Stepping onto the soil of Nanshi again, Xin Yu felt a sense of déjà vu. The past month had felt incredibly long and incredibly eventful.
Especially the man sitting beside her, his fair and resolute profile, exuding an innate air of superiority, elegant and noble.
Xin Yu admitted that she didn't dislike him; in fact, she felt a certain attraction, from the first time she sensed his aura before even seeing him, from the first time she heard his cold, magnetic voice.
Her heart had quickly evolved from curiosity and fear to the feelings she felt now.
However, the more certain she was of her own heart, the more sorrow and desolation she felt. Because she couldn't control it, because of the contrast between her ordinary self and his noble character, because the foreseeable road ahead was too difficult.
Lowering her head slightly, Xin Yu stroked the ring on her ring finger. She had always considered it a promise, a solemn commitment to a lifetime of love, but now, tightly holding it around her finger, she felt no sense of security.
"What are you thinking about?" Mu Yichuan, who had been enjoying the focused gaze of the woman beside him, suddenly felt a sadness in her eyes. He reached out and covered her small hand, stroking her ring finger.
"Keep it with you forever."
Xin Yu raised an eyebrow, looking at him. Was this his true feeling? Had he considered what those words meant? Or was it just a passing fancy?
"I..." Xin Yu lowered her brow, "After the wedding, I want to wander around by myself."
I'd prefer to see Ai Heng and get some answers about what happened before.
Mu Yichuan's dark eyes shone brightly. He was silent for a moment, then pulled Xin Yu into his arms. "Wander around? Sure. But going alone, do you think that's appropriate?"
"..." What's inappropriate about it! She didn't want to be with him at all, feeling completely unfree.
"Hmm?"
"I want to see some old classmates and friends. I'm afraid Mr. Jiu would be too..." Xin Yu glanced at Mu Yichuan, "No, not really appropriate."
"Have I been a bit too insincere lately?"
...! Xin Yu lowered her head, biting her lip. This guy was at it again. These past few days, besides tormenting her at night, he trained her whenever he had time during the day!
Was she made of iron?
"I was afraid you'd find it inconvenient," Xin Yu looked up, feigning concern for him. "The place I used to live wasn't even as good as Yuanzi's house."
She remembered when he went to Cheng Yuan's house to find her, his conclusion was "this lousy place." If she went back to where she used to live…
Mu Yichuan's heart felt a pang, not a sharp pain, but he felt it. His dark eyes stared intently at Xin Yu. He knew she had suffered before, but for the first time, he felt a pang of unease.
"Then don't go back."
Faced with his cold command, Xin Yu resisted. For her, there was no place like home, and besides, she wasn't going back to live there; she just wanted to find that memory.
"It's rare for me to come back." She finished speaking and tried to lower her head, but he lifted her up, his cool lips covering her cherry lips…
"Do you like the Nanlong Villa?" This time he didn't possess her too much.
Xin Yu's eyes flickered. Was this man's thinking always so jumpy?
What did it matter whether she liked the Nanlong Villa or not? That was his home!
"You can redesign it based on what you've learned."
"…"
"Or if you don't like it, we can buy a few villas behind the Mu Group."
Xin Yu's lips twitched slightly. Could she please stop this topic?
This man was just too rich, crushing her to the point of no return!
"Are we here?" Xin Yu quickly grasped Mu Yichuan's hand, changing the subject, tilting her head slightly.
He looked outside, and as the bodyguard opened the car door, he strode out.
Xin Yu had no desire to attract attention by following him. She had been dawdling, trying to think of a way to avoid it, but several circles of people had already gathered around Mu Yichuan…
"Mr. Jiu, your esteemed presence is truly an honor and blessing for our Zhang family!"
"Mr. Jiu, this way please!"
"Mr. Jiu is so handsome…"
"My heart is about to stop, oh my god, he's so cool…"
"…"
In an instant, respectful voices, fawning voices, and infatuated exclamations filled every corner of the venue, but no one noticed Xin Yu standing beside the car.
She rolled her eyes at the scene. This man was truly captivating!
Watching him being escorted to the most expensive seats in the venue, Xin Yu wanted to turn around and leave, but then she saw Mu Feng's gaze.
Forget it, disobeying Mu Yichuan would probably have dire consequences! Besides, she also wanted to try her luck and see if she could see Zhang Wan and ask about what happened that day.
She had only taken three steps when she heard a sweet, slightly shrill voice: "Oh, is this our talented Xin Yu?"
Xin Yu turned around. She remembered this person; she was the most beautiful girl in the art department in college, and they had even had a painting contest once…
"Hi, Miss Beauty," Xin Yu replied simply. They were from completely different worlds, and she really didn't want to say too much.
"Oh my god!" She covered her mouth, her eyes wide. "You actually came to Zhang Chen's wedding! Did you regret it and plan to snatch Zhang Chen back?"
Hearing the exaggerated giggles, Xin Yu frowned slightly. "If there's nothing else, I'll go find a seat."
