The Rise of the White Lotus

It only took a glance and everyone who set their eyes on her had one thought in mind: a literal angel without wings. She was wearing a plain yet elegant white one-shoulder fitted dress, highlighting her lovely proportions. 

Compared to Rika Song's grand champagne dress that has a long tail, slightly shorter than a bride's wedding dress, Lexi's plain white dress's length was enough to cover her heels but not the carpet of the floor. 

From her low tied ponytail, simple pair of earrings, and light makeup that made her almost look barefaced, down to her shoulder with one sleeve covering her entire arm and wrist while the other was left exposed— flaunting her fairness and letting other's imagination run wild. 

She just departed from the car with her driver's assistance and yet, the fleeting moment the instant she stood graced the whole place with beauty and elegance. Hence, the group of paparazzi nearly used up their camera's memory clicking nonstop on the capture button. 

She wasn't posing for a magazine shoot and yet, her photos were surprisingly great for a cover photo. From their standpoint, Lexi's side profile as she stood while carrying her small silver purse was everything. 

No wonder no one could have guessed that Lexi was already a mother of two chubby and adorable twins. 

"Thank you, Red. You'll know where I'll be later." Glancing at Jarred Guo, Lexi offered a meek smile which was received by a courteous bow before Jarred Guo returned to their ride and slowly sped away. 

After a beat, Lexi was welcomed by two butlers and two other guards that were on the entrance that greeted every guest that arrived. She handed the small invitation card which they checked before politely smiling and let her enter. 

"This way, Miss Yang." One butler gestured as he raised his arm and led the way. 

"Thank you," Nodding once, Lexi slowly followed the butler and headed inside. Little did she know, her arrival alone was now being gossiped and questioned by the group of reporters. 

****

"Huh? Miss Yang attended alone? Where's Mr. Lu?" When Lexi was out of their sight, one reporter knitted his brows as he turned to his chief beside him. 

"How will I know?" The chief batted his eyes as a face of intrigued flashed across his front. "I am also waiting for Mr. Lu's appearance. My articl— eh?" Feeling upset, the chief almost broke down as his imagination earlier vanished. However, just as he was about to weep for his article, something struck his mind which made his eyes lit up. 

"Wait, Mr. Liu attended, right? But not Mr. Lu... oh!" Narrowing his eyes, the chief loudly murmured before his knocked the bottom of his fist on his palm, as if he decoded a puzzle. 

"Gossip, I smell gossip — a juicy one at that. " Of course, since the chief's voice was loud enough for them to hear, the female reporter uttered while continuously getting shots of the guest that came after Lexi. 

"Hah! This one will still be a good topic. Bwahaha!" Filling his head with different scenarios of someone else's private life, the chief maniacally laughed as he was certain that their unpopular establishment would be known for this. 

****

Meanwhile, back at the Queen's Citadel Hotel, Lexi was only leaded by the butler at the door of the hallway, which leads to the function hall. He then courtesy bowed his head again and left. 

Glancing at the two men wearing their formal suit, they nodded their heads before slowly opening the door for her. With that, Lexi was immediately welcomed by the aristocratic ambiance surrounding the elegantly arranged hall. 

With the huge sparkling chandelier hanging at the center accompanied by the small-sized chandeliers from each side, plus the dangling decorations, it was just noble. From chairs and tables, carpet and floor, food and service, everything was oozing of money spent for a single night. If no one knew better, one would think that it was a royal family's banquet. 

'I didn't know Mr. Tang is interested in this kind of grand celebration.' Out of habit, Lexi calculated the cost that the Tang Family shelled out tonight and her estimated sum didn't surprise her.

'Well... not my business.' Shrugging her thoughts off, Lexi unhurriedly entered the premises. 

The graceful laughter of each guest with their sparkling dress in different colors, young master's on their best tux, celebrities making connections to the elites, respectable businessmen, and even a few politicians filled the crowd. However, for some reason, when the door opened, people nearby subconsciously turned their heads to her who was now heading inside. 

Regardless of the stares, Lexi discreetly looked around to find the host of the event so she could pay her respect first. However, when she spotted Mr. Tang conversing with another well-known politician, Lexi refrained from approaching him as she respected their time. 

As a waiter carrying a glass of wine and champagne approached her, she was offered to pick her drinks for tonight. Hence, Lexi picked a glass of champagne before she headed near Mr. Tang's vicinity so she could talk to him after his greetings to the politician. 

Just then, Lexi heard a lovely familiar voice that made her turn to its source. 

"Bestie~!" The moment Lexi turned around, she was blessed by Rika Song's gorgeousness as she carefully made her way to her. 

"Aww, I missed you~!" When Rika Song approached her standpoint, she unhesitatingly gave Lexi a sweet hug as she expressed her yearning for her best friend. 

"Hey, how are you? Did you come alone? Where's Dr. Liao?" Returning her hugs, Lexi gently patted her exposed back before she slowly let her go. She glanced at Rika Song's back but Jaime Liao's shadow could not be seen. 

"No, I left him with the diva named Eli when I saw you entered." Rika Song chuckled as she waved her hands off while explaining where she left her fiancé.

"Gosh, bestie! How can you do this? You came looking all simple yet, you made everyone be your backdrop— even me!" After a beat, Rika Song pouted as she gazed her best friend from head to toe. Admittedly, Lexi was indeed stunning, especially up close.

"Silly. What do you mean, even you? The attention from others will never compare to the attention of we have from out certain partners." Shaking her head, Lexi chuckled at her ever-so honest best friend. Even so, Rika Song was truly the epitome of women's empowerment as she never felt threatened if someone else's crown was shining a little brighter than hers.

"Hehe. Well, that's right. As long as I am the most beautiful among everyone in my Jaime's eyes, I don't mind being your backdrop." Blushing, Rika Song giggled like a little girl that had fallen head over heels. 

"Anyways, now that you caught everyone's attention, I happened to overhear their questions about the absence of your date. Not to mention, Mr. Liu is here as well." Diverting their subject, Rika Song gave Lexi a knowing look before she shrugged her shoulders in nonchalance.