Upon closer inspection, it was indeed her target for today, Sheng Chenjin. With about half an hour left before the ball began, this was a rare sight.
Sheng Chenjin not only came to the recreational dance but also arrived early. It was a huge show of respect. However, Ye Yun watched for a long time, and he showed no intention of entering the ballroom. He seemed to be waiting for someone.
Thinking about it, where was his female companion? Wasn't it said that he would bring a companion? So, was he waiting for that woman? The thought made Ye Yun gasp. What kind of woman would make Sheng Chenjin wait?
Moreover, he was waiting at the entrance, like a doorman, guarding the place. Ye Yun could hardly believe that this was still the Sheng Chenjin, legendary for his cold demeanor towards the world.
Ye Yun repeatedly pondered whether to approach him, but she remembered that Shi Xinxin had not yet appeared. Without the appearance of that woman, it would be impossible to confirm their relationship, which could easily disrupt her plans.
After careful consideration, Ye Yun decided to wait. More than ten minutes later, a luxurious black limousine stopped at the entrance. The driver got out and opened the rear door, and Shi Xinxin gracefully stepped out.
This scene was not visible to Ye Yun inside the ballroom. However, Sheng Chenjin at the entrance took it all in. From the moment the car door opened, the powder-pink dress caught his eye.
He had long imagined what Shi Xinxin would look like today. Although he had chosen the dress, and he saw Shi Xinxin every day, that particular dress was something he had initially felt was very suitable for her. He wondered what effect it would have when worn.
As Shi Xinxin, with the driver's assistance, slowly alighted and stood still, Sheng Chenjin was stunned. He even forgot to step forward to greet her. After thanking the driver, Shi Xinxin walked a few steps forward. She only turned back after watching the car drive away.
Since it was her first time attending a ball and she didn't know what to do, she thought she could stay at the entrance a little longer. Otherwise, if a waiter inside asked for her invitation and she couldn't produce it, it would be too embarrassing.
Through the crowd, she didn't notice Sheng Chenjin, who had been stunned into a daze long ago. She was unaware that he had been waiting for her at the entrance for quite some time.
Ye Yun did not see this scene in the ballroom. However, from her angle, she could see the change in Sheng Chenjin's expression. Just moments ago, he had been his usual, cold-faced self.
During the time spent standing at the entrance, Sheng Chenjin had made a phone call and then hadn't looked at his phone again. He glanced around the venue and slowly ambled around the entrance, but consistently refused to enter the main hall.
He kept facing the direction from which the limousines were coming, likely looking for his own vehicle. This behavior greatly alarmed Ye Yun. In fact, from the moment Sheng Chenjin arrived, various women in the ballroom had noticed him.
However, they all pretended to be indifferent, only occasionally casting glances towards the entrance. Seeing Sheng Chenjin's persistent reluctance to enter the ballroom, they were also puzzled, but no one stepped forward to inquire.
Outside the ballroom, due to the crowd and unfamiliarity with the place, Shi Xinxin stood still, hesitant to move. She looked around, unsure of what to do for a moment.
Sheng Chenjin finally emerged from his reverie of the beautiful scene and walked towards Shi Xinxin. The dress she wore today already made her look incredibly cute, like a little princess in need of protection.
Her current state of bewilderment only enhanced her charm. Compared to the heavily made-up socialites in the main hall, Shi Xinxin presented an entirely innocent image.
Sheng Chenjin began to worry that she might be abducted if she stayed alone in this environment for too long.
"Why aren't you going in? What are you doing standing here?"
Shi Xinxin was still immersed in her daze when she suddenly heard Sheng Chenjin's voice. Looking up, she saw a familiar face. She was overjoyed, as if she had found a lifeline, and the stone that had been weighing on her heart finally lifted. However, she was still unwilling to admit it verbally.
"How can I go in? I don't have an invitation."
Sheng Chenjin chuckled, "You don't need an invitation. Just give my name."
"You didn't tell me..." Shi Xinxin chided softly.
Sheng Chenjin was both amused and exasperated. Yes, yes, it was his fault for not explaining clearly. "So, it's my fault, okay? Come with me now."
Saying this, Sheng Chenjin bent his arm, making an inviting gesture. Shi Xinxin unhesitatingly extended her hand and hooked it around his strong arm.
Shi Xinxin didn't think much of it. As Sheng Chenjin's companion for the dance today, this was what she was supposed to do.
However, in the eyes of others, like those who were pretending to be busy at the ballroom entrance, but had actually been hovering around Sheng Chenjin, wanting to see who his female companion would be tonight, this simple gesture was like a bomb that instantly exploded among them.
"Who is she? How dare she link arms with Sheng Chenjin?"
"Was Sheng Chenjin waiting for her? He's been waiting for her at the entrance the whole time."
"That impressive? Does this woman have a very powerful background?"
"I doubt it. Look at her. She clearly hasn't attended high-society events before. She doesn't look like the daughter of a wealthy family at all."
This statement was instantly echoed by her companions. They all nodded and looked at Shi Xinxin. Although the total value of everything Shi Xinxin was wearing could rival a luxury car, she still exuded an air of caution that was easily detectable. Perhaps she was worried about making a fool of herself.
"If she truly had family backing and was with Sheng Chenjin, it would have spread throughout high society by now. How is there no news at all?"
"Have you heard any of the rumors before?"
"Are you referring to the rumor about Sheng Chenjin keeping a mistress?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Could she be that personal housekeeper?"
"Perhaps."
Before coming, Sheng Chenjin had anticipated such a situation. Therefore, after Shi Xinxin moved into the villa, he rarely went out, unless there were special company matters that required his personal attention.
At other times, he stayed home accompanying Shi Xinxin. Regardless of whether she eventually became the mistress of the villa, Sheng Chenjin did not want to subject her to any pressure from public opinion during this time.
Therefore, he neither openly announced her presence in the villa nor deliberately suppressed such news. Rumors were bound to arise. Deliberately suppressing them would only make people suspect something was amiss.
Since these rumors could not be completely eradicated, he let them circulate. For instance, at an event like today's, Sheng Chenjin didn't need to explain much; everyone could guess Shi Xinxin's identity.