Han Lie entered quietly and discreetly, his gaze instinctively sweeping towards the most crowded area, where he immediately spotted the radiant Pan Ge.

Pan Pan was dressed very... maturely today.

She wore a slim-fitting mini cocktail dress, more suited to daily wear, her legs clad in what looked like black silk thermal leggings, and a red blazer on top. Her hair was coiled at the back of her head, revealing a long, slender, snow-white neck.

Overall, her style wasn't typical of a 19-year-old student; instead, it exuded a mature and commanding aura that was quite eye-catching.

Han Lie pursed his lips into a smile, finding her amusing.

So, today isn't Pan Pan the submissive, but Pan Pan the domineering older sister?

If this 'older sister' is so capable, can I just lie back and let her take the lead?

As Han Lie was entertaining this amusing thought with a smile, Pan Ge coincidentally turned her head. Upon spotting him, her entire demeanor brightened, and she seemed to radiate joy.

She smiled brilliantly and waved vigorously.

Han Lie had initially planned to find a staff member he knew, greet Lu Yisi, and ask for his cooperation. However, since he saw Pan Ge right as he entered, he figured a change in plans wouldn't hurt.

Thus, Han Lie smiled and walked towards the group of his peers.

There were quite a few of their peers in the exhibition hall. Cartier had called it a small salon, but nearly twenty people had been invited. The affluent ladies certainly hadn't come alone; a few brought their husbands, but most of the middle-aged and older women were accompanied by their children. This kind of exhibition was, in itself, a social event.

About fifteen young people were divided into three circles. Pan Ge's group, consisting of two young men and four young women, had the lowest average age and was chattering away, creating a lively buzz.

Pan Ge's animated gestures naturally drew everyone's attention.

One of her friends widened her eyes and exclaimed, "Wow! Pan Pan, it can't be such a coincidence, can it? Is that your Mr. Right?!"

Pan Ge struggled to keep her lips from breaking into a wide grin, her heart soaring, and her voice cheerful, "Yes, he's my boyfriend. What do you think? Handsome, right?"

"So handsome! Lie Lie has such an aura! Wow, it's dazzling!"

This friend was very close to Pan Ge and had naturally heard her talk about Han Lie. Knowing what kind of man he was, she looked up to him and found the sharp-featured, composed, and confident Han Lie exceptionally handsome. She nearly blurted out "God Lie" but managed to stop herself just in time.

However, apart from her, the others—who weren't as close to Pan Ge and hailed from wealthy and influential backgrounds—had no idea who Han Lie was. Panzi had indeed taken Han Lie around to expand his network, but the Magic Capital was simply too vast; the dozen or so people they'd met couldn't possibly cover much ground.

Two of the affluent young women scrutinized Han Lie. Finding him unremarkable, they pursed their lips disdainfully. However, they didn't directly criticize Pan Ge. Instead, they cast a knowing, playful look at Zhao Zhen.

Even at a young age, children from wealthy families understood social maneuvering. With their suggestive smiles and glances, they immediately provoked Zhao Zhen.

Young Zhao activated his Fiery Golden Eyes at full power, scanning Han Lie as if he were a machine.

What brand are the clothes?

Unknown, but certainly not from a top luxury brand's latest collection.

The leather is soft and smooth, with a flowing sheen. Lambskin? As long as it isn't crocodile skin, it can't be that expensive.

The shirt? Forget it. Not even an immortal could guess the brand.

An LV belt—standard.

His trousers and shoes are also unremarkable. Dismissed.

Accessories... no necklace, no rings, no bracelets, not even a watch. Far too plain.

He came alone and is dressed so casually... Is he some out-of-towner who doesn't know the proper etiquette?

For these private, small salons, it wasn't necessary to dress overly formally; there was no need to wear a full gown in the dead of winter, like celebrities on a red carpet. However, for men, wearing a suit was almost an unspoken rule. On one hand, it was a safe choice; on the other, it facilitated smoother interactions.

—Not all the men present were conventionally masculine. Take the flamboyantly dressed 'male sister' nearby, for instance; he discussed jewelry with more passion and coyness than any woman. Get it?

Therefore, under normal circumstances, men accompanying others would try to dress more formally and conservatively, opting for a suit, formal attire, or a jacket. The latter, however, was typically reserved for the older generation.

For a young man like Han Lie, wearing a casual leather jacket over a pale green shirt, with no valuable accessories, while not outrageously unconventional, was certainly enough to invite condescension.

Society has always been this way: judge by appearance first, then by the person. Without knowing someone's background, their attire is the first thing people notice. With so many charlatans about, who has the time and energy to discern each one's true character? It's easier to rely on established social cues, judging what's presented outwardly before deciding on deeper engagement.

Zhao Zhen's intense scrutiny wasn't born from a desire to interact with Han Lie, but rather from an attempt to find evidence that he was a fraud and a scoundrel.

Just looking wasn't enough; he took the initiative to speak.

"Young man, we were just talking about you, what a coincidence! I'm Zhao Zhen, a childhood friend of Pan Ge's family; you could say I'm like an older brother to her. How may I address you?"

His attitude wasn't overtly hostile, even displaying a somewhat disarming enthusiasm. But to greet Han Lie before Pan Ge could, especially in this manner, was a clear overstep, showing a distinct lack of propriety. Moreover, this kind of condescending attitude was most likely to trigger conflict.

Ordinarily, Zhao Zhen wouldn't behave this way. But his composure had just been shattered, and coupled with the deep-seated contempt he felt for Han Lie, it led him to this irrational behavior.