What to do if you become the female lead's best friend?

Chapter 19

The two stood up and walked towards the center of the hall.

Suddenly, Mu Mingcheng stopped and looked at her. He bent his right arm into an arc, a gentlemanly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, making him look like a refined and courteous scholar.

Gu Jin lowered her head to avoid his gaze, a strand of hair slipping down her forehead, and her shiny earrings reflected dazzling light. Under the illumination, her vibrant dress seemed to blush her fair face, adding a touch of maidenly shyness.

Following Mu Mingcheng’s lead, Gu Jin naturally placed her left hand in the crook of his arm and walked forward with him.

They were a striking pair, both wearing matching smiles that practically blinded the onlookers with their display of affection.

At that moment, the hall fell silent as the elderly patriarch of the Jing family finished his speech. These types of speeches at banquets were often predictable, usually expressing gratitude to everyone for taking the time to attend and feeling honored by their presence.

It should have been Jing Fu, the head of the family, who delivered the speech, but the old patriarch chose to do it himself, adding weight to the occasion.

The crowd listened listlessly until the old patriarch suddenly paused and said, "I have decided to transfer 5% of Jing's Jewelry shares to my granddaughter, Jing Ruo."

This statement was like a thunderbolt, shocking not only the outsiders but even the younger generation of the Jing family, who all looked at the old patriarch in astonishment, clearly unaware of this decision.

Only one man remained unfazed, standing calmly beside the old patriarch. Whether he had been informed beforehand or was simply uninterested in such a small benefit was unclear.

Regardless of what the Jing family members thought, none dared to question the patriarch. Although he had stepped back from day-to-day affairs, he had led the Jing family through decades of storms, elevating the family to its current status. It was impossible to imagine he had lost the ability to assert his authority.

Everyone's minds were racing. Just a moment ago, their attitude towards this adopted daughter of the Jing family had been ambiguous.

After all, Jing Ruo wasn't a blood relative, so she would naturally rank lower than the real Jing family members. In the future, during the division of the family estate, she wouldn't receive anything of significant value.

As for money, no one in the room was lacking.

But now things were different. With shares in the Jing family business, even a small percentage represented the family's acknowledgment and approval of Jing Ruo.

At the very least, after today, the level and scope of potential marriage alliances for Jing Ruo would expand significantly.

Thunderous applause followed as Miss Jing Ruo descended the stairs gracefully.

She had a youthful appearance, sweet and innocent like the girl next door, embodying the image of a first love in the hearts of many men.

Yet, she wore a red dress that contrasted with her youthful look, paired with makeup that was mature yet lively, giving her an alluring charm that captured the attention of many men.

The stern-faced man beside the old patriarch moved forward and took the girl’s hand. Surprisingly, a hint of warmth appeared on his usually stern face.

This was the first time Gu Jin had seen the male lead from the original novel, Jing Hao.

As the novel’s protagonist, Jing Hao had it all—family background, looks, and physique. Seeing him in person, Gu Jin understood how descriptors like chiseled features, icy demeanor, and god-like handsomeness from the novel applied perfectly to him.