The Rise of the White Lotus

The next day, it was finally the 31st — Diane's party. In the biggest and one of the well-known hotels of the city was bustling. 

The usual peace of the hotel was now packed with luxurious cars, media with their cameras clicking nonstop with every passing second. Understandable, Diane's family had vast connections. Hence, the guests weren't any ordinary people. 

Be it the superstar of the entertainment industry, influential tycoons, and respectable politicians would be present. The reason the setting and the hype of this day was overwhelming. 

Lexi glanced outside of their car. Scanning the area where her sight could reach, she was amused. She expected a grand celebration, but not this kind of grand. 

In her eyes, Diane's event could par those grandiose annual awards in the entertainment industry. There was a red carpet, cars lined up towards the entrance, and medias. 

Although it seemed similar to the last event she attended — Mr. Tang's event —the previous party was a little more private. The medias in that party weren't allowed inside but this event. 

But this event, they were authorized media personnel that were taking photos in the entrance. Unlike the others who were restrained by the allocated area for them, those authorized lowkey paparazzi could get all the juicy content for their headlines for tomorrow. 

Not just that, but they would also get clear photos of every guests aside from the official photographers of the said event. 

"Wow..." thinking that Diane was amazing, Lexi could not help but gape her lips in awe. However, recognizing one of the brand of the media outlet that were authorized inside the event, Lexi scrunched her nose up. 

"It's been a while since I attended a hyped formal event — I'm a little nervous." She murmured as she sighed heavily. 

Mr. Tang's event was one thing as she knew the security was tough, keeping everything private. But today, Lexi knew she wouldn't avoid the questions about her husband's "love affair" with Laurel Wang. 

After all, the rumors were still hot and even though Ethan Lu had made a move, taking down every misleading articles. However, since the rumors had escalated quickly, there would be threads and articles popping up one after another. 

Still, Lexi never spoke a word about it. On the other hand, Ethan Lu only denied the rumors once without explaining more. Still, since Ethan Lu's denial wasn't convincing enough, Lexi's fans were solid mad at him. 

Of course, Lexi's knowledge about how the EliXi shippers rose from the dead was beyond her reach. She didn't want to stress herself by reading comments and sympathy because she knew the truth. 

Not just that, but also, Ethan Lu asked her not to. He specifically asked her to let the rumors reach its peak so he could distinguish it at once. 

Ethan Lu didn't give out the details of his plans, but if he says so, then so be it. 

Just then, Lexi phone rang, startling her out of her thoughts. Checking her phone that she was holding, the corner of her lips curled upward. 

Without further ado, Lexi answered it. "Yes?"

"Bestie, didn't you say you'd attend in Miss Huang's party?" The instant the line connected, Rika Song's voice came in. 

"Hmm?" Knitting her brows, Lexi hummed a tune as she was confused for a moment. She knew Rika Song would also attend this event as she was invited to represent their company. 

Well, the agency's pride and number one money tree would always be Rika Song. Hence, it wasn't surprising that she was asked to attend the event with her bosses and a few other A-list artists.

"I only saw Ethan here — where are you?" As confused as Lexi, Rika Song asked. 

"What?" Furrowing her brows, Lexi was confused. She knew Ethan Lu would be arriving late due to important meetings he could not cancel. 

Therefore, Lexi had went alone since he would come anyway. Also, she couldn't let Diane lose face as the woman invited her herself.

Not just that, aside of Laurel Wang and Stella Du's presence — if they would attend — Lexi knew that this event would be an awesome opportunity to make connections. This event offered people out of her league, after all. 

"Yes, I thought I saw him earlier."

"That's weird. Ethan will arrive a little late." Thinking that Rika Song might have mistook someone as Ethan Lu, Lexi didn't dwell on it further just yet.

"Well, maybe I'm wrong." Having the same thoughts as Lexi, Rika Song shrugged her shoulders. "So, you're coming, right?" Rika Song diverted the subject and asked as she only wanted to know if Lexi would attend. 

"Yes, I'm just waiting for our turn." Nodding her head, Lexi responded as she glanced at Nico Zhuang whom perched on the front passenger via the rear mirror. 

"Great! This will only be fun if you're here!" Glad to hear her reply, Rika Song's voice slightly raised in excitement. 

"Wasn't Eli invited too?" Lexi chuckled as she could feel Rika Song's ever positive energy from the other end of the line. 

"Meh, I haven't — speaking of the devil..." Just as Rika Song could diss Elliot Gong behind his back, she caught his flashy figure entering the hall. 

Even if Rika Song didn't want to admit it, Elliot Gong's presence, aura, and visuals were top-notch. No wonder the guests that were already inside had a second of silence as he entered. 

Elliot Gong was just like a prince. 

"Bestie, you know, sometimes I feel that this guy was cursed — with that looks of his, he's still single till now. Cursed of the beauty?" As Rika Song watched Elliot Gong's figure interacted with the people she didn't know personally, she sighed heavily. 

"Let him enjoy his single life." Lexi could not help but laugh as she imagined her best friend's expression while she said her last remarks. 

Well, Rika Song would be officially be a married woman next month. Therefore, Elliot Gong would be the only person who doesn't have a girlfriend yet. 

"I bet he's not enjoying it anymore." Jinxing it, Rika Song clicked her tongue as she guessed it right.