Wang Shaodong’s brow furrowed when he saw Wang Xiao’er, a trace of disdain lingering on his lips. Though Wang Xiao’er was a distant relative and his family possessed some wealth, in Wang Shaodong’s estimation, he was merely a pawn of slight utility.
Wang Xiao’er noticed the frown but paid it no mind, chuckling as he called out, “Cousin, you came too?”
“Heh, if you can come, do you think I can’t?” Wang Shaodong replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
“That’s true. Our cousin is the son of the A-City Police Chief now; who wouldn't show him a little respect?” Wang Xiao’er said with a sly grin.
“Stop flattering me. Tell me, you must have a bad reason for looking for me.”
“Wrong!” Wang Xiao’er announced with an air of smugness. “Today, I’m bringing you something good, but I wonder if you dare to take it, Cousin!”
“What good thing?” Wang Shaodong scoffed lightly.
“Look over there!” Wang Xiao’er winked mischievously and pointed towards Yang Yi and his group. “That’s Li Qian, a senior about to enter university. And next to her is Liu Qingqing, the flower of our grade, who even ranks among the campus beauties.”
“Oh?” Wang Shaodong completely disregarded Li Qian—not because she wasn't beautiful, but because she was leaving for university soon, making her pursuit pointless. Only upon seeing Liu Qingqing did a trace of lecherous gaze undoubtedly appear in his eyes.
“You mean you want me to make a move on her?”
“Of course. Although I’ve heard rumors about your impressive techniques for wooing girls, Cousin, I haven’t had the fortune to witness them myself. I wonder if you could perform for me this time?” Wang Xiao’er maintained his roguish, insidious smile.
“Hmph, stop acting cocky, kid. Tell me, what grudge do you actually have with those people? They don't look simple,” Wang Shaodong wasn't entirely foolish. He knew his so-called cousin wanted to use him to settle some issue; otherwise, why wouldn't Wang Xiao’er jump at such a great opportunity himself?
“Heh, Cousin, I do have a deadly feud with those people. And Liu Qingqing—I originally intended to pursue her myself—but since I saw Cousin here, as the younger cousin, I must clear the path for you to take the lead. After all, she’s a beauty!” Wang Xiao’er said conspiratorially.
Wang Shaodong listened to his rambling, clearly understanding that the man intended to conceal something. After glancing at Liu Qingqing once more, he stated, “I know you’re hiding things, but I don’t care what grudge you have with them. I only chase after beautiful women!”
“Tsk, tsk!” Wang Xiao’er gave an ambiguous, sinister smile. “Cousin, then I look forward to the show!”
“Hmph, you just watch!” Seeing Wang Xiao’er’s faintly mocking smile, Wang Shaodong instantly felt a surge of irritation. The guy was practically making fun of him, and he couldn't help but snort coldly.
It was around this time that more VIPs and guests began arriving. Leng Yue’s birthday reception was, one had to admit, quite grand. Men in suits mingled with women in evening gowns, and older ladies—all figures who were either titans of industry or children of high-ranking officials, showing just how extraordinary Leng Yue truly was.
Rumors had circulated throughout No. 1 High that Leng Yue was a renowned business prodigy; this alone was enough to prove she must hail from a family of industrial magnates.
A beautiful hostess in an evening dress stepped out, positioning herself near the stairs on a small stage. She clapped her hands and announced, “Welcome, esteemed guests, and friends who have traveled a great distance! Today marks the birthday of Miss Leng Yue, the only daughter of the Guinan Group. We specially invite you to this reception hosted by the Guinan Group. Now, we invite the General Manager of the Guinan Group, General Manager Leng!”
“Applause!”……
A burst of warm applause erupted as all eyes turned toward the staircase.
“So, it’s the Guinan Group,” Yang Yi murmured softly, a rakish smile playing on his lips.
“The Guinan Group?” Fatty Lin looked visibly confused.
“The Guinan Group is a very famous large corporation in the Jiangsu region. They specialize in all forms of commerce, and the General Manager of the Guinan Group, Leng Nan, is a genius in the business world. In just ten years, he has made the Guinan Group spectacularly successful,” Ye Xiaohou explained with a furrowed brow.
