Chapter 13
Amidst the various glances cast her way, Feng Jin remained composed as if she were in a boardroom. She didn't shy away from the attention.
At tonight's banquet, how many guests were truly here for the Wang family heiress's coming-of-age ceremony?
Feng Jin and Jiang Suliu stood quietly in a corner. Before long, the guests all turned toward the staircase, where the evening's main character, Wang Siluo, made her appearance.
She wore a pink evening gown designed by a renowned Italian couturier, like a princess stepping out of a fairy tale. A clean, innocent smile adorned her youthful face. Her graceful demeanor earned her extra points, and her elegant steps spoke of rigorous British etiquette training.
The guests smiled warmly at tonight's princess.
Feng Jin was no exception.
Wang Siluo lifted her gown slightly and offered a small curtsy to the guests. Her smile wasn't a mask for the occasion, but a genuine expression of joy.
The host, a well-known TV presenter from S City, began the evening's program, warming up the atmosphere. Then came speeches from Wang Siluo's father, Wang Hongsheng, and the mayor's wife, filled with blessings and expectations. Seeing the usually stern mayor's wife smile so kindly made the guests reevaluate the significance of the Wang family heiress.
Wang Siluo seemed touched, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, though her expression remained poised.
After Wang Siluo gave her thanks, the host announced the start of the cocktail hour.
Jiang Suliu picked up two cocktails from a server's tray and handed one to Feng Jin.
"President."
Feng Jin accepted it with a polite nod. "Thank you."
Most of tonight's guests were from the business world, along with a few popular celebrities. Feng Jin scanned the room but didn't see Shi Yu. Understandable. Unless necessary, that woman had little patience for such events. Given her current status, declining the invitation was well within reason.
Returning her attention to the present, Feng Jin saw a familiar face approaching.
"President Feng, we meet again." Liu Ze'an's eyes held open admiration. "You look stunning tonight."
Feng Jin clinked glasses with him and smiled graciously. "Thank you."
Liu Ze'an carried the elegance of aged wine—confident, refined, and undeniably attractive.
Unfortunately, Feng Jin maintained a courteous yet unmistakable distance, even while smiling.
Liu Ze'an noticed this but wasn't discouraged. A woman like her only fueled the thrill of the chase. Women like Feng Jin were rare in this country—just his type. Letting her slip away would be a waste. His gaze shifted to Jiang Suliu.
"This must be President Feng's secretary? I believe we've met before." Liu Ze'an extended a hand. "Liu Ze'an. 'Ze' from 'runze' and 'an' from 'Chang'an.'"
Jiang Suliu caught the curiosity and confidence in his eyes, and his own narrowed slightly with icy clarity. He shook Liu Ze'an's hand. "Jiang Suliu. As in 'tracing the current upstream.'"
Something flickered in Liu Ze'an's eyes. He looked at Jiang Suliu with a bit more scrutiny but didn't voice his thoughts. He only smiled. "A pleasure."
Though newly returned to the country, Liu Ze'an had done his homework. During a past negotiation with Feng Jin, he'd found the young man beside her familiar but hadn't pursued it. Later, during a meeting with Jiang Sulufeng, realization struck. He had only heard of the Jiang family's younger son—the one who chose medicine and stayed abroad. His identity was rarely discussed, and the family shielded him heavily after a certain incident.
Looking into Jiang Suliu's slightly upturned, cool eyes, Liu Ze'an was momentarily stunned.
Suddenly, Jiang Suliu smiled faintly, but there was a bone-deep coldness in his gaze—directed at Liu Ze'an. The next moment, his expression returned to calm indifference. Liu Ze'an paused in his wine swirling. Was that... a warning?
Interesting.
Liu Ze'an smiled, unruffled and composed, exuding the grace of a seasoned leader.
Yet even as Jiang Suliu stood silently, he did not lose ground in presence.
The host announced the start of the ball.
The first dance was Wang Siluo's. Many eligible gentlemen stepped forward to invite her. She eventually chose a young man with a gentle aura. His ash-blond hair and refined, pale features hinted at mixed heritage, and his amber eyes gleamed like glass.
Many guests were curious about his identity but refrained from asking—this wasn't the setting for gossip.
Not far from the dance floor, Feng Jin also took a closer look at the young man.
All eyes turned to the golden couple in the center.
After the dance ended, Jiang Suliu extended a hand to Feng Jin.
She handed her drink to a server and placed her hand in his.
