The experimental results were exactly as stated. Xia Tingwang spent a day and a half finalizing the new cooperation details. To celebrate the partnership, the raw material supplier hosted a cocktail party.
Sang Ying originally thought this had nothing to do with her. She was just a small-time assistant, and she did not even have a formal position at VW; her biggest contribution was identifying the chemical components of the new materials.
To her surprise, Xia Tingwang tossed a black evening gown at her and said calmly, under Sang Ying’s shocked gaze, “There will be many chemistry professors tonight. You can go and learn from them.”
Sang Ying changed into the dress without a word. The top was a black camisole made of suit-fabric, paired with matching wide-leg trousers. It was the first time she had worn such clothing, and she felt incredibly awkward. Because it was a camisole, her bra straps were clearly visible.
She simply could not go out like that.
“Are you ready?” Xia Tingwang urged from outside the door. “I called a stylist. Come out and get your hair and makeup done.”
“Oh, okay!” Sang Ying replied, grabbing a coat to throw on.
When she opened the door, several people were gathered in the living room, including Special Assistant Bai Li, the bodyguard Zhuang Yan, and Yin Wei, who had also changed into a gown. Yin Wei was wearing a white jumpsuit; her short hair was meticulously styled with hair gel, giving her the appearance of a sophisticated Alpha attending a gala.
Xia Tingwang sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window while the stylist applied her makeup. She wore a red, slim-fitting strapless dress that accentuated her perfect bust. A blue gemstone necklace rested between her deep cleavage, making her look exceptionally alluring.
Sang Ying was dazed, thinking that Xia Tingwang looked even more beautiful than any movie star.
“What kind of outfit is that?” Xia Tingwang glanced at her through the mirror. “Take off the coat.”
Sang Ying had grabbed a denim jacket at random, creating a mismatched ensemble. She fidgeted like Cinderella putting on glass slippers for the first time, too embarrassed to admit she was afraid to take it off because of her bra.
“Maybe I should not go,” Sang Ying said.
The stylist looked her over. “This outfit looks like it was tailor-made for you.”
Xia Tingwang signaled for the stylist to pause. She stood up, walked over to Sang Ying, and whipped off the denim jacket. Because of the camisole, Sang Ying’s collarbones were suddenly exposed.
Her figure was graceful and well-defined, and her long, slender neck paired with her smooth shoulders made Sang Ying brighten up instantly. “Your collarbones and shoulders were born for camisoles. Lily, do you have chest covers?”
The stylist immediately recognized Sang Ying’s discomfort and pulled an unopened pair of chest covers from her bag. “Go and change. Trust me, you will be the best-looking female Alpha tonight.”
Sang Ying took the chest covers and turned to head into the room. She stood behind the door for a long time, unable to calm down. Whether Xia Tingwang intended it or not, her pride in her own figure was fatal to any Alpha.
Once the heat on her face faded, Sang Ying changed into the chest covers.
When she came back out, Xia Tingwang had finished her hair and makeup. Her long hair was curled, half-tied into a bun, and half-cascading down her back.
She wore few accessories, save for a large blue gemstone necklace.
“I think taking off the anti-bite ring would be better,” the stylist suggested.
Xia Tingwang did not take the advice. Her attention was entirely focused on Sang Ying. Clothes truly make the person; Sang Ying’s slender, model-like figure perfectly showcased the strengths of the outfit. Her sexy collarbones, slim arms, and long legs were a delight to behold.
“Give her a hairstyle,” Xia Tingwang said. “Do not use any hair gel on her.”
Yin Wei, who had used hair gel, felt her cheek twitch.
The stylist pondered for two seconds, running her hands through Sang Ying’s shoulder-length hair, preparing to tie it into a high ponytail.
“No, no, no,” Xia Tingwang said, like a supervisor. “Not a high ponytail; it will make her look too serious. A low ponytail.”
The stylist reluctantly let the hair down and styled it into a low ponytail. Xia Tingwang stood by the mirror, staring at Sang Ying’s face, deep in thought.
“Leave some loose strands on both sides,” Xia Tingwang directed.
The stylist adjusted it with the tail of a comb, letting a wisp of hair fall. Xia Tingwang nodded in satisfaction. “Mm, that is right.”
The stylist examined the mirror. “Hey, styling it this way makes her look much gentler. You really know your stuff. Is she your Alpha?”
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room looked over. Sang Ying clenched her hands tight.
Yin Wei, who had been sitting on the sofa playing with her phone, looked up at Xia Tingwang as if facing a formidable enemy.
Xia Tingwang paused, brushing her hair. “No.”
To increase the credibility, she turned away from the mirror and walked over to the sofa, not forgetting to add, “She is my employee, representing our company’s image.”
The stylist nodded in understanding. “Your company is full of beauties.”
Sang Ying rubbed her sweaty palms.
The cocktail party was arranged for the evening at a seaside villa. The three of them arrived at the villa entrance in a business car. Yin Wei and Sang Ying stepped out first, followed by Xia Tingwang holding the hem of her skirt.
Yin Wei extended a hand, and Xia Tingwang lightly rested her hand on Yin Wei’s wrist as she stepped out.
Yin Wei took the opportunity to tuck Xia Tingwang’s hand into the crook of her arm, smiling at her. “You are truly beautiful tonight, my princess.”
Xia Tingwang beamed. “When am I not beautiful?”
“Yes, you are always beautiful,” Yin Wei laughed in agreement.
“Come,” Xia Tingwang extended her other hand toward Sang Ying. “Stay close to me.”
Sang Ying stepped forward, Xia Tingwang linked arms with her, and the three of them strolled into the party.
