The Emperors Pampered Wife - Chapter 83

There was nothing but chatter amidst the crowd and all of it was initiated by the entrance of Hou Wei Yan. No one knew who the girl was except the treasured friends waiting by the sideline.

Unable to control her emotions and excitement, Liu Jiayi jumped at the chance and gave Wei Yan one great hug. “Big Sister!”

Wei Yan was taken by surprise but when she noticed who was engulfing her a smile immediately made it’s way to her face. As soon as Jiayi let go, Wei Yan gently stroked her hair as though taming a kitten. A pur cannot be heard but it was all written in her face that she liked how Wei Yan treated her.

“Happy Birthday, Little Sister” Wei Yan said she handed her a gift. For such a dear friend Wei Yan chose a jade bracelet with her name, Liu Jiayi, marked by a goldenseal. “Big Sister made sure it fits you”

“Thank you, Big Sister” Jiayi said, her voice filled with praise and gratitude which made Wei Yan smile in relief.

After such scene, Xing Qiu and Xing Yun looked at each other, their facial feature and hair the exact copy of one another, before they each held Jiayi’s hands and placed a tender kiss on it. “Happy Birthday, Jiayi”

“You are still in sync I see” she blurted out with a chuckle. Qiu and Yun smiled at her praise but that’s when Jiayi remembered the news she received pertaining a certain Xing Grandchildren getting grounded because of his love affair. “I’m surprised you made it here, Brother Qiu. I heard you got grounded”

Xing Qiu knew the news was out so he only gave a shy smile. He was really grounded but thanks to Yun’s insistence and his logical reason, their Grandfather yielded. “Yun insisted that I come so we can both escort Sister Yan”

“Ahh, you love your cousin too much” Jiayi blurted out with a smile making the twins look at one another.

Yun was the first to react to her statement. “Hey, don’t say it like that. You make us sound so lewd”

Jiayi laughed at his reaction before she covered her mouth and feigned ignorance. “Huh? You’re the only one thinking that Brother”

The two of them stared at each other for a few seconds before they chuckled alongside the others. Yun smiled widely that his eyes nearly disappeared. “I missed this kind of gathering”

“Wei Wei, we were waiting for you” Liu Shan peeped as she came into Wei Yan’s view. Beside her was Xing Cuifen and Cao Xiaolian, both smiling endearingly at their precious lady.

“Shannie, Cuifen, Xiaolian” Wei Yan called out before she titled her head and beamed a huge smile when she saw the people behind them. “Even Sister Qiu and Tan Jia is here”

Meixiu smiled back before she pulled the blonde psycho behind her who was still admiring the maiden’s beauty. “Oh, Wei Wei, this is Xiaoli. She works in the Military with me in the past”

“Hello, I’m Yue Xiaoli” Xiaoli immediately replied with a respectful bow. She rarely does this to someone which only means she looks up to Hou Wei Yan.

The reason is obvious.

Xiaoli knew who she is in Ji Li Zhao’s life. They are friends that often bicker when they don’t see eye to eye but they trust each other to the point of revealing each other’s weaknesses. Wei Yan is both Li Zhao’s strength and weakness which is why she gathered up information regarding such a threat to her friends life. Instead of capturing Wei Yan’s bad side, Xiaoli was captivated by her charm instead.

She knew for a fact that this woman was trustworthy for she wasn’t the type to leave a friend behind in a battlefield.

Wei Yan smiled widely when she saw her. Xiaoli was both beautiful and alluring that she can’t help but get drawn to her. “Nice to meet you, I’m Hou Wei Yan”

Xing Cuifen who had missed her dear cousin greatly suddenly engulfed her in a hug before she beamed her a smile. She had adored and looked up to Wei Yan since they were young and the reason, why she can stand up tall, is because of Wei Yan’s teachings. So aside from being a friend, Wei Yan was like a teacher to her. To her who used to get bullied, she was her hero.

“You came well prepared, Wei Wei” she suddenly said referring to her getup. She’s glad Wei Yan didn’t take the easy way again and wore plain-looking white dress.

