The Rise of the White Lotus Chapter 33 – Dinner of the Century

Hearing his inauspicious remarks, Lexi cast him a disdainful glare that only brightened the mood of Ethan Lu even more. While CEO Tang and Churu, on the other hand, smiled in triumph as if the two had the same thought. 

Soon, the host of the night Chairwoman of the new Yue International Empire, Seraphina Yue, and the CEO of L-Tech innovative financing company, Wren Tanaka arrived at the grandiose dining hall.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, shall we start?” Seraphina Yue uttered with elegance and supremacy which every of her guest agreed. In Lexi’s mind as a business person, the woman’s conduct was admirable in many ways. No wonder Wren Tanaka highly regard her than anyone.

Hence, with that said note, everyone took their respective seats for the dinner of the century. Yes, it was a memorable night to gather some huge names in one place — whether they are the rival companies or has friendly ties. Which made Lexi Yang marvel why the Liu family weren’t invited or if they are, why didn’t they attend? After all, even the Han Family sent a representative as a sign of respect to the unheard Yue Family.

Lexi was delved into her own thoughts and wonders that she didn’t notice the person sat beside her was Ethan Lu. Seeing that she was zoning out, Ethan Lu’s lips curled into a subtle smile before he tapped the vacant surface of the table in front of her.

“Don’t space out.” Ethan Lu draws a little bit closer to her side and whispered. His breath partially tickled Lexi causing her to slightly flinched. Her eyes dilated and hastily darted her head to her right where Ethan Lu sat. She cast him an incredulous gaze due to his unbelievable action but chose not to speak.

‘This guy… what does he think he’s doing?’ 

“He’s flirting, chu~!” The only individual who was hearing her inner thoughts answered in jest as she showed two-thumbs-up with her small, too small thumbs maneuvering it up and down.

‘No, he’s teasing me and it irked me to the core!’ Lexi’s patience was running thin by the conspiracy of Churu not being on her side. They were sisters, don’t they? Can’t she tell the discomfort of Lexi being trifle with Ethan Lu? 

‘Such disgrace!’

“Oh ho, Lexi in denial, you have a long way to go Mr. Initial Task! This won’t be easy, chu~!” However, Churu seemed to not mind her protest as she instantly flew on Ethan’s shoulder and cheered him on. Churu’s stubbornness made Lexi’s shoulder wobble in defeat. 

‘God, she won’t listen,’

As Lexi’s inner soul waive to abdicate and reflect her sisterhood with Churu, she was snapped back to reality when she heard her name being uttered by someone. Shifting her gaze to CEO Tang, Lexi meekly smiled.

“I see CEO Tanaka in a new light for introducing us not only to Chairwoman Yue but also to the young Miss of the Yang family! HAHA!”

“Oh CEO Tang… I wouldn’t be Wren Tanaka for nothing.” Wren Tanaka didn’t reject CEO Tang’s statement but shamelessly admitted and lifted his chair higher than before. Hearing his response, Lexi almost choked on the champagne she sipped. Fortunately, she didn’t drink much or else, she’ll surely spit the aromatic liquor that instant.

In this kind of social gathering, men and women in status tend to compliment and banter with playful words. Moreover, even if they praise one another, one must know to act humbly. Even so, Wren Tanaka doesn’t seem to be that kind of person.

“Right, Chairwoman Yue?” Wren turned his head to the host of the night. Instinctively, Lexi altered her gaze towards the dominating woman perching on the head seat. She saw her sipped a rare and limited wine that cost a hundred thousand dollars before smiling and nodding in agreement.

“Indeed, I am honored to have such rare and amazing guests such as Miss Yang and everyone else. So, I must thank CEO Tanaka again for assisting me to gather each and every one of you tonight.” Seraphina Yue notably bowed her head in gratitude which lightened up the already peaceful atmosphere.

Being noticed by these respectable people through her knowledge on tons of stuff she studied and sacrifice her sleep, Lexi was satisfied by the outcome. Thanks to her diligence from the past few days, she was one step closer to her main objective; convince CEO Tanaka to an arrangement with the Liu Corporation.

“Also, I am glad to finally meet Director Lu… such a treat!” CEO Tang who was the loudest of all clasped his hands together in glee and brightly smiled at Ethan Lu’s noble demeanor. Lexi subconsciously turned her head on her side and couldn’t help but unobviously scoff on Ethan’s smart facade. 

Why would she be surprised? After all, everyone of them wore their business smile that has deeper meaning behind it. Even Lexi who smile all throughout the night still criticize some odd and unsightly dresses inwardly.

Without realizing it, Lexi was staring at Ethan’s side profile as he exchanged flowery words towards other businessmen. Sensing her gaze, Ethan side glanced at her and winked which snapped her back from her stupor.

Blinking numerous times as Lexi turns her gaze away from the flirtatious casanova, Lexi’s brows knitted, ‘Churu?’

“Chu?” Churu who was suddenly called out responded innocently.

‘Tell me I’m seeing things that I shouldn’t.’ Referring to the wink that was slowly pushing her to her limits and was afraid to lash out if she reaches a certain point; just like how she had done in the past and caused trauma from her previous suitors.

“Lexi… so sensitive. Is this the start of what they call — capital L O V E, chu~?” Churu who knew little of Lexi giggled as she formed a heart shape by stretching her cute mini arms and placed it at the top of her head.

‘No, but it might be the destruction of the thing called, sys-T.E.M.’