s watch the show.”

Zhao Qianlu frowned slightly, unsure of her intentions, but seeing Lin Zhiwei’s confident expression, she figured there must be a plan and followed her toward the terrace.

“When we get out there, call my name loudly—act surprised to see me,” Lin Zhiwei said mysteriously.

“Why?” Zhao Qianlu asked.

“Just do as I say. You’ll understand once everything’s over.”

Though confused, Zhao Qianlu felt no need to doubt her.

Meanwhile, on the terrace, Shen Qian had just drawn back the drapes encircling the space, revealing the entire terrace blanketed with red roses. The large, blooming roses glistened with dewdrops, sparkling under the sudden flare of bright lights. Where it had been dim, the terrace was now dazzling, starlit.

In the radiant glow, Xue Yuanyuan clapped a hand to her mouth, overwhelmed. Even though she’d known Shen Qian was planning a surprise, she hadn’t expected anything so grand. Her heart raced with excitement and pride; to complete the atmosphere, she hung her head bashfully, tears shimmering in her eyes, making her look even more beautiful.

Shen Qian knelt on one knee, gazing at her with deep affection. “Yuanyuan, from the first moment I saw you, I was drawn to you…”

Lin Zhiwei and Zhao Qianlu arrived just in time to witness the proposal, with Shen Qian on one knee. Lin Zhiwei yawned, her eyes searching for Qi Heng.

Not far away, Qi Heng stood with his back to them, thin and trembling slightly, rooted to the spot.

“Yuanyuan, will you marry me?” Shen Qian finished, producing a diamond ring from his pocket.

A wave of satisfaction washed over Xue Yuanyuan. Among all her suitors, Shen Qian was the first to propose—something she hadn’t expected. The Shen family was rising swiftly, almost on par with the Four Great Clans. Many predicted the Shen family would soon supplant the Qian family and become one of the four.

Blushing, she lowered her head and whispered, “I… I will.”

Shen Qian was overwhelmed with joy, leaping up to embrace her.

Lin Zhiwei cleared her throat and gave Zhao Qianlu a meaningful look before striding forward.

When Lin Zhiwei reached Qi Heng’s side, Zhao Qianlu called out, “Lin Zhiwei, what are you doing here? Oh, Ah Heng, you’re here too! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Qi Heng, upon hearing Lin Zhiwei’s name, looked uncertainly toward the distant figures, confusion in his eyes.

Lin Zhiwei turned back. “Zhao Qianlu, mind your own business. My Yuanyuan is being proposed to—can’t you see?”

Her tone was mocking and provocative.

Qi Heng glanced at Lin Zhiwei, then at Xue Yuanyuan in the distance, completely at a loss.

Lin Zhiwei, seeing that the bait had been taken, shouted excitedly toward the far end of the terrace, “Yuanyuan, say yes! Yuanyuan, say yes!”

The couple at the far end were startled. Xue Yuanyuan nervously pushed Shen Qian away and turned to see Qi Heng, stunned, Lin Zhiwei, bursting with excitement, and Zhao Qianlu, looking entirely out of place.

How could they all be here together?!