“You even got one of Le Chartier’s special collection gown” Liu Shan blurted out, utterly impressed at her stylist. Wei Yan’s makeup, hair, and even jewelries was well coordinated to her dress. “I’m impressed”

“Amine picked it for me” Wei Yan replied with a smile. She remembered the connection he has with Liu Shan. Since they are cousins, it won’t be bad to reveal that he was the one behind her getup.

“My cousin did?” Shannie asked in surprise. She and Amine has quite a complicated relationship. Amine never really cared whether he’s breaking any family rules unlike her who valued what would bring honor to the family. He just does whatever he wants which aggravates her. “That’s even more surprising. That jerk seldomly gives me special treatments”

“Who’s the jerk?” someone called out making them turn around. There stood Amine Chartier, dressed in black suit, his long curly brown hair tied in a half-bun. He looked so simple looking for a stylist but still, he looked so dashing and eye-catching.

Liu Jiayi ran to him and engulfed him in a hug. Unlike Shannie, Jiayi is greatly attached to Amine’s unrestrained actions. That must be by why Shannie’s relationship with Amine is getting worse. She thinks he’s brainwashing Jiayi.

“Cousin!”

Amine accepted Jiayi’s hug and beamed her a smile before he turned to Shannie with a smirk. “Shannie is growing evil by the second”

“Shut up, Amine” Shannie retorted before rolling her eyes like a diva. This was nothing new to them who had witnessed such change of attitude for a long time.

But for Wei Yan, it was quite shocking. She looked at both of them, worried that she opened up something that shouldn’t be carelessly touched.

“Non-non-non.That’s bad manners, Shannie” Amine replied, still smiling despite receiving Shannie’s negative energy. He never cared whether she hated him or not. As long as they remain civil and not physically harm one another then everything is okay to him.

When he noticed Liu Shan’s irked face, he decided to turn his attention to Wei Yan. “You really didn’t disappoint me, Mad—Wei Wei”

Wei Yan looked at Shannie before she smiled warmly at Amine. Perhaps they have some problems but Liu Shan did not look too angry that she would start cursing like crazy. Maybe she still considers Amine her family but she’s not willing to yield yet. “Thank you for everything, Amine”

“My Elder Brother can’t make it today” he suddenly blurted out before allowing the woman behind him to come to light. “Oh by the way, this is my big sister”

“Auriane Chartier” the dashing lady introduced. She was dressed in black beautifully highlighting her snow-white skin. Her curly hair of brown was simply laid out in the open and her eyes of oceanic blue made her awe. She looked so simple yet stylish and elegant.

Auriane offered her hand with a smile on her face. Once she did this, Wei Yan’s heart nearly skipped a beat. She looks so beautiful. She looked a bit like Amine but she looked more refined like porcelain displayed in a museum. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hou”

“The pleasure is mine, Ms. Chartier” Wei Yan said as she returned the greeting and received the handshake. She was still in awe at her beauty that her smile did not falter one bit.

“Aurora. You can call me, Aurora” she said when she saw how Wei Yan’s eyes shone. It was like an emerald with wonderful deep color and clarity. It reminded her of Xing Mei Yi, the one who taught her fashion and business. She felt relaxed and can’t help but be casual with her.

“Aurora” Wei Yan repeated before beaming her a smile. “Then please call me, Wei Wei. Sister Aurora”

When she saw such wide and beautiful smile, Aurora knew she was caught in her charm. She was lovely and alluring. Much softer than Xing Mei Yi but alluring nonetheless.

As they began to chatter and deepen their friendship, their small interaction attracted plenty of attention.

“Who’s that girl with Madame Chartier?”

One of the businessmen clenched the wine glass on his hands in annoyance. “Damn, I wanted to strike a deal with the big shots today but that little lady is hogging everyone to herself”

“That’s too bad, Mr. Chang” the man who just came in said as he joined in their little chatter.

As they turned around, they were faced by a brunette with a gleaming smile on his face and a woman with a stunning features standing by his side.

“Mr. Yao” someone who was familiar with him called out. He was Yao Zhongnan, the young heir of Baoxing Corporation. Although not a part of the Regal Families, Baoxing is well known because of its popular food products.

