Chapter 38: Stunning the Audience

After delivering this sharp retort, Xu Xu ignored the two stunned individuals and strode forward.

The highly anticipated anniversary celebration of the Rising Sun Group was held at the largest hotel in Sea City. Inside the banquet hall, crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars, casting a dazzling light. The massive stage was exquisitely decorated, and the meticulously arranged dining tables were laden with an array of gourmet delicacies and fine wines. Celebrities from all walks of life, business partners, and employee representatives attended in their finest attire, creating a grand and breathtaking scene that fully demonstrated the immense strength of the Rising Sun Group. When the media and reporters of Sea City learned that the President would also be in attendance, they scrambled desperately to secure invitations.

When Xu Jianjun arrived, he watched as someone was turned away for lacking an invitation. He offered a rare word of praise to Xu Yaru beside him. "So many people failed to get an invitation, yet we did. This not only shows that Young Master Huo has an extraordinary relationship with President Huo, but it also proves that you hold significant weight in the young master's heart."

"I am happy to be able to ease your worries, Father," Xu Yaru replied with a beaming smile, though she felt deeply uneasy inside. However, upon seeing that the invitations held by others looked nearly identical to the one she had purchased, she couldn't help but breathe a small sigh of relief. "The invitations are all so similar; surely no one will find out?" she comforted herself.

Nearby socialites and young ladies, upon hearing the mention of "President Huo," cast envious glances in her direction, causing Xu Yaru to straighten her back with newfound pride. Although these socialites looked down on her in private, they rushed forward to curry favor upon learning of her exceptional connection with Huo Yunzhe.

"Wow, Yaru, you’re wearing a limited-edition haute couture gown! I’ve always wanted to buy from this brand, but I could never get my hands on one!"

"It’s true, it fits you so perfectly! It suits you so well! You look absolutely stunning!" Other young ladies chimed in with compliments.

Xu Yaru felt immensely smug, lifting her chin slightly. "My mother had this custom-made for me! I love it so much!"

Most of the socialites in Sea City were aware that the daughter of the Xu family had been swapped at birth. Because Xu Xu had always outshone them in the past, many harbored jealousy toward her, and kicking her while she was down felt only natural.

"Yaru, only you could wear a dress like this so beautifully. You truly are the real daughter; your grace and temperament leave that fake, Xu Xu, miles behind!"

"Exactly! The real will always be the real, and the fake will never compare to the genuine article!"

Hearing these sycophantic remarks, Xu Yaru felt a surge of secret satisfaction. Hmph, see? Everyone likes her; what could that imposter Xu Xu possibly have to compare with her?

Just as Xu Yaru was reveling in her triumph, a sudden commotion broke out not far away. The noise was significant. Xu Yaru and her group looked on in confusion as they heard constant gasps of amazement, with some even exclaiming that they had seen a fairy.

Who could that be?

Driven by curiosity, Xu Yaru followed the gaze of the crowd and saw a woman of noble temperament walking toward them. She moved with graceful elegance, draped in a magnificent red, diamond-studded mermaid gown that hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her breathtaking figure to the fullest. The fish-tail hem swayed gently with every step she took, captivating the hearts of all who watched.

Her features were as exquisite as a painting, her eyes and brows radiating nobility and cold beauty. Beneath her high-bridged nose, her lips curved slightly upward, exuding a mesmerizing charm. The moment she appeared at the entrance, the crowd could not tear their eyes away. Everyone was captivated by her noble aura and stunning beauty, their minds filled with awe and admiration. It was as if time had stood still.

Standing at a distance, Xu Yaru and her parents could not clearly see the woman's face, only catching a glimpse of a beauty with a regal air.

"With such temperament... she must be the heiress of some major conglomerate," the elder Mrs. Xu remarked to Xu Jianjun, catching only a side profile.

Xu Jianjun nodded in agreement. "Many celebrities and nobles have come to this banquet!"

Seeing that the attention of the entire room had been drawn to this sudden arrival, Xu Yaru felt a wave of resentment. Yet, amidst her frustration, her calculating mind began to spin. *She clearly possesses high status. If I can befriend her, wouldn't I be able to leverage her position to climb even higher?*

With this thought, Xu Yaru smoothed out her dress, preparing to step forward and introduce herself. However, after taking only two steps, she heard someone suddenly cry out in disbelief:

"My god! Isn't that the Xu family's fake daughter, Xu Xu?!"