Dusk fell.
Jiang Yihan stood alone among the crowd, dressed in a water-red long gown specially airlifted from Europe. The vibrant color accentuated her already stunning appearance, making her even more enchanting.
Occasionally, someone would approach her, but she disdainfully ignored them, showing no sign of interest.
She held a glass of red wine, sipping lightly, appearing elegant and noble. Yet, her beautifully made-up almond-shaped eyes were restless, scanning the room as if searching for someone.
If Jiang Yiwei were present, he would scold her for being unable to control herself, lacking any semblance of a socialite's demeanor.
But he had been in a car accident last night, resulting in two broken ribs, and was currently lying in a hospital bed.
The perpetrator had fled the scene, seemingly premeditated; the surveillance footage conveniently malfunctioned that day, leaving no clues behind.
Father Jiang was furious and ordered a thorough investigation.
However, nothing had been uncovered so far.
Though her brother was absent, Jiang Yihan felt a small sense of happiness inside.
Because Jiang Yiwei always monitored her closely, instructing her on what to do and what not to do.
It made her feel like a puppet on strings, at his mercy.
Fortunately, today was such an important occasion—the birthday banquet of Mr. Qin.
Qin Xian would definitely be in attendance.
She would finally get to see him and do what she wanted. This time, she was determined to use every trick at her disposal to keep him firmly in her grasp.
As Jiang Yiwei said, with her figure and appearance, how many men could resist her charm?
She tightened her grip on the bag in her hand, which contained a pill with a peculiar effect.
This pill was a crucial factor in determining her upcoming rise to success.
Confident and determined, she smiled, raised her glass, and took another sip of wine.
Suddenly, a commotion arose at the entrance.
"Qin Shao has arrived."
With the security guard's announcement, the atmosphere erupted. Everyone paused their actions, focusing on the person of interest about to enter.
The grand golden doors of the venue slowly swung open, and a group of bodyguards in black suits entered in an orderly fashion, forming two lines to clear a path.
One second, two seconds, three seconds; the hundreds of guests in the venue silently watched, all hushed.
Jiang Yihan's breath quickened at that moment as she stood still, eagerly awaiting.
Finally, a calm sound of footsteps echoed.
One step, two steps, three steps.
Four...
The counting abruptly stopped.
It is Qin Xian, rarely seen in a black suit, exuding an air of noble handsomeness that reveals his inherent elegance.
He slightly raises the corners of his lips, smiling lightly, and his handsome face captivates everyone around him.
The charming aura he radiates is enough to drive all the women present into a frenzy.
Jiang Yihan is about to step forward, but suddenly there is a commotion in the crowd.
She stops in her tracks, puzzled, and can only gaze from a distance.
She sees that the center of attention, the head of Qin Group, is actually leaning close to a young woman.
Jiang Yihan doubts her own eyes, rubs them, and looks again carefully.
This time, there is no doubt.
There is indeed a woman standing beside him. Just then, a brilliant beam of light shines on her, allowing everyone to see her appearance clearly.
She is wearing a strapless light blue chiffon gown that hugs her figure, revealing her elegantly shaped neck and clearly visible collarbone. The skirt shimmers like flowing moonlight and snow, adding an ethereal quality to her already graceful demeanor.
A strand of dark hair falls over her chest, and her delicate face is lightly adorned with makeup. Even with minimal cosmetics, her inner beauty still shines through.
Especially those bright autumn-like eyes that sparkle like stars. When she lifts her gaze, it radiates brilliance.
Everyone gasps in awe; such a beauty paired with someone like Qin Xian is truly a match made in heaven and a feast for the eyes.
But this scene fell into a pair of eyes filled with disbelief. Jiang Yihan was struck by the sight, her heart aching as she gripped her bag so tightly that her fingers nearly deformed.
Shu Ran had been tense since she entered the room, not daring to make any large movements. She knew that all eyes in the room—whether envious, curious, or disdainful—were on her.
Qin Xian seemed to sense her discomfort; his hand around her waist relaxed gently as he leaned down to whisper soothingly in her ear, "Don't be afraid."
Shu Ran nodded and responded with a smile.
This display of affection and soft whispers felt like a dull knife stabbing at Jiang Yihan's heart.
Why did the man she had liked since high school suddenly have a woman by his side, and that woman was not her?
It was Shu Ran.
What right did she have?
She was consumed by jealousy, driven mad by it.
Meanwhile, Qin Xian led Shu Ran into the venue. Bodyguards moved ahead to shield them from unnecessary social formalities, guiding them directly to meet Old Qin in the inner chamber.
Shu Ran continuously reminded Qin Xian along the way to greet Old Qin first.
Do not argue with Old Qin, do not provoke him.
Today is Old Qin's birthday; they must accommodate him.
She kept murmuring and muttering throughout the journey.
Qin Xian, however, did not feel annoyed at all; instead, he enjoyed her chatter.
Moreover, he found her quite cute and felt a bit like laughing.
He ruffled her soft hair, gazing into her eyes filled with gentle laughter, and teased her softly, "If you keep talking, I will kiss you."
Sure enough, Shu Ran immediately pressed her lips tightly together, not daring to say another word, like a frightened little turtle retreating into its shell, trying hard to minimize her presence.
The smile in Qin Xian's eyes deepened.
Finally, standing at the door of Old Qin's resting room, Shu Ran still couldn't help but turn back and remind him, "Qin Xian, you wait a moment... um..."
Before she could finish her sentence, he sealed her lips with a kiss, swallowing every word she hadn’t said.
Shu Ran struggled desperately to push him away. Come on, there were bodyguards behind them, and right in front was a door leading to the room.
What would happen if someone caught them in such a public place?
But Qin Xian didn't care; it was Shu Ran who was concerned.
So he ultimately ended the kiss lightly.
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