"You dare to act high and mighty looking like that!" The most beautiful girl in the department showed a disdainful expression, her eyes blatantly scanning Xin Yu up and down. "Dressed like that, you're simply embarrassing!"
Xin Yu looked down at her simple T-shirt and jeans, then compared them to the most beautiful girl's elaborate and luxurious pink dress. She did look a bit...
But this was Mu Yichuan's idea, and she was just carrying it out.
"Darling, you're so mean! You made me wait so long, my legs are getting sore!" The most beautiful girl climbed onto a slender man who walked over, her small fist gently landing on his shoulder. Her sweet, coquettish voice gave Xin Yu goosebumps.
"Sweetie, I'll rub it for you later." The man pinched her cheek.
Xin Yu couldn't take it anymore and turned to leave, but then she heard the department beauty call out, "Wanwan."
It was indeed Zhang Wan. Tonight, she was the younger sister of the main character, wearing a sky-blue, tight-fitting, deep-V dress that perfectly showcased her graceful figure and fair skin.
"Xin Xin?" Zhang Wan showed her usual enthusiasm, reaching out to grab Xin Yu's arm. "You're here! I really didn't expect it, I'm so happy!"
The department beauty pouted. "Wanwan, I think you should find a dress and do your makeup for your former 'sister-in-law' and your current good classmate."
Zhang Wan looked a little embarrassed, but still maintained her charming smile. "Xin Xin is doing fine now, she's a student."
"After studying for so many years, shouldn't you know what to wear for what occasion? Or are you so poor that this is all you have?" The department beauty was determined to taunt Xin Yu; this was a rare opportunity!
Her loud voice naturally attracted the attention of many people around, including—
"Xin Yu, what are you doing here?" Zhang Hong took a few steps over, staring at Xin Yu with wide eyes. "Manager Zhang?!" Xin Yu was also surprised. What was she doing here? She hadn't even explained to her about being "sent" on a blind date last time!
"Cousin, you know Xin Xin?" Zhang Wan asked, her face full of surprise, a glint of light flashing in her slightly upturned eyes.
"Oh, she works part-time at our company," Zhang Hong said casually. "By the way, Xin Yu, you didn't say you had something to do at the end of the month, was it because you were coming to my cousin's wedding?"
Before Xin Yu could speak, the most beautiful girl in the department covered her mouth and laughed, "You really are broke."
"Aya!" Zhang Wan scolded slightly.
Xin Yu glanced at her. Now that she'd seen Zhang Wan, she had no intention of bothering with anyone else. She grabbed Zhang Wan's hand and pulled her closer. "Wanwan, do you have a moment? Let's talk in private."
Zhang Wan paused, patted Xin Yu's hand, and looked around. "I have a few guests to see. Why don't you wait for me in room 203? I have something to say to you too."
Xin Yu didn't think much of it. After chatting with Zhang Hong for a few moments, she hurried upstairs. Sitting on the sofa, she unconsciously twirled the ring on her ring finger.
She never expected the department beauty to go see Zhang Chen…
Mu Feng looked around but couldn't find Xin Yu. Mr. Jiu had already asked several times, "Mr. Jiu, I'll go look for Madam. There are so many people today; I don't know if she didn't see your seat."
Mu Yichuan let out a cold snort. Everyone could see where he was, and even those two meters away were craning their necks to curry favor, but this little woman couldn't see him! Mu Feng shuddered; he was truly caught in a dilemma. Helping was wrong, not helping was also wrong. "I'll go look for her."
"No need." Mu Yichuan waved his hand, leaning back elegantly and languidly in his seat. "Mu Jian is with her."
As if matching Mu Yichuan's expression, soft celebratory music began to play in the hall, and the groom's tall figure was tracked on the large screen.
"Get out of here!" A sharp shout suddenly rang out. The guests exchanged glances, then followed the sound to discover that the groom was actually in the second-floor lounge!
"Zhang Chen, are you out of your mind? Today is your wedding!" Xin Yu had no idea that her every move and word was being "watched" by the audience downstairs.
Especially Mu Yichuan, whose dark eyes flashed with fire as he stared unblinkingly at the screen.
Just now, Xin Yu had broken free from Zhang Chen's embrace?! "Xin Xin, I like you. I told you that last time in the capital!"
Xin Yu leaned against the window, her dark eyes darting around, hoping for a chance to escape. "I don't like you. I told you that last time in the capital too!"
"I don't believe you!" Zhang Chen roared, his eyes bloodshot, as if under a spell. "If you don't like me, then who do you like?"
Xin Yu sighed, "My affairs are none of your business. You should get ready; the auspicious time is coming soon!"
"Your affairs are none of my business, but who will? Mr. Jiu?" Zhang Chen took two steps toward Xin Yu. "You really think someone as important as Mr. Jiu would be interested in you? Don't dream. He only wants you for—"
His voice trailed off.
Xin Yu stared at Zhang Chen; his face instantly turned deathly pale.
Had he revealed some fatal secret?