Back Then, I Adored You

Qin Zhi’ai stopped, turned around, and looked at Xiaowang.

Xiaowang drew out a delicate envelope from a file and handed it to Qin Zhi’ai. “Secretary Qin, Master Gu asked me to give this to you.”

Qin Zhi’ai looked at Xiaowang with puzzlement. After taking the envelope, she opened it immediately in front of Xiaowang and took out a beautifully designed invitation.

It was for the annual Gu’s Company party.

When Qin Zhi’ai had been Liang Doukou’s body double, although she had had no chance to attend the annual party, she had certainly heard about it. It was unique from other companies’ parties in that the guests were solely members of well-known, distinguished families.

Several Hui Shi vice-managers aren’t even qualified to go to this party. Why am I getting this invitation?

Qin Zhi’ai stared at the invitation for a moment, raised her head in surprise, and looked at Xiaowang.

Xiaowang seemed to know what she was thinking. He smiled and explained gently, “Master Gu wants to make up to you the inconvenience caused by Miss Liang a few days ago. And by chance this year, the new Baihua Award winner has also been invited to the Gu’s Company party, and you told me the other day you were a fan this actor. I casually mentioned this to Master Gu and… Who knew that Master Gu would have me invite you to the annual party?”

“I see…” Qin Zhi’ai held the invitation and thanked Xiaowang.

Xiaowang continued. “And I should probably add, Master Gu told me that when the actor’s obligations are over for the evening, I’m to bring you over to have your photo taken with him and ask for his autograph.”

Some moments later, Xiaowang thought to say, “Oh, by the way, Secretary Qin, you need to wear a formal dress that evening.”

……

The Gu’s Company party was scheduled at 8:00 p.m. on January 3rd at a members-only club in a Beijing suburb.

Xu Wennuan had received the same invitation from Wu Hao that Gu Yusheng had given to Qin Zhi’ai, so on the night of the party Qin Zhi’ai was going to ride with Xu Wennuan and Wu Hao.

The club was quite a drive out of the city, so they needed to set out early.

Just before four o’clock in the afternoon, Wu Hao called Xu Wennuan to let her know that he would be at their house in half an hour to pick them up.

Xu Wennuan, already perfectly dressed and styled, continued adjusting her makeup in front of the mirror while waiting for Wu Hao. Exactly on time, he called to say he had arrived.

Qin Zhi’ai and Xu Wennuan went downstairs and quickly realized that Wu Hao hadn’t come alone. Behind Wu Hao’s car was another one that Qin Zhi’ai was very familiar with.

Seeing them outside, Wu Hao immediately got out of the car, and the rear window of the car was opened. Lu Bancheng, dressed in sky blue, poked his head out and greeted them. “Xiao’ai. Nuannuan.”

Sitting next to Lu Bancheng was a beautiful young woman, his secretary. Qin Zhi’ai had met her once when she had been Liang Doukou’s body double. It appeared that tonight she was Lu Bancheng’s female companion for the evening.

Xu Wennuan approached the car, and Wu Hao grabbed her by the waist and said, “Bancheng is going with us in my car, so Xiao’ai needs to ride in Brother Sheng’s car.”