“Mhm, it’s no wonder this place is filled with so many people from the business sector, and even some high-ranking officials' children from the Jiangsu area. This Leng Nan indeed has some depth to him!” Yang Yi had always been suspicious of Leng Yue’s background. Though he had suspected she was extraordinary, he never imagined she was the heiress of the Guinan Group.
“Actually, it’s more than that. Yue’er is also an invaluable talent in the business world,” Li Qian stated mildly.
“Oh?” Yang Yi smiled inexplicably and shifted his gaze to the middle-aged man and woman slowly descending the stairs.
Undoubtedly, the man descending was Leng Nan, and the woman beside him was his wife. Leng Nan possessed a mature face that was hard to come by, with a robust physique; at first glance, he seemed unremarkable. However, upon seeing his eyes, you would feel as if everything in the world could be instantly deciphered by him—perhaps this was the so-called ‘Commercial Gaze.’
Once on stage, Leng Nan addressed the microphone: “I welcome everyone who took the time to attend my daughter’s birthday reception tonight. I am deeply honored, and I hope everyone enjoys the evening to the fullest.”
His words were concise and powerful. This Leng Nan was clearly formidable, as his brief address earned resounding applause; after all, everyone present sought an opportunity to connect with this leader of the business world.
“Now, let us welcome the star of this evening, the young lady of the Guinan Group, Miss Leng Yue! Please welcome her!” The beautiful hostess finished and gestured toward the staircase.
Hearing this, Yang Yi turned his attention upward. He saw Leng Yue in a purple evening gown, wearing light makeup and a necklace. It was clear that the Leng Yue before them was a world away from the one he had seen earlier.
However, Yang Yi’s gaze lingered on Leng Yue for only two seconds before he dismissed her. He had spotted a figure he had yearned for—she was still as poetic, still as ethereally pure. Her pale gray evening dress made her look exquisite, and the sight of her snow-white arms only enhanced her captivating charm.
This person was undoubtedly Xia Shiyun. When Xia Shiyun felt an intensely focused gaze, she instinctively looked over. Seeing that familiar face—a face she hadn't seen in five months—her heart clenched violently, and she suddenly felt the urge to weep.
“What’s wrong, Shiyun?” Leng Yue asked, noticing her close friend had stopped moving.
“Mm! Nothing!” Xia Shiyun snapped back to reality, took a deep breath, and replied with a bright smile.
The entrance of such beauties naturally caused a stir. It wasn't just because of Leng Yue’s cold elegance, but also because people marveled at the classical, pure beauty of Xia Shiyun. To witness such a beauty accompany one in life, they thought, would make life worthwhile.
“Who is that girl?” Wang Shaodong asked Wang Xiao’er.
“That’s Xia Shiyun, a senior from the third year about to graduate and a campus beauty!” Wang Xiao’er’s lecherous gaze was unmistakable as he stared fixedly at Xia Shiyun.
Wang Shaodong’s gaze was even more intense, his eyes constantly darting between Leng Yue and Xia Shiyun. He felt a desire to possess both of them, yet he knew Leng Yue was out of reach, given Leng Nan standing there. Even with his father being the Police Chief, dealing with Leng Nan would be troublesome.
So, his target shifted to Xia Shiyun. He said deeply, “Cousin, you can keep that Liu Qingqing. I’ll take this one.”
“Uh!” Wang Xiao’er felt a moment of shock in his heart, followed by immense contempt. He had put in so much effort, hoping Wang Shaodong would help him deal with those people, but the sudden appearance of Xia Shiyun had stolen the spotlight, leaving him deeply unwilling to accept it!
“Hello to all the uncles and gentlemen. I am honored that you could all attend my birthday reception. Thank you!” Leng Yue spoke briefly and stepped back. Xia Shiyun took her hand, smiling at the crowd, though her gaze occasionally drifted toward Yang Yi’s side.
“Boss—!” Ye Xiaohou whispered to Yang Yi.
Yang Yi didn’t reply immediately. He glanced at Li Qian, who was smiling brightly, which filled him with a hint of confusion. Regarding both Li Qian and Feng Shi, Yang Yi always felt he owed them something, and he sighed inwardly.
“Heh heh, this time, you can’t refuse to help me!” Wang Xiao’er muttered inwardly. It seemed he had seen something he shouldn't have, and he shot a jealous glance toward Yang Yi and his group.