It is often said that jealousy breeds hatred; jealousy is a psychological state that has ruined many lives. Some people let jealousy turn into deep-seated hatred, while others transform it into motivation—the key is in how one masters it.

Indeed, in today's modern society, especially within high-ranking circles, jealousy has undoubtedly become commonplace.

Be it women, material wealth, or even relationships, any single possession can become the source of envy. Wang Xiao'er had clearly allowed his jealousy to fester into outright malice; he shot a look full of resentment at Yang Yi and his companions, then glanced back at Wang Shaodong, a sinister smile playing in his mind.

“Cousin, it seems that Xia Shiyun is quite interested in someone else. Looks like you're out of luck this time.”

Hearing Wang Xiao'er’s words, Wang Shaodong gave an acknowledging smirk. “Hmph. Don’t think I don’t know what schemes you’re brewing. Since that brat is destined to cross my path, I won't make it easy for him.”

“Hahaha!” Wang Xiao’er let out a wild laugh, saying nothing more.

Returning to the main stage, two servants slowly wheeled a cake cart forward. An imposing eight-tiered cake was presented, signifying its immense value—the cost of this confection alone could sustain someone from the lower classes for several years.

“Next, we invite General Leng and the others to join us in cutting the cake!” The beautiful mistress of ceremonies had barely finished speaking.

A wave of joyous applause immediately erupted. Once Leng Nan and Leng Yue had finished cutting the cake, the reception officially began, and guests started presenting their gifts one after another.

“Boss, are you going up, or shall I?” Ye Xiaohou asked Yang Yi.

Glancing toward the stage, Yang Yi wore a roguish smirk on his lips and said to Lian Xue, “Lian Xue, let’s go present our gift!”

“Mm!” Murong Lian Xue took the gift from Ye Xiaohou’s hand, looking at Yang Yi with an adorable smile.

“There’s an opportunity now. I’d like to see what sort of gift this kid can produce!” Wang Shaodong suddenly muttered, his face turning grim. He snapped his fingers at the two large men beside him. “Let’s head up as well.”

“Yes, Young Master!” the burly men responded.

Wang Xiao’er’s sinister grin intensified, as if eagerly awaiting a good show. He stared fixedly at Liu Qingqing and muttered under his breath, “Damn slut, it won’t be long before I let you taste the pleasure of screaming in ecstasy!”

“Congratulations, Miss Leng, and happy birthday!”

“Thank you.” Leng Yue accepted the gift and passed it to Xia Shiyun, accepting it with a composed, faint smile.

“Hmm?” A strange feeling fluttered in Leng Yue’s chest; she did recall this young man vaguely.

“Congratulations on your birthday, Miss Leng. This is just a small token of my regard; I hope Miss Leng will not take offense!” The presenter was unmistakably Wang Shaodong. He glanced pointedly, yet casually, at Xia Shiyun, who was dressed rather strikingly, all while maintaining a pleasant smile.

“Hehe, thank you.” Leng Yue noticed his lingering gaze upon her dear friend and felt a surge of contempt, but constrained by the fact that he appeared to be the son of City A’s bureau chief, she refrained from showing any obvious displeasure.

As Leng Yue finished speaking, the large man standing behind Wang Shaodong presented a box to her. Only then did Wang Shaodong seize the opportunity to ask Xia Shiyun, “May I inquire as to the fair lady’s name?”

For a lecher—no, to be precise, a supremely brazen libertine—even if you learn the beauty’s name, you don’t necessarily speak it yourself. If you pose the question and she answers, there are two possibilities: one, she is being polite; two, she holds some fondness for you.

Unfortunately, as for harboring any positive feelings toward Wang Shaodong, Xia Shiyun certainly did not. She simply offered a slight smile out of courtesy. “You flatter me. My name is Xia Shiyun.”

“Hehe, a lovely name. Might I have the honor of asking Miss Xia for a dance later?” Wang Shaodong inquired with a gentle smile.

“Well, I don’t actually know how to dance. Perhaps…” Xia Shiyun was suddenly at a loss for how to handle him. She was entirely unprepared for social maneuvering of this nature.

Leng Yue observed that Xia Shiyun seemed entirely unwilling to engage with this man. Tonight, she had hoped to use this birthday party to help Xia Shiyun find a suitable young man. However, she knew this particular young master had ill intentions. Thus, she tactfully intervened: “Hehe, my apologies, Young Master Wang, perhaps you should step aside for now; other guests are waiting to present theirs.”

“Oh, I apologize for the intrusion.” A shadow of malice flickered in Wang Shaodong’s eyes. He shot a quick glance at Leng Yue before slowly walking away.

