Seeing my younger sister with that disgusting man, I immediately wanted to follow them and find out what was going on. However, before I could do anything, they got into his car and drove away.
I stood there for a moment, watching the car disappear into the distance. In the end, I had no choice but to abandon the idea of following them and return to the jewelry store.
By the time I went back inside, Yue Ran and my parents had finished choosing a gift for Yue Ning. After paying for the jewelry, we left the store and headed straight to the villa where Yue Ning would be hosting her first wedding anniversary celebration.
During the journey, my mind kept returning to what I had witnessed earlier. I couldn't understand why Yi Luoli was with that disgusting man, let alone why she seemed so comfortable with his intimate behavior.
"Who called you earlier?" Yue Ran suddenly asked from beside me.
I turned to look at her.
"Why does your face look so tense? Did something happen?"
"Uh... it's nothing," I replied, forcing a smile. "It was Director Liu. She called to tell me that our company had won the bid for the urban redevelopment project."
"Won the bid?" Yue Ran raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that the project your team has been working on for weeks?"
I nodded.
"Yes. Several companies competed for the contract, and Tang Corporation's proposal was selected. The project involves renovating an old commercial district and turning it into a modern business center, complete with new commercial buildings and improved infrastructure. My team helped prepare the development plan and financial proposal, so we'll be involved in the initial implementation."
"Then that's good news," she said. "Winning such a project should be a big achievement for you and your team."
"It is. Director Liu also asked me to lead the initial implementation team and prepare a detailed schedule for the first phase."
Yue Ran studied my face for a moment before asking, "Then why are you frowning? You should be happy, shouldn't you?"
I hesitated before answering.
"No, it's nothing. I guess I'm just thinking about the work ahead."
Yue Ran looked at me as though she wasn't entirely convinced, but she didn't press the matter.
I wanted to tell her what I had seen earlier. I wanted to ask her about that man and find out whether she knew anything about his relationship with my younger sister. However, my parents were sitting nearby, and I couldn't bring myself to discuss it in front of them.
If they know that Yi Luoli was involved with a man like him, they would undoubtedly be worried and heartbroken. I didn't want them to suffer because of my sister's choices, especially when I didn't even understand the full situation myself.
Moreover, today was Yue Ning and Duan Hai's first wedding anniversary. It was supposed to be a happy occasion, a day for everyone to celebrate their marriage and wish them a wonderful future together. I couldn't bring myself to spoil that happiness by bringing up something so troubling.
Whatever was happening with Yi Luoli, I would have to find a suitable time to discuss it with Yue Ran privately.
"All right," Yue Ran said, bringing me back to the present. "If it's really nothing, then stop frowning. We're going to celebrate Yue Ning's anniversary, not attend a funeral."
I couldn't help laughing at her blunt remark.
"You're right. Let's enjoy today and be happy for Yue Ning. I don't want anything to spoil her special day."
Yue Ran gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
"Good. Then put your worries aside for now."
I nodded and forced myself to smile.
Although the uneasiness in my chest hadn't completely disappeared, I decided to follow her advice. For now, I would keep what I had witnessed to myself and focus on the celebration ahead.
There would be time to deal with Yi Luoli's situation later. Today, I didn't want to cast a shadow over my family's happiness, especially on a day that belonged to Yue Ning and Duan Hai.
When we finally arrived at the Duan family villa, I couldn't help but be impressed by its sheer size and grandeur.
The villa stood on an expansive estate surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, with a long driveway leading to its magnificent entrance. Several luxury cars were parked outside, while staff members in formal uniforms stood ready to welcome the guests.
It was clear that the Duan family had spared no expense for this celebration. Even before we entered the villa, I could see elegant floral arrangements lining the driveway, decorative lanterns hanging from the trees, and a large anniversary sign surrounded by white and pink roses near the entrance.
"Wow, this place is enormous!" my dad exclaimed as he stepped out of the car.
My mom looked around with a smile. "The decorations are beautiful, too. Yue Ning and Duan Hai must have put a lot of thought into this celebration."
I nodded in agreement. The villa itself was already impressive, but the decorations made the occasion feel even more luxurious.
A staff member approached us with a polite smile.
"Welcome to the Duan family villa. Are you here for Mr. Duan and Mrs. Duan's first wedding anniversary celebration?"
"Yes, we're Yue Ning's family," Yue Ran replied.
"Of course. Please follow me. I'll show you to the celebration hall."
After thanking the staff member, we followed him through the main entrance.
The moment we stepped inside, I was greeted by an even more breathtaking sight.
The spacious entrance hall featured a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. Soft golden light reflected off the polished marble floor, while fresh flowers decorated the pillars and the elegant staircase leading to the upper floor.
Beyond the entrance hall was the main celebration area, which had been transformed into a luxurious anniversary venue.
Round tables covered with white tablecloths were arranged neatly throughout the hall, each decorated with delicate floral centerpieces, crystal candle holders, and carefully arranged tableware. Along one side of the room stood a long buffet table displaying an assortment of food and desserts, while waiters moved between the tables, making sure everything was ready for the guests.
