Chapter 32: In His Heart, She Is the Only One!

"Nice to meet you, Miss Wen." Everyone greeted Wen Ying politely.

However, they didn't bring up any professional topics with her. After the greetings, they immediately turned to He Xicheng to discuss industry prospects and technical reforms. In this male-dominated industry, women were naturally viewed with less importance. Prejudice always took the lead.

Wen Ying had anticipated this situation, so she remained relatively composed, listening to their conversation with detachment.

He Xicheng had someone important he specifically wanted to introduce to Wen Ying. "Do you see the gentleman in the gray suit over there? He holds a ministerial-level position. Getting firsthand information on upcoming policy trends is crucial, and he is a key person to network with tonight. Make a good impression."

Wen Ying was surprised that someone of that level was present. She understood the significance of this banquet, and He Xicheng led her toward him.

The gentleman saw He Xicheng and greeted him with a smile, "Mr. He, long time no see."

Before He Xicheng could introduce Wen Ying, a stir occurred at the entrance. Wen Ying glanced over. Su Nian was walking in, arm-in-arm with Lu Jinchuan, greeting those around them with elegance and grace.

As soon as Lu Jinchuan arrived, the prominent figures who had just been so at ease were visibly delighted, all gravitating toward him.

Wen Ying couldn't help but notice their attire. Su Nian was wearing a green evening gown similar in shade to her own, the neckline encrusted with diamonds of various sizes that sparkled under the lights. As for Lu Jinchuan, the color and texture of the pocket square in his suit matched Su Nian’s gown perfectly.

It was a subtle display of affection. Yet, he had never once touched the suit that was meant to be a matching set with her own gown.

"Mr. Lu and Miss Su are truly a match made in heaven. I heard that the set Miss Su is wearing is a one-of-a-kind piece that Mr. Lu flew to Paris yesterday specifically to purchase! He must value Miss Su so highly."

"It's the only one in the world. Doesn't that just mean that in his heart, she is the only one?"

"With Miss Su's unparalleled ability, education, and beauty, and with Mr. Lu paving the way for her, who could possibly outshine her in this circle in the future?"

As she listened, Wen Ying’s vision blurred. She didn't know whether to laugh at the fact that her three years felt like a joke, or at how worthless she had become.

He Xicheng glanced at Wen Ying. Although she didn't show any emotion, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

Soon, they realized that Lu Jinchuan was heading their way with Su Nian. He Xicheng frowned, realizing the other man's intent. When Lu Jinchuan approached, he caught sight of Wen Ying and noticed her gown, pausing ever so slightly.

Wen Ying caught his gaze. Because she was dressed in a similar color palette, it made her look like the one who was intruding. Su Nian also glanced at Wen Ying, but she kept her focus on He Xicheng and the high-ranking official.

Lu Jinchuan exchanged pleasantries with He Xicheng and the official. "Mr. Xu, Mr. He."

"And who is this with you, Mr. Lu?" Mr. Xu asked.

Lu Jinchuan nodded calmly. "This is Su Nian. She specializes in aerospace research and has just returned with a doctorate from abroad. She is a rare, top-tier talent."

He recommended Su Nian but did not look at Wen Ying again, nor did he intend to greet her. He acted as if they were complete strangers, intentionally or unintentionally distancing himself.

Mr. Xu was surprised. "So young?"

Su Nian replied with poise, "You are too kind, Mr. Xu."

Mr. Xu became interested. "Shall we sit over there later and discuss your ideas? I'd like to hear them."

With Lu Jinchuan’s strong recommendation, no one would underestimate Su Nian. Mr. Xu himself felt that if someone was appreciated by Lu Jinchuan, they must be excellent. In good spirits, Mr. Xu said to He Xicheng, "Let's go talk over there in a while."

He Xicheng responded verbally, but once Mr. Xu left, his expression turned cold. What was Lu Jinchuan playing at?

Was he trying to cut them off halfway? He had been about to introduce Wen Ying to gain exposure—a crucial comeback opportunity for her—and Lu Jinchuan had arrived with Su Nian in such a high-profile manner, stealing the spotlight!

"Mr. He, you know that top-tier talent is scarce. My previous proposal still stands; you might want to reconsider. Su Nian will not disappoint you," Lu Jinchuan said, unperturbed.

Su Nian glanced at the quiet Wen Ying before adding, "Mr. He, I will bring you the greatest benefits."

He Xicheng hadn't expected Lu Jinchuan to value Su Nian so highly, and he didn't even care to avoid Wen Ying! Suddenly, he understood just how difficult Wen Ying's situation was.

However, they were all people who knew how to play the social game. He responded with a platitude: "Of course, Miss Su is so excellent, I will give it careful consideration."

In this circle, one always has to put on a show. To put it plainly, they spoke pleasantries but had no intention of doing anything genuine.

Lu Jinchuan likely sensed He Xicheng’s true meaning, and he gave Wen Ying a slow, deliberate look, as if to say she was quite capable of making He Xicheng dance to her tune.

Wen Ying frowned at him, but Lu Jinchuan had already looked away, turning to leave with Su Nian. Soon, a crowd gathered around them, eager and proactive—a stark contrast to the dismissiveness shown toward Wen Ying.

The plan had been disrupted. With Lu Jinchuan presiding, Su Nian was the center of attention and the person everyone wanted to curry favor with tonight. No matter how talented Wen Ying was, no one was willing to give up the chance to network with Lu Jinchuan just to get to know her.