LLASBWUH Chapter 7

Attended the Banquet

The Ding family’s welcome banquet was held at a five-star hotel in the city centre. Reporters had already gathered in anticipation.

But instead of discussing the banquet, the reporters were whispering about something else.

“Did you hear? Professor Qian from Haishi’s Neurology Department and Director Wang from the Motor Neuron Clinic just landed in A City!”

“They were picked up by uniform black cars as soon as they landed.”

“I have a paparazzi friend who checked the flight manifests. Three more experts are arriving tomorrow.”

“The only person I can think of who could cause such a stir in A City is…”

“Hiss, that would be huge news.”

“But we’re here to cover the Ding family’s daughter today, aren’t we?”

…

Ding Ziyue should have been focusing on her makeup, preparing to look her best for her grand debut today.

However, from yesterday to now, she has no idea how many people she has dealt with——

“I really didn’t do anything; I just went to check on Master Gu.”

“Brother Zeyu, you have to believe me!”

“No, Master Gu hasn’t woken up. Please, don’t disturb him!”

The name “Gu Cheng” represented not just the aspirations of countless heiresses but also absolute power and influence.

It was no exaggeration to say that if Gu Cheng made a comeback, the stock price of Gu Corporation would skyrocket the next day. That’s the weight “Gu Cheng” carried—who wouldn’t be tempted by that?

Absolute authority, absolute correctness, an emperor among men.

Ding Ziyue had hoped to quietly become the light in this man’s heart, but now Ning Yi had butted in!

Ding Ziyue was seething with anger.

Ning Yi!

Today, she would definitely crush Ning Yi, just like in her dream!

She would leave her with nowhere to hide from shame!

At the Gu residence…

Ning Yi put on her evening gown and adorned herself with the dazzling jewellery set she had received.

She admired herself in the mirror for a while: Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

She had completely transformed from the gaunt, pale face she had in the post-apocalyptic world into someone with a rosy, healthy complexion. Her skin was now smooth and radiant.

Yesterday, she had already looked great in this dress without makeup; today, with makeup and her chestnut-coloured hair softly curled, she was so beautiful that she fell in love with herself all over again.

Ning Yi wanted to share her beauty with someone: “Darling~ I have something nice to show you.”

Gu Cheng was quietly contemplating certain matters.

He had become more and more reconciled with the dark, silent world because he knew the day to break free was not far off.

And he seemed to have grown accustomed to the constant chatter in his ear.

Gu Cheng asked indifferently, “What?”

“Ah, just look, and you’ll see.”

Ning Yi, full of glee, switched their bodies.

The moment Gu Cheng opened his eyes, he was greeted by a face.

A very beautiful face.

His gaze traced the delicate, refined brows, the graceful nose, the crimson lips, down to the slender, fair neck and delicate collarbones. He paused for a moment before his gaze politely returned to her eyes.

Then Gu Cheng calmly asked, “What am I supposed to be looking at?”

Ning Yi: “The mirror, of course.”

Gu Cheng’s eyes remained on the person in the mirror, but his voice was flat and devoid of emotion. “And?”

Ning Yi: “Don’t you see me?”

Ning Yi: “?? Don’t you have anything to say?”

Gu Cheng: “No.”

Ning Yi: ?? Are you blind?

Ning Yi didn’t speak to her “dead husband” for the rest of the ride to the banquet.

So young, and yet not only was his body failing, but his eyesight was also beyond repair!

Today, Gu Le wore a suit, looking sharp and dapper as he accompanied his sister-in-law to the event.

When they arrived at the venue, Gu Le walked around to open the car door for Ning Yi.

As soon as Ning Yi stepped out, the hem of her light green gown brushing the tips of her heels, she lifted her face slightly and clearly heard the surrounding gasps.

Good, that’s the reaction of normal people!

Unlike a certain vegetative person!

Outside the hotel, there was already a bustling crowd.

Ding Ziyue, dressed in a dreamy pink princess gown, clung to her father’s arm, smiling as she welcomed the guests. Her heart was filled with excitement.

