Chapter 117 Chanel

"Is that so?" Rose showed a look of sudden realization, deliberately asking, "Could it be that Mr. Zhou Guangnian has already retired from the scene and washed his hands of it all?"

Zhou Guangnian grinned and chuckled, "That's a peculiar thing to say. I, Zhou, have always been diligent and hardworking, contributing sweat alongside my brothers from Dongxing, to build the Dongxing Group we see today. Miss Rose might have heard some biased evaluations."

If a thug with no scruples said he didn't steal a wallet, people around him would disdain him - because the guy is terrible at lying.

But if it's someone like Zhou Guangnian, a big shot who had long ago used bloody and ruthless means to dominate the underworld of the East District, claiming that his resume and past deeds are all false, and that he is pure-hearted, people wouldn't disdain his shamelessness - because being able to say such shameless words means he doesn't even care about his reputation anymore!

Rose finally realized what kind of person this legendary figure from the underworld of the Zhonghai Sea was like. Shamelessness is invincible, this statement holds true. "It seems that Rose has offended Mr. Zhou. Mr. Zhou, for gracing us with your presence at this small banquet in the West District, what brings you here?" Rose asked. If it weren't for the Zhou father and son, she wouldn't need to pay attention to Situ Mingze's invitation at all.

Situ Mingze chimed in, "Rose, you may not know yet, Mr. Zhou's only son, Zhou Dongcheng, is of the same age as you."

Rose furrowed her brows, "What's so strange about that?"

Only after looking around at everyone, did Situ Mingze continue, "You're not young anymore, your mother passed away without properly taking care of you. I want to arrange a good match for you. Mr. Zhou also has this intention, so he wanted to use this banquet as an opportunity for you two to get acquainted."

Situ Mingze's words were loud and clear, and many guests around had already heard them. They finally understood today's theme and, after listening, all showed a look of sudden realization, pretending to commend the idea.

But the expressions of the parties involved changed completely. A shadow passed through Rose's eyes, and a disdainful smile curled her lips.

Meanwhile, Situ Mingze and Zhou Guangnian were smiling kindly, as if they had become elders waiting for their young children to marry, like a perfect match.

This plan is venomous. Yang Chen, who followed behind Rose, sighed inwardly. Situ Mingze's intentions couldn't be more obvious. Since they're openly clashing with the Hongjing Society, even if they win, it will be a Pyrrhic victory. It's better to cut off their supply route directly, unite with Dongxing, and force Rose to marry Zhou Dongcheng.

This way, it's equivalent to Dongxing and the Western Alliance Society jointly undermining the Hongjing Society. And Rose wouldn't be able to resist. Otherwise, she'd be caught in a pincer attack. Even if it's for the sake of her brothers, Rose would have to endure humiliation.

As for Rose joining forces with Dongxing against the Western Alliance Society, that's impossible. Setting aside the fact that such an alliance is less favorable for Dongxing compared to joining forces with the Western Alliance Society, purely in terms of foundation, it's absolutely impossible for Situ Mingze to abandon the Western Alliance Society. In the end, it will definitely be a fight to the death. Zhou Guangnian, that old fox, must have weighed the pros and cons. Since Situ Mingze from the Western Alliance Society can easily gain advantages in the West District and seize large profits with minimal or no losses, why would he abandon this opportunity and help Rose, a greenhorn, instead?

Conspirators don't shun other conspirators because trusting each other is the safest bet. Only an alliance that constantly reminds each other to be vigilant can be secure and stable.

A few years ago, when the West District was still under the sole control of the Western Alliance Society, Zhou Guangnian would never have thought of intervening in the West District. It would have been fine for him to stay as the big boss in the East District. Exposing too much would only make him a target. But now that the West District has been divided into two, and his family happens to dominate, if he doesn't take advantage and seize a piece of the West District's cake, he would be unworthy of being a generation's hero.

"Miss Rose might not understand our little boy well. Our Dongcheng has a gentle personality, and any girl who sees him will like him. I believe if Miss Rose can get along well with him, marriage is only a matter of time," Zhou Guangnian advertised his son.

"We'll take your word for it. Maybe your son doesn't even like women..."

"Who's that?" Zhou Guangnian's face darkened, and he asked loudly.

Yang Chen raised his hand from behind, smiling innocently as he approached. "Mr. Zhou speaks highly of his son. Why not bring him out to meet everyone?"

Zhou Guangnian narrowed his eyes, shooting a stern look at Yang Chen. "How should I address you, young man?"

"He's Yang Chen, a follower of my daughter," Situ Mingze explained with a smile, then turned to Rose. "My daughter, your subordinate's speech might be a bit unpleasant. Shouldn't you discipline him properly? If you can't bear to do it, I can do it on behalf of a father."

"No need," Rose reached out and hugged Yang Chen's arm, leaning tightly against him with a happy smile. "Yang Chen is my lover, not a follower. As for your 'kind intentions' and the so-called in-laws, we'll pass."

