Chapter 102: He Shuai's Invitation

He Shuai’s private party was something Mo Qi was genuinely reluctant to attend, yet she had no choice but to go.

The production team had sent the address of He Shuai’s villa to the phones of all eight contestants. Mo Qi had considered inviting Lin Zheng and Xie An to come with her, but when she recalled the expression on Xie An’s face whenever he looked at her—now that Lin Zheng was officially his girlfriend—she knew it would likely upset him.

After some thought, Mo Qi decided against it.

In the end, for reasons unknown, neither Xie An nor Lin Zheng called her.

Mo Qi showered in the dormitory, changed into a purple knee-length dress she had just received from Shen Yijue that day, and applied a simple, light makeup before heading out.

The party was scheduled for eight o’clock. Mo Qi left around six, took a taxi, and timed her arrival to reach the villa just before eight.

“Miss, we’re here,” the driver said.

“Thank you,” Mo Qi replied, paying the fare and stepping out.

The villa was halfway up the hill. As she got off, a cool night breeze carrying the scent of camphor trees brushed her face, refreshing and soothing.

After the taxi left, Mo Qi stood on the roadside some distance from the villa’s entrance, looking up at the European-style architecture.

This was a famous affluent villa district in B City, where everyone was either rich or noble. To think He Shuai had already managed to buy a villa here.

Only a few months ago, when she was still Mo Qi, she had been juggling several part-time jobs just to ensure he wouldn’t appear too shabby at his events.

Thinking back, it was truly ironic.

Mo Qi pursed her lips, a cold gleam flashing in her eyes.

“Mo Qi, why aren’t you going in? What are you standing here for?” Zhou Tingzi got out of her car, greeted Mo Qi first, then bowed to the driver and said, “Uncle Li, I’ll take a taxi home tonight. You don’t need to pick me up.”

“All right, Miss,” the driver replied.

Waving to the driver, Zhou Tingzi then stepped toward Mo Qi.

Mo Qi turned at the sound of her voice. The cold gleam in her eyes faded, replaced by a faint smile as she looked at Zhou Tingzi approaching.

It was clear Zhou Tingzi had put some effort into her appearance for tonight’s party.

Wearing Chanel’s latest black mini skirt for summer, carrying a matching dark red small bag on her shoulder, her makeup meticulously done, lips curved into a slight smile that was both youthful and carried an unexpected maturity for her age.

While Mo Qi discreetly assessed Zhou Tingzi, Zhou Tingzi was doing the same to her.

Mo Qi’s purple long dress bore no obvious brand, its simple yet elegant design imbued her with an indescribable grace. Combined with her light makeup and loosely tied long hair at the nape, she emanated a noble elegance.

Zhou Tingzi clenched her teeth in secret.

With He Shuai’s current soaring status in the music industry, his private parties inevitably attracted many established singers and music producers. For newcomers like them, no matter who they paired up with, it was all benefit and no harm.

So when Zhou Tingzi received the invitation, she hurried home to prepare carefully. She was confident she would be the shining star tonight—only to be thoroughly overshadowed the moment she arrived.

If Zhou Tingzi was the dazzling rose tonight, Mo Qi was the understated orchid, outclassing her in every manner.

Recalling Wang Min’s fate, Zhou Tingzi suppressed her jealousy and smiled, linking her arm with Mo Qi’s. “Mo Qi, you look stunning tonight. And this dress you’re wearing is beautiful—where did you get it? I want to buy one too.”

“North City Wholesale Market. If you like, I’ll take you there sometime,” Mo Qi replied with a smile.

Street stall merchandise? Zhou Tingzi chuckled, choosing not to respond further. That brought her some sense of balance.

Mo Qi didn’t mind and added, “Speaking of which, it’s you I barely recognized just now. That must be Chanel’s latest summer collection, right? Dressed so gorgeously, what’s your plan?”

Mo Qi teased lightly. A flash of pride flickered across Zhou Tingzi’s eyes. She playfully pinched Mo Qi’s arm and said coquettishly, “It’s my mom. With the competition coming up, I’ve been rehearsing every day and haven’t had time to shop for new clothes. She insisted on flying to Paris to buy this for me.”

Though it sounded like a complaint, the boast was unmistakable.

Of the eight contestants left in “Let Dreams Soar,” aside from Mo Qi, the other seven came from at least modestly affluent families. This was also why Mo Qi was hesitant to get too close to anyone except Xie An and Lin Zheng.

Mo Qi smiled faintly but didn’t respond.

“Mo Qi.” Another taxi pulled up, and Xie An and Lin Zheng stepped out together. Lin Zheng’s eyes flickered briefly when she saw Mo Qi linked arm in arm with Zhou Tingzi.

“I thought you two arrived already,” Mo Qi said with a smile.

Xie An paid the driver, and Lin Zheng came over. “Xie An waited for me. I took a bit of time looking for my dress.” As soon as she spoke, she regretted it. Why did she say that? What was she trying to prove subconsciously?

Lin Zheng’s hand tightened slightly on her bag.

“As a boyfriend, it’s his privilege to wait for his girlfriend. He should wait as long as he needs to,” Mo Qi replied with a calm smile, as if unaware of the hint in Lin Zheng’s words.

Lin Zheng forced a smile.

Xie An joined them. “The mountain breeze is quite cool, and you’re all in skirts. Let’s go inside.”

“Sure, I wonder who’s here already. I’m a little nervous,” Zhou Tingzi said, noticing the slight unease among the three and following Xie An’s lead with a smile.

“You’ll definitely dazzle everyone when you show up. Just keep your composure and don’t be nervous,” Mo Qi teased. The four of them walked toward the villa’s iron gate.

He Shuai had already informed the security guard at the gate. Upon seeing the four, the guard nodded, spoke briefly into his walkie-talkie, then came over and opened the gate.

“Thank you,” they said.

Inside, He Shuai was already waiting to greet them.

“Welcome, welcome,” He Shuai said, wearing his usual bright, handsome smile. “With three beauties like you here, who could dare say my private parties are boring?”

Mo Qi smiled. Lin Zheng remained silent, preoccupied. Zhou Tingzi’s cheeks flushed pink as she said, “Brother Shuai, don’t tease us.”

Mo Qi barely raised an eyebrow at Zhou Tingzi calling He Shuai “Brother Shuai.” Had Royal Entertainment already contacted him, planning to sign her?

“All my words come from the heart. Sister, you’re wronging me,” He Shuai brushed off the topic. “It’s chilly up here on the mountain at night. Please, come inside.”

Mo Qi and the others followed He Shuai into the villa’s living room. The space, once brightly lit by streetlights, instantly dimmed.

To deliberately create atmosphere, the large living room was illuminated only by small purple and green lights. Coming in from the bright outside, it was hard to make out anyone’s face clearly.

Mo Qi found it amusing—now even the most meticulous makeup was useless.