Chapter 16: Not A Big Shot
Right at six thirty, Bai Ruoxi was already sitting in a private lounge of the resort together with Ming Lu and her parents. The lounge was on one of the top floors. It gave them a full view to not only the festive and beautifully decorated lawn but also the entire terrain of the resort.
The banquet was organized on the first floor, set to be both indoor and outdoor per Bai Ruoxi requested. She comprehended that most of the younger generations found parties organized in the building rather rigid and boring, but she also couldn't put aside that elders usually didn't favor an outdoor party.
The event would officially start at seven, but a lot of guests were already entertaining themselves with food and good wine.
From her seat, Bai Ruoxi could distinctly spot several celebrities which didn't belong to the upper class hanging around. She was certain that her invitations were limited to the members of influential families and aristocrats only, but oh well, it wasn't like she had the heart to chase them out.
Reporters were also swarming the main entrance and highway. Although Bai Ruoxi was several floors away from the ground, she could still vaguely hear the loud camera clicks. She was grateful that she had gone through the VVIP passage instead. If she were to be spotted by one of the reporters, a big chance was she wouldn't even make it back on time for the opening of her own party.
"Are you nervous?"
Bai Ruoxi turned around to face Bai Shizhen. Her father was dressed handsomely in a dark grey suit, matching Xu Liluo's silver dress. They looked lovely together, especially when they silently stared into each other's eyes and whispered some sweet nonsense.
Ah, dogfood...
"I'm... okay." Bai Ruoxi hesitantly replied. She was unconfident.
Four years ago, Bai Ruoxi had suddenly turned her back towards the elite circle and completely erased her trace from society. News and rumors spread like a wildfire, one of the worsts was about her being pregnant.
Bai Ruoxi had only been seventeen years of age then, those rumors had greatly traumatized her. She was sinister and full of mischief, yes, but deep down she was a child. She had schemed against others who she deemed lowly and acted as if the world was hers merely because she craved the attention of others.
Gu Yin was slowly helping her change into a better person, and when he almost succeeded, he was forcefully taken away. Bai Ruoxi hadn't lost only him but also a big piece of the person she had yet to become.
The pain was slowly crawling its way up onto her chest again, but before it managed to take control, Bai Ruoxi felt a pair of warm arms circled around her.
She inhaled the calming scent of chamomile radiating from Xu Liluo and felt calmer. Bai Ruoxi returned the hug in silence and stayed that way until it was finally time to begin the party.
Led by an attendant, the four of them leisurely made their way into the banquet. They didn't enter through the main door, but another entrance that was connected to a grand bifurcated staircase.
"You'll be fine, Milady." Ming Lu glanced towards her and whispered softly. He held out his hand for Bai Ruoxi to hold, giving her a gentle squeeze to ensure her.
Bai Ruoxi returned his gaze and nodded slightly to the attendant. The man then pushed the door open, letting the bright blinding light escape from the venue and illuminated the slightly dim hallway where she stood.
The previously boisterous hall immediately turned silent. Their eyes were beaming with excitement and anticipation as they looked up towards the broadly opened door.
A handsome young man slowly walked forward, holding a milky slender hand. And without even realizing, every single one of them was holding their breath.
Bai Ruoxi stepped out elegantly, her smile was sweet yet her eyes were dangerous and firm. Embosomed by a magnificent blood colored dress and glaring elegance, people seemed to be enchanted by the sight of her.
Clicks of her heels on the marble steps finally broke the stunning silence. Many guests slowly recovered their senses and started to talk and whisper among themselves, while some were still completely amazed by the sight of a fiery goddess descending the stairs.
"Is... is that her? Is that really Bai Ruoxi?"
"Of course it's her! Why else would the madam and her husband trail behind her?!"
"Doesn't she look... different?"
"Yes, yes, she was spoiled rotten and really bad tempered! But she looks so mature now!"
