Coincidentally, a piece of news caught Qin Cha's attention.
Film Appreciation Reception.
It's said that the big shots in the entertainment circle attend, and it's super expensive to get in. This was the perfect chance for Qin Cha.
Qin Cha took out her phone and called her second brother, Qin Mo.
"Hello? Second brother, I need a favor. I want to go to the movie appreciation reception tonight. Can you help me get a ticket?"
On the other end of the line, Qin Mo didn't think it was a big deal at all.
"It's just a small reception, so there's no problem with the ticket. But with your status, people should be inviting you to events like this. Why are you going through all this trouble?"
With the Qin family's power, whatever his little sister wanted was basically hers.
What Qin Mo said made sense, but Qin Cha didn't want to reveal her identity so easily.
And according to the bet, she couldn't rely on her family background to get any special treatment. She believed she could win on her own.
"Second brother, I don't want anyone to know who I am. Please help me."
"Okay, I'll send someone to handle it."
He couldn't resist when his little sister acted spoiled, and he agreed with a doting smile.
That night.
Qin Cha wore a charming strapless evening gown to the reception.
Her sleek black hair was tied up loosely, and a few strands casually framed her face, adding a hint of elegance and allure.
Her appearance caused quite a stir at the venue. A few powerful men couldn't help themselves and tried to approach her quietly, even though they weren't invited.
On the other side, Shen Mingyue, still bitter over her recent frustrations, refused to give up. She clung to Shang Jue constantly, as if she wished she could be glued to him 24/7.
Seeing that Shang Jue was getting ready to go out late at night, she nervously asked in a soft voice, "A Jue, are you still going out for work this late?"
Shang Jue lowered his head and adjusted the expensive watch on his wrist. He replied coldly, "It's my uncle's birthday. He's holding a movie appreciation reception."
Uncle?!
Shen Mingyue immediately perked up. If she could go with Shang Jue to the reception, she'd finally have the chance to let everyone know she was his woman.
Shang Jue had been married to Qin Cha for three years, and their wedding was super low-key.
Almost no one outside knew he was married, and he never brought Qin Cha to any public events.
He never had another woman by his side either, so if he brought her tonight, Shen Mingyue would be the only female companion he ever appeared with in public.
"A Jue, I've been feeling a little bored at home lately. Can you take me out for some fresh air? I also prepared a birthday gift for your uncle. I can give it to him in person."
Shen Mingyue gently made up an excuse, hoping Shang Jue would bring her along.
"Mm."
Shang Jue didn't think much of it and just agreed casually.
After getting what she wanted, Shen Mingyue was overjoyed. She secretly celebrated and quickly followed after Shang Jue.
"A Jue, since I'm going to your uncle's banquet, do you think it's okay for me to wear this?"
Sitting in the car, Shen Mingyue acted all shy and glanced at her plain dress. She subtly hinted at her true intentions.
"Assistant Li."
Shang Jue never wasted words. He only needed to give a command, and Assistant Li would take care of the rest.
"Yes, Mr. Shang. I understand."
Under Shen Mingyue's hopeful gaze, the luxury car stopped in front of a high-end fashion store. She happily picked out a bright red, sexy evening gown that perfectly showed off her fair skin.
"A Jue, does it look good?"
Shen Mingyue's eyes sparkled, her cheeks blushed slightly. She was really hoping Shang Jue would finally show some reaction, even just a tiny bit of surprise.
But Shang Jue didn't even lift his eyes the entire time.
He didn't respond to her question at all. Once she was done changing, he just turned around and got in the car.
Shen Mingyue felt a bit empty inside, but she didn't show any anger on her face.
She didn't believe it. She was this beautiful. How could she not win him over?
---
Reception.
Qin Cha had already brushed off several people who tried to talk to her.
She came here to find resources for film and TV, not to waste time on small talk.
"This lady looks unfamiliar. Forgive me for being blunt, but with her looks and figure, she definitely has the potential to make it in the entertainment industry."
A bloated man approached Qin Cha with a glass of champagne, his disgusting eyes revealing his dirty intentions.
