The city's elite gathered under golden chandeliers at the luxurious Imperial Crown Hotel. Tonight's charity gala was the perfect blend of prestige and opulence, where alliances were formed behind polite smiles and champagne toasts.
Among the elegantly dressed attendees, Zhao Feng maintained his usual low profile. He wore a tailored black suit, exuding understated sophistication. The crowd paid him no particular attention, just as he preferred.
But someone did.
Across the grand hall, Su Mei stood in a sleek, sapphire-blue gown that hugged her curves with graceful elegance. Her every step commanded attention, yet her gaze remained locked on one person.
Zhao Feng.
The two exchanged an unspoken acknowledgment. While the rest of the room indulged in idle conversation, a different game played between them. Su Mei's suspicion lingered, but beneath it was undeniable curiosity.
"Mr. Zhao," Su Mei greeted as she approached, her signature smile never faltering. "We meet again."
"Miss Su," Zhao Feng replied smoothly. "Another coincidence, I presume?"
"Perhaps," she replied, sipping her wine. "Or perhaps I enjoy observing those who prefer to remain unseen."
Zhao Feng chuckled softly. "And what have you observed?"
"That you excel at hiding in plain sight." Her eyes sparkled, challenging him. "But even shadows have their patterns."
He admired her sharpness. Few could spar with him on this level.
As the evening progressed, Su Mei made her move. With a delicate flourish, she produced a sleek, embossed card.
"There's an exclusive private event tomorrow," she said, her voice laced with intrigue. "I'd like you to be my guest."
Zhao Feng arched a brow. "Why the sudden invitation?"
"Curiosity," she admitted without hesitation. "And perhaps... a desire to see what lies beneath your shadows."
A subtle pause followed. Zhao Feng could feel the weight of the challenge in her words. Declining would only confirm her suspicions. Accepting would place him under her watchful gaze.
But Zhao Feng wasn't one to back down.
"Very well," he said with a faint smile. "I'll accept your invitation."
Ding!
[Su Mei Favorability +12%]
[Su Mei Suspicion +8%]
As Su Mei walked away, Zhao Feng's thoughts lingered. She was persistent — a rare quality. But what intrigued him more was her composure. Despite her growing suspicions, she maintained her poise.
"Boss," Xiao Ling's voice came softly through the earpiece. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"Perhaps," Zhao Feng replied calmly. "But it's one worth playing."
While Su Mei sought to uncover the truth, Zhao Feng was equally curious. Not about her investigation, but about the woman herself.
The shadows shifted, and the game continued.