Xie Yuli had actually taken the initiative to message her?
The moment Shen Bingci saw the notification, her lips curved upward.
Shen Bingci:
Not busy. What’s wrong?
Fiancé:
In two weeks, the Ricott Royal Horse Racing Gala will be held in Country Y. Would Miss Shen honor me with her company?
The Ricott Gala was a prestigious event passed down through the royal family of Country Y for over a century.
Guests were required to wear designated attire.
Their identities underwent strict screening.
It was the epitome of aristocratic social culture—a gathering that represented the tastes and status of the upper class.
It was the first time Xie Yuli had invited her somewhere.
Could this be…
A date?
The thought instantly made her feel hotter than she had during the most exhausting moments of dance practice.
Shen Bingci:
Of course.
Shen Bingci:
Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Xie.
Seeing her reply, Xie Yuli rested his fingers against his temple.
The corners of his lips lifted almost imperceptibly.
She was always so polite.
Even after he had repeatedly told her she didn’t need to be.
Inside his office, the man sat in a double-breasted suit.
His usual cold, intimidating aura seemed lighter than normal.
Looking down at his phone, a faint warmth softened his eyes.
His assistant, Yan Ting, placed a thick stack of documents on the desk.
“President Xie, these are all the files you requested.”
Ever since his engagement, Yan Ting had noticed a change.
His boss often stared at his phone and displayed expressions that had never appeared before.
And whenever Yan Ting accidentally glanced at the screen, the messages were always from Miss Shen.
He was astonished but wisely kept his thoughts to himself.
Xie Yuli thanked him, set down his phone, and resumed his usual cold professionalism while reviewing the documents.
After scanning a few pages, he asked:
“Where are the files about the wedding homes?”
The documents before him were extremely important and urgently required his attention.
Yet the first thing he wanted to review was the selection of their future homes.
“They’re at the bottom, President Xie.”
Yan Ting pointed them out.
Without hesitation, Xie Yuli pulled out the final folder and began reading carefully.
Whenever he found a suitable option, he marked it with a pen.
“Next time, put anything related to the wedding first.”
Yan Ting suppressed his shock.
“Understood, President Xie.”
Wedding matters had now become the highest priority.
Nothing would outrank them.
It was obvious how seriously President Xie regarded Miss Shen.
Xie Yuli pointed at one of the photographs.
“Have you personally visited this seaside property?”
“Yes. I’ve inspected every location listed here.”
Xie Yuli nodded.
His sharp eyes lingered on the image.
“How’s the environment?”
For the next thirty minutes, he questioned Yan Ting about every single property.
After reviewing them all, he ran a hand through his hair.
His forehead was smooth and handsome, his brow bone sharply defined, shadows falling lightly beneath his eyes.
“These choices still aren’t ideal.”
“They don’t feel like something she’d like.”
It was merely a feeling.
He couldn’t explain exactly why.
Or what was wrong.
Shen Bingci was difficult to understand.
At times she seemed easygoing.
At others, incredibly particular.
Ultimately, the problem was simple:
They still didn’t know each other well enough.
Yan Ting was surprised.
He had assembled the widest variety of luxury properties possible.
Yet President Xie scrutinized them more severely than he did business reports.
His mind raced.
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
“President Xie, why don’t you ask Miss Shen directly?”
“Women often see things differently than we do.”
Xie Yuli tapped the armrest thoughtfully.
“That’s reasonable.”
After Yan Ting left, Xie Yuli received a phone call.
After listening for a moment, he replied calmly:
“Sorry. I don’t have time.”
The other party continued persuading him.
Several minutes passed.
Xie Yuli rubbed his forehead and sighed.
“Fine.”
Meanwhile, Shen Bingci had returned to the ballet company.
To maximize the impact of the performance, her participation in tonight’s important production remained confidential.
Only a few members of the company knew she would be appearing.
The greater the expectations, the greater the pressure.
At the moment, however, she was staring at photographs of gifts she had selected for Xie Yuli.
When she had visited the store, she wasn’t sure what to buy.
A sales associate had asked:
“Miss Shen, who is the gift for?”
Before she could answer, Zhuang Zhenying enthusiastically responded:
“For her fiancé.”
The sales associate immediately understood.
She began recommending gifts specifically suited for men.
Perfume.
Ashtrays.
And because the recipient was her fiancé, even more personal gifts became acceptable.
Suits.
Dress shoes.
Ties.
Even luxury designer underwear.
Shen Bingci practically bought an entire wardrobe for Xie Yuli.
At one point, the store lacked his measurements.
She had secretly asked Xie Wanshi for his sizes and specifically instructed her not to tell her brother.
Otherwise the surprise would be ruined.
“I want to choose a pair of cufflinks.”
That had been her main objective.
Still, every suit seemed perfect for him.
Every tie looked as though it had been designed with him in mind.
So she bought those too.
She couldn’t help wondering what expression he would make when he saw everything.
Would he be happy?
Would he like them?
What would he say?
In the end, one item captured her attention instantly.
The store’s most treasured piece.
A cufflink set called Heart of Crimson.
Crafted from one of the world’s rarest South African rubies.
The only one of its kind.
Cut by the world’s finest gemstone artisan.
Resting inside a velvet-lined box, the ruby glowed like a drop of blood.
Its countless facets sparkled magnificently beneath the light.
It looked almost unreal.
She immediately imagined it fastened to Xie Yuli’s cuff.
Against his pale wrist.
His elegant bones.
A slight movement of his hand.
The crimson gemstone blazing like fire.
Beautiful.
Luxurious.
Yet somehow still less captivating than the man wearing it.
It suited him perfectly.
Looking at the sales associate, Shen Bingci smiled.
“I’ll take it.”
The associate carefully wrapped the item.
Before they left, she offered her congratulations.
“Wishing you and your future husband a lifetime of happiness and love.”
Throughout the entire trip, Zhuang Zhenying kept teasing her.
“If you give this to Xie Yuli, what kind of expression do you think he’ll make?”
Shen Bingci thought for a moment.
“I don’t know.”
“He receives countless gifts.”
“Maybe this will only be an ordinary one.”
After all, wealth wasn’t something he lacked.
Nor were meaningful presents.
She truly didn’t know how he would react.
Later, while preparing backstage and fixing her hair, Shen Bingci glanced toward the audience.
Then suddenly froze.
Sitting in the center section was Xie Yuli.
Her footsteps stopped instantly.
Why was he here?
Zhuang Zhenying noticed him too.
Covering her mouth, she whispered excitedly:
“Don’t tell me…”
“Xie Yuli came here specifically to cheer you on?!”