Stars Surrounding the Moon, the Dazed Crowd

As the grand doors swung open, two figures stepped in slowly.

And everyone froze.

When the breathtakingly beautiful pair appeared at the entrance of the venue, the entire space seemed to be filled with their radiance, rendering everything else dull in comparison.

The crowd instinctively held their breath, and even the hushed whispers and background music seemed to freeze in that moment, leaving the hall in utter silence.

For that instant, no one spoke, no one moved—even the air itself seemed to stand still.

All eyes were fixed on the two of them, their presence so awe-inspiring that the crowd momentarily forgot to blink.

The woman was like the brightest star in the night sky, shining brilliantly even amidst the dazzling chandeliers.

She wore a black evening gown—not just any black, but a shade as deep as the abyss, rich and layered, as if it could absorb and swallow all surrounding light.

The dress, crafted from luxurious satin with flowing lines, accentuated her curves while exuding elegance and grace.

Tiny diamond embellishments sparkled like stars under the lights, making her look like a goddess descended from the celestial sea.

Her hair was elegantly pinned up, save for a few soft strands framing her face, simple yet delicate.

A pair of diamond earrings twinkled at her ears, adding a touch of understated glamour. Her beauty wasn’t just skin-deep—it was an aura, an otherworldly presence that made her seem almost dreamlike, as if she didn’t belong to this world.

Everyone was spellbound.

Who... who is she?

She’s so beautiful...

How can someone be this stunning?

The crowd marveled inwardly, too entranced to utter a word, afraid of shattering the moment.

Then, suddenly, someone noticed the man beside her.

His presence was equally commanding. Dressed in a tailored black suit that highlighted his impeccable proportions, the fabric shimmered subtly under the lights.

His eyes, brimming with confidence and ease, swept over the guests with a hint of arrogance and defiance.

Yet, none of it could mask the innate nobility he carried, making him look like a prince straight out of a painting.

Every step they took was like a note in a silent symphony, sending waves of awe through the room.

The guests watched in stunned disbelief, witnessing the pair’s mystique and elegance as if they had stepped out of a movie.

The silence lingered for several minutes.

Gu Tianming shook his head with a wry smile.

This kid... really knows how to steal the spotlight.

And here, of all places, with so many big shots around...

His gaze discreetly shifted to Minister Lin of the Peace Faction. If they ended up offending him, things could get ugly.

But then—huh?

Why was Minister Lin sprinting toward Gu Yan?

What’s going on? Was there trouble?

The next second, a cheerful, childlike voice shattered the moment.

"Little Gu!!!"

"I missed you so much!"

Thud!

Lin Yinyin crashed into Gu Yan’s arms, looking up at him with glee. "You called me here, but you weren’t even around! No one played with me!"

The words snapped everyone out of their daze.

Gu Tianming gaped. Wait, hold on—Minister Lin, you’ve got the wrong person!

And he wasn’t the only one.

"!!"

All eyes turned to Gu Yan in shock.

Wait a minute—

Now that they looked closely, wasn’t that Gu Yan?!

The eldest son of the Gu Family?!

Since when did he get so handsome?!

And the goddess-like woman beside him... why were her eyes closed...?

Huh? Closed?

Could she be... Leng Qingqiu?!

The realization hit them like a tidal wave, and a collective gasp echoed through the hall.

No way!!

They were actually seeing Leng Qingqiu in the flesh!

Those who had once idolized her as their muse felt their old admiration resurface.

They had been fans of her brilliance, but after the Leng Family’s downfall and her self-inflicted blindness, they had moved on.

They thought they’d outgrown their starstruck days.

Yet now, seeing her again, they realized—Leng Qingqiu was still Leng Qingqiu!

A goddess remained a goddess. There wasn’t a trace of the rumored despair or depression about her!

But—

Their fists clenched as they glared at Gu Yan.

"Why the hell is Leng Qingqiu with Gu Yan?!"

"Tell me this is a joke. Are they really getting married?"

"No way... Gu Yan and Leng Qingqiu are actually together..."

"I refuse to accept this!"

"Damn it, Gu Yan—I’ll kill you!"

"Wait, hold on—why does Minister Lin of the Peace Faction seem so familiar with Gu Yan?"

"What’s going on here?!"

The banquet hall erupted into chaos again.

Gu Yan and Leng Qingqiu’s entrance had left everyone reeling.

Why? Just why?!

How the hell did Gu Yan end up with Leng Qingqiu?!

Are you even worthy? Do you seriously think you match her?!

Xiao Lin also caught sight of Gu Yan and Leng Qingqiu. His fists tightened.

Gu Yan... so you were telling the truth.

He’d heard rumors before that Gu Yan was already engaged, but he’d never believed it. He assumed Gu Yan, like other heirs, would have multiple lovers.

But now, it was clear—Gu Yan was different.

Though they’d had their conflicts in the past, none of that mattered now.

Because...

Xiao Lin smirked. He had more important things to focus on.

His gaze shifted toward Shen Wan’er—only to freeze.

There she was, radiant in her midnight-blue evening gown, poised and elegant.

Yet her eyes were locked onto Gu Yan.

Her expression was a mix of emotions—30% regret, 30% awe, 30% shock, and 10% despondency.

Thud.

Xiao Lin’s heart lurched inexplicably, his fists clenching until his knuckles turned white.

He knew Gu Yan had once pursued Shen Wan’er, but she had rejected him, prioritizing her career.

Xiao Lin had supported her decision—after all, one’s ambitions should come first.

But now...

His grip loosened slightly, a hint of sorrow flashing in his eyes.

Wan’er... do you still have feelings for Gu Yan?

But what about me? What do I lack compared to him?

Why... can’t you see me?

What about my junior sister? Would she understand me?

Deep down, he knew—back when they were kids, she’d always followed him around, chirping about how she wanted to marry him someday.

Dragon Lord was right—as the successor of the Dragon King Palace, one woman was far from enough. If it were his junior sister, then...

Xiao Lin glanced at Ning Qian beside him and forced a smile. "Junior sis—"

But before he could finish, his smile froze on his lips. Because...

Ning Qian didn’t even look at him. Instead, her face lit up with joy as she walked toward Gu Yan.

H-how...?

Xiao Lin stared blankly at Ning Qian’s retreating figure as she approached Gu Yan.

Since when did his junior sister smile at someone else like that?

Why? What had happened?

What had Gu Yan done to her behind his back?

Xiao Lin’s mind buzzed, his breath growing ragged.

How... could this be?

[Little Lin, steady your mind. Leave the venue and calm yourself.]

Dragon Lord hadn’t spoken in a while. Ever since sensing the aura of the Netherworld Monarch, it had been hiding deep within Xiao Lin’s heart.

Only now, with Xiao Lin’s turmoil, did it finally speak up.

"Alright."

Xiao Lin took a deep breath and, after one last glance at Ning Qian and Gu Yan, stood up and left the banquet hall.

By some coincidence, Shen Wan'er’s peripheral vision caught Xiao Lin’s departure.

She turned her head, watching his lonely figure with an inexplicable pang in her heart.

Shen Wan'er bit her lip lightly, then shifted her gaze to Gu Yan and Leng Qingqiu.

Perhaps... some things were just meant to be missed.

Gu Yan, you might not know this...

But my idol has always been Leng Qingqiu.

I wanted to learn from her, to strive to stand by her side.

Yet... you walked beside her so effortlessly.

Is this... my punishment?

Her eyes dimmed. While everyone else was captivated by Gu Yan and Leng Qingqiu, Shen Wan'er quietly slipped away.

She no longer had the courage to stay.