Lin Xiaoyu was a truly beautiful girl—so beautiful that even standing next to famous actors on TV, she would still shine from head to toe.
But today, she was even more stunning, so much so that Pei Xingyan couldn’t find any words to describe her appearance.
She wore a floor-length evening gown, with a golden flower pinned right at her collarbone. Pei Xingyan thought that must be uncomfortable on the neck, yet Lin Xiaoyu kept her head held high, never once brushing against the flower.
“Let’s go in…” She smiled with a trace of shyness, a faint blush coloring her cheeks when she saw Pei Xingyan arrive.
“Let’s go.”
Pei Xingyan was dressed in the formal suit she had given him, his tall, well-built frame looking sharp.
“Mm…”
Lin Xiaoyu’s head instinctively dipped down, the base of her neck turning a little red.
“Don’t be nervous. I’m right beside you,” Pei Xingyan whispered. “If you really can’t handle it, just give me a look and I’ll help you.”
Lin Xiaoyu shyly nodded, still instinctively avoiding his gaze, but her spirits clearly lifted. Her steps grew firmer, the click of her high heels on the floor sounding crisp and clear.
Pei Xingyan followed a short distance behind. He shouldn’t be too close—Lin Xiaoyu’s parents were here, and he didn’t want to endure questioning from two old folks who doted on their daughter. It wasn’t fear, just pure dislike.
The crowd was large—some he knew, others he didn’t. The political and business worlds, all circles of power, were like a turbulent sea, with people constantly being cast into its depths, never to be seen again.
He looked at one face after another and couldn’t help but sigh. How long had it been since he’d been to such an event? Maybe three years, maybe two years and seven months, but it felt like a lifetime. The lavish decadence here no longer felt real to him.
Pei Xingyan walked on in a daze, when suddenly a sharp exclamation sounded—that was Lin Xiaoyu’s voice. He quickly pulled himself together and hurried forward.
In front of Lin Xiaoyu stood a tall but extremely thin person, her clothes splattered with a few drops of liquid—seemingly from bumping into each other. Lin Xiaoyu bowed her head slightly, her body trembling, looking terribly nervous.
Pei Xingyan hurried up and apologized for her, “Sorry, sorry, my friend—”
He suddenly froze—not because he had nothing to say, but because the person before him looked familiar, someone he particularly disliked.
“Oh?” A teasing female voice rang out. The woman raised an eyebrow and looked at Pei Xingyan, greeting him in a frivolous tone, “Hey little brother Pei~ How come you’ve fallen so far in just a few years?”
Pei Xingyan slapped his forehead hard. He really hadn’t expected to meet this acquaintance, and one he didn’t get along with at that.
Any other time, he would’ve turned and left immediately, but right now, especially since she had collided with Lin Xiaoyu, he had to stay.
“This must be… your sister-in-law?” The woman didn’t pause in her chatter, eyeing Lin Xiaoyu with curiosity. “You’ve got good taste, but you haven’t kicked Xiao Ye to the curb, have you? That would really be something to celebrate~”
“Did you bump into her or did she bump into you?” Pei Xingyan ignored her completely and focused on comforting Lin Xiaoyu. He put a hand on her shoulder and said softly, “Don’t be nervous. Or you can leave first—I’ll catch up with you later.”
He sneaked a glance at the woman. The liquid on her clothes was colorless and odorless—probably just water. Even if she made a fuss, the worst she could get was an apology.
This situation he could handle.
But Lin Xiaoyu suddenly shook her head, grabbed his hand, and finally calmed down. She looked at the woman opposite her and said sincerely, “I’m really sorry. I accidentally bumped into you. I will compensate for your clothes. Please come find me after the event.”
Her words were slow and measured, elegant and dignified—completely different from the trembling girl moments ago.
The frivolous woman stared at them for a long moment, then suddenly deflated. She waved her hand, indicating she wouldn’t pursue it.
They walked past her, but as they passed, Pei Xingyan heard her malicious laughter again. His head ached. He really hoped this woman wouldn’t cause any trouble—he couldn’t afford it now.
“Is it about time to let go of my hand?” Pei Xingyan said softly. “She’s walked far enough.”
Only then did Lin Xiaoyu snap out of her daze and nervously release his hand. Her face was redder than before—now she looked ripe, as if steam might rise off her.
“I-I just felt holding your hand steadied me a little. I was a bit panicked just now…” She explained, “I wasn’t paying attention and bumped into her, so I’m a little scared…”
“Not necessarily. Maybe she bumped into you on purpose,” Pei Xingyan sneered. “She’s a nasty one—loves watching others make fools of themselves.”
“You know her?”
“Not exactly, but just by looking at her, I can tell she’s no good. Stay away from her.”
“Okay…” Lin Xiaoyu nodded quietly. Although she believed talking badly behind someone’s back was bad, this came from her most trusted friend, so she’d have to make an exception.
The banquet hall was busy but orderly.
“Um…” Before they parted, Lin Xiaoyu suddenly spoke, hesitating, then pulling back, “How about… I introduce you to my parents?”
Pei Xingyan shook his head non-stop, thinking about how her parents might interrogate him.
He said, “Better not. I’m nervous…”
“You get nervous too?”
“Of course. Everyone gets nervous,” Pei Xingyan said. “Plus if you suddenly lead some guy in front of your parents, it might scare them—and they’d probably think I’m some kind of ‘yellow-haired’ playboy…”
“Yellow-haired?”
“Someone who flirts with girls just to toy with their hearts and minds…”
Lin Xiaoyu nodded vaguely. She didn’t think Pei Xingyan was the kind of ‘yellow-haired’ guy he described. Even if her parents misunderstood, she would explain—
But she was so timid. Would she really have the courage to explain in front of them?
If she didn’t explain, would their friendship fall apart?
It probably would…
She couldn’t help feeling troubled.
“Alright, you go first. When it’s your turn, I’ll catch up,” he said warmly. “Right now, I want to eat something. The food here is free, right?”
“Mm…” As they parted, Lin Xiaoyu felt a little reluctant, though she didn’t know why—it was only been a few minutes.
She took a few steps, glancing back as she left.
Pei Xingyan sighed in relief and prepared to eat his fill. He didn’t