"So stupid!"

"But you can't say that. Collector's gems are indeed hard to buy. Those jewelry brands won't release a raw stone for years, and you definitely have to pay a premium to get one!"

Such a rational statement was certainly true, but what everyone needed now was not the truth, but to vent.

Thus, the woman mocking her snickered coldly, and for a moment, no one spoke up.

The socialites present varied in wealth, with a baseline of one billion and an upper limit of ten billion, essentially on the same level.

Any less, and you wouldn't get in; you wouldn't be the target clientele.

Anyone wealthier had no need to come. For instance, when the ladies of the Trillion Group visited headquarters, the vice-president personally received them. They had already seen the inventory more than once. Whenever new gems arrived, photos and specifications were undoubtedly sent to them immediately.

Levels, everywhere.

And within the hierarchy of their own circle, a chain of contempt and cliquishness still genuinely existed.

The woman who spoke reasonably was always an unwelcome yet indispensable key figure.

Lady A held her tongue for a few seconds, then began to sneer sarcastically, "Annie, you really have no skin in the game, do you? What, when it's time for you to arrange Pan Pan's jewelry for her dowry, will they give you a special discount?"

Lady B immediately chimed in, "Pan Pan is so pretty, what does she need a dowry for? Oh my, she'll be overwhelmed with betrothal gifts! I wonder which lucky fellow it'll be... If my son were old enough, I'd gladly pay 30 million dollars for a gem!"

Lady C chuckled, "If your son really were old enough, I'm sure you'd change your tune. When Pan Pan was fourteen, she argued you into a red-faced silence. If they were to become mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, you'd really have your hands full..."

This was a veiled insinuation about Pan Ge's impoliteness and temper.

Zhao Anni wasn't one to suffer a loss silently and immediately retorted, "Clan, still getting headaches from your good-for-nothing daughter and son-in-law? Now you find every other young woman displeasing?

Blan, why didn't you bring your son? I heard you couldn't even bring yourself to scold him last time he flipped a girl's skirt at school. That's no way to raise a child... Forget it, keep that 30-million-dollar gem for yourself – you'll need plenty to protect and sustain yourself in your later years...

Alan, I don't need to save up any dowry for Pan Pan. She's dating a young man whom Pan Shengwu is very fond of. The watches he gave her are worth nearly 50 million.

A discount? The things we give our daughter are never discounted; we can't afford that kind of embarrassment..."

Wow, Zhao Anni in full-throttle attack mode was truly ferocious, expertly aiming for their sore spots.

The three socialites were fuming, snapping back and forth. Soon, more joined in, taking sides and creating a chaotic melee.

Don't romanticize the wealthy, thinking they are all highly cultured.

But also, don't think this was some major confrontation fueled by deep-seated hatred.

This was just a typical day in the socialite circle – show off when there's a chance, lash out when upset. When spirits were good, anything was discussable, but moods could turn in an instant when things went awry.

The key was that there were only so many people in the circle; they were always running into each other, making it impossible to avoid them.

Not associate with them?

Then with whom?

Middle-aged socialites without careers, whether from small county towns or the bustling Imperial Capital and Magic Capital, always clung together in their small circles. These circles were rife with undercurrents, yet they reluctantly gathered.

The harmony they exhibited in public or at high-end dinners was simply because the media and reporters were present, and they were deliberately restraining themselves.

In private, who doesn't have a temper...

Unless, one day, a family completely fell from grace; then, even if she groveled and flattered with all her might, no one would bother with her anymore.

Zhao Anni was enjoying the verbal sparring when Peng Hong arrived with her son, Zhao Zhen.

After grasping the situation, Peng Hong immediately sided with Zhao Anni, praising the mysterious person to no end.

"He's willing to pay a premium for his wife, his lover—how romantic is that? What does it matter if it's expensive? It's the sentiment! Annie is right. If I had a daughter, I'd also feel at ease entrusting her to such a man.

I always tell my Zhao Zhen not to be afraid to spend money on a girl. If you truly like her, give her the best you have. Exchange sincerity for sincerity..."

Good grief, her scheming was so obvious, you could hear her abacus clattering from miles away!

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhen approached Pan Ge with a warm and brilliant smile.