Today was a pivotal moment in her beautiful life. Not only would everyone know she was the true daughter cherished by the Ding family, but she would also become the most dazzling heiress among all the rich families—from the soon-to-awaken Master Gu to all the excellent men of the future, they would always see her first!

Ding Ziyue’s plan for today was simple.

First, when Ning Yi arrived, the reporters would swarm to take pictures of them together. According to the plot in her dream, Ning Yi would be wearing a cheap-looking white dress with a tacky design. When they appeared in the same frame, it would be a public execution for Ning Yi.

The unique circumstances of the real and fake heiresses would naturally draw attention and discussion, which was key to Ding Ziyue’s rise as the most popular socialite!

And to ensure the perfect lighting, she had specially invited the Zhao family’s 3rd Son, Zhao Weining, a computer whiz, to control the stage lighting! With him on her side, she was guaranteed the most gorgeous, dreamlike effects!

Next, Ding Ziyue had arranged a performance segment to showcase her elegant demeanour. Not only that, but she had also thoughtfully arranged for Ning Yi to have a chance to perform…

Thinking about everything that was about to happen tonight, Ding Ziyue’s eyes sparkled.

Why wasn’t Ning Yi here yet?

Ding Ziyue smiled and adjusted her lavish gown when suddenly, all the cameras and spotlights turned in another direction—

“Whoa, who’s that?”

“Isn’t that the young master from the Gu family? Master Gu’s younger brother, which means…”

“I thought the fake daughter was some country bumpkin? How can she be so beautiful!?”

Ning Yi’s gaze was lazy and indifferent, not just beautiful, but exuding a natural poise that made her seem unfazed by any situation.

Young Master Gu Le guided Ning Yi through the crowd, feeling immensely proud—his brother was the best, and so was his sister-in-law!

“Alright, alright, no more pictures. Give her some space!”

Ding Ziyue’s smile froze.

—This wasn’t how it went in the dream!

Ding Ziyue immediately recognized the dress Ning Yi was wearing as the 22SS collection from the only high-end Chinese brand. The light green gown was elegantly tied at the shoulder, with an exquisite cut and a shimmering, flowing hem that made it seem as if a gentle breeze was brushing across her figure.

And that cat’s eye gemstone necklace—if it was real, it would cost no less than three million yuan!

When Ding Ziyue was with the Ning family, she had never owned jewellery this expensive, and even after returning to the Ding family, such valuable gifts were reserved for special occasions like birthdays!

Where did Ning Yi borrow that from? Did she steal it?!

As Ning Yi ascended the stairs, now on the same level as Ding Ziyue at the hotel entrance, all the reporters’ cameras naturally shifted to capture the two of them together. But Ding Ziyue suddenly realized that even though she was wearing higher heels, she was still shorter than Ning Yi?!

Click! Click!

“Yes, yes, look here, the beauty in the green dress!”

“Perfect, don’t move, give us a smile. Stunning!”

Ning Yi graciously posed for a few photos.

After all, she was here to eat, so she could understand why they wanted her to work a little.

Seeing the envious expression on the female lead’s face only whetted Ning Yi’s appetite.

And Gu Le, noticing the gazes people were casting at Ning Yi, felt a deep sense of danger.

Brother! Please wake up soon!!

Ning Yi and Gu Le found their seats in the banquet hall.

Before long, the Ding family’s program and the food were brought out together.

One of the main courses was Drunken Crab in Aged Huadiao Wine, which Ning Yi loved. She quickly and skilfully began cracking the crab shells while watching the performance on stage with interest.

“Ziyue is the precious treasure we thought we had lost…”

The heartfelt speeches from the Ding family parents and brother recounted the pain they felt when they lost Ding Ziyue after she was mistakenly switched at birth. Now reunited, the family looked at each other with tearful eyes, as if the years when Ding Ziyue was mistakenly raised as a wealthy heiress had been full of hardship.