But what made Yao Zhongnan well known is for his collection of pretty ladies. The young man always bring different girls to parties and sponsor different stars that curry his favor. With his good look and wealth, his women never runs out.

“It seems like you brought a pretty lady again, tonight” Mr. Chang blurted out as he checked out the woman beside Yao Zhongnan.

The maiden was beautiful. Her eyes quite bigger and gleaming like a star has been captured inside. Her lips of red were painted like an elegant rose. Her body was beautifully sculptured and her dress highlighted all of her curves.

Yao Zhongnan smiled proudly when he said this. With arrogance and laughter, he replied. “A man shines brighter when there’s a pretty woman beside him”

“Hmmm” Chang Zuan agreed to his statement before his eyes were once again drawn to the blonde woman donned in emerald. “Then, don’t you think the one who owns the lady right there is like a sun by now?”

“Who?” he asked as he looked around for the beautiful maiden Chang Zuan was referring to.

Chang Zuan stepped aside and allowed Yao Zhongnan to see the face of the Goddess that graced the red carpet earlier. “The blonde woman talking with Madame Chartier”

His eyes immediately searched for the woman and his eyes immediately shone when he saw her. She looked magnificent under the golden lights that filled the venue and he was lucky enough to witness her cute and addicting smile.

Yue Xiaoli was joking at that time making Wei Yan smile and chuckle at her cute little antics. Yao Zhongnan so happened to see such scene and in that instant was captivated by her smile.

“Indeed, you’re right, Mr. Chang” he said in a daze. Compared to the women he brought in the past, she was far more divine and exquisite. “Her beauty is on another level”

The woman beside him who heard their chatter can’t help but clench her fist in vexation. She glanced at the woman they were talking about, her mind filled with anger in resentment.

Who in the world is taking Zhongnan’s attention?!

“Wei Yan?” she suddenly blurted out when she saw the smiling woman at the center of the venue. Her mind almost went black in anger upon the thought of her blocking her path again.

She went to great lengths just to attract Yao Zhongnan and yet his attention was snatched in an instant.

The worst part, it’s because of Hou Wei Yan again!

“Oh? Do you perhaps know her, Suchun?” Yao Zhongnan asked when he heard her soft whisper. He looked at her, his eyes filled with curiosity that made her blood boil.

She didn’t want to answer but she did not want to offend Yao Zhongnan.

“Ah. Yes” she answered, her voice soft and angelic. She tried so hard to suppress her anger and not shout. The others who were listening smiled at her innocent demeanor. Xiong Suchun tucked a strand of her hair to her ear and smiled. “She’s a doctor in our hospital”

“What’s her name?” someone asked without hesitation.

F.u.c.k. Why do you care?

She so wanted to shout that but instead, she forced herself to smile sweetly. “Hou Wei Yan”

“Hou?” Yao Zhognan repeated. Somehow her name sounds familiar. He had met the lady of Hou Household countless times but he had never met such beautiful lady before.

“It can’t be!” someone exclaimed as he turned to stare at the lady of their topic. “I heard Princess Xing’s daughter is back. Is that her?”

‘Princess Xing?’ Suchun curiously thought. As this was her first time to enter such a high society, she naturally did not know the titles given to the big shots of their social circle.

Yao Zhongnan smiled in amus.e.m.e.nt before he stared long and hard at the woman. “If she is, her eyes should be the same as Princess Xing”

The lot of them looked at the woman as well. Their intense stares were immediately felt by the twins. They glared hard at them but because they stood opposite to Wei Yan, she immediately saw their action. She looked behind which sent the men to look the other way.

But her action was enough to confirm their suspicion.

“If it’s true, then we should get close to her than the rest. Her fortune is to die for” Chang Zuan whispered like a hyena, his target now changed and locked. “Not to mention, she’s a goddess”

Yao Zhongnan smiled alongside him as he touched his chin in excitement. “Whoever gets her, gets Princess Xing’s fortune”

His statement sent the woman beside him to nearly go hysterical.

