Chapter Thirty-Three: The New Nobility of Country M

"Hello, Jiang Yunzhu. I'm Shen Tingxiao. May I invite you to dance?" Shen Tingxiao stopped in front of Jiang Yunzhu and extended his hand with gentlemanly grace.

His face was magnified up close, and the sense of familiarity grew stronger. His eyes, sharp in shape, gazed at Jiang Yunzhu with a gentleness so tender it seemed to drip with warmth. At such close range, there was not a single flaw to be found on his face.

"Miss Jiang?" Shen Tingxiao softly repeated.

Jiang Yunzhu finally came to her senses. After a brief hesitation, she placed her hand in his. "Of course."

After all, he was an honored guest invited by her parents; it would be rude to refuse.

Applause broke out as the pair moved gracefully across the floor. A spotlight shone down on them, making them the center of attention at the banquet.

"Who is that beautiful young lady? I haven’t seen her in the country before. She looks perfect with Mr. Shen."

"That’s the little princess of the Jiang family—Jiang Yunzhu! How could you not know her?"

"But I’ve never seen her before."

"Jiang Yunzhu hasn’t been in the country; she just returned recently. Honestly, I also think she and Mr. Shen make a good match. If they really end up together, it would be a perfect union."

Chen Li, holding Jiang Zhen’s arm, watched the pair on the dance floor. "Look at them—they really do suit each other."

"If you want to bring them together, I have no objections." Jiang Zhen was naturally willing to establish a connection with Shen Tingxiao. "But Shen Ruizhang is Shen Tingxiao’s uncle, and our Yunzhu might not want anything more to do with the Shen family."

His words served as a reminder to Chen Li. "Let me ask Tingxiao’s opinion later. If he’s willing to get closer to Yunzhu, we won’t tell her his true identity right away. Once they’ve spent some time together and developed feelings, it won’t be such a big issue. At most, Yunzhu might feel awkward when seeing Shen Ruizhang."

Jiang Zhen felt it was somewhat inappropriate. "Keep it from Yunzhu?"

"It’s not forever, and if Yunzhu isn’t happy, we won’t force her." All Chen Li wanted now was for Jiang Yunzhu to move forward as soon as possible.

Jiang Zhen could only nod.

The music ended.

The two retreated from the center of the hall.

Shen Tingxiao followed behind Jiang Yunzhu. "Miss Jiang, you dance beautifully."

"Thank you for your kind words," Jiang Yunzhu replied with a polite smile.

Shen Tingxiao frowned slightly. "May I call you Yunzhu?"

"What?" Jiang Yunzhu was momentarily taken aback.

She didn’t know Shen Tingxiao well, and their relationship wasn’t close enough for such intimacy in address. It felt inappropriate.

"Of course you can," Chen Li interjected as she walked over, giving Jiang Yunzhu a meaningful look. "Yunzhu, this is Tingxiao, a rising star from abroad."

Seeing her mother approach, Jiang Yunzhu understood her intentions. She felt helpless, but her parents always acted in her best interest.

"Tingxiao hasn’t eaten yet. Yunzhu, take him to the dining area. You’re both about the same age—you’ll have plenty to talk about." Chen Li seized the moment.

Jiang Yunzhu could only say to Shen Tingxiao, "This way, Mr. Shen."

The two turned toward the dining area.

"You can call me Tingxiao," he said, walking beside her.

Once they’d gone far enough to be alone, Jiang Yunzhu finally spoke. "Mr. Shen, I’m not sure what my parents told you. I don’t know if you understand the nature of this banquet..."

"I know," Shen Tingxiao interrupted, his tone slightly urgent. "Yunzhu just returned home. Your uncle and aunt hope you’ll find a good companion. It’s understandable."

"So it seems you’re quite satisfied with me, Mr. Shen?" Jiang Yunzhu asked, after a brief pause.

Shen Tingxiao looked at her intently. "Are you dissatisfied with me, Yunzhu?"

She led him to the table, picked out a few dishes, and placed them before him. "Mr. Shen, you must be joking. If someone claims to like another after only a single meeting, that affection is rather shallow. I imagine your interest in me is merely due to my appearance."

"Yunzhu, you’re being too hasty. How do you know we haven’t met before? Perhaps I’ve seen a side of you unknown to others." Shen Tingxiao picked up a strawberry and placed it in Jiang Yunzhu’s mouth.

When the banquet ended, Jiang Yunzhu forced herself to see off all the guests before collapsing onto the sofa.

"Well?" Chen Li, unable to resist gossiping, came over to ask, "What do you think of Shen Tingxiao? I’ve seen it with my own eyes—you two are perfect together."

"Mom, being a good match doesn’t guarantee a relationship," Jiang Yunzhu replied. "Besides, I have other important things to take care of now—I don’t have the energy for romance."

Chen Li wouldn’t believe it. "But you and Shen Tingxiao got along so well! Spend more time together, and feelings might grow."

"Mom, I’m tired. I’m going upstairs." Jiang Yunzhu knew there was no reasoning with her.

Fortunately, Chen Li and Jiang Zhen had always respected her wishes.

"Alright, but think about it," Chen Li reminded once more.

Dragging her weary body upstairs, Jiang Yunzhu finished washing up and emerged from the bathroom to find her phone ringing.

The caller ID showed Sang Bai.

She answered.

"Yunzhu, my flight and those of the other artists are the day after tomorrow. We’ll arrive the day after that," Sang Bai said on the line. "Can you arrange everything in such a short time?"

Sitting in the single armchair in her room, Jiang Yunzhu replied, "No problem. Let me know when you land."

"Alright." Sang Bai chatted a bit longer before hanging up.

The next morning, Jiang Yunzhu got up, grabbed her bag, and drove out.

She handled the paperwork locally and registered a film company.

At the same time, she opened a long-silent group chat: Hello, I’m back. I’ll need your help in the coming days.

No sooner had she sent the message than replies flooded in.

[What?! Fantastic! The film industry here is saved!]
[When did you return? Why didn’t you let us pick you up at the airport?]
[Yunzhu, I’ll say it again: as long as you’re directing, whatever terms you name, I’ll agree to them.]

Jiang Yunzhu parked by the roadside, read each message, and replied: Just arrived. I’ve brought a team with me this time. Once everything is arranged, I’ll send invitations. I hope you’ll make time for us.

[Others can be refused, but your invitation must be accepted.]
[Let me know the date, and I’ll rearrange my schedule.]

To all this kindness, Jiang Yunzhu responded with thanks.

Though she still had some lingering feelings for her former country, so much time had passed, and she’d been absent from the industry for ages. Few dared trust her with their projects now.

A notification sounded from behind her.

Just as she was about to open the car door to check, her phone rang again. This time, the caller ID showed: Shen Ruizhang.