It was a small, intimate gathering. The guests were all industry titans, many of whom Xia Tingwang recognized from previous events.
Recognizing them was one thing, but Xia Tingwang was still somewhat nervous in crowded settings. She tightened her grip on Sang Ying and whispered in her ear, “Do not walk away. Stay by my side. You remember the data I told you to memorize for everyone here, right?”
“I have memorized most of it,” Sang Ying said.
“Good,” Xia Tingwang breathed a sigh of relief. “Then tell me who is who later. I have to test you.”
“What are you two talking about?” Yin Wei leaned in.
Xia Tingwang held her head high. “It is a secret.”
She winked at Yin Wei, who could not help but burst into laughter.
The ballroom was filled with clinking glasses. Xia Tingwang led Sang Ying effortlessly through the crowd, never forgetting to introduce Sang Ying to several chemistry experts.
“Hi,” a voice greeted from behind. “Long time no see.”
Sang Ying turned back. It was a tall female Alpha in a sharp suit. Sang Ying’s brain quickly retrieved the data and identified her as Martina, the founder of a famous S-Country cosmetics brand.
Xia Tingwang was deep in conversation with others and probably did not hear Martina’s voice, so Sang Ying whispered a reminder, “Martina, the founder of Turn, is behind you.”
Xia Tingwang quickly grabbed a glass of champagne and turned around. “Oh, Martina.”
She walked up and exchanged cheek kisses with Martina, and Sang Ying, mindful of her instructions, followed closely behind.
Yin Wei felt her pocket; her phone kept buzzing. She apologized to the person she was talking to and walked into a corner to answer the call.
“What is the situation? Are you coming back tomorrow?”
Yin Wei rubbed her temples, hearing her mother’s voice. “Oh, you… what kind of weak and timid Alpha are you? You are going to be the death of me.”
“Are you sure this medicine will not harm her body?”
“Do you still not trust your mother? How could I possibly want to hurt Xia Tingwang? I truly want her to be my daughter-in-law. You can rest assured and use it.”
Yin Wei searched for Xia Tingwang’s figure. The elegant red silhouette stood by a pillar in the hall, chatting happily with the founder of Turn.
A waiter with a tray constantly moved through the crowd. This was undoubtedly a good opportunity. Her mother was right; if she waited for the elders to make arrangements, she would lose her lead.
“Mm,” Yin Wei said into the phone. “I know.”
She hung up the phone and took a deep breath. She pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket and opened it to reveal a tiny, black particle. She wrapped it back in the paper and crushed the particle into a powder.
She poured the powder into her palm and discarded the paper.
She walked to the champagne table, picked up a glass, sprinkled in the powder, and swirled the glass continuously. Since it was her first time doing something like this, she nervously checked for surveillance cameras.
Yin Wei turned her back. Even though her mother said the drug would cause memory loss after use, she was still cautious. If Xia Tingwang discovered something was wrong, she would be ruined forever.
The powder in the champagne gradually dissolved without a trace. She walked into the middle of the banquet hall carrying two glasses of wine.
“What are you chatting about?” Yin Wei joined the conversation naturally and handed a glass to Xia Tingwang. “Xia, are you planning to cooperate with Martina?”
Xia Tingwang subconsciously took the glass. “Mm, that is the plan. Martina wants to expand into the domestic market, and our VW is an excellent partner.”
Martina smiled. “Of course.”
Yin Wei raised her glass. “Then, congratulations in advance. I hope we can cooperate soon.”
“Good.” Xia Tingwang raised her glass, Martina clinked hers against it, and the three of them downed the drinks.
Yin Wei set down her empty glass and draped an arm around Xia Tingwang’s shoulder. “Your face is flushed. Drink less.”
Xia Tingwang had always been a good drinker, but she suddenly felt dizzy. She leaned against Yin Wei’s arm. “Sorry, Martina. I think I might have had a little too much.”
“Oh, it is alright,” Martina said with concern. “Go and rest, or you can leave early.”
“I will just rest for a moment,” Xia Tingwang waved her hand at Martina. “Remember to contact me, dear.”
Yin Wei helped her to a lounge area in the corner. Xia Tingwang leaned back into the sofa and closed her eyes. “Why am I so dizzy?”
“Should we go back first?” Yin Wei touched her forehead; it was quite hot.
Xia Tingwang nodded. She was too dizzy; every time she opened her eyes, the world spun before her. Yin Wei supported Xia Tingwang and had just stood up when her phone rang in her pocket. She had not intended to pay it any mind, but Xia Tingwang was sensitive to any sound in her state. She pushed Yin Wei slightly. “Is that a phone? Answer it first.”
Yin Wei took out her phone and saw it was the company’s R&D department. A call from R&D was always important, so she had to answer. Yin Wei let Xia Tingwang go. “Xia, stay here for a moment. I will take you back after I answer this call.”
Xia Tingwang nodded. Yin Wei walked to a quiet spot to take the call.
Xia Tingwang felt as if her whole body was burning. She was both hot and thirsty. Even though the air conditioning in the room was quite strong, she still felt uncomfortably hot.
She opened her eyes, dazed, and saw someone beside her, but she could not see who it was.
“What is wrong with you?”
Oh, it was Sang Ying, who had returned from the restroom. Her voice gave her peace of mind. Xia Tingwang reached out her hand. “Take me away.”
Sang Ying grabbed her hand. With the close physical contact, Xia Tingwang smelled the refreshing mint scent on her, and her body grew even weaker.
Sang Ying wrapped one arm around her waist to steady her so she would not fall. Xia Tingwang leaned against Sang Ying as if she had no bones, constantly sniffing her pheromones. “Little streamer, you smell so good.”