Volume 1, Chapter 51: Exposing Identity, Targeted Harassment!

At this moment, Su Ming and Lin Ruoxue had already entered the banquet. The crowd was filled with handsome men and beautiful women—successful individuals and business elites. They naturally formed distinct groups, gathering together. The CEOs chatted about corporate development, while the business elites discussed next year’s bonuses. Each circle had its own topic, but all revolved around one word: money. Everyone’s attire was extravagantly lavish, with nearly everyone sporting a Rolex. Some second-generation wealthy heirs flaunted their keys to luxury cars while standing by the windows with beautiful women.

The instant Su Ming and Lin Ruoxue appeared, countless eyes fixated on them. Su Ming especially felt that most gazes shifted from Lin Ruoxue to himself—and they were all male eyes.

“Lin Ruoxue is here!”

“Who’s the man beside her? He looks kind of handsome!”

“Lin Ruoxue actually has a male companion? That’s big news.”

Immediately, the crowd buzzed with whispers. After all, Lin Ruoxue was already a hot topic in Longzhou, and she had never before appeared with a man at any upscale event. This moment stirred even more curiosity than celebrity scandals.

“Ruoxue, you finally made it. We’ve been waiting for you tonight.”

At that moment, a man in a blue suit with slicked-back hair approached. Elegant and refined, every gesture exuded a gentlemanly aura. Smiling, he greeted them warmly, followed by a few young men and beautiful women.

“Thank you, Young Master Chu, for your attention.”

“I had some trouble on the way, that’s why I’m late.”

“Apologies, everyone.”

Lin Ruoxue navigated the occasion with ease, soon engaging in lively conversation with the group.

“Ruoxue, who’s this gentleman beside you?” Young Master Chu raised his glass, smiling as he looked at Su Ming.

Just as Lin Ruoxue was about to introduce him—

“Could it be that Ruoxue brought a scapegoat along?”

A youth with a dyed blue hairstyle approached, his face full of disdain. Lin Ruoxue’s expression darkened slightly; she turned her head away without responding. This youth was Yun Shaofeng, son of the Longzhou Logistics Group’s CEO. Both Yun Shaofeng and Young Master Chu had been courting Lin Ruoxue for three years. Yet, she had never received such treatment before—appearing publicly with a male companion at such an important event.

“Looks like I was right. But Ruoxue, even if you don’t give us a chance, you don’t have to stoop so low.”

“Anyone and everyone can be your shield? What a disgrace.”

“Look at him—his pale, gaunt face screams poverty. Anyone here is at least ten times better than him!”

Yun Shaofeng sneered mockingly.

“Exactly, Ruoxue. I’m better than him. Taking me out would be more respectable.”

Young Master Chu chimed in supportively.

“Look at this guy—just a temporary shield Lin pulled out of nowhere. Wearing jeans to a banquet? How embarrassing.”

A girl nearby covered her mouth, laughing. Laughter erupted all around, creating an awkward atmosphere. Everyone shook their heads, looking at Su Ming as if he was a disgrace.

Lin Ruoxue felt a pang of embarrassment. She regretted bringing Su Ming along. She shot him a sharp glare that said, “How useless you are,” filled with disappointment.

“Pick anyone you want? You yourselves have no status and are just being chosen. Do you think others are blind, digging for treasure in a pile of garbage?”

Su Ming quietly approached Lin Ruoxue and said calmly. Then, unexpectedly, his large hand slid around her waist in a gentle embrace.

Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief. Lin Ruoxue’s body trembled instinctively; she tilted her head, gritting her teeth, glaring angrily at Su Ming. She tried to pull away, but Su Ming whispered, “If you want to enjoy your evening without these flies bothering you, you’d better cooperate.”

With those words, Lin Ruoxue took a deep breath, forcing herself to endure the awkwardness. She had never allowed any man to touch her waist before. Not once since childhood. But thinking about the swarm of suitors she would otherwise have to face if Su Ming left, she bit her lip and accepted it.

At that moment, Lin Ruoxue’s lack of resistance was taken as tacit approval, shocking everyone. Their jaws nearly dropped in astonishment.

“What did you say?” Young Master Chu, furious at being compared to garbage, pointed angrily at Su Ming.

“Look at you—do you really think you’re someone special? Ruoxue, you’re way too casual.”

Yun Shaofeng shrugged coldly. “Kid, who are you calling garbage?”

“Looks like you’re asking for a beating.”

“Want to see if I’ll have the bodyguards throw you out?”

Others also glared furiously at Su Ming, starting to berate him.

Especially the men, seeing their goddess being held by Su Ming—and, worse, her acceptance—was unbearable. Jealousy bred hatred.

“Do you think Ruoxue is just a casual person?”

“Just randomly picking someone to accompany her, spending day and night together, kissing, sleeping with them?”

Su Ming spoke coldly and arrogantly.

Lin Ruoxue’s face changed upon hearing this. She had thought Su Ming quiet and unremarkable, which was why she brought him as a shield. But she never expected his words to cause such a storm.

In anger, she lifted her foot and stomped on Su Ming’s foot with her high heel, determined to remind him not to speak nonsense.

But Su Ming easily dodged.

“Ruoxue, it was just a misunderstanding. I didn’t mean it like that!”

Yun Shaofeng knew Lin Ruoxue well and thought Su Ming was bragging to provoke them, so he quickly apologized.

But Young Master Chu took it seriously, his eyes red with fury. He had been chasing his goddess for three years, rarely getting close to her. Now, the thought of her being kissed by this man shattered him. His emotions unraveled, and he raised his fist to strike but was held back by Yun Shaofeng.

“Ruoxue, is he really your boyfriend?”

“Oh my god, that has to be a joke!”

Several girls approached, curious.

“Yes, I’m not joking.”

Lin Ruoxue nodded, which shattered Chu and the others even more.

At that moment, Yun Shaofeng shook his head and said, “Actually, he’s not your boyfriend. He’s the worthless son-in-law who married into the Lin family—and they’re not even officially married yet!”

“Ruoxue, I was right, wasn’t I?”

As Yun Shaofeng’s words fell, everyone’s faces showed shock.