Yang Chen forced a smile. He had originally planned to keep his relationship with Rose secret, but who knew the other party would arrange blind dates and even anger Rose? With their relationship exposed like this and the two embracing each other, all the guests were dumbfounded. They hadn't expected this unremarkable man to be Rose's lover. Seeing such a stunning woman meekly surrendering herself in a man's embrace, all the men held their wine glasses tightly as if they wanted to crush them, and the glass represented Yang Chen at this moment!

Yang Chen reached out and gently stroked Rose's delicate cheek, planting a light kiss on her forehead before turning to the now gloomy Zhou Guangnian. "Hey, since you speak so highly of your son, why hasn't he shown up yet? Is he tucked in bed already?"

Zhou Guangnian cast a cold glance at Situ Mingze beside him. "President Situ, what's the matter with this young man?"

"Mr. Zhou, rest assured, he's not quite right in the head. I'll send someone to throw him out and take him to the mental hospital. We can continue discussing our children..." Situ Mingze patiently smiled like a gentleman.

But just as Situ Mingze was about to give the order, a figure descended the red-carpeted staircase of the banquet hall, loudly admonishing, "No one is allowed to disrespect my Yang Chen!"

If the voice belonged to a woman, it sounded a bit rough, but if it was a man, then the statement was quite mysterious...

Everyone turned their gaze to the staircase, and upon seeing the figure descending, they were all dumbfounded. Even Yang Chen, who was mentally prepared, almost popped his eyeballs out.

A figure clad in a pink off-shoulder evening gown descended the stairs, wearing sky-blue high heels with every step. The "woman" had golden locks of hair tied into a princess-style bun adorned with a small tiara encrusted with diamonds, exuding an Audrey Hepburn-esque vibe.

Her delicate oval face was lightly powdered, her lips adorned with rosy lipstick, and her eyes, enhanced by false lashes and Western-style smoky makeup, were particularly enchanting. Hanging from her ears were crescent-shaped earrings, and adorning her bare chest was a string of pearls, while she wore a fluffy white chiffon skirt.

With each step, the "woman" swayed her body like a water snake, carrying a shy yet confident smile. She walked all the way to the center of the crowd, stopping only when she reached Yang Chen.

"Yang Chen, I dressed up carefully for you today. Do I look beautiful?"

Swearing to the heavens, Yang Chen did find the "woman" in front of him beautiful, but he found it difficult to say so because the person before him was Zhou Dongcheng!

"Oh my gosh! What's this guy pretending to be? A woman! And not just any woman, but one as beautiful as a princess from a Western fairy tale. Even us men here aren't as good-looking as him, and he could pass off as a woman and still be attractive!

After holding it in for a while, Yang Chen sighed and said with a bitter smile, 'You're beautiful, really beautiful.'

Zhou Dongcheng smiled sweetly, clapping her hands like a delighted girl, 'I'm so happy that my efforts have earned your praise!'

At this point, Zhou Guangnian, who had been trembling with anger, couldn't hold back any longer and burst out, 'Beast! What are you doing! Hurry up and take off these disgusting clothes!'

Situ Mingze, standing aside, also had a strange expression, evidently surprised by what had transpired.

'Dear father,' Zhou Dongcheng's voice suddenly turned cold, her charming eyes glancing at Zhou Guangnian, 'You're old, your taste is flawed. Haven't you noticed how pretty your daughter is? Yang Chen just praised me.'

Daughter?

The people present finally came to their senses. Many had heard rumors about Zhou Guangnian's son Zhou Dongcheng having some issues with his sexual orientation, but they hadn't expected it to be this severe. Dressing up as a woman in public and even calling himself 'daughter,' the various gazes exchanged included admiration as well as those anticipating a show, and disdain.

Zhou Guangnian's face flushed with anger, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word.

Zhou Dongcheng, however, remained indifferent, then happily asked Yang Chen, 'Yang Chen, do you think I'm more beautiful or Miss Rose in your arms?'

Yang Chen was already bewildered by the turn of events, but having become immune, he thought for a moment and smiled, 'To be honest, in terms of appearance, it seems you are more beautiful.'

As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Chen felt Miss Rose fiercely twist her waist, obviously unhappy. Yang Chen had no choice. This Zhou Dongcheng, once in women's clothing, was simply a living fairy!

'I've given myself the name Chanel, and I hope you'll address me as Miss Chanel from now on,' Zhou Dongcheng flirtatiously blinked at Yang Chen.

"Chanel?" Yang Chen couldn't help but laugh, "Isn't that the name of a fashion brand?"

"But she's also a beautiful lady who pursues fashion, my idol, so I want to be called Chanel too," Zhou Dongcheng said yearningly.

Situ Mingze's face darkened, forcing a smile as he said, 'Master Zhou, please stop joking. Today is about discussing marriage between you and my daughter, Rose.'

Zhou Dongcheng wrinkled her delicate eyebrows, proudly pouting, full of girlish arrogance, "Uncle, I've already said that my name is Chanel. Didn't you hear? And, don't you know, in the Kingdom of Yanxia, women aren't allowed to marry women?"