Wen Xuxue calmly removed the ring from her fingertip, placed it back into her pocket, and withdrew her gaze, saying, “No.”
Zhao Sui noticed her action and frowned, asking, “Why did you take the ring off again?”
Wen Xuxue replied, “It’s uncomfortable to wear.”
Zhao Sui looked somewhat disdainful, his tone unpleasant. “Then don’t lose it again. This ring is expensive—over a million.”
Wen Xuxue left in silence.
It wasn’t out of temper.
She was going to change her clothes.
Tonight’s banquet was centered around her and Zhao Sui.
Later, they would have to toast table by table.
At the thought of this, Wen Xuxue began to feel irritable.
The reasons were as follows:
First, she was socially anxious.
Second, she didn’t want to be with Zhao Sui.
Third, Zhou Shijing.
The evening gown was already placed in the room upstairs. As soon as Wen Xuxue pushed the door open, a wine-red off-shoulder silk mermaid dress draped on a mannequin caught her eye.
The makeup artist and stylist were already waiting nearby. “Miss, please take a seat here.”
Wen Xuxue obediently complied.
Her natural features were striking, with intense facial contours that required little makeup to appear breathtakingly beautiful.
If she had only applied makeup and styled her hair, she would still look youthful and pure.
But after putting on this vibrant dress, she visibly transformed into someone mature and alluring.
Yet her age was evident, so this mature appearance still carried a hint of innocence.
The two contrasting qualities intertwined within her, creating an unparalleled beauty.
Wen Xuxue lifted the long hem of her dress and walked out, while the makeup artist held the glass door open for her.
Just as she took a step outside, she locked eyes with Zhao Sui, who was standing crookedly outside the door.
He was wearing a wine-red suit.
However, neither his height, physique, demeanor, nor appearance could carry such a dazzling color. Standing beside Wen Xuxue, he instantly faded into the background.
The two were utterly mismatched.
She was not satisfied with him.
But he was immensely satisfied with her.
Zhao Sui rarely smiled so broadly in front of her. “Isn’t it nice to wear a dress? Why do you always wear pants?”
Wen Xuxue curled her lips and said bluntly, “You’re not worth me wearing a dress.”
Wearing a dress was such a hassle.
You had to style your hair, apply makeup, choose matching bags, jewelry, and watches.
And you had to maintain your posture.
Zhao Sui scoffed, no longer giving her a pleasant expression. “Then who is worth it? Your ex-boyfriend?”
Wen Xuxue remained silent.
Mindful of the occasion, Zhao Sui didn’t make a scene and extended his arm toward her.
Wen Xuxue took a step forward, lightly linking her arm with his, and walked with him toward the banquet hall.
The dishes were mostly served, and the atmosphere was lively.
Su Lishu and Wen Yu wore beaming smiles.
Despite her reluctance, Wen Xuxue picked up a glass of wine and walked toward the main table.
“Here you are,” Su Lishu said, looking at the two with a gratified smile.
Wen Xuxue nodded, her gaze sweeping over the people at the main table.
Her father, her uncle, her other uncle, Zhao Sui’s father, Zhao Sui’s uncle…
And Zhou Shijing, seated at the head of the table.
Several middle-aged men had faint flushes on their faces from drinking.
Only Zhou Shijing’s expression remained as indifferent as ever, his wine glass untouched beside him.
It seemed he hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol.
Thus, when toasting, Wen Xuxue automatically skipped him.
“Xiao Xue,” Wen Yu called out sternly, noticing her action.
Wen Xuxue’s body instantly tensed.
The deeply ingrained fear of her father began to spread within her.
Wen Yu frowned and scolded, “How can you be so rude, skipping right over your older brother? Don’t you need to toast him? Have you forgotten him now that you’ve grown up? He was so good to you when you were little.”
He had drunk a bit, and even in front of everyone, his tone when reprimanding his children was harsh and unrestrained.
Wen Xuxue’s eyes suddenly reddened.
The man seated below remained composed, tapping the table lightly without a change in expression.
Zhou Shijing’s gaze briefly swept over her face, calm and indifferent.
He suddenly spoke, his voice filled with the authority of someone in a high position: “Uncle Wen.”
Wen Yu couldn’t bear being addressed like this and instantly softened his previously stern demeanor. Before he could say anything, Zhou Shijing’s voice rang out again: “She’s still young. Don’t scold her.”
Wen Yu hurriedly replied, “Yes, yes, I was just afraid she might neglect you.”
Zhou Shijing’s lips curved almost imperceptibly.
It seemed like a smile, but it was faint and fleeting.
He looked over, his gaze lingering on the flustered young girl standing nearby, and slowly said, “Xiao Xue, come here.”
Wen Xuxue composed herself and walked over to him.
Zhou Shijing watched her, his eyes clear and untainted.
He raised his glass and gently clinked it against hers, saying, “Older Brother toasts you.”
Wen Xuxue was momentarily stunned, watching as the cold rim of the glass touched his thin lips. The wine slowly flowed in, his Adam’s apple bobbed a few times, and he drank it all in one go.
When he set the glass down, he continued to look at her with the same calm expression as before.
So, under his gaze, Wen Xuxue also drank the wine in her glass in one go.
Everyone wanted to climb the high branch that was Zhou Shijing.
Following his parents’ cue, Zhao Sui also stepped forward with his glass, smiling as he said, “President Zhou, let me toast you as well.”
Only then did Zhou Shijing shift his gaze away from Wen Xuxue, glancing over with an air of indifference. His expression remained calm, and he made no move for a long time.
Zhao Sui’s arm hung in mid-air, extremely awkward.
“Well, then, I’ll drink first.”
Zhou Shijing still showed no reaction, so Zhao Sui awkwardly uttered these words, finished his wine, and placed the glass on the table.
The movement was too forceful, causing the glass to tremble slightly on the table.
He looked exactly like an immature little kid.
Zhou Shijing calmly averted his gaze, exuding an aura of composure, authority, and aloofness.
From start to finish, he offered no explanation.
The previously lively atmosphere briefly turned somber because of this incident.
But none of this concerned Wen Xuxue anymore.
After the toast, she slipped away as if relieved of a heavy burden.
Who could understand?
How utterly mortifying such occasions were for an introvert like her.
Not long after she left, Zhou Shijing announced his departure.
Everyone at the main table stood up simultaneously and escorted him out.
At the entrance, an extended black Maybach was already waiting.
Zhou Shijing took his overcoat and put it on.
The coat was made of fine cashmere, shimmering with a silvery glow under the night sky. Every cut and detail exuded luxury and prestige.
It made him appear even more distinguished.
His secretary jogged a few steps ahead to open the car door, then bowed and waited.
Wen Yu and the others smiled and said, “President Zhou, have a safe journey.”
Zhou Shijing nodded faintly, his attitude neither cold nor warm.
He walked toward the Maybach.
Just as everyone thought he would get directly into the car, Zhou Shijing suddenly paused in front of it.
He turned back, his gaze devoid of any ripple, traversing the layers of night and landing precisely upon Wen Xuxue, who was hiding nearby.