That night, even after darkness fell, the ancient city of Jinling remained brightly lit, with countless homes illuminated. The wide streets bustled with life, and many people strolled about after dinner, enjoying the city’s night scenery.
In the most prosperous area of Jinling, inside the Junyue Grand Hotel, many wealthy businessmen arrived with gifts in hand, smiling non-stop as they offered their congratulations. Whether in politics or business, the Ye family was a prominent name. People constantly tried to curry favor with them. Now that Elder Ye had a new grandson, how could they miss such a perfect opportunity? Some even brought their daughters along.
Inside the grand hall, countless elites were raising their glasses and chatting cheerfully. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhao, the main character of the evening, was hiding in a corner, too afraid to show his face. He crouched behind a pillar and cautiously peeked at the women in the distance searching for him, muttering under his breath, “What kind of monsters are these? You call 150 kilograms curvy? And that one that looks like a gorilla… she could probably punch a cow to death.”
Just then, a hand lightly tapped his shoulder. Jiang Zhao turned around in confusion and saw a figure in a sapphire-blue evening gown standing behind him—it was Tang Guo, whom he had seen earlier that morning.
To be honest, among all the women Jiang Zhao had met, except for Qin Lingxue, none could compare to Tang Xue. Her perfectly proportioned long legs were exposed beneath the elegant gown, and her snow-like skin and delicate collarbone looked like a work of art.
Tang Xue glanced at the crowd still searching in the distance and instantly understood Jiang Zhao’s predicament. She smiled and said, “Young Master Jiang, do you need a hand? Looks like you’re not in the best situation right now.”
Hearing that, Jiang Zhao hesitated briefly before nodding. “Thanks.”
The two of them walked out hand-in-hand like a couple. This stunning pair immediately drew countless gazes. The daughters of various wealthy families who noticed Tang Guo stopped in their tracks. They didn’t have the confidence to compete with this heiress of the Tang family and could only watch the two with envy.
Suddenly, the entire banquet hall fell silent. Ye Long, dressed in formal attire, stepped onto the central stage of the hall with a microphone in hand. He looked around at the crowd and said with a smile, “First of all, thank you all for giving me face and coming to this gathering for my nephew. Now, allow me to formally introduce my nephew—Jiang Zhao!”
The lights in the hall dimmed, and a spotlight shone directly onto Jiang Zhao among the crowd. Everyone turned to look.
Jiang Zhao, who had always disliked being in the spotlight, was clearly helpless, but he prepared to walk onto the stage anyway. After all, he would return to Jiangnan City tomorrow. Just once, he could stand being high-profile.
As everyone’s eyes followed him, Jiang Zhao stepped onto the stage, and Tang Guo followed closely behind. After all, their engagement hadn’t been called off yet, so putting on a united front was still necessary.
At that moment, a graceful figure quietly appeared at the hotel entrance. Qin Lingxue stared in disbelief at the couple on stage holding hands.
Ye Long raised his voice slightly, smiling, “Let me formally introduce—this is my dear nephew Jiang Zhao. Beside him is the Tang family heiress, his fiancée, Tang Guo!” New chapters come out on NovelPing first.
Jiang Zhao was smiling at the crowd onstage, but when his gaze casually swept over the entrance, his entire body froze.
Xue’er… why is she here?
Before Jiang Zhao could even react, he saw Qin Lingxue turn around and leave the hotel swiftly, her back filled with determination.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhao immediately wanted to chase after her but was stopped by Ye Long, who had anticipated this move. Ye Long grabbed his wrist and scolded in a low voice, “Where do you think you’re going? She’s just a woman. In what way is Tang Guo worse than her? If you walk out now, it’ll be a disgrace to the Ye family!”
It was obvious now—Qin Lingxue’s appearance here was no coincidence. Ye Long had intervened. After all, Qin Lingxue might be well-known in Jiangnan City, but in Jinling, how could she have found Jiang Zhao’s location so quickly without help?
Just when Ye Long thought Jiang Zhao would prioritize the bigger picture, Jiang Zhao’s expression suddenly turned cold. He forcefully shook off Ye Long’s hand and said coldly, “Don’t let me find out you had anything to do with her showing up here. If I do, I don’t care if it’s the Ye family or the Emperor himself—I’ll make them pay.”
With that, Jiang Zhao jumped off the stage under the shocked gazes of the guests and ran after that departing figure.
Tang Guo stood quietly on the stage, watching it all unfold, feeling a faint trace of envy in her heart.
She didn’t understand… what made Jiang Zhao throw everything away? What made him willing to give up power and reputation, opportunities others would die for? What made him so determined…
As Jiang Zhao left, the crowd at the banquet immediately started murmuring among themselves, confused by the sudden drama.
Ye Long, however, revealed a relieved smile. Then he picked up the microphone again and chuckled, “Please forgive him. My nephew is rather shy and lacks experience.”
…
Outside the hotel.
By the time Jiang Zhao chased her out, Qin Lingxue was already gone. He quickly took out his phone to call her, but no one answered.
Jiang Zhao was filled with regret. But now wasn’t the time to be depressed—he had to find her.
At that moment, Ye Qianyun appeared out of nowhere, grinning, “Looking for your little girlfriend? You owe me a favor. I’ll tell you where she went.”
Jiang Zhao stared at him, “Cut the nonsense, say it!”
“She went back to Jiang City.”
Without any hesitation, Jiang Zhao grabbed Ye Qianyun’s car and sped off in pursuit.
…
Meanwhile, far away in a speeding Maybach.
Qin Lingxue sat in the back seat, her gaze cold and her heart writhing in pain.
Fiancée… and holding hands with another woman in front of everyone.
This was the second time he had abandoned her…