‘Why is the bitch always in my way?! It took me a long time to get Zhongnan attention and it was harder to convince this playboy to take me tonight’ Xiong Suchun thought, her inner demons nearly spewing out for the whole crowd to see.

‘Who even is Princess Xing? Is she that great? How in the world did the bitch get such connection?!’ she curiously thought as she continued cursing Wei Yan and accusing her of vile actions.

At that same moment, a dangerous mine has been stepped in by none other Liu Shan.

“Wei Wei, we invited your siblings tonight but Uncle didn’t allow it” Liu Shan blurted out as they finally settled in their seat. Jiayi was called out by the staffs on the back to properly introduce her to everyone. “He said that Jun Shen is busy studying and the twins are accompanying him somewhere”

“Jun Shen is already brilliant enough, I’m sure skipping for one night isn’t a big problem for him” Xing Cuifen remarked truthfully. She was quite close to Jun Shen and she knows for a fact how intelligent he is. The lunatic, Hou Guanyu, must be the problem again. “Is the situation in the household still the same?”

“It’s getting worse. The twins now know of their circ.u.mstances and the witch is keeping watch” Wei Yan shared with a sigh.

Still unaware that the situation was far graver than her thoughts.

“Why is Auntie keeping still? Isn’t she afraid the witch might harm her children?” Tan Jia grumbled, not liking the current situation of Jun Shen. Since they were closer in age, she and Jiayi was naturally closer to him than others. He had shared a few moments with them where he had to endure grueling things. But since they swore secrecy, she can’t blurt it out in the open.

“Father doesn’t tolerate abuse so I’m sure that’s not the case” Wei Yan said, sure that her father would protect them.

“Still—”

“I tried talking to mother but I can’t reach her lately” she cut off, not wanting to linger on such depressing matter. “I heard they had a written agreement regarding the children’s custody. Until they turn 21, they will remain under father’s rein”

When Cuifen heard this, she can’t help but angrily grip her glass. “What were they thinking? Auntie shouldn’t have allowed that”

“Yeah” Wei Yan answered, dismay also marked in her voice. “She shouldn’t have”

She tried several times to understand her actions, but she still could not grasp fully why she allowed such a thing. Xing Mei Yi was more than capable of taking care of the children and she knew for herself how happy they would be if that happened. Yet why?

Why did she agree and left behind her children?

Noticing the growing negativity in the air, Liu Shan decided to change the topic. “Anyway, Wei Wei. We were talking earlier about an after-party drinking session”

Wei Yan immediately turned her attention to her. When she saw Liu Shan’s beaming smile, she can’t help but sigh as she shakes her head. “Hey, Shannie, aren’t you getting bolder in drinking?”

The great honorable Liu Shan is in fact quite a drunkard. She began liking drinks when her tolerance shot up and the reason behind it is Xing Cuifen’s constant pestering.

“Life is more colorful when you’re bolder” Liu Shan blurted out. Upon hearing this, Wei Yan turned to Cuifen who was already smiling widely. That motto belonged to Cuifen but now, it became Liu Shan’s motto as well. “You can’t say no on us, Wei Wei”

“Shannie” Wei Yan called out, unsure what to reply. She did not ask permission from her husband. If she says yes it would look like she’s taking advantage of him. He had already allowed her to attend the party, but an after-party and a drinking session at that would seem imprudent.

While she was deliberating on her decision, a brunette man appeared before her. His hair styled in a drop fade making him look dashing and clean.

“Should I accompany you, Little Sister?” he said as he beamed the ladies on the table with a huge smile. “That way you can feel assured”

“Han Yu Shou” all of the ladies on the table called out and their face all looked the same…sarcastic and ticked.

When he received such cold greeting, Yu Shou pouted in was about to cry for such treatment. “Hey, don’t look at me like that!”

“You f.u.c.k.i.n.g weirdo, why did you come here?” Cuifen snarled, annoyed by his very presence.

If the world has Tom and Jerry, their group has Han Yu Shou and Xing Cuifen. No matter what situation they are under, wherever they are situated, or whoever may get involved, the two of them would fight over nonsensical matters like it’s one of the world’s most natural thing to do.

