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Traditionally, inviting family members to such a gathering was a sign of respect and underscored the event’s importance. It wasn’t surprising that Chu Shan He would bring his daughter. What did seem odd was Zhao Ying Jun’s knowing smirk. Clearly, the confusion surrounding that drawing hadn’t been resolved.

“Ms. Zhao,” Lin Xian began, feeling it necessary to clarify things, “I think we should address this directly to avoid any future misunderstandings.”

“Go ahead,” Zhao Ying Jun encouraged.

“That painting was something I did casually. Any resemblance to Chu An Qing is purely coincidental. Plus, we all know who Chu Shan He is. His daughter is so young… I wouldn’t dare have such thoughts.”

Zhao Ying Jun laughed. “I understand. Just be aware of the potential complications. Chu Shan He isn’t just a business leader; he wields considerable influence. He’s not someone you want to offend in Donghai City.”

“And as for whether Chu An Qing looks like your drawing… you can see for yourself at tomorrow’s celebration dinner.”

Lin Xian nodded, curious about this coincidence. He would find out soon enough at the dinner.

That afternoon, after finishing work, Lin Xian met Gao Yang at their favorite small restaurant.

Gao Yang, bursting with enthusiasm, removed his coat and exclaimed, “Is it true, my friend? Are you taking me to the Victoria Club for dinner? Their buffet is famously expensive!”

Lin Xian chuckled, brandishing the red invitation card. “Yes, it’s true.”

Gao Yang grabbed the invitation, his eyes lighting up as he read it. “I’ve always wondered what delicacies the wealthy indulge in to justify such prices!”

“By the way, Lin Xian, we’ve both been swamped lately. I never got to ask about your last psychiatrist visit…”

Gao Yang pocketed the invitation, turning to Lin Xian with curiosity, “Did you get to the bottom of it? Did you uncover anything about that girl?”

Lin Xian paused, setting down his chopsticks, and nodded. “Yes, I did. Dr. Liu confirmed it. My dreams are just dreams, nothing more.”

He lied, preferring not to involve his friend in the darker truths. Acknowledging the reality of his dreams meant admitting to the existence of the Genius Club, shrouded in the mists of history and perhaps lurking nearby. It was better for Gao Yang to remain blissfully unaware.

“That’s a relief, haha! Just a false alarm!” Gao Yang raised his glass, chuckling, and clinked it with Lin Xian’s, both men downing their drinks. “Too bad! I was hoping those dreams might lead us to a fortune!”

Their catch-up extended beyond dinner. After a hearty meal, they continued their evening at their preferred bar, chatting until the wee hours.

The next day was Saturday, allowing them to sleep in before the big dinner.

On December 31, 2022, the last day of the year, Donghai City experienced an unusual snowfall, blanketing the city in pristine white and heralding a promising new year.

Lin Xian opened a rarely used window, extending his hand to feel the snowflakes dissolve on his fingertips.

“It’s snowing,” he observed.

Unlike the north, snow was rare in Donghai, and heavy snow was even rarer. The snow barely accumulated on the ground, quickly turning to slush underfoot.

With winter days being short, it was nearly dark by the time Lin Xian, dressed and ready, left his house around 7 PM.

He arrived at the Victoria Club, immediately struck by the warmth and opulence of the venue, surpassing even Chu Shan He’s previous gatherings in its modern luxury.

In the center of the hall was a small stage, surrounded by buffet tables and chairs, though the food had yet to be served. The décor featured an abundance of Rhine Cat plush toys—on stairs, tables, and even at the gift counter, their cute designs capturing attention.

As the clock neared 8:30 PM, Lin Xian checked his watch. The late start was deliberate, given it was New Year’s Eve and many guests were young and single, planning to stay for the midnight countdown.

“Lin Xian, Professor Xu Yun will be here soon. Let’s go greet him,” Zhao Ying Jun called from the inner hall.

Lin Xian nodded and followed her, admiring her striking presence in a dark red gown that made her resemble a tall glass of wine, her accessories gleaming with each step.

“How is Professor Xu Yun arriving?”

“He opted for a taxi,” Zhao Ying Jun sighed. “I had arranged a car to pick him up, but he preferred to keep a low profile, especially with the media frenzy outside.”

“That’s typical of him.”

They stepped outside, where the cold bit sharply. Two attendants quickly opened black umbrellas to protect them from the falling snow.

Zhao Ying Jun glanced at her watch, rubbing her arms, “He should be here any minute. He was at the last intersection when I called.”

She smiled at Lin Xian, “Getting Professor Xu Yun to attend is quite an achievement. Apart from Chu Shan He, only you could have managed it.”

“Lin Xian, I don’t know what you’ve done for Professor Xu Yun, or why he feels so indebted to you, but I’m grateful for your help during MX Company’s difficult period.”

Lin Xian shook his head modestly. “I’m just doing my part for the company.”

A taxi turned the corner and approached. Lin Xian and Zhao Ying Jun stepped away from the shelter of the umbrella as the taxi halted.

“Professor Xu, welcome,” Lin Xian greeted, opening the taxi door.

Professor Xu Yun shook hands with them both. “Miss Zhao, thank you for this kind invitation.”

“It’s our pleasure, Professor,” Zhao Ying Jun returned the smile. “Please, let’s go inside. It’s chilly out here.”

Looking dapper in his suit, Professor Xu Yun stomped the snow from his shoes on the red carpet before heading inside with them.

Lin Xian followed, casting a glance back at the taxi and the snow-laden tracks it left behind.

Something felt amiss, but he couldn’t quite place what it was.

“Lin Xian?” Zhao Ying Jun’s voice called him back to the moment.

He turned to find her and Professor Xu Yun waiting.

“Come on in,” Zhao Ying Jun smiled, motioning towards the cheering crowd inside, “The banquet’s about to begin.”