Chapter 362: Tight Time and Heavy Tasks
At this very moment, the gathering was filled with prominent figures.
Lu Chengwen greeted numerous big shots one by one, with Xu Xuejiao on his arm.
When he encountered Leng Tianhao, Lu Chengwen immediately walked up and said, "Uncle Leng."
Leng Tianhao was very enthusiastic. "Hahaha, isn't this my family's esteemed son-in-law!"
Glancing at Xu Xuejiao, Leng Tianhao chuckled, "Xuejiao, you're looking even more beautiful."
Xu Xuejiao beamed. "No matter how beautiful I am, I can't compare to Qingqiu! Uncle Leng, how come you didn't bring a dance partner?"
"I'm getting old; I don't bring dance partners anymore, just my old partner, hahaha. Chengwen, let's have a word in private."
Stepping aside, Leng Tianhao asked, "What stage have you and Xuejiao reached?"
Lu Chengwen smiled. "This stage."
"Mm, mm, very good, very good. Qingqiu has been exhausting herself for your Chengwen District project. If you have time, show her more care. A girl still needs a man's attention."
Lu Chengwen understood that Leng Tianhao was feeling a bit sour after seeing him with Xu Xuejiao.
But a figure of his stature wouldn't display jealousy outright. His mindset was always about interests above all else.
What he was concerned about wasn't Lu Chengwen indulging in romance, but rather that his daughter wouldn't stand in the first echelon and become the leader of the harem.
Very few big figures in high society lived their whole lives with just one wife. Temporary flings were nothing out of the ordinary.
Everyone was the same, so they wouldn't use the common morality of ordinary people to restrain each other, nor would they judge someone's character based on such matters.
What is high society? It is having more privileges and being able to disregard the rules more than ordinary people.
Lu Chengwen continued greeting people one by one. After only a few steps, he ran into Xu Zhiyun.
Xu Zhiyun appeared quite carefree, with a young model on his arm. Upon seeing Lu Chengwen, his expression turned slightly awkward.
Because Lu Chengwen had his daughter on his arm.
Seeing Xu Zhiyun, Xu Xuejiao immediately rushed over. "Dad!"
"Hey!" Xu Zhiyun embraced his daughter, looking at her in her backless, sexy evening gown, as if she were a fairy descended to earth—both delighted and conflicted.
The delight was that, no matter when he looked at his daughter, she always seemed like an angel who had descended from the heavens.
How could she be so adorable? How could she be so beautiful? She was youthful beyond compare, full of life, with light in her eyes and limitless charm...
But the conflict was—
Back then, what was he thinking when he agreed to let his daughter be an undercover agent?
He deeply suspected that Xu Xuejiao was actually setting Long Aotian up.
The way she acted around Lu Chengwen didn't look fake at all; in fact, she was completely throwing herself at him.
His little angel was actually becoming one of Lu Chengwen's women. Just thinking about it made him unhappy.
Shaking hands with Lu Chengwen, Xu Zhiyun said, "Chengwen, you rarely show up at these kinds of events these days."
Lu Chengwen deliberately provoked Xu Zhiyun: "It's a family event, so I have to come out and meet people. Qingqiu insisted I attend—she was afraid I'd be bored at home."
Xu Zhiyun felt annoyed, but Xu Xuejiao didn't mind at all. She held her father's arm and whispered in his ear, "Dad, isn't my undercover mission going well?"
Xu Zhiyun replied in a low voice, "Are you truly undercover, or are you counter-undercover?"
Xu Xuejiao giggled. "Is there a difference?"
Xu Zhiyun kept a straight face. "Long Aotian isn't some kindhearted fool. Watch your limits and think about how you'll wrap this up."
At this moment, Long Aotian approached with Luo Shiyin.
The moment Lu Chengwen saw Luo Shiyin, his eyes nearly popped out.
Luo Shiyin was simply too suited for this kind of occasion.
Unlike Xu Xuejiao, who still had a youthful, almost loli-like charm, making her seem a bit immature—
Luo Shiyin was the complete opposite: soft and alluring, dazzlingly beautiful, elegant, and mature.
Wearing a stunning evening gown, she looked like a glowing socialite goddess.
Especially her smile, which, after being nurtured by Lu Chengwen for so long, radiated pure femininity and an irresistible charm.
Long Aotian walked over. "Mr. Xu, Mr. Lu, why are you chatting outside instead of going in?"
The meeting of the three was quite awkward.
Or rather, only Xu Zhiyun felt awkward.
But Xu Zhiyun was experienced and maintained a relaxed, casual demeanor. "Aotian, you're late. Later, I have many friends to introduce you to—don't wander off."
Long Aotian smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Xu, for your guidance. Chengwen, I'm surprised you actually had the mood to come to an event like this."
Lu Chengwen stepped forward, hugged Long Aotian, and patted his back. "Just stepping out for some air, seeing if I can charm a little starlet to have a drink with me."
Long Aotian laughed but thought to himself: Scumbag.
"With your charm, Mr. Lu, I'm sure those actresses would have to line up."
He glanced at Xu Xuejiao, but she acted as if he was invisible.
Long Aotian had no choice but to greet her directly. "Miss Xu, long time no see."
Xu Xuejiao responded coldly, "We just saw each other recently. Mr. Long, if there's nothing else, my boyfriend and I need to attend to our guests. Please excuse us."
Lu Chengwen smiled, spread his hands, and followed Xu Xuejiao away.
Long Aotian sighed and said to Xu Zhiyun, "She's really good at acting."
Xu Zhiyun felt a bit awkward. "Yes, even I think she's good at it."
Hua Xuening had been following closely behind Lu Chengwen, always keeping a watchful eye on her surroundings.
She noticed that there were quite a few ancient martial artists present tonight.