No wonder the original Ning Yi grew so jealous and twisted. After all, they were both switched at birth, yet she had spent over twenty years suffering in the countryside, while the already fortunate Ding Ziyue now had even more blessings.

The socialites from wealthy families played along, shedding tears along with the Ding family.

Finally, Ding Ziyue’s older brother, who had rushed back from abroad, surprised her with a gift, and the whole family presented her with lavish gifts, including luxury items and antiques, sparking envy and admiration in the crowd. Ding Ziyue’s expression regained its sense of superiority.

—Even if Ning Yi could get her hands on some material possessions, she could never have love!

Gu Le clicked his tongue. “Sis-in-law, what do you think?”

Ning Yi thoughtfully replied, “The food’s pretty good.”

But of course, the chef at the Gu family’s estate was still better. Ning Yi diligently sipped her shark fin soup.

Gu Le: “?”

The young man watched Ning Yi for a moment, realizing she was genuinely focused on her meal. She even tossed him a perfectly shelled crab leg.

So Gu Le inexplicably started to eat seriously too.

This scene of a noble sister-in-law and younger brother enjoying their meal together went viral online, though neither of them knew it at the time.

After the meal, the lights dimmed as Ding Ziyue went backstage to prepare for her performance.

The atmosphere in the hall relaxed, becoming a social playground for the elite.

Gu Le, worried about leaving such a beautiful sister-in-law alone, dragged her along to hang out with his friends.

On the second floor of the banquet hall, The Zhao family’s 3rd Son was busy typing away on his keyboard.

He was so focused on his work that he couldn’t care less about the lighting effects Ding Ziyue had requested. He just threw together a few programs and left it at that.

Zhao Weining’s computer was still in the middle of building a platform.

When Ning Yi and Gu Le arrived, she happened to see what was on his screen. The interface was very familiar to her.

Ning Yi: O.O?

Suddenly, it all clicked—Gu Cheng wasn’t just interested in this small internet company because of its growth potential; he knew this little brother had the Zhao family’s backing!

With a wealthy family to support him, there was no way he could fail. They could share the risks.

As expected of the novel’s most brilliant business mind.

Zhao Weining was so absorbed in his work that he barely acknowledged Gu Le. “Stop bothering me; I need to finish this part and send it to my big brother.”

Big Brother Ning Yi: OvO

Gu Le rolled his eyes. “You’re so boring—Sis-in-law, wait here for a bit. I’ll get you something to drink.”

Ning Yi: “Okay, okay.”

She stood behind Zhao Weining for a moment, watching him type. His speed was decent.

After a few moments, Ning Yi’s slender finger hovered a millimetre above the screen, pinpointing an error. “Error.”

Zhao Weining jumped, realizing she was right. He turned around, only to be met with a face that was a visual knockout.

“I, uh, you…”

Ning Yi smiled sweetly. “Our platform is in your hands.”

Zhao Weining: “!! Holy crap, Big Brother, is that you?!!”

Meanwhile…

The foreign band had started their performance downstairs.

Ding Ziyue, dressed in her performance attire, stood in the centre of the banquet hall.

With so many reporters present, she had taken up dancing lessons specifically for this day. Paired with the perfect lighting effects, she was confident she would become an instant sensation as the most famous socialite!

Once she finished her performance, she would then invite Ning Yi to perform. Whether Ning Yi declined out of insecurity or forced herself to go through with it, she would be thoroughly outshined!

Ding Ziyue lifted her chin, confidently looking up at the lights overhead—

And Ning Yi’s fingertip lightly tapped Zhao Weining’s control console. “Mind if I give it a try?”

Zhao Weining: “No problem!!”

Ning Yi glanced at the pre-programmed setup and began “optimizing” it at lightning speed.

When the performance began, her expert manipulation and perfect timing ensured that every spotlight that hit Ding Ziyue’s face was a garish, clashing hue!

Zhao Weining, with his questionable straight-man aesthetic, clapped enthusiastically. “So bright and colourful!”