But then, his steps faltered as he saw Yang, accompanied by a little girl, making their way up. He stopped, watching with a forced smile.

“Big Sister, Brother Yi and I wish you eternal youth and everlasting beauty,” Murong Lian Xue said with an adorably bright smile, extending the gift to Leng Yue.

“Hehe, thank you, little one.” Leng Yue hadn't even noticed that this small girl had accompanied Yang Yi and his group. Just as she was about to speak,

she saw Xia Shiyun staring intently at Yang Yi, and Yang Yi staring just as intently back at her. This sight sent a shiver through Leng Yue. She thought to herself, Could Shiyun also have fallen for him?

Don’t cry, don’t cry; hold it in, hold it in! Xia Shiyun was screaming internally. Seeing Yang Yi now brought forth an overwhelming urge to weep. She didn't understand the feeling, only knowing that she had finally seen that familiar face, and seeing it brought a profound sense of security to her heart.

“Hehe, congratulations on your birthday,” Yang Yi said, snapping back to the moment, offering a smile to Leng Yue.

“Thank you. Senior Yang truly lives up to your mysterious reputation. After being absent for over five months, you graciously chose to attend my reception today. I am grateful!” Leng Yue responded with a calm smile.

“Are… are you alright?” Yang Yi asked Xia Shiyun with a gentle smile.

“I…”

“Oh, isn’t this the campus rogue?” Wang Shaodong’s sudden voice cut off the words Xia Shiyun was about to utter.

Hearing this, Yang Yi’s brow furrowed, a cold glint flashing momentarily in his eyes before vanishing. The faint, roguish smile remained as he glanced at Wang Shaodong and replied, “I don’t believe I know you.”

“Hehe, you may not know me, but your name rings like thunder in my ears,” Wang Shaodong said with a smooth smile, his eyes intentionally drifting toward Xia Shiyun.

“Oh, is that so?” Yang Yi perceived Wang Shaodong’s intent and felt a chill. There were simply too many men like this these days—too many to count even on ten hands. Just as Yang Yi was about to speak,

Wang Shaodong abruptly addressed Leng Yue. “Miss Leng, I wonder what the campus rogue has gifted you? I am quite curious to see.”

“Uh!” Leng Yue looked momentarily stunned, unsure of Wang Shaodong’s motive.

“Would you perhaps open it so I might have a glimpse?” Wang Shaodong requested with a faint smile.

Yang Yi certainly understood the man’s mindset. He sighed inwardly at the ubiquity of such spoiled brats, noting that this one lacked even a shred of decency. He gave a detached smile and said, “Classmate Leng, by all means, open it and see!”

“Ah! Oh!” Leng Yue seemed to grasp the situation somewhat. Though inwardly disdainful, since Yang Yi permitted it, she didn’t hesitate. Upon unwrapping Yang Yi’s gift, Leng Yue gasped, “What a beautiful crystal bracelet!”

“Oh? Crystal?” Wang Shaodong spoke, unsure if it was mockery or sarcasm. “I wouldn’t have thought the campus rogue could afford anything more than a crystal. Hehe, truly a man of means.”

“Wang Shaodong!” Leng Yue’s face turned cold upon hearing his scornful remark, and she called out his name.

“Hehe, Miss Leng, don’t be angry. Am I not just speaking the truth? Is it a crime to speak the truth in this world?” Wang Shaodong looked at Yang Yi with contempt.

“Whether it’s a crime or not, I’m uncertain. However, I am also rather curious about Young Master Wang’s gift. Perhaps you could open it for me to see?” Yang Yi asked, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

Leng Yue smiled subtly. Being from a business background, she instantly recognized that Yang Yi’s gift was far from ordinary, discerning its true value at a glance. Picking up Wang Shaodong’s package, she unwrapped it to reveal a lustrous pearl necklace.

“This necklace is an Eastern Sea Lumina Pearl, valued at eight hundred thousand. Hehe, I hope Miss Leng accepts this small token, which is certainly better than someone’s humble crystal bracelet!” Wang Shaodong appeared somewhat smug. Although he hadn't bought the necklace himself—it was a gift from someone eager to curry favor—it was undeniably costly.

“So, it’s a pearl,” Yang Yi remarked calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips. “If I understand you correctly, you are implying my crystal bracelet is inferior to your pearl necklace?”

“Hehe, I never said that,” Wang Shaodong replied with a false laugh, though his heart brimmed with scorn.

“The crystals sourced from Myanmar are renowned as world-class. A new batch is only produced every three years, and the quantity within each batch is extremely limited. If I am not mistaken, this crystal bracelet originates from Myanmar. It is quite valuable!” A middle-aged man’s voice suddenly cut in at that moment.

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