The atmosphere at the scene paused for a beat.
The gazes of those around immediately turned to those of onlookers.
Lu Youran, suddenly meeting a majority of the attention, instinctively lowered her head.
Her imposing aura diminished instantly.
Under the table, Wen Tingxue reached out and held her hand.
With a smile that wasn't quite a smile, she raised an eyebrow.
Looking at Qi Qingyan, she said,
"Fu Ran's fiancée? Who acknowledged that? I don't recall receiving an engagement invitation from the Fu family recently, unless my memory is failing me?"
She said it with a smile.
Qi Qingyan, mindful of her status as a Miss Han, didn't dare to make a scene.
She merely said, "It's only a matter of time. Do you really think Fu Ran would abandon the Fu family for her?"
She smirked mockingly, her gaze sweeping over Lu Youran from head to toe.
With contempt, she said, "Ordinary background, a seven-tenths beauty. She wouldn't even make the cut in the socialite circle. Why would Fu Ran want her and not me?"
Her demeanor was haughty.
Wen Tingxue smiled, "According to your logic, Fu Yuchuan is destined to be the next head of the Fu family. So, can he leave the Elder Hall now and directly use the family head's authority?"
Qi Qingyan's expression changed instantly, "Don't spout nonsense. I never said that!"
She looked around fearfully, emphasizing, "She's the one who said it. It has nothing to do with me!"
Suddenly, her gaze fixed on a certain spot.
Everyone followed her gaze.
It seemed there was an urgent matter.
As the dishes were being served, Fu Yuchuan emerged from the main house.
His dark blue suit made him appear even more distinguished.
He was visible even through the crowd.
As if sensing the stares, the man slowly cast a sideways glance.
His presence was commanding.
Qi Qingyan instinctively flinched away.
Wen Tingxue, on the other hand, watched him with keen interest.
Moments later, the man changed direction and entered the room.
The guests tacitly parted to make way.
Fu Yuchuan smoothly reached the center of the commotion.
"What's going on?"
His sharp gaze swept over Lu Youran and Qi Qingyan, finally settling on Qi Qingyan.
Qi Qingyan trembled her eyelashes fearfully, shifting the blame, "I really didn't say that. It was..."
She raised her hand and pointed at Wen Tingxue.
Wen Tingxue seized the opportunity to complain, "Second Master, shouldn't you judge my friend? Miss Qi hasn't even gotten engaged to Fu Ran yet, so what is she doing here throwing her weight around?
"Today is the birthday banquet for the Old Madam of the Han family. Miss Qi is deliberately causing trouble under the guise of being Fu family's future daughter-in-law. Isn't that rather suspicious?"
She deliberately escalated the matter.
Brought it to the family level.
Fu Yuchuan's expression immediately darkened, "Since you are not engaged, Miss Qi, you cannot represent the Fu family. Miss Wen, please do not speculate recklessly."
"But Miss Qi did say it's only a matter of time," Wen Tingxue blinked innocently.
Fu Yuchuan narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her.
He wondered what his crippled elder brother had told her, as she had certainly become much bolder.
She even dared to openly scheme against him.
"You're talking nonsense..."
"Then how do you propose we handle this?"
Qi Qingyan was taken aback. Just as she was about to argue unreasonably, Fu Yuchuan spoke calmly.
There was no hint of favoritism in his words.
Qi Qingyan's face instantly turned pale.
Wen Tingxue smiled charmingly, "Simple. An apology."
She stared at Qi Qingyan and said word by word, "She bullied my friend for having no background, forgetting that in this world, there's always someone better, and there's always a bigger sky. Trying to pressure others with status will eventually lead to being crushed by status."
Just like now.
Qi Qingyan glared at her venomously.
She wished she could burn a hole through her.
Her voice wasn't loud.
It wasn't even a tenth of how provocative she had been.
Wen Tingxue frowned, displeased, "What did you say? I didn't hear clearly."
"Xiao Xue..."
Lu Youran tugged at her subtly.
Wen Tingxue gave her a reassuring look.
Qi Qingyan, losing face and completely losing her composure, yelled, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, okay!"
With that, she ran out crying.
She happened to bump into Yan Jinghe, who was watching the show.
Yan Xuxu, eager to protect her sister, immediately cursed, "Are you crazy?! Rushing to your death?!"
She turned gracefully, as if nothing had happened, and sat down.
She even flirted with Han Xianyun.
After the meal, Xie Jinyi took advantage of a change of clothes to beckon Han Xianyun upstairs.
In the intimate, confined space.
The two clung to each other tightly.
Sweating profusely.
Waists swaying.
...
After everything was over, the satisfied man, holding the soft, fragrant waist in his arms, his voice hoarse with contentment.
"Why were you so well-behaved today, hmm? Whatever you want, I'll give it to you."
In bed, Xie Jinyi wasn't particularly delicate.
She could satisfy him in almost any position.
But often, she didn't indulge to the extreme.
Because she needed to maintain a clear head at all times to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.
But today, no matter how he tossed and turned her, no matter how excessive he was, she went along with him.
She was unnaturally obedient.
Han Xianyun's heart softened to the extreme.
He almost felt like he would pluck the moon from the sky for her if she asked.
Xie Jinyi reached out and picked up a jacket from the side, draping it loosely over her shoulders.
Her voice was languid, with a hint of hoarseness from their recent intimacy.
Alluring and sexy.
"Let's call it quits."
"No problem... What did you say?!"
Han Xianyun suddenly sat up, the desire gone from his handsome face, replaced by a chilling coldness.
Xie Jinyi's legs were too weak to stand, so she simply sat on the edge of the table, her two fair legs bearing marks of fingernails and kisses.
She looked decadent and alluring.
"We've been together for so long, I believe I've put in my best effort. Although I might have thrown a small tantrum occasionally, I've never truly put you in a difficult position."
Xie Jinyi crossed her arms and said calmly, "Fourth Master, to be honest, you've treated me very well. If I asked for anything, you never refused. Even with your upcoming engagement, you gave me plenty of face before we parted. I appreciate this kindness.
She paused and smiled, "I am also sensible. After today, you are you, and I am me. Between us, there is only the past, no future. If anyone asks, I will say that you grew tired of me."
Han Xianyun stared at her intently.
Was she crazy?
She thought she had done very well.
Didn't he like it when she was obedient and sensible, knowing her place?
She had already considered him so much, why was she still throwing a tantrum?!