At the center of the hall was a beautifully decorated stage. A large sign bearing the words Happy First Wedding Anniversary stood against a backdrop of white roses, pale pink flowers, and golden ornaments. A series of photographs showing Yue Ning and Duan Hai's wedding day had been arranged around the stage, allowing guests to look back on the couple's first year of marriage.
There was even a large, multi-tiered anniversary cake displayed on an elegant table, surrounded by smaller desserts and decorative candles.
I couldn't help but whistle softly.
"Now this is what I call a celebration. The Duan family really knows how to do things in style."
Yue Ran glanced at me.
"What did you expect? It's their first wedding anniversary. Besides, Duan Hai's family isn't exactly short of money."
"That's true," I admitted with a chuckle. "But I didn't expect them to go this far."
Yi Cheng, who had been holding my dad's hand, suddenly pointed toward the dessert table.
"Daddy, look! There's so much cake!"
I laughed and crouched down beside him.
"Yes, I can see that. But don't even think about eating all of it."
"I'm not going to eat all of it!" he protested immediately. "Just a little bit!"
My mom laughed at his response, while my dad shook his head in amusement.
"That little rascal has only been here for a few minutes, and he's already thinking about food."
"He's a growing boy," I replied with a grin. "Besides, I think I know where he gets his appetite from."
My dad gave me a pointed look.
"Are you trying to say something about me?"
"Of course not, Dad. I wouldn't dare."
Yue Ran couldn't help smiling at our exchange.
As we continued following the staff member into the hall, I took another look around. Everything, from the flowers and lighting to the carefully arranged tables, had been prepared with remarkable attention to detail.
The Duan family had certainly made an effort to ensure that Yue Ning and Duan Hai's first wedding anniversary would be a memorable occasion.
And judging by the luxurious setting, the celebration was only just beginning.
We began enjoying the celebration, taking our seats at one of the tables and chatting among ourselves while sampling the food and drinks prepared for the guests.
Not long afterward, Yi Luoli finally arrived.
The moment I saw my younger sister enter the hall, my thoughts inevitably returned to what I had witnessed earlier that afternoon. I still couldn't understand why she had been with that disgusting older man, but I knew this wasn't the right place to question her.
So, I pretended not to know anything.
"Brother!" Yi Luoli called as she approached our table with a smile. "You all arrived before me?"
"Of course," I replied calmly, forcing myself to act as though nothing had happened. "We came straight here after buying the anniversary gift."
Yi Luoli nodded before greeting Yue Ran and our parents. She then took a seat with us, joining the conversation as naturally as ever.
I quietly observed her for a moment. She didn't seem particularly nervous or troubled, nor did she behave as though anything unusual had happened earlier. If I hadn't witnessed that scene with my own eyes, I might never have imagined that she was involved with a man like him.
Still, I kept my thoughts to myself.
There was no point in confronting her without knowing the full story, especially when our parents were sitting right beside us. I didn't want to turn a happy family gathering into an uncomfortable interrogation.
Before long, our family had gathered around the table, chatting about various things while enjoying the food. My dad talked about some amusing incidents from his daily life, while my mom occasionally added a comment of her own. Yi Cheng, meanwhile, was more interested in the delicious desserts than in anything the adults were discussing.
However, the two people who should have been at the center of the celebration were still nowhere to be seen.
Yue Ning and her husband, Duan Hai, had yet to make their appearance.
"They're the hosts, yet they're making everyone wait," I remarked with a chuckle.
Yue Ran glanced at me. "Perhaps they're busy welcoming some important guests. We should be patient."
"I know. I'm just teasing."
Since there was nothing else to do, we continued enjoying the food and talking among ourselves.
As time passed, more guests began arriving at the villa. Some came in expensive cars, while others arrived accompanied by their spouses or family members. Each time the entrance doors opened, another group of elegantly dressed guests would walk into the hall.
Their attire immediately caught my attention. The men wore well-tailored suits, some paired with expensive watches and polished leather shoes. The women looked equally glamorous in elegant evening gowns, fashionable dresses, and sparkling jewelry. Their carefully styled hair and refined makeup added to the atmosphere of luxury.
Judging by their appearances and the way they greeted one another, many of them seemed to come from wealthy or influential families.
The hall gradually grew livelier as guests exchanged greetings, discussed business, and caught up with old acquaintances. Soft music played in the background, blending with the steady hum of conversation.
Looking around, I couldn't help thinking that the Duan family's social circle was quite impressive.
"This celebration is getting more crowded by the minute," I remarked.
Yue Ran glanced around the hall before nodding. "That's to be expected. The Duan family knows a lot of people, and a first wedding anniversary is a good occasion to invite friends and relatives."
I nodded and continued enjoying my meal.
Although I was still curious about Yi Luoli's earlier encounter with that man, I decided not to let the matter ruin the atmosphere. For now, I would behave normally and wait until I had an opportunity to speak with her privately.
After all, we had come here to celebrate Yue Ning and Duan Hai's first year of marriage.
And with more guests continuing to arrive, it seemed the real festivities had yet to begin.