Meanwhile, Ding Ziyue’s face turned green: ?? What’s going on!

When Gu Le returned, he saw Zhao Weining blushing shyly beside Ning Yi.

Alarm bells rang in his head. He immediately grabbed Zhao Weining by the collar. “What are you thinking! This is my brother’s wife!”

Zhao Weining: “I didn’t—cough! How could I dare!”

But she’s so cool! So beautiful and talented, I’m in awe!!

…

Ding Ziyue was furious.

She looked at the images the reporters had sent back. Her expression was sweet, but her face was bathed in green light. When it switched to a soft pink light, her eyes were closed. And the final pose she had meticulously planned had no lighting at all!

None of the photos were presentable! How could she go viral now?

Ding Ziyue was on the verge of breaking down. Why was everything going differently from what she had seen in her dream?!

When she turned around and saw Ning Yi chatting and laughing with The Zhao family’s 3rd Son, she was convinced that Ning Yi was behind this!

Ding Ziyue stormed over, her face dark with anger.

Ning Yi listened to the conversations among the young elites in the banquet hall, her sharp ears picking up their discussions.

“I just heard that two high-profile doctors arrived in A City…”

“Is Master Gu really…”

“I need to find a way to visit him…”

Ning Yi chuckled—so these were all Gu Cheng’s lights, huh?

Truly, the place was “illuminated”^^

Having eaten her fill and satisfied her curiosity, Ning Yi decided to switch places with her near-sighted husband to let him bask in all the attention.

“Darling, what are you doing?”

Gu Cheng was trying to exert control over his body.

The changes were subtle, but it was no longer impossible.

The starting point for these changes seemed to be the body swap with Ning Yi…

“Waiting for you,” Gu Cheng replied, his voice cold and magnetic.

But Ning Yi was completely immune.

“Oh, how embarrassing,” Ning Yi said shamelessly, “the banquet is almost over. Why don’t you come over for a drink?”

“…”

Gu Cheng paused. “Ah Yi is really good to me.”

Ning Yi: “Well, I love you, darling^3^”

And so Gu Cheng was swapped over.

As soon as he stood firm, a voice called out.

“You must be feeling pretty proud, Sister.”

Ding Ziyue eyed her with narrowed eyes, dropping the pretence of sisterly affection.

Yes, what did Ning Yi have to be so proud of? She didn’t even realize how close she was to her tragic end. In Ding Ziyue’s story, Ning Yi was destined to lose!

Gu Cheng’s expression was cold and indifferent, not even bothering to acknowledge her.

Ding Ziyue’s eyes gleamed with pride as she revealed a small piece of her secret, dripping with superiority.

“Do you know why Master Gu’s condition is improving?”

Gu Cheng raised an eyebrow.

He hadn’t figured it out yet—did she have any insights?

Ding Ziyue watched her, confident that she was starting to panic inside, even though she was trying to keep a calm facade.

But the fact that she had abused him couldn’t be changed, just as the warmth she had brought to Master Gu couldn’t be erased!

Ding Ziyue’s lips curled with pride. “It’s because of me.”

Gu Cheng: “?”

What a waste of five seconds of his life.

Gu Cheng turned to leave.

“Aren’t you just seething with resentment?” Ding Ziyue’s voice echoed behind him.

“Hating me for taking everything away from you, but there’s nothing you can do about it—this world listens to me.”

Ding Ziyue picked up the microphone, her sweet voice filling the banquet hall.

“Thank you all for enjoying my dance. On this special day, my sister Ning Yi is also very happy for me. She even wants to perform something for everyone! Let’s give her a round of applause!”

The Ding family and the other guests from the upper class began clapping.

Gu Cheng looked at them all with the expression of someone observing a group of the living dead.

When Ning Yi didn’t hear from Gu Cheng for a while, she asked, “What’s on your mind, darling?”

Gu Cheng’s voice was icy and dark. “The weather’s cooling down. It’s time to bankrupt the Ding family.”