Before Xia Chenchen could react, Xia Xingkong spun on her heel and marched away.
Fury burned in Chenchen's chest. Yet confronting her now was impossible – drenched in coffee, disheveled, and representing the Foreign Ministry demanded decorum. She couldn't afford a public scene.
Just as she turned to find a restroom, Xingkong's shocked gasp sliced through the corridor: "P-President?!"
Chenchen froze, following her stepsister's stunned gaze.
Bai Yeqing stood at the far end of the long hallway.
He'd appeared like a ghost. Flanked by his usual imposing retinue of aides and bodyguards, Leng Fei a silent shadow at his shoulder, he radiated icy authority.
Xingkong snapped rigidly to attention. Adoration, reverence, and naked longing warred on her face. This man truly could make any woman lose her mind.
But Chenchen felt only resentment churn within her, sharpened by the encounter with Xu Yan and Xingkong. If he hadn't arrogantly chosen me to bear his child five years ago, I wouldn't have lost Xu Yan… wouldn't be enduring Xingkong's venom now.
Bai Yeqing advanced with measured steps. Xingkong watched the perfect, untouchable figure draw nearer, her breath hitching, pulse racing wildly. She seemed poised to faint from exhilaration.
He passed her without a glance.
As if she were vapor. Utterly insignificant.
Xingkong whirled, disbelief warping her features as she stared daggers at Chenchen.
"Your Excellency." Chenchen offered a stiff, minimal bow, her tone cool.
Bai Yeqing's brow furrowed. Without a word, his hand shot out, gripping her chin with surprising force. He tilted her face upward, his intense gaze sweeping down her neckline, lingering on the angry red scorch marks staining her skin and the coffee-darkened fabric clinging to her chest.
The pressure stung. Resentment flared hotter. Chenchen tried to wrench free.
A single, commanding glare from Bai Yeqing stilled her. Raw power radiated from him, instantly quelling her defiance despite her fury. Confusion warred with… something else.
They stood unnervingly close. His long fingers held her jaw, the pads cool yet somehow branding her skin. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird.
And where exactly… is he looking?! Heat flooded her cheeks as his scrutiny remained fixed low on her chest.
"Sir… President…" she managed, her voice tight. Her whole body felt petrified.
Abruptly, he released her. He flicked a glance at Leng Fei. "Fetch a physician."
"At once, Your Excellency." Leng Fei acknowledged. Without another word or glance, Bai Yeqing turned and strode away.
As he passed Xingkong, his dark eyes paused on her for one chilling second. A wave of icy dread washed over her, freezing her blood.
Long after Bai Yeqing vanished, Chenchen remained rooted, stunned. Slowly, she raised trembling fingers to touch her jawline, the phantom heat of his grip lingering. So… he was checking my burns?
Maybe… just maybe… he isn't entirely detestable.
Xingkong finally snapped out of her stupor. Seeing Chenchen's distant expression, she sneered. "Sister, that dreamy look… Feeling a bit of spring fever for the President?"
Chenchen snapped back to reality, rolling her eyes. "Your face holds that expression far better."
"I have Xu Yan. I don't need to fantasize," Xingkong retorted smugly. "But you? Learn your place. Don't covet what's impossible. The President's gesture was mere public relations. A woman with another man's bastard child? Unworthy of a President… or even Xu Yan. Stop dreaming!"
Chenchen offered a thin smile. "Public relations, certainly. But even then… you remained beneath his notice."
"You—!" Xingkong choked on her fury.
Just then, an aide hurried over. "Excuse me, which of you is Miss Xia?"
"We both are!" Xingkong snapped.
"Miss Xia Chenchen," the aide clarified smoothly.
Xingkong's mouth snapped shut.
The aide turned to Chenchen with deference. "Please come with me. By the President's order, you are to receive immediate medical attention."
As Chenchen followed him away, Xingkong stamped her foot in furious silence. That woman's luck is infuriating!
...
The burns were minor – just angry red marks. After a quick treatment by the physician, Chenchen faced a dilemma: her ruined gown was unwearable. She slipped back into her simple, professional pantsuit. Amidst the glittering gowns and tuxedos filling the grand banquet hall, she felt like a sparrow among peacocks.
She took a seat at the very back, far from the prestigious front rows. Yet distance meant nothing.
Bai Yeqing shone like a beacon.
Surrounded by powerful diplomats and dignitaries who still deferred to him, he commanded the room effortlessly.
"Stop staring! You'll burn a hole through his suit!"
Chi Weiyang's hand waved before Chenchen's eyes. Startled, Chenchen realized she'd been fixated on Bai Yeqing's imposing back throughout the performance. Flushing, she looked away. "The… the show is quite captivating."
"Liar!" Weiyang snorted. "I know you're ogling His Excellency. Can't blame you. That man's presence is magnetic. But…" She nudged Chenchen conspiratorially. "See? Front right. Xu Yan keeps glancing back at you. Multiple times. Think he still carries a torch? Sparks might fly!"
Chenchen's hands clenched on her knees. She drew a slow breath, forcing her voice level. "He's Xia Xingkong's boyfriend now. Do you really think… there's any chance left?"
Weiyang's jaw dropped. Then indignation flared. "He's blind as a bat! And that snake Xia Xingkong? What a waste of prime material! I told you years ago she was trouble – the way she fawned over Xu Yan like she'd swallowed a love potion! Vindicated!"
"Shh!" Chenchen hissed, glancing around nervously. This was the Foreign Ministry hall; every occupant wielded influence. Weiyang's loud curses could spell disaster. Weiyang clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide with belated realization.
Chenchen's gaze drifted back toward Xu Yan's seat. Before he could turn again, she quickly averted her eyes.
A bittersweet ache bloomed in her chest. The twists of fate… Who could have imagined Xu Yan and Xia Xingkong together?