Chapter 42:

Bo Pengpeng didn’t expect Qin Chaoyu to change her mind. She jumped in surprise, then tightly hugged Qin Chaoyu, exclaiming, “Thank you, Chaoyu! I love you, haha!”

Qin Chaoyu smiled, her expression full of indulgence toward Bo Pengpeng.

Though it was called a gathering, it was really just a get-together among some people in Bo Pengpeng’s circle. In the past, Bo Pengpeng wouldn’t have cared—she’d go if she felt like it. But now, she didn’t want to anymore. Those people were all so fake, putting on airs and pretending, full of insincerity. After meeting friends like Qin Chaoyu, who treated her with genuine kindness, she had even less desire to engage with them.

However, since reconciling with Bo Jixi, Bo Pengpeng had realized one thing: she might not be able to help her brother much, but she absolutely couldn’t be a burden. The Bo family wasn’t afraid of those people, but it was better to avoid offending them unnecessarily. So when one of her so-called “plastic sisters” invited her, she thought it over and agreed.

She knew what to expect at these gatherings—the usual routines and exchanges. Since Chaoyu had nothing else to do, she figured it wouldn’t hurt to bring her along. Staying cooped up at home all the time wasn’t good for her. Plus, Bo Pengpeng had a gut feeling that expanding Qin Chaoyu’s social circle might be beneficial.

The gathering was held at Longwan, a high-end entertainment venue in Yuzhou. As long as you could afford it, you could indulge in whatever you wanted there. With its variety of activities and lavish options, it was a favorite spot for Yuzhou’s wealthy, idle second-generation elites to party or unwind.

Bo Pengpeng had been here many times before. The crowd was usually the same—after all, in high society, the number of people she could genuinely socialize with was limited. But while the circle was small, many still aspired to join it, so these gatherings were always packed.

It was more about socializing than anything formal. No need for fancy dresses or suits—casual attire was fine.

When Bo Pengpeng arrived with Qin Chaoyu, they ran into someone stepping out of the private room at the entrance.

“Miss Bo, you’re a bit late this time,” said Wei Yanyi. The Wei family was well-known in Yuzhou, having made their fortune in hotels—owning about half of the city’s establishments. Wei Yanyi was the youngest son, with an older brother who was highly capable. To avoid sibling rivalry, his parents steered him toward the arts, hoping he’d become an artist. But something went awry, and instead of turning into a refined artist, he became a playboy, skilled in all forms of indulgence except drugs and gambling. His parents, resigned to his ways, let him be. Freed from their oversight, Wei Yanyi embraced his carefree lifestyle. This gathering was his idea—booking a private room at Longwan for fun.

Bo Pengpeng pushed Wei Yanyi aside with a scoff. “I’m doing you a favor by showing up. Move!”

Wei Yanyi wasn’t offended. He chuckled good-naturedly. “Yes, yes, you’re the queen bee. You call the shots!” He knew Bo Pengpeng well enough not to take her attitude personally.

Bo Pengpeng huffed, then turned to pull Qin Chaoyu forward. “Come on, Chaoyu, let’s go in.”

Wei Yanyi had already noticed the unfamiliar woman behind Bo Pengpeng. He was certain he hadn’t seen her in their circle before—someone with her looks and aura would’ve been unforgettable.

He waggled his eyebrows. “Who’s this, Miss Bo?”

Bo Pengpeng’s expression turned stern. “Wei Yanyi, listen up. This is my Chaoyu. Don’t even think about messing with her.”

She knew exactly what kind of person Wei Yanyi was—a spoiled rich kid who chased after pretty faces, showering them with money but offering little else. His past girlfriends had been gold diggers, so it was a mutual arrangement. But Qin Chaoyu was different. Bo Pengpeng wasn’t about to let some playboy ruin things for her.

Wei Yanyi rubbed his nose, confused by the sudden hostility. He sighed inwardly. Fine, if she didn’t want him asking, he wouldn’t.

With a regretful glance at Qin Chaoyu, he gestured inside. “Alright, let’s go. Everyone’s here except you.”

Bo Pengpeng strode in, chin up, expression cold.

The room was spacious, filled with people drinking, singing, and dancing under dim, pulsating lights. The music was deafening, the atmosphere charged with reckless energy.

Qin Chaoyu had never been in such an environment. She frowned, struggling with the overwhelming noise.

Bo Pengpeng immediately regretted coming. She hadn’t expected this kind of party. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have brought Qin Chaoyu here.

“I’m sorry, Chaoyu. This is too chaotic. Let’s go back. Next time, I’ll make sure it’s better,” she said apologetically.

Wei Yanyi gaped at Bo Pengpeng’s uncharacteristically meek demeanor. The famously sharp-tongued, domineering heiress was actually being considerate? He almost wondered if this was an imposter.

Bo Pengpeng ignored his stunned expression. She lived by her own rules—others’ opinions didn’t matter.

Qin Chaoyu was touched by her concern, but since they were already here, leaving would be rude. The Bo family might be powerful, but there was no need to alienate people unnecessarily.

She smiled. “It’s fine. Since we’re here, let’s at least say hello.”

Bo Pengpeng scoffed. “They’re not my friends. Most of them wouldn’t dare speak to me anyway.”

Qin Chaoyu sighed. Bo Pengpeng was usually so gentle around her that she sometimes forgot how blunt the girl could be. “Be careful with your words. No need to offend anyone.”

Bo Pengpeng wrinkled her nose playfully. “I’m only saying this to you. I’m not stupid. Besides, it’s the truth—why sugarcoat it for delusional people?”

Wei Yanyi grimaced.

*Miss Bo, have you forgotten I’m standing right here? Am I that invisible?*

Qin Chaoyu caught his expression and subtly nudged Bo Pengpeng.

Bo Pengpeng turned to Wei Yanyi with a sly grin. “Little Wei, about what I just said…”

“What? Did you say something?” Wei Yanyi played dumb instantly, sensing the unspoken threat. “You were just making small talk, right?”

His act was so convincing that Qin Chaoyu might’ve believed him if she hadn’t heard everything.

Bo Pengpeng gave him a look that said, *Good boy.*

To outsiders, Wei Yanyi might seem like he was fawning over Bo Pengpeng, but that wasn’t the case. The Wei family’s status, while not equal to the Bo family’s, was still formidable. His playful deference was just their dynamic—they’d known each other for years and got along well.

He led them to a couch. “Make yourselves comfortable. Help yourselves to the food.” This was directed mostly at Qin Chaoyu—Bo Pengpeng was a regular and didn’t need hosting.

“Hey, Wei-ge, who’s the beauty?” A guy with dyed blond hair and flashy earrings leaned over, eyeing Qin Chaoyu. His tone made it clear he was gauging whether she was “approachable.”

Wei Yanyi shot him a cold glare. “Miss Bo’s friend. Watch yourself.”

The blond guy finally noticed Bo Pengpeng and paled. Anyone close to the Bo heiress was off-limits. He silently thanked the loud music for masking his earlier question.

Bo Pengpeng took a bite of cake and sighed. “Year after year, the same boring parties. No creativity at all.”

Wei Yanyi feigned interest. “Got any better ideas, Miss Bo? Share them, and we’ll try them next time.”

Bo Pengpeng rolled her eyes. Between university and outings with her roommates, she hadn’t given party planning much thought. “I—”

“Wow, what a coincidence! Fancy meeting you here, miss!”

A voice cut through the noise, interrupting her.