American social life revolved around parties.

This particular party was a social dance.

One of Tina’s friends at Columbia University, seeing she was single, had invited many friends to help find her a suitable boyfriend.

Tina had her eye on Harold and wasn’t interested in peers her age, but couldn’t refuse her friend’s enthusiastic invitation.

She brought Matthew to the party, intending to use him as a shield against unwanted attention.

She’d made this clear to Matthew, who was more than happy to oblige.

This scheming boy had already tasted the benefits of associating with wealthy people after taking Tina’s commission. Tina’s friends were surely wealthy too – people who didn’t exude the aroma of dollars couldn’t naturally attract each other as friends. Matthew hadn’t expected Xia Xiao Lan to be interested.

But he didn’t think too much about it.

Having Xia Xiao Lan there was even better – her presence always boosted Matthew’s confidence.

If they coordinated perfectly, he might find new “clients” on the spot.

Students couldn’t take commissions?

His previous outlook had been too narrow. Being affiliated with the firm allowed him to take commissions, and though the firm took most of the fee, Matthew remained willing.

Though his GMP internship had ended, ties weren’t completely severed.

Even Kissinger had accepted it – Matthew had become like an unleashed wild horse.

Tina was also delighted that Xia Xiao Lan would attend.

With her apartment being renovated, Tina was temporarily staying at a hotel. She asked Xia Xiao Lan to help choose her outfit, and Xia Xiao Lan picked a green dress:

“This suits you.”

Tina’s sweet demeanor wasn’t suited for overly sexy attire – she needed to avoid anything like gold sequined bodycon dresses with their nightclub vibe.

Tina tried on the dress, looking herself over:

“You designers naturally have good taste.”

Xia Xiao Lan shook her head, “We consider our clients’ needs. Unlike you, your aesthetic was cultivated from childhood, with nothing left to chance. Your brother Farn is a gentleman, and you, Tina, are a true lady. I don’t envy your wealthy background, but I do envy your harmonious family atmosphere. Only a truly happy family could raise such a lady and gentleman as you and Mr. Farn.”

A lady?

What use was being a lady?

High society was full of ladies. Perhaps being different like Xia Xiao Lan was what would catch Harold’s eye.

Tina nodded, “Mommy taught us siblings to love each other from childhood, saying the money could be earned again, but the family being together was most important. Daddy was generous with me but strict with Farn. I had lots of pocket money, while Farn had to earn his college tuition… Daddy thought this would make Farn submit and agree to inherit the family business, but after graduation, Farn went to work as an unpaid volunteer! Haha, Daddy must have been so angry!”

Talking about family, Tina became quite chatty.

She truly had no guard up, never questioning Xia Xiao Lan’s intentions, happily praising her family members.

In her words, the Zhang family differed from most Chinese families – instead of a strict father and kind mother, they had a kind father and strict mother.

At least for Tina.

Mommy raised her with strict discipline, while Daddy indulged her endlessly.

If Tina asked for a star, they wouldn’t give her the moon instead.

Both parents were strict with her brother Farn… This wasn’t surprising – raising sons strictly and daughters indulgently was common practice. Being strict with the eldest son and doting on the youngest daughter was common across cultures.

Xia Xiao Lan followed Tina’s conversation, soon touching on Tina’s mother.

“My mommy, she—”

Tina had barely started when the doorbell interrupted.

She bounced over to open it, revealing Farn.

“Farn, you’re too early! We’re not ready yet!”

Tina dragged Farn in and pushed him toward Xia Xiao Lan. “Can he be your escort tonight? I know you have a boyfriend, but he’s in China. I swear you’ll be fending off advances all night without an escort!”

Xia Xiao Lan smiled and nodded, “Whatever you say.”

She’d wanted to get closer to the siblings anyway.

While still uncertain about Tina’s situation, if Farn was Xu Chang Le, he would have been six years old during the 1967 arson – old enough to have some memory of such family upheaval.

Could Farn be Xu Chang Le?

Xia Xiao Lan tried to find more evidence of similarity in Farn’s face.

Farn merely greeted her before turning an indulgent look toward Tina: “You still need me as your escort to parties? Weren’t you saying you’re an adult at 18? And arranging a partner for me – how could Miss Xia refuse when you ‘ask’ like this?”

Tina hummed noncommittally, pulling Xia Xiao Lan away to change.

Xia Xiao Lan chose a simple dress. When they left, Farn graciously opened the car door for her.

“Tina, you should ride with Matthew – he’s your escort tonight.”

Tina gave them both odd looks.

Her brother deliberately separated her – had he taken a liking to Xia Xiao Lan?

No good, no good – Xia Xiao Lan was deeply in love with her boyfriend in China, not even interested in Harold’s attention.

Though Tina considered Farn the world’s best brother, compared to Harold, Farn’s gentle nature meant he’d naturally draw less attention in the same setting.

If Harold had no chance, how could her brother succeed?

Tina was already regretting involving Farn in her romantic affairs.

But Xia Xiao Lan hadn’t misinterpreted.

Neither she nor Farn could sync with Tina’s wavelength.

Farn had separated his sister because he wanted to speak privately with Xia Xiao Lan.

“This might disrespect Miss Xia, but I must emphasize – Tina grew up protected by family, very innocent, and quick to open her heart to friends. For whatever reason, she seems to particularly like Miss Xia, actively seeking closeness both behaviorally and emotionally… I’d like to ask a favor. Please take Tina’s friendship seriously – if you don’t like her, don’t pretend. If you do like her, please be a sincere friend.”

Tina had indeed been trying to get close to her.

Previously, due to Mrs. Wilson’s involvement, Xia Xiao Lan had been wary of Tina.

Now the situation was reversed – Xia Xiao Lan wanted to get closer to the siblings.

Beyond her sense of familiarity with them, she had to admit that Tina’s sweet innocence made her feel at ease.

“I can promise that I’m not seeking financial or other benefits from Tina. If that were my aim, I wouldn’t have passed her commission to Matthew. Mr. Farn, you should have confidence in Tina – she can judge people’s character. I bear her no ill will, and I too appreciate her unworldly charm.”

Innocence wasn’t a fault.

As long as one wasn’t selfish toward family like Zhou Yi, Xia Xiao Lan truly believed unworldly innocence was a virtue.

Farn glanced at her, “It seems I was mistaken. I thought Miss Xia was interested in our family background. Our hometown is in Los Angeles – if Miss Xia is willing, you’re welcome to visit our home.”