Qin Cha's eyes were full of disdain. She didn't want to waste her time talking to this kind of man.
"Sorry, I've got something to do."
She turned around to leave, but the greasy man suddenly grabbed her wrist to stop her. He even dared to rub her skin like he wasn't afraid of death, which made Qin Cha feel completely sick.
At that exact moment, Shang Jue and Shen Mingyue were also attending the reception. Assistant Li looked up and saw Qin Cha being harassed. He looked shocked. "Ma'am!"
Shang Jue saw Qin Cha immediately. His eyes turned sharp as he stared coldly at the scene—Qin Cha in a stunning dress being touched by some ugly man.
This is the life she's living now?
She would rather live like this, humiliating herself, than come back to him?
Sensing Mr. Shang's anger, Assistant Li got ready to step in and help her.
But before he could move, Shang Jue had already taken long strides toward Qin Cha's direction.
Shen Mingyue was still feeling pleased with her little "victory" earlier, but the second she saw Shang Jue rushing toward Qin Cha, she started to panic.
She was scared Qin Cha would go back to Shang Jue. Not willing to fall behind, she immediately followed him.
Right then, Qin Cha, who was being harassed, didn't notice Shang Jue at all.
She grabbed the man's arm with her other hand, her eyes cold and filled with pride and dignity.
"If you dare touch me again, believe it or not, I'll break your arm right here."
"You—!"
The man didn't expect this beautiful and delicate-looking girl to have such a strong presence.
"You what?"
Qin Cha sneered, picked up a glass of red wine from a waiter's tray, and poured it right onto the man's pig-like face without hesitation.
"you've got good eyes, but apparently your brain needs washing."
The man had never been insulted like that before. He pointed at the banquet's security, furious. "What are you standing there for?! Throw this crazy woman out!"
Qin Cha didn't even flinch. Her face showed pure disgust as she took out a wet wipe and cleaned her arm where he touched her. "Gross."
Instead of finding any useful contacts, she ended up dealing with this disgusting creep.
The man was shaking with rage.
The security guard frowned and was about to step in, but Shang Jue had already reached her side and grabbed her arm firmly.
"She's mine."
He looked coldly at the embarrassed man. His gaze was sharp, and his voice was calm but cold. "What did she do?"
The man recognized Shang Jue instantly, and his forehead broke into a sweat.
Why didn't he know Shang Jue had a woman by his side?
Shang Jue was not someone he could afford to offend.
He quickly forced a smile and apologized. "Misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding. I didn't realize she was Mr. Shang's companion. I even made her pour wine on my face... totally my fault. I'm really sorry."
He bowed politely to Qin Cha.
Qin Cha just sneered and didn't bother replying to that kind of clown.
Seeing that she wasn't making a fuss, the man left immediately, knowing better than to push his luck.
Qin Cha pulled her arm out of Shang Jue's grasp, stepped to the side, and put some distance between them.
The man's face turned even uglier when he saw that.
"Qin Cha, this is why you wanted to divorce me? To live this kind of low life, trading your body for resources?"
Before Qin Cha could say anything, Shen Mingyue stepped forward with a worried expression and held onto Shang Jue's arm gently.
Her voice was soft as she tried to comfort him. "A Jue, don't say that about Qin Cha. I'm sure she has her reasons."
Qin Cha sneered in her heart. Since when did she need a two-faced green tea like her to speak on her behalf?
She said mockingly, "No matter how low my life is, at least it's better than living miserably by your side."
Shang Jue was instantly furious. His eyes turned blood red, and he looked like he was about to explode from anger.
"Shang Jue, there you are."
Right then, the host of tonight's event, Shang Jue's uncle, Cheng Ming, walked over with a warm smile.
Qin Cha had seen him online before. He was a big-time investor in the industry, someone who funded every hit drama.
And he was exactly the kind of resource Qin Cha needed right now.
"Uncle, happy birthday."
Shang Jue held back his anger and went back to his cold, emotionless face. His voice was low and steady.