Shuyin took a steadying breath, smoothing the jade-green silk over her thighs where his touch had left her flushed and warm. She quickly checked her reflection in a small compact mirror, lips still perfectly tinted, eyes glowing, hair elegantly pinned with soft strands framing her face. The blue diamond on her finger sparkled boldly, but she kept that hand slightly tucked for now. She looked radiant: composed, sophisticated, and undeniably captivating. The dress hugged her figure with refined grace, the subtle sheen of the silk catching the light, while the faint glow from her skin and the delicate jade anklet added a quiet allure.

"You look even better than when we left," Lu Yuze murmured, voice low and rough with approval. His gaze swept over her slowly, possessively. "They won’t be able to look away."

Shuyin gave him a small, private smile, though her pulse was still racing from his earlier teasing. "Then let’s keep it that way. No dramatic entrances together. I don’t want the reporters turning this into something else... not yet."

Lu Yuze’s jaw tightened slightly, but he gave a short nod, respecting her decision even if he didn’t fully like it. "As you wish my lady. But if anyone gets too close, I’ll be right behind you."

The car came to a smooth stop at the entrance. Reporters and photographers were already gathered behind velvet ropes, cameras flashing, voices murmuring as they waited for arriving guests. The Orchid Charity event always drew attention from high society and media alike.

Ah Ling stepped out first from the front, moving to open the rear door on Shuyin’s side with professional efficiency.

Shuyin didn’t wait for Lu Yuze to exit or offer his hand. She gathered the flowing silk of her dress gracefully, took a composed breath, and stepped out of the car by herself. The moment her heels touched the pavement, she straightened with natural poise, shoulders back, chin slightly lifted, expression calm and elegant. The jade dress shifted beautifully with the movement, the fabric catching the light and accentuating her figure without being overt. Her updo gleamed under the sun, the soft strands framing her face perfectly, and the subtle glow of her makeup made her eyes stand out vividly.

Camera flashes erupted immediately. Reporters called out questions: "Miss Shuyin! Over here!"

"Is this your first time at the Orchid Charity event?"

"Who are you wearing today afternoon?"

Shuyin offered a polite, confident smile toward the cameras, warm but measured, and gave a small nod of acknowledgment without stopping. She walked up the marble steps with graceful, unhurried strides, the delicate jade anklet shimmering with each step. She looked every bit the refined, independent woman: striking, self-assured, and completely in control.

Only once she had climbed several steps did Lu Yuze emerge from the car behind her. He stepped out with his usual commanding presence, buttoning his jacket as he followed at a measured distance. His gaze locked on her back immediately, dark and protective, tracking every movement. The reporters’ attention shifted partially toward him, murmurs rising as they recognized the powerful Lu Yuze arriving shortly after her.

Shuyin didn’t turn around or acknowledge the connection publicly. She continued forward, heart beating faster than she let on, aware of his eyes on her the entire time. The blue diamond on her finger remained partially hidden by her clutch, a secret declaration nestled against her skin.

As she reached the top of the steps and passed through the grand glass doors into the venue lobby, a quiet thrill mixed with her nerves. She had arrived alone, looking better than ever, polished, radiant, and ready for the sharp eyes waiting inside.

But she knew Lu Yuze was right behind her.

And later tonight, when the doors closed and the world wasn’t watching... he would remind her exactly how much he had been watching all along.

But for now, she stood in the elegantly lit women’s lounge of the Orchid Charity event, surrounded by whispers.

"Oh... that’s Miss Lin."

"She looks different."

"I saw the videos circulating recently. Her eyes... they really changed. They’re jade green now, not black."

"It’s true. Look at them closely."

"Did you hear? Her stepsister, Lin Yueling, gave birth prematurely, but the baby disappeared."

"And her ex-fiancé... I heard his mind regressed into that of a child."

"Her father and stepmother are in prison now."

"Do you think she’s a jinx since she came out of prison?"

The voices were low, but not low enough.

Lin Shuyin heard every single word.

She stood among them with perfect composure, back straight, chin slightly lifted, the deep jade silk of her dress shimmering under the soft lights. Her expression remained serene, almost gentle, but her patience was wearing thin. Their eyes kept drifting toward her, measuring, judging, dissecting.

Another woman approached, wine glass in hand, joining the circle with a polite smile.

At that exact moment, Shuyin’s gaze shifted, just a subtle flick of her eyes.

The woman suddenly stumbled. Her heel caught awkwardly, and the glass slipped from her fingers. Deep red wine splashed straight onto the cream-colored dress of the woman who had just called Shuyin a jinx.

"Ahh!"

The woman froze, staring down in horror at the rapidly spreading stain.

Shuyin stepped forward immediately, her face etched with gentle concern. "Oh dear... what happened?" she asked softly, voice laced with sympathy. "Why are you so unfortunate today?"

The stained woman looked up sharply, eyes blazing. "You! Stay away from me. You’re the jinx!"

Her voice rose, shrill with anger as she pointed at the ugly red blotch. "How dare you? Do you know what I’m wearing? This is from X Fashion. Do you have any idea how much this dress costs?"

Shuyin blinked slowly, her expression still calm and innocent. "Why are you accusing me? She tripped. It was clearly an accident."

She turned slightly to address the rest of the group, her tone soft but pointed. " I thought everyone here for a charity event would be kind and understanding. Or is that only for appearances?"