Page 196 of Cruel Devotion

Lei had mentioned the various sections of people. We must have been in the entertainment and lifestyle section now.

“Will the Charity ball still be held this year?”

To my shock, Lei stopped us and turned to the woman who had asked.

Everyone held their breaths, including me.

Some even froze right there.

Lei nodded at her. “The ball is an event that has always been important to my mother. It will be held this year, right on time.”

“T-thank you, Mountain Master.”She looked like she was about to pass out.“And can I get the identity of this woman?”

Several people hushed others.

Many leaned forward.

I turned my view to him.

He wore a confident expression. “While I would like to keep her identity private to allow her. . .peaceful adjustment to the East, there will be a moreformalspeech coming soon.”

His words struck like a bolt of lightning, eliciting a collective gasp from the stunned crowd.

However, Lei's declaration had only fueled more curiosity.

“But Mountain Master, why the secrecy?”

Then, Lei guided us forward. “We're coming up to the gossip bloggers. Just ignore them.”

“Okay.”

Their questions cascaded over each other in a frenzy, each one louder and more demanding than the last.

“Is she related to the current political situation?”

Amidst the pandemonium, a few bold reporters tried to edge closer, their microphones stretched out like weapons.

“Could her arrival signal a new alliance with the Killer Crows?”

His grip on my waist tightened slightly.

“Is it true that you have been on drugs? Was she the one that got you to start?”

Almost past the middle of the corridor, I could see the elevator getting closer.

The press of bodies became more intense, the air hotter and heavier.

Yet, Lei's presence was a shield, protecting me from the overwhelming attention.

“Is she the reason why the Grand Mountain Master left? Did he not approve of this woman?”

Lei glared at the man and pushed us by him.

I shivered.

Lei whispered in my ear. “We're almost done, Moni.”

I nodded.

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