The concert venue was already packed, with no empty seats available.
"Mr. Lu, the VIP seats are just ahead!" Shen Xiaoxiao pointed to a row in front. "You can sit wherever you like."
Lu Fan nodded slightly and didn't stand on ceremony, taking a seat.
Yang Zixin and Hu Yu felt a bit awkward, as they had never experienced such treatment before.
The VIP lounge was closest to the concert stage. It wasn't just about having money; one needed an invitation to secure a VIP seat. Those who could sit in the VIP section were all people of considerable status, otherwise, it wouldn't be so.
"Zixin, your cousin is quite something!" Hu Yu said awkwardly.
A few days ago, at Shen Wenqing's birthday, Lu Fan had shown a glimpse of his capabilities. Hu Yu had initially thought it was a coincidence, but now it seemed otherwise. Lu Fan was definitely not an ordinary person.
As the concert progressed, the stars on stage showcased their talents, eliciting endless cheers. Shen Xiaoxiao stayed by Lu Fan's side, her gaze filled with respect.
Yang Zixin naturally noticed this and became increasingly curious about Lu Fan's identity. However, since Lu Fan didn't mention it, he didn't press the matter.
"Mr. Lu, besides the concert, there will be a reception at the Gathering of Famous Chefs," Shen Xiaoxiao asked. "Do you have time, Mr. Lu?"
"A reception?"
Lu Fan shrugged and looked at Hu Yu and the other. "Are you two interested?"
"A celebrity reception?"
Yang Zixin asked in surprise, "Can we really attend? That's for people with status!"
"Of course, you can attend. Mr. Lu is a distinguished guest of my Shen family," Shen Xiaoxiao said with a smile. "The concert and the reception are both sponsored by my Shen family, so there's naturally no problem."
Hu Yu was quite excited. This was something they wouldn't have dared to dream of. Attending a celebrity reception meant getting close to celebrities, which for them was like a fantasy.
"Do you want to attend?" Lu Fan asked again. "Don't be shy. If you want to go, you can accompany Miss Shen!"
"We definitely want to go," Yang Zixin said. "We're just not sure if it's convenient. After all, it's a celebrity reception. Normally, people like us with no status wouldn't be very suitable to go, would we?"
"As I said earlier, Mr. Lu is a distinguished guest of my Shen family," Miss Shen said with a smile. "You are Mr. Lu's friends, so naturally, you are also distinguished guests!"
"In that case, let's go then!" Lu Fan nodded slightly. "It's just going to be troublesome for Miss Shen!"
"It's no trouble at all!" Shen Xiaoxiao quickly replied. "It's already an honor for my Shen family that Mr. Lu can attend the Gathering of Famous Chefs. If my father knew, he would probably be even happier!"
Hu Yu and Yang Zixin sat on the side, listening and feeling a chill run down their spines. What kind of incredible identity did Lu Fan possess to be treated with such respect by Shen Xiaoxiao? It was simply unbelievable.
The concert continued. Yang Xiaofei was currently performing, dressed in a magnificent gown, looking like a celestial being descended to earth. She didn't notice Lu Fan, as there were too many people in the concert hall.
"If we can attend the reception, then I can ask Yang Xiaofei for an autograph," Hu Yu said with a smile. "It's true that those who live near the water enjoy the moonlight first!"
"I remember from university you've always wanted celebrity autographs. Now you can finally get what you wish for," Yang Zixin said with a smile.
"But it might not be fulfilled!" Hu Yu shook his head. "Even if we can attend the reception, whether we can get an autograph is another matter."
"It's just an autograph. If you want one, I'll have him sign it for you at the reception," Lu Fan said directly.
Hu Yu and Yang Zixin didn't reply. They weren't sure if what Lu Fan said was true or not, but the fact that Lu Fan could say this probably meant he had a good chance.
After the concert ended, everyone dispersed. Lu Fan, holding three entry tickets, led the two towards the Gathering of Famous Chefs.
Shen Xiaoxiao had other matters to attend to, dealing with the post-concert arrangements, so she wouldn't be going to the Gathering of Famous Chefs.
Upon arriving at the Gathering of Famous Chefs, they eagerly headed towards the reception hall. The banquet hall was already filled with many people. The celebrities who had just performed in the concert hadn't arrived yet, but the atmosphere was already lively.
"Is this what a celebrity reception is like?"
Yang Zixin asked in surprise, "Why don't I recognize anyone here?"
"Celebrity receptions are themed around celebrities, plus some wealthy families," Lu Fan explained. "Those attending receptions here have some status in Chuzhou, or they might even be bosses from out of town."
"I see, no wonder they're all dressed so elegantly!" Hu Yu nodded.
"If you say so, wouldn't we be able to find rich and handsome men here?" Yang Zixin chuckled. "It's just a matter of whether they're suitable."
"Sister Zixin, with top-tier matches, is there anyone who isn't suitable?" Lu Fan said with a smile.
Yang Zixin also chuckled. Lu Fan's words made him feel quite pleased.
"Yang Xiaofei is here!"
At this moment, many people exclaimed, turning their gazes towards the entrance. A woman in a long dress, surrounded by a crowd, entered the reception hall. She looked radiant, exuding an aura of heroism with every gesture.
"Mr. Lu, why are you here at the reception?"
As soon as Yang Xiaofei entered the reception, she spotted Lu Fan and was even more surprised. She walked towards him.
In Jiangnan, Lu Fan had helped her a lot, and she hadn't had a chance to thank him. She never expected to meet Lu Fan again at a reception in Chuzhou.
"What a coincidence!" Lu Fan smiled. "I just watched a concert, and your singing was quite good!"
"You flatter me, Mr. Lu!" Yang Xiaofei chuckled. "If Mr. Lu wants to listen, I can sing for you day and night!"
"That won't be necessary!" Lu Fan waved his hand.
In the banquet hall, many people's gazes shifted, their hearts filled with curiosity about who Lu Fan was to be treated so politely by Yang Xiaofei. After all, there were many prominent families and wealthy second-generation heirs present, yet Yang Xiaofei hadn't been this courteous to any of them.
Yang Zixin and Hu Yu stood aside, feeling immense pressure. They had never imagined that Lu Fan would know Yang Xiaofei. And judging by Yang Xiaofei's demeanor, she seemed to have feelings for Lu Fan.
"Mr. Lu, let's sit over here," Yang Xiaofei gestured forward. "It's been so long, we should catch up."
"That's exactly what I intended!" Lu Fan nodded slightly. "These two want your autograph, so you can't be stingy!"
Yang Xiaofei glanced at them and then smiled. "Since they are Mr. Lu's friends, how could I refuse!"
Yang Xiaofei immediately wrote several autographs and handed them to Hu Yu and Yang Zixin.
The two were overjoyed but didn't know what to do, feeling a sense of unease. It was their first time meeting a celebrity, and they didn't know how to converse. Lu Fan, on the other hand, remained composed, chatting animatedly with Yang Xiaofei.