"Aiya, don't you know that looks can be deceiving?!"
After reaching the end of the swirling staircase, Bai Ruoxi's clear eyes drifted across the room. Her demeanor was somewhat overbearing yet alluring, causing a tingling sensation in their stomach as a burning heat trickled their skin.
"My esteemed guests, I am thankful for every of your presence." Bai Ruoxi started, immediately silencing the hall once again. "Please, don't hold back and enjoy yourselves."
It was a simple sentence, yet people were pleasantly surprised. Some of the guests were Bai Ruoxi's old acquaintances and they distinctly noticed the difference in her tone. It had lost its previous arrogance and was filled by grace and confidence instead.
The hall turned lively again after Bai Ruoxi walked away. They started contemplating whether she had truly changed or was just masking her true characters.
Bai Ruoxi planned to approach her grandfather and accompany him for a meal, but even before she managed to take a step closer, people were swarming around her and attacked her with praises.
Bai Ruoxi was frustrated yet her demeanor was calm and elegant. She responded confidently which gave them an even better impression on her.
"Sister Ruoxi!"
Uhh, here we go again.
They glanced towards the young woman who was making her way towards them along with a man on her side.
"Is that the Gu siblings; Gu Xing and Gu Wei?"
"Are they close with Bai Ruoxi? She called her Sister Ruoxi so intimately."
"Don't you know? Bai Ruoxi was engaged to their late brother, Gu Yin. He was a clever and sweet boy. Aish, it was a shame that he died."
People started to chatter and distance themselves to give those three space, yet still close enough to hear their conversations.
"Xiao Xi, happy birthday." Gu Wei flashed a bright smile while handing a beautifully wrapped gift to her.
"Sister Ruoxi, have you eaten yet?" Gu Xing chimed in casually.
The Gu siblings deliberately approached Bai Ruoxi while she was surrounded by a group of people. Although it was a simple gesture, people would start to think that they had a good relationship. That was exactly what Gu Wei wanted.
"Thank you for the present, Miss Gu, Young Master Gu." Bai Ruoxi smiled sweetly while handing the present to Ming Lu. "It's been a long time."
Gasps could be heard in every corner right after Bai Ruoxi opened her mouth. Although she was greeting them courteously, her words were clear and thorough!
They weren't close at all!
Bai Ruoxi addressed them formally even though they had called up to her so intimately.
"What's... what's happening? I thought the Bai Family and the Gu Family were in a close relationship?!"
"I remember now! The only person they were close to was Gu Yin. After his death, the Bai Family didn't even bat an eye towards them anymore!"
"So they're just shamelessly trying to curry her favor now?"
Whispers and chatters continued to fill the whole room. Gu Wei was inwardly fuming when he knew that his plan backfired. He didn't expect that Bai Ruoxi would be so blunt towards them.
'How dare this wench humiliates me again and again!'
Gu Xing wanted to lash back at Bai Ruoxi for ruining her image, but she knew she couldn't be rash. The girl then continued to rack her brain for another way to insult her.
"Sister Ruoxi, I heard you invited the four clans? Are they here now?"
As expected, people started to whisper among themselves when they were reminded about the four clans.
Bai Ruoxi had indeed invited them, but on what thought should they come? They were the ones who sat on the throne of the underworld, why would they show up merely for a small birthday party?
Wasn't Bai Ruoxi dreaming too high? Did she think she was truly a princess now?
When Gu Xing saw that her words were finally taking effects, she inwardly harrumphed while she kept an understanding gaze.
"Sister Ruoxi, pay it no mind. They probably have other matters to attend."
In other words, they wouldn't even consider coming because she wasn't a big shot and was worth nothing.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
rosecoloredblood
rosecoloredblood WPC #67's result was out and I got the first place. I am very thankful to you, my dear readers (っ´▽`)っ
I'm still on my vacation, but please enjoy this messily written chapterノ(・ω・)ノ
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