Today was the corporate anniversary of Eminence, one of the grand events of the year that was followed by the celebration dinner. Every year, it has been the trending news but what was different this time that the man behind Eminence has been revealed to the public.

Jun Zixuan nodded, ''You can leave.''

Steward Gu bowed before he turned around and left.

Jun Zixuan sat on the bed, gazing at his phone blankly. It lit up suddenly and he glanced at the caller ID for a few seconds before answering the call, ''Mom.''

''Happy Birthday, Ah Xuan...'' Shen Lihua sighed, ''You are 24 so soon. I am still quite used to my chubby little Prince from the past. Look at you now, I can't even pinch your cheeks.''

The corner of his lips twitched into a small smile.

''I have been wanting to do this since a long time but I could not muster my courage. Ah Xuan, forgive mom for everything that I made you go through. I was weak when I was required to stand up for you. I should have walked out of that place even before that family made you suffer...'' Shen Lihua sobbed softly, ''B-But I didn't. And when it came to the time when I should have let you pursue your happiness, I stubbornly had you marry using my health-''

''Mom, it is all in the past. Let's just get over that, shall we?" Jun Zixuan sighed, "You don't need to apologize to me.''

Shen Lihua sighed, ''I really should not get started about all this on such a big occasion. Are you coming here with Mei?"

''Some other day. I am busy with the event today,'' Jun Zixuan picked up the suit jacket from the bed, ''Are you fine?"

There was a pause on the other side of the phone, ''Are you talking about him?"

''Yes.''

"He came here yesterday. I did not let him in the house. He should be gone now.''

Jun Zixuan paused, ''If he pesters you, make sure to tell me.''

Shen Lihua laughed, ''Alright.''

...

Eminence's celebration dinner was extravagant and incomparable like every year.

Soft music drifted in the air as the waiters and waitresses waived their way through the crowd, taking in the glamour of the night.

Under the luxurious chandelier, politicians, higher officials of military, the Presidents of various country and many other VIPs were holding wine glasses and socializing.

''I can see people from nations away gathered here.''

''It is the first time the Chief of Eminence is showing up in front of the public. How could there not be some flies to bootlick him?'' A politician who knew Jun Zixuan personally, commented.

''Sigh...this is bound to happen. The man had the world's attention since the year Eminence came to limelight.''

While the men were immersed in such conversations, women that included many actresses, sisters or relatives of the men present there and their wives and other influential identities had their other rounds going on.

"What do you think is the relation between President Leanne and President Jun?"

''Friends...?''

''Do you hear yourself? Their pictures that were released in compromising positions where he was seen carrying her intimately revealed how much of friends they are.''

''Ah, the CEO of Rosette sure hit a jackpot. Who would not want to have President Jun for herself?''

''They might breakup later. What are you worrying about?"

''Gasp...Is it the film Emperor?"

The crowd of women glanced in the direction of the entrance of the venue where Mu Shen stepped inside, dressed in a navy blue tuxedo.

''Yes, but he rarely comes to such events.''

''Oh damn...We can't have President Jun but atleast we can have a little try with the film emperor,'' An actress squealed. After all, everyone knew about his messy private life. Once he got interested in her, one night with him and then fame was sure to follow.

''It is not that easy to get his attention. Moreover, do you see the bodyguards around him?"

''Did anyone notice that he is here without a date?"

Mu Shen, however, for the first time, did not have his attention on women. He glanced at the time on his wristwatch. His has been trying to contact Jun Zixuan since morning but the man is unavailable.

The star performers of the night presented their performances, entertaining the guests. There was a famous pianist invited especially for this event.

But people were restless for the man of the night was yet to be seen.

A little while later... a commotion started around the place, particularly at the entrance as Jun Zixuan finally made his appearance.

He carried a regal aura around him that was enough to intimidate anyone yet captivating them at the same time.

Mu Shen approached the man as soon as he saw him, ''Do you have any concern for me, a poor soul who is still reeling over your wife's revelation?" Mu Shen hugged the man, whispering beside his ear.

Jun Zixuan's lips curled down, ''You are disgusting.''

Mu Shen lips twitched, ''No, would you only be hugged by your wife? It's your birthday today. Happy Birthday! I am going to hug you even if you are reluctant about it.''

Cameras flashed in their direction as the reporters who had decided to be civil today finally lost their composure.

''President Jun, you and the film Emperor...what kind of relationship do you have?"

''You appear rather close.''

Even the guests were surprised, except for a few influential people who were aware of the friendship between the Jun Zixuan and the son of Mu Family.

''President Jun, what is the relationship between you and President Lean-''

Jun Zixuan's icy gazed trailed past them and they shrank back in fear. They had yet to mention the CEO of Rosette but they cowered.

Mu Shen reluctantly let go of Jun Zixuan. His friend might spare but his tsundere wife will fry him up if rumours regarding both of them as a gay couple started spreading. "We are childhood friends,'' He nonchalantly answered them before glancing at Jun Zixuan 'Join me later' he mouthed before walking towards the bar counter.

Jun Zixuan's bodyguard a mic to him.