"Little sister Pan Ge, long time no see. Wow, you're getting prettier by the day! Hey, what are you all talking about?"

Among the younger generation present today, there weren't many boys—just two, including Zhao Zhen. The other boy was only sixteen and hadn't fully matured yet.

Zhao Zhen, however, cut a fine figure: a medium height of 175 cm, broad shoulders, and a solid back that filled out his suit handsomely. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

As soon as he arrived, he caught the attention of the girls.

Their mothers were close yet often at odds. Naturally, the relationships between the daughters were also complex. They were currently in a stage of testing each other.

"Brother Zhao Zhen, why do you only ask about little Pan as soon as you arrive?"

The first to respond was a rather pretty young lady, her expression lively and cunning, as she suddenly took a verbal jab at Zhao Zhen.

"Us? We're... just talking about Pan Ge's boyfriend. Disappointed? Hee hee!"

Zhao Zhen was more than just disappointed—he practically turned green.

"Boyfriend? Since when?"

Pan Ge immediately frowned with displeasure. "Do I need to report to you when I get a boyfriend?"

Zhao Zhen quickly realized his gaffe and hurriedly corrected himself, "Ah, that's not what I meant… Our families are old friends. As your older brother, shouldn't I be concerned about you?"

Another girl chimed in maliciously, "Let me thank you on Pan Pan's behalf, and then translate her expression for you—'You don't need to stick your nose into her business!'"

Zhao Zhen's mood plummeted.

He had liked Pan Ge for a very, very long time, going as far back as when he was eighteen and Pan Ge was just twelve.

At first, he thought it was just brotherly affection. But as Pan Ge grew more and more outstanding, he found himself unconsciously comparing every girlfriend to her. Then it finally dawned on him—ah, it was *that* kind of liking.

However, he never really had a chance. The age difference was considerable, their social circles didn't overlap, and they never had opportunities to hang out.

At most, they would occasionally see each other during holidays.

Only recently, when his family began to consider his marriage prospects, Pan Shengwu entered his parents' list of potential in-laws. Pan Ge had also turned eighteen, and his family reminded him to make more of an effort. He finally saw a legitimate opportunity.

Unfortunately, he was defeated before the battle even began; he was ultimately too late.

Zhao Zhen felt depressed and flustered, defensively explaining, "I'm not worrying unnecessarily. Mainly, you all don't know the university Pan Ge attends. It's either full of slackers from the countryside or local rich second-generation kids just messing around. How could there be any good men there?

And nowadays, those scumbags have so many tricks up their sleeves, especially when it comes to deceiving young girls. I've known Pan Pan for so many years. How could I not be worried?"

Pan Ge became instantly angry.

How dare you call my Doggie a scumbag?! Well, okay, he actually is… But is Doggie someone you have the right to insult? You have no idea how happy and thrilled his scumbaggery makes me!

"Stop!" Pan Ge scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "Don't drag out 'so many years.' We're not actually close."

Zhao Zhen trembled with anger, feeling humiliated, desperate, and enraged. To have the sweet young thing he'd fancied for so many years snatched away the moment he looked away—anyone would be upset for a while. It was only human nature.

But what set Zhao Zhen apart was his absolute confidence in himself and his exceedingly high self-regard, which left him with a myriad of unspoken frustrations.

However, Pan Ge's attitude was so resolute that she left him no opening, and he didn't know how to press the issue further.

This suffocating feeling of frustration, with no outlet, was sheer torture.

"Fine, fine…"

Zhao Zhen spoke in a hoarse voice, his heart filled with resentment, though his words feigned concession.

"I was wrong. I misspoke in my agitation… but no matter what you think, if I get the chance to meet your boyfriend, I will definitely keep an eye on him. Given the relationship between our two families, I can't just stand by and watch you get deceived."

Pan Ge was very annoyed.

Why can't this guy take a hint? He's like a clingy pest… If only Doggie were here, he could definitely slap that shamelessness right off his face.

Pan Ge had absolute confidence in Han Lie's abilities. This adoration might have been slightly blind, but it was built upon one significant event after another, making it solid and real.

She turned her head away, not wanting to talk to Zhao Zhen anymore.

Then, her eyes suddenly widened.

Oh my god! Is it an illusion, or are we really this in sync?! Doggie, Doggie, have you come to help me?!