“Can’t I be with you, pretty ladies?” Yu Shou asked, trying his best to capture their sympathy.

Unfortunately, they all had enough of his antics that they can no longer sympathize with him or take his side.

“Shut up, you f.u.c.k.i.n.g v.i.r.g.i.n” Cuifen remarked, igniting the fire that will start the war. Liu Shan and the others can only sigh heavily and pretend they’re not acquainted or anything. “You can only speak flirty words but you can’t do the deed”

Han Yu Shou felt hurt by her words because what she said was true. But he’s not Han Yu Shou if he admits defeat!

“Hey, hey, Xing Cuifen. Put some filters in your words” he said with a smirk on his rather charming face. After a few seconds, his arrogant smile turned devilish as he displayed the darker side of him out in the open. He smiled towards Cuifen like a devil prying on someone. “You little shit”

Wei Wei nearly choked herself to death when she heard this. She had long lost contact with them so she never witnessed how far they can go in cursing. The Han Yu Shou she knows is a different kind of weirdo who makes annoying people a professional game. She never thought he was capable of spewing such words to a lady much more in such an elegant event.

“Han Yu Shou!” she called out when she saw he was about to speak another word of vulgarity. If he speaks more, the people will surely take notice of their nonsensical fight and might hear their crude words.

She wouldn’t like seeing them on the news because of such trivial matter!

Unfortunately, she called out the wrong person. She might have momentarily stopped Yu Shou but another bomb was coming her way and the one who fired it is her cousin.

Cuifen smirked back and showed him an arrogant and amused expression. There was fire in her eyes and the vile nature of it spread to her mouth. Xing Cuifen looked like a dangerous witch who has her enemies’ heart right at her palm. “Oho, come here you bastard. Let me show you how powerful my fist can be”

“Hey” Wei Yan called out to Cuifen.

Han Yu Shou who don’t like watching Cuifen acting c.o.c.ky stood up. Slowly, he cracked each of his fingers before he smiled his devilish smile again. “Bring it on”

Watching his vigor made Cuifen tremble in anger. She does not like watching him acting c.o.c.ky either.

As both of them now stared at each other while standing up, their physical fight a few seconds away from starting, Wei Yan found herself unable to suppress her irritation.

“Sit down!” she exclaimed, her voice strained from repressed anger. “You two better settle down before I stand up and give you a beating myself”

The two culprit flinched as Wei Yan’s eyes turned to a dangerously dark shade. Wei Yan was an angel but Yin also has a Yang. They always try to avoid angering her because when she’s angry, she’s like a whole new person and the accident that happened to her 8 years ago maxed out her anger issues.

They thought it was the end of the world, but Wei Yan immediately reverted to her angelic side. She looked at them, her eyes back to normal but she was no longer smiling their way. She was no longer happy at their attitude. “Today is Jiayi’s birthday and we’re not the only guest around”

Upon hearing the reason for her anger, Liu Shan can’t help but nod her head and be glad that Wei Yan is back. No one can handle the two brats other than Wei Yan so she can finally breathe a sigh of relief. She no longer has to fix the mess they leave behind because of their silly banters.

Xing Cuifen immediately sat back down after she got scolded. Han Yu Shou on the other hand remained standing as he pouted for getting reprimanded. “Little sister is so scary”

“I’ll become scarier if you don’t settle down, Yu Shou” Wei Yan immediately retorted, giving him one of her sweet smiles. But he knew that behind it was Wei Yan’s vile intentions if he keeps lingering around her radar. It was a warning and he knew better than to cross such a path.

“Fine” he said as he walked away, his head hung long like a sulking puppy.

Once he was gone, Xiaolian can’t help but ask something. “Why did he even come here?”

“I don’t know” Wei Yan replied nonchalantly. “His mind is so complex, none of us could possibly guess what he’s thinking”

After such words left her mouth, the lights started to dim and a spotlight was directed at the grand staircase. Everyone looked at the stairs and watched in awe as the President of Ethereal Conglomerate stood at the top.