At that moment, Liu Ze'an's date arrived. A top-tier actress, beautiful and elegant. Yet her gaze toward Feng Jin held an inexplicable hostility.
Feng Jin ignored it, excused herself, and walked onto the floor with Jiang Suliu.
"President, forgive me if I make any missteps." Jiang Suliu held her in a textbook posture—left hand gently supporting her lower back, right hand holding hers. "I'm not very practiced."
Meeting his enchanting eyes, Feng Jin was momentarily dazed. Then she smiled. "Just follow my lead."
As the music flowed, Feng Jin guided him, their bodies maintaining a respectful distance but occasionally brushing close.
"Relax," she said softly. "Your steps are fine. No need to be tense."
Jiang Suliu did his best to appear calm, diverting his thoughts to hide his rising nervousness. He was half a head taller than Feng Jin. A slight tilt downward, and he could see the faint curve of her collarbone. His breath caught. He quickly shifted his gaze to her graceful neck.
The music swirled around them, tinged with a hazy intimacy. Jiang Suliu tightened his lips. The subtle fragrance from her seemed to cling to him, so he silently recited last month's financial report to keep calm.
"Tonight, forget the boss-subordinate roles. Just treat me as your partner," she said. She had clearly noticed his damp palm and stiff movements. "You must've danced before, right?"
"The etiquette teacher taught me, but I never practiced."
"Busy with studies?"
"My mentor's projects kept me occupied."
"Sounds exhausting."
"Research calms me. Focusing on one thing gives me a sense of purpose."
"Like tracking the NASDAQ?"
"No," Jiang Suliu hesitated. "Clinical anatomy and treatment."
Feng Jin blinked, then smiled. "So your finance degree is a second major?"
"Yes."
His eyes drifted to her hand. It was beautiful and slender, but a light callus in her palm revealed long-term use of cold weapons, not office work.
"You clearly have talent in finance."
Jiang Suliu regained his composure. "Thank you, Presi—"
"Call me Feng Jin." She cut in with a smile. "I told you, tonight we're just partners."
Jiang Suliu felt an overwhelming rush of dopamine, leaving him hot and light-headed.
The air thickened. The music faded in the background. All he could see was her familiar yet distant face.
Unknowingly, his movements became smoother and more natural.
"See? You're doing great."
Catching the warmth in her eyes, Jiang Suliu paused. He suddenly realized she'd been chatting with him to ease his nerves.
"You can raise your hand a little. No need to be so cautious."
"...Okay." He adjusted his hand, his fingers brushing her cool, smooth back. He met her eyes—they were smiling.
Jiang Suliu looked away. Those eyes made him forget himself.
He knew she wasn't as cold as she appeared. She was polite and warm to employees and business partners alike. But her rarely seen smiles and innate authority made her seem unapproachable. Yet tonight, something—perhaps the music, the atmosphere, or the gown and her cascading hair—made her appear... gentle.
He couldn't explain this feeling, but whatever purpose had brought him back from abroad was no longer clear.
The music ended. They returned to their seats. Jiang Suliu pulled out a chair for Feng Jin, then retrieved two glasses of champagne.
"Thank you," she said naturally.
The banquet would continue until midnight. There was still a long way to go. She sipped her champagne, resting for now. Several well-dressed men came to invite her to dance, all politely declined.
None were surprised by her refusal. They understood her status. Many had come hoping to make a connection with a wealthy, recently single woman.
Feng Jin didn't need to glance around to know what they were thinking. She swirled her drink elegantly, her expression calm. Even in a glamorous dress, her commanding aura made others hesitate.
"Standing by my side means no one will ask you to dance," Feng Jin said, looking at Jiang Suliu.
Unfazed, he replied coolly, "Tonight, I'm only your dance partner."
Feng Jin chuckled but said nothing more.
As the second dance ended, Jiang Suliu handed her a phone.
"President, your call."
She set down her champagne, took the phone, and stepped away.
In the garden outside, though it was night, the area was brightly lit.
The peonies were in full bloom, their scent lingering in the breeze.
Feng Jin called back.
"Miss," the butler said, his tone tinged with worry despite his restraint, "Please come to New York as soon as possible."
Feng Jin stood still for five seconds before replying, "I'll fly out tomorrow."
After hanging up, she remained motionless for a long time. The night air was chilly, but she didn't feel it.
When she finally turned to leave, she unexpectedly bumped into someone.