For the first time, Su Jianguo sensed a bone-chilling murderous intent emanating from someone younger than him.
Luo Yao had definitely killed before.
And not just once or twice.
Once this realization settled in, Su Jianguo’s expression softened.
"Yao Yao, your grandmother will listen to you," he conceded.
Luo Yao withdrew her killing aura, her face turning serious again.
"I invited you all today to thank you for pressuring the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which helped me secure the Sci-Tech City project."
Chen Xiao quickly jumped in to ease the tension.
"Hey, no need for formalities among family! This was all Big Brother’s doing. We knew our eldest sister had been giving you a hard time, so consider this compensation. Even without us, you’d have secured that project effortlessly."
Chen Nianshi nodded in agreement. He’d known from the start that Luo Yao didn’t need the Chen family’s influence—no one could manipulate her. His intervention had merely been the icing on the cake.
Just then, Jiang Feihua entered the villa.
"Miss, everything is ready."
Luo Yao gave a slight nod, and the group swiftly made their way to the auditorium.
The space had been converted into a makeshift broadcasting studio. Though time constraints prevented it from meeting full stage standards, none of the A-list celebrities in attendance voiced a single complaint.
Even the director was the chief producer from Capital TV, who had delegated the New Year’s Eve gala—a pre-recorded event—to his deputy.
The auditorium was packed with Luo Corporation employees, filling every seat on the first floor. Many who couldn’t find seating stood clustered in groups.
Others chose to wander outside, admiring the estate’s scenic beauty rather than staying for the performances. After all, the festivities weren’t confined to the auditorium—there were plenty of attractions outdoors as well.
The second floor was reserved for executives, including Wu Zhishang and Shen Jingbing.
Though billed as a gala, it was also a crucial networking event. Wu Zhishang was already deep in conversation with Luo Corporation staff, clinking glasses and exchanging banter. From a distance, he already carried himself like a seasoned general manager.
The Chen family settled on the second floor, while Luo Yao and Lin Ran retreated to a private room overlooking the stage.
The hierarchy was unmistakable—proof that the world was never fair to begin with.
"Ran Ran, this is the gala I prepared for you. Do you like it?"
"I love it. Anything Yao Yao prepares for me, I’ll adore."
Lin Ran’s gaze swept across the room. "You can really see how people are divided by class. Look at the employees downstairs—those in the back have to stand just to get a glimpse of the stage. Meanwhile, the folks on the second floor have front-row views without lifting a finger. And us? The absolute best seats in the house."
A satisfied smile curled Luo Yao’s lips. If Lin Ran was happy, her efforts hadn’t been wasted.
At the same time, the hired chefs began serving dish after dish of Lin Ran’s favorite foods, eliciting awed exclamations from him.
As the gala commenced—
"Yao Yao, can I go live?" Lin Ran asked.
A celebration this extravagant would be a shame not to share with his fans.
"Of course, if it makes Ran Ran happy."
Lin Ran pulled out his phone and had a staff member set up the perfect angle before starting the stream.
[Keyboard Warrior’s Defeat]: "Finally, you’re live again! All I’ve seen lately is Lin Jian’s streams. Sure, trashing him is fun, but it doesn’t hit the same. Wait—what the hell is this? A New Year’s Eve gala?!"
[Her Husband Objects]: "Which TV station is Lin Ran guesting at? These seats are insane! Though the stage looks kinda small..."
[Stargazing Schemer]: "Nah, this isn’t a regional broadcast. This is Lin Ran’s house."
[My Classmate is Too Lin Jian]: "His house is this huge? Poverty really does limit the imagination."
[Princess to Bed]: "Isn’t that Shi Dingding, the national first-class vocalist, opening the show? I just saw her in Capital TV’s broadcast. What’s going on? And these hosts…"
[Devoted Stan]: "Regional broadcasts are all pre-recorded. This is the real live show. My guess? The local stations only have directors and crew scrambling backstage right now."
[True Fans Read This Far]: "Lin Shao really loves us—giving us the real deal instead of the staged stuff."
The viewers’ astonishment grew with each passing moment, though Lin Ran paid no attention to the chat. He alternated between cuddling with Luo Yao and enjoying the performances.
He didn’t spare a single glance for the dance acts.
"Ran Ran doesn’t like dancing?"
"Not really. Just a bunch of painted skeletons. The only one I want to watch is Yao Yao. Even if you stood completely still, you’d still be the most beautiful dance in the world."
Luo Yao’s lips curved upward.
During the musical performances, Lin Ran listened half-heartedly. Truthfully, he was a decent singer himself—as Capital University’s heartthrob, singing, dancing, and rap were his forte.
When the comedy sketches began, he paid slightly more attention, especially when the comedian Shen Teng took the stage, drawing genuine laughter from him.
"Ran Ran enjoys comedy?"
"It’s not that I love it, but as someone with no appreciation for highbrow art, this is about all I can enjoy. It’s pretty entertaining."
See? Even the wealthy don’t exclusively crave sophistication. Laughter will always reign supreme.
If any TV directors are watching, take notes for the Spring Festival Gala… Actually, never mind. I know none of them are.
As the gala neared its end, Luo Yao led Lin Ran to the window and straddled him.
"Yao Yao, what’s up?"
Suddenly, fireworks erupted across the estate, painting the sky in dazzling colors. The spectacle drew everyone’s gaze toward the windows, with many on the first floor rushing outside for a better view.
"So beautiful! President Luo actually prepared this for us? I’m so moved!"
"Or maybe… it wasn’t meant for you."
Upstairs, Lin Ran watched the fireworks’ glow illuminate Luo Yao’s enraptured expression as she hovered above him.
"Ran Ran, our first year together begins now."
"Yeah… our first year."
"Say my name."
"Luo Yao!"
Lin Ran reached over and ended the livestream.
As the fireworks continued to bloom overhead, Lin Ran reached his own climax, with Luo Yao savoring every second.
By the time the gala concluded, no one had seen Luo Yao or Lin Ran for a while.
Though a few sharp-eared attendees might have caught unfamiliar sounds beneath the booming music.
After all, the makeshift VIP box had been hastily constructed—soundproofing was practically nonexistent.
"I bet President Luo and Young Master Lin aren’t in that temporary room anymore."
"Yep, I saw them leave earlier. They’ve probably returned to the villa by now."
"President Luo and Young Master Lin have been working so hard in Shanghai. They must be exhausted—likely resting by now."
"Then let’s head to the banquet hall. I heard President Luo hired state banquet-level chefs for us tonight."