Would an upper-class gathering really have this many ancient martial artists?
Lu Chengwen moved from outside to inside, with countless influential figures taking the initiative to greet and converse with him...
Xu Xuejiao, having grown up around these kinds of events, handled everything with ease, fully embodying the demeanor of Lu Chengwen's girlfriend, carrying the elegance and tact of a true hostess.
Hua Xue Ning gradually became anxious.
Why does the master know so many people? So annoying! So many people coming up to talk—how long will this conversation even last?
Walking inside, Lu Cheng Wen directly led the two girls to a relatively dimly lit corner.
Lu Cheng Wen also let out a breath of relief.
[Damn, my identity is too eye-catching. Whether they know me well or not, everyone wants to come and say hello. It's so annoying.]
Hua Xue Ning looked dumbfounded: The master dislikes it too?
He hates this kind of occasion, doesn't like talking to so many people, but just now, he was smiling so brightly at everyone.
He even told them jokes, making them laugh out loud.
Master is amazing!
The banquet began, and the big shots started taking their seats.
Lu Cheng Wen suddenly heard a "Ding-dong":
System: "Congratulations, Host! Did you miss me?"
Lu Cheng Wen was startled: "System!? You finally showed up!"
Xu Xue Jiao was puzzled: "What did you say?"
Lu Cheng Wen immediately stood up: "I'm going to the restroom."
Hua Xue Ning stood guard at the restroom door.
Inside, Lu Cheng Wen was about to lose his mind: "You've been gone for so long! Not a single message! I thought the system crashed!"
System: "Dear, the system needs both regular and irregular maintenance!"
"What's in it for me?"
"Congratulations, Host! You have gained an extra Grand Female Lead Strategy Privilege!"
"What does that mean?"
"Today is a grand opening day for the Cheng Wen District! As a token of appreciation for your continued support, we have specially tailored the Grand Female Lead Deflowering Plan for you! You can choose one among Leng Qing Qiu, Chen Meng Yun, and Xu Xue Jiao to strategize!"
"And then?" Lu Cheng Wen asked cautiously.
"Then you can advance to the Upper Fourth Gate!"
"What about my senior brother?"
"He will reach the Initial Heavenly Fourth Gate."
Lu Cheng Wen thought for a moment: "Then what's the difference from before? I reach the Upper Fourth Gate, my senior brother reaches the Heavenly Fourth Gate… he can still crush me! There's no change at all!"
"But, Host, you'll definitely feel great!"
"You… if I were just after pleasure, I could have done it ages ago! Don't give me this nonsense! Speaking of which, I have a plan. I think… I might be able to take down Long Ao Tian directly!"
"Oh? What has led the Host to such an illusion?"
"I've been observing recently, and I feel like Long Ao Tian isn't that impressive. Compared to the top male leads I've encountered before, he's far behind. He…"
"The reason his progress has slowed down is that you have taken all his resources!"
"What have I taken from him?" Lu Cheng Wen said, "Aside from pulling all his harem members over to be my harem, taking his little brothers as my little brothers, using the money originally meant for him to build my own business, taking his… Oh!"
Lu Cheng Wen nodded: "I see now."
System: "So, Long Ao Tian is currently at the Advanced Upper Fourth Gate, while you are at the Advanced Middle Fourth Gate. Both of you are still one level away from peak state. Today's special offer! If you conquer Xu Xue Jiao, you can ascend to the Peak Middle Fourth Gate, while Long Ao Tian won't advance. If you wait any longer, it'll be too late!"
"Tonight?"
Lu Cheng Wen checked his watch: "It's already 9:30 PM!"
"That's why time is money, and time is life!"
Lu Cheng Wen was extremely irritated: "Are you sure Long Ao Tian won't go berserk?"
"Absolutely! Unless you do it right in front of him."
"And the rewards?"
"I can only access that information after you complete the mission. Go for it, Host!"
"Only tonight?!"
"Only tonight."
"Before midnight?"
"Yes, yes!"
Lu Cheng Wen knew that his chance to defy fate had arrived!
He immediately took Xu Xue Jiao and rushed back to the villa to begin the battle!
Leveling up was secondary!
The important thing was that Xu Xue Jiao was a Grand Female Lead, and conquering her would surely bring immense rewards!
It should be even more abundant than Luo Shi Yin and Jiang Shi Han.
"Also, Host, you cannot leave this building tonight!"
Lu Cheng Wen's eyes widened: "This place is packed with people!"
"Yes, quite troublesome, isn't it?"
"You… are you helping me or messing with me?"
"Is there a difference, dear?"
"Normally, the system shouldn't be this tricky!"
"Normally, you would have already ascended to paradise, dear."
Lu Cheng Wen was furious.
He immediately went out and asked Hua Xue Ning: "Where's Xu Xue Jiao?"
"Still at the banquet, I think?"
"Come on, let's find her."
"What's wrong?" Hua Xue Ning was puzzled.
"Something urgent."
Back at the banquet, Lu Cheng Wen walked straight up to Xu Xue Jiao, leaned in close to her ear, and whispered: "Come with me."
"What's wrong?"
Lu Cheng Wen didn't answer. He just took her hand and dragged her away from the banquet.
Once they reached a secluded spot, Lu Cheng Wen was in a hurry: "Quick, quick, lift your skirt."
Xu Xue Jiao felt that Lu Cheng Wen was acting strange: "What are you trying to do?"
Lu Cheng Wen glanced around nervously and whispered: "I'm going to do you..."
____________________________________
stay ahead of the public release join us on patreon / more than 100 advanced chapters are waiting for you.
(avoid subscribing through the iOS Patreon app—it adds about 30% extra, so you'll end up paying more than the usual $5, $10, or $20. To save money, it's best to subscribe using your browser or computer or Android device instead!)
patreon.com/jodex7