Who would have thought that, in the blink of an eye, that "worthless" rock worth 30 million Mi Yuan would actually end up in Zhao Anni's hands?

Not admitting defeat at this point could easily lead to getting one's face slapped swollen by someone petty...

By the time Zhao Anni turned to look at Socialite C, her face had turned green.

"Hey, Annie, I didn't say anything bad about you... Nannan's boyfriend is such a great catch, I'm just thrilled for you..."

"HAHAHAHAHA..."

Zhao Anni immediately let out a boisterous laugh, as if she didn't recognize her own family, feeling absolutely ecstatic.

Such was the daily life among socialites.

One shouldn't consider it low-class; they were all human, with fundamentally the same human nature.

Among peers of the same level, showing off, throwing tantrums, and trading insults were the norm. The aloof, reserved, and low-key demeanor outsiders imagined was just a mask worn when dealing with those of lower status.

Think of well-known tycoons swearing in private, one CEO who loves to chat up beauties with risqué jokes, another who is a notorious humblebragger and loves to posture—these are real, flesh-and-blood people.

Those perfect, high-caliber individuals with incredibly strong minds that everyone fantasized about might exist, but Han Lie had yet to encounter one.

Instead, he found it supremely entertaining to watch Zhao Anni, now that she had the upper hand, refuse to back down and verbally tear into them.

Only after Zhao Anni had thoroughly enjoyed herself did she turn to deal with Peng Hong.

Previously, their relationship had been quite good—mainly due to Peng Hong's deliberate flattery, of course.

There wasn't a significant wealth gap between their two families. However, Panzi's connections and potential were a tier above Old Zhao's. Moreover, Peng Hong had her sights set on Pan Ge for her son, which was why they had been as close as honey and oil.

But after today's events, their friendship was undoubtedly over.

Zhao Anni could forgive, but she chose not to.

Why should I?

Who the hell does Zhao Zhen think he is?

Trying to compete with our Lie Lie? Are you even worthy?!

Zhao Anni was truly decisive and ruthless. Her expression turned cold as she looked directly at Peng Hong.

"Sister Hong, what's the deal with your son? Our Nannan and her boyfriend were getting along perfectly fine, and he just had to interfere. What's this? You don't approve of the future son-in-law that Mr. Pan and I have acknowledged?"

Peng Hong's face instantly flushed crimson. This mother and son have really hit a steel plate today, taking turns getting flustered.

"I'm sorry, Annie. My boy didn't mean it... He can be a bit rash sometimes. I'll discipline him when we get back..."

Peng Hong backed down.

It wasn't just because of Zhao Anni's pressure, but also due to Lu Yisi's attitude.

Dealing with one of them is already a struggle, let alone offending two families.

Furthermore, a sense of apprehension towards Han Lie had taken root in her. A young man who dares to spend money like that, regardless of whether he's an outsider or not, is definitely not someone who can be easily trifled with.

Paying a premium of a full 30 million Mi Yuan!

He truly spared no expense!

Once Peng Hong relented, Zhao Anni felt an immense sense of satisfaction. She surveyed her surroundings with a dominant air, feeling as though everyone else was mere riff-raff, with no one being a worthy opponent.

Socialite A was so furious her chest ached. She grumbled sourly, "It wasn't bought for you, so what's there to be so smug about..." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The jab had minimal impact.

However, Socialite B seized the opportunity, speaking in a tone that feigned concern and a hint of indignation on Zhao Anni's behalf, "Your son-in-law is truly generous, but why is he only focused on pleasing Nannan? He's still a bit young, doesn't he know to prepare a gift for his mother-in-law as well?"

"How could I accept something from a young man like him?" Zhao Anni immediately retorted, her tone magnanimous. "It's not the right time yet, understand?"

Despite her words, she did feel a slight discomfort deep down. It wasn't that she blamed Han Lie; rather, she detested these wretched women for constantly finding fault.

Whether I receive a gift or not is none of your damn business!

My son-in-law has already outshone your juniors countless times over!

But, just as her words faded, Han Lie smiled.

"Auntie Zhao, are we still going to the Tiffany's exhibition tomorrow?"

Huh?!

Zhao Anni's eyes suddenly lit up, and a guess instantly formed in her mind.

Lie Lie is a very mature young man; he rarely says anything without reason, so...

She had an inkling of what was coming but deliberately feigned disinterest, waving her hands gleefully. "Oh no, we're not going, not going. There's nothing interesting there..."

So transparently fake.

Han Lie played along with a chuckle, coaxing her, "Please go take a look. Perhaps there's a surprise? You treat me like your own son; could you go and... oversee things for me, please?"

"Ah? You need my help? In that case, no problem at all!"

Zhao Anni grinned so wide her mouth nearly crooked, still keeping up her act. "Then, what should I tell them when I get there?"

"You can just give the general manager your name."

"Alright then, Auntie will make the trip for you!"

Having received the final confirmation, Zhao Anni's spirits soared to their peak once more. She immediately turned to rally her... unwilling audience.

"Sisters, tomorrow we continue with the exhibition! Everyone must come! Don't make me drag you out of your homes..."

The faces of Socialites A, B, and C turned a sickly green, looking as dry and contorted as cowpats baked in the sun for half a year.

Damn it!

You've hogged all the limelight, and now you insist on dragging us along to witness your triumph? So what if you found a good son-in-law? Is that so impressive?!

Next, Zhao Anni, beaming with delight, told them, "Hey, my daughter dating Han Lie? Yes, it *is* a big deal!"

Han Lie obediently played the part of the perfect accessory, allowing Zhao Anni to bask in the glory to her heart's content.

Pan Ge?

She had disappeared long ago.

Lu Yisi had specially arranged a VVIP room for her. There, Pan Ge was holed up with a mix of close and casual girlfriends, excitedly penning a 30,000-word post about the Star of Romance...

It was as if the Cartier salon was being held exclusively for this mother-daughter pair.

One conquered all rivals outside, while the other held court inside; both were utterly ecstatic, almost beside themselves with excitement.

Peng Hong had already escorted Zhao Zhen from the event.

As he was leaving, Zhao Zhen shot Han Lie a couple of resentful glares. However, when Han Lie seemed to sense it and turned to look back, Zhao Zhen immediately lowered his head and averted his gaze.

Is there really any chance for revenge?

Hate him as I might, I don't even have the confidence for it anymore, Zhao Zhen thought, defeated.

Han Lie let out a dry chuckle, shook his head, and dismissed the young man from his thoughts.

Looking at the additional 180,000,000 experience points on his system panel, his entire heart had already flown back to his hometown...