chapter 13 Doesn't it really matter?

He strolled amidst the crowd, oblivious to his newlywed wife tucked away in a corner. Mila Hai struggled to glimpse her man through the layers of people. She stood on her tiptoes for a while, searching in vain. Failing to spot her intended target, she lost interest, settled back into her seat, and extended a hand to her friend, saying, "Don't bother looking. The crowd's too dense. Let's enjoy the food, Bar." For her, eating held paramount importance during this evening's outing. "Mila, wait for me here. I'll go find my aunt and inquire about the recent arrival. The commotion is akin to an emperor's entrance," Judy Shen expressed her curiosity. Mila Hai hummed nonchalantly. Judy Shen proceeded on her quest. Mila Hai devoured all the food she had brought. With her empty plate, she rose from her seat. Amidst the spectacle of the grand figure everyone was focused on, she could quickly grab some food without enduring the odd gazes and scrutiny of others. After William Zhan made his entrance, he engaged in conversation with the host of tonight's banquet. His bodyguards stood vigilant, listening and observing. In their family, William Zhan disliked women becoming overly reliant on him, maintaining a certain distance. Their primary duty at each gathering with William Zhan was to guard against those with ill intentions towards him. One particularly tall and renowned bodyguard had an extensive view. During an automatic scan of the surroundings, he seemed to catch sight of the figure of his master's first wife. William Zhan had concealed his true identity when obtaining the marriage certificate with Mila Hai. However, being William Zhan's bodyguard, not recognizing the first wife was not an option. Aside from the matriarch, William Zhan was most familiar with Mila Hai. The bodyguards knew. The bodyguard initially thought he was mistaken, but upon closer inspection, he confirmed that she was indeed the first wife of their family. Unfazed by William Zhan's presence, the first wife took two plates and selected her preferred delicacies. Soon, both dishes were brimming, and she quietly found a table in a distant corner. She enjoyed her meal, seemingly unaffected. After exchanging words with several familiar business associates, William Zhan's bodyguard discreetly approached him and whispered, "Sir, I spotted Mrs. Zhan." William Zhan frowned momentarily, then regained his composure and said coldly, "What is she doing here?" "I have no idea." "Keep an eye on her. Ensure she doesn't notice me. Also, discreetly take pictures of who she's with and who she interacts with." In William Zhan's mind, Mila Hai hadn't shed the suspicion of being a conniving woman. He surmised that her appearance here was driven by a desire to climb the social ladder and reach greater heights. Because of his concealed identity, Mila Hai might perceive him as an ordinary working man. The bodyguard responded respectfully. William Zhan resumed chatting and laughing with the associates, acting as if nothing unusual had transpired. The big bosses often sealed deals amidst such socializing. Unaware that she had been seen by her husband's bodyguard and had become the target of scrutiny, Mila Hai went about her evening. When Judy Shen returned with the details, she inquired casually, "How did it go? What did you find out?" "I asked. It was William Zhan from the Zhan family who had come, the head of the Zhan Group. However, I didn't catch a glimpse of him amidst the throng. The crowd was overwhelming. He was accompanied by a retinue of bodyguards. My aunt sadly informed me, saying that Mr. Zhan avoids interactions with the opposite sex and is always surrounded by bodyguards at these gatherings, thwarting any single women attempting to engage with him." Mila Hai replied with an indifferent "oh." "Mila, your impromptu marriage partner shares the surname Zhan. Do you think it's purely coincidental? There aren't many people named Zhan, and the wealthiest family bears that name." ..