He’s wearing a standard shirt and buttoned it up fully to support the elegant tie he’s wearing. On top of the shirt he’s wearing a trendy vest with 6 buttons, it has a fairly deep v-line, it’s just narrow enough for the top to remain visible, adding another layer to the overall look of the suit. Although already at the age that can be called old, Liu Enlai still looked young and his features still refined giving justice to his title as a man of honor and prestige.

“Thank you for coming here to celebrate my daughter’s, 20th birthday. I can’t fully express how thankful I am that such a large crowd gathered to congratulate her on this very special occasion” he said, his voice deep and somewhat enchanting. “I’m honored to present to all of you, my youngest daughter, Liu Jiayi”

At his queue, the gigantic golden door opened up, and out came a beautiful maiden dressed in red. She looked like a Phoenix that descended from the sky, her facial feature highlighted by the light that was directed at her and as she smiled it was like heaven split apart and graced the land.

As soon as Jiayi came out, a series of applause resonated across the venue. Many people sung melodic praises directed at her beauty.

Liu Enlai offered his hands to his daughter. Once Jiayi accepted, he raised the glass of champagne in his hands and looked at the crowd below him. “Let’s toast to Liu Jiayi”

“Cheers!” everyone exclaimed marking the start of the event.

“Please enjoy tonight’s party to your heart’s content” he announced as both of them descended from the stairs. Joyous music began to play out and the socializing part began.

Liu Shan took this opportunity to inquire about her decision regarding the after-party they are setting up. “Wei Wei, you’re coming with us later, okay?”

“Shannie, I—”

Shannie knew what she’s about to say so she clasped both of her hands together and began pouting in plea. Wei Yan’s kindness is something they are always glad about. “Please”

Wei Yan tried to look away, fully knowing that she would succ.u.mb if she stares at her more. But to her dismay, no matter where she faces, she was always greeted by their pleading look.

Unable to contain it anymore, Wei Yan sighed heavily in defeat. Since her husband is coming for the night, she’ll just ask permission then. If he disagrees she’ll just create a plausible excuse for leaving.

“Okay” Wei Yan softly mumbled.

“Yes!” Liu Shan exclaimed in victory. She hurriedly ushered their butler, Feng Ying. “Please prepare the Emperor Villa for us”

“Yes, Madame” Feng Ying immediately replied before he scurried away.

Wei Yan looked at her in disbelief. Wasn’t it supposed to be a brief after-party drinking session? Even if she gets permission from her husband, she wasn’t planning on staying for too long. “Hey, hey. You’re not planning on having a sleepover right?”

Liu Shan looked at her warmly before she winked at her. “Of course, it’s a yes”

“Cousin, you and Sister Qiu finally returned to us. How can we not have a sleepover” Cuifen spoke out before she could even manage to think of something to retort back. “Besides, we need to thoroughly welcome Miss Yue to the group”

With the mention of Yue Xiaoli, Wei Yan glanced her way and received her rare sweet and innocent smile. With such blinding smile, she was forced to give up fighting against them. She knew for herself she would never win against their stubbornness. “Fine”

“Wei Wei is really the best” Shannie exclaimed before she hugged Wei Yan. Wei Yan hugged her back with a smile.

Now all that’s left is to get permission from her husband.

“Look at that table. It’s shinning” someone exclaimed from afar as the table they are in continues to draw attention. They were constantly laughing and not caring about the stares they are receiving.

One woman who was observing them for a while can’t help but sigh at his oblivious state. He only said such word because of their beauty but they possess something other than that. “Of course it would shine. All the prominent noble ladies and gentlemen are gathered there”

One by one she secretly pointed at the ladies on the table using her index finger. “The Eldest and Youngest Miss of Ethereal Conglomerate, Liu Shan and Liu Jiayi. Their family is ranked 8th on the Regal Families”

The man nodded his head, remembering what the Regal Families are. Afterward, she pointed towards Xiaolian with a smirk on her face, her eyes filled with admiration. “The Madame of the rising electronic company F(x), Cao Xiaolian”

Nobody knows where Xiaolian came from. She just suddenly popped out in the business industry with her company F(x) Technologies. Their innovative creations brought out great possibilities for the future. But what made them well known are there terrifying programs filled with complicated codes and unshakable defense system. No one can penetrate the programs they created making it one of the well known and secured programs in the country.

Many people admires Cao Xiaolian simply because she started from scratch and now slowly dominating the technology business.

After a few seconds, she proceeded with the introduction with a smile on her face. “Two Young Miss of the prominent Military Families in the county, Qiu Meixiu, and Yue Xiaoli. The Yue Family ranks 11th on the Regal Families while the Qiu ranks 12th”

The other man besides her nodded his head when he remembered their faces. But the man whom he knows best is the one on the other table. He pointed towards the grinning Doctor with a frown. “Although Han Yu Shou is an eccentric man, he still belongs to the Royal Han Family ranked 10th on the Regal Families”

“Even the idol superstar, Tan Jia and three of the Xing Royal Granddaughters, Xing Cuifen, Xing Qiu and Xing Yun are there” somebody else exclaimed with a smile, evil intentions slowly brewing in their mind. “If you could make connections with them, it would be jackpot”

“Then who’s that blonde lady beside Madame Cao?” a young lady asked when she noticed the blonde woman amidst such a prestigious crowd. She was with them yet no one pointed out who she is.

“I don’t know” the young man beside her replied. “This is the first time I saw her in a gathering”

They looked at one another, curiosity heightening up because of the said woman.

“Ah, I need more sweets” Wei Yan mumbled when the plate in front of her became empty. Slowly, she stood up to ask for more.

Noticing her intention, Meixiu stood up as well. “Let me accompany you, Wei Wei”

Wei Yan looked at her and was about to say yes when she noticed the man walking towards them. She returned her gaze to Meixiu and warmly smiled at her.

“It’s okay, Sister Qiu. I won’t take long” she said as she got out of her seat. She then gestured Meixiu to look behind with a smile. “Besides, Brother Zedong is about to settle in”

Meixiu looked behind her and indeed, striding towards them with his dignified physique was Xie Zedong. Wei Yan hurriedly excused herself with Zedong a few inches from them.

She can no longer protest because Wei Yan was gone in a flash. She sat back on her seat right when Zedong arrived in front of them. He leaned closer to her and landed a soft kiss on the cheek before he settled down with a smile. “Sorry, it took me longer than expected”

The girls who saw this can’t help but smirk. That was the confirmation they needed.

“Brother Zedong” Tan Jia called out before she raised her hand and gave him one nice thumb up. “You’re the man!”

Hearing this, Zedong can’t help but laugh at their reaction. When his laughter died down, he urged the women following behind him to draw near. “By the way, I brought little Dandan with me”

“Dandan!” Cuifen immediately exclaimed when she saw Xu Dandan’s delicate appearance. She stood up and gave her a hug.

They know what Dandan went through and they know what frustrations she had to endure. Dandan shut herself in her mansion a few years ago and not once did she try to attend parties such as this. That’s why her attendance this evening brought quite a shock to them.

“Big Sister Cuifen” Dandan mumbled as she savored up the warm hug.

“I’m glad you came!” Cuifen exclaimed as she tightened her hug. She never thought she would see her again confidently facing the world. Such a reunion almost brought tears to her eyes. “I missed you, little cousin”

“Me too, Big Sister” Dandan softly mumbled, utterly glad that she went along Cheng Ying’s decision to attend the party.

Liu Shan smiled tenderly at such a scene. When Dandan’s eyes drifted towards her, Shannie gave her a nod with a big smile plastered on her face. “Welcome back, Dandan”

“Thank you” Dandan said with a smile. After a few seconds, she touched Cheng Ying’s hands that was gently pushing the wheelchair. She looked at her friends and smile. “By the way, this is my best friend”

All eyes were immediately directed towards her. Cheng Ying felt pressured but nonetheless, she smiled in ecstasy because Dandan finally admitted that she was her best friend. It took them a lot of argument and fighting to reach this point. Dandan was a hard nut to crack, but thankfully, Cheng Ying is harder than her. “Hello, my name is Cheng Ying”

Zedong smiled warmly at the two before he made space for them both. “Come on you two, join us”

“Thank you” Cheng Ying replied with a bow. Noticing her kind demeanor, the other ladies nodded their heads in approval.

Meanwhile, Wei Yan was stuck choosing what sweets she wants. The éclairs look appealing but the macaroons are taunting her to take them all away.

“Miss Hou?” someone from behind her called out while she was still debating whether or not to take more sweets in her obviously filled plate.

Because of such disturbance, Wei Yan slowly turned around and was greeted by a brunette womanizer. He offered his hands for a shake with his close eyed smile. “I’m Yao Zhongnan of Baoxing Corporation”

His boldness was something not everyone possesses but Wei Yan wasn’t taken aback by this. In the past, she has handled plenty of people like this whose shamelessness knows no bound.

Wei Yan smiled a diplomatic smile. She accepted his hands while thinking of his intentions. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Yao. I’m Hou Wei Yan of Yi Lan Hospital”

She thought it would simply end that way, without her having to let out her background. But she was wrong to assume such easy thing. Yao Zhongnan stared at her eyes before smiling again. “Are you perhaps Princess Xing and Master Hou’s daughter?”

Wei Yan’s eyes immediately turned a different shade of green before she smiled back. He wasn’t really asking a question, but rather guiding her to the destructive path.

Despite knowing his intentions, Wei Yan smiled nonetheless.

“Mr. Yao seems to be interested in my family” she blurted out, her voice neither offended nor kind. Her facial expression was angelic but her voice tells him otherwise. “I am indeed their daughter. Did Mr. Yao already know of this?”

“No” Zhongnan replied while smiling innocently. Wei Yan merely observed him and his obvious lies. “It was a coincidence. My girlfriend mentioned your name and I took a guess”

“Your girlfriend?” she immediately asked before glancing at the woman accompanying him. There stood one familiar face. “Nurse Suchun”

“Doctor Hou” Xiong Suchun greeted, her voice sweet and respectful. But inside she was boiling up like a volcano.

Seeing their interaction, Zhongnan can’t help but feel ecstatic. He needs to establish the connection and bait her.

“So it is true, you’re acquainted with one another” he said with a friendly smile on his face. He then took a polite bow towards her. “Please take care of my girlfriend, Doctor Hou”

Wei Yan remained silent at his plea. After a short pause, she returned to her smiling self. “Of course”

Zhongnan felt glad she accepted. While he was filling giddy, a waiter walked pass them and almost stepped on Wei Yan’s gown. Luckily, Wei Yan was swift enough to pull her gown back, revealing her diamond shoes in the open.

Being quite an attentive man, Zhongnan saw it and a smirk nearly crossed his face. His second opportunity came far too quickly. “Isn’t that the Bellegarde Diamond Stilettos? It’s a limited edition and there’s only two of that in this world”

“Mr. Yao is amazing. You even know fashion that some rarely knows” Wei Yan praised blankly upon hearing his comment. She knew for herself how hard he’s trying to leave an impression.

Yao Zhongnan smiled widely at her compliment, his head slowly getting bigger. “My sister is engrossed in Fashion that she managed to hitch me in it with her”

“I see” Wei Yan replied before glancing at her friends table. When she saw Xu Dandan and Cheng Ying seated amidst her group, Wei Yan decided to end the conversation right then and there. “If you would excuse me, Mr. Yao. My cousin has arrived”

“It was nice talking with you, Mr. Yao” she added to make him believe he achieved what he came here for. She then turned towards Xiong Suchun with a sincere smile on her face. “Miss Suchun as well. You look dazzling this evening”

‘Is that an insult?’ Suchun thought, now quite delusional and stuck in the negative limbo.

After saying her goodbye and compliment, Wei Yan walked away with a plate filled with sweets. She left behind one giddy Yao Zhongnan and an angry Xiong Suchun about to blow up.

“Hou Wei Yan” Yao Zhongnan softly mumbled but Suchun heard it anyway. What came next nearly made her nerves pop. “I need her”

‘Urgh, that bitch! I will kill her!’ she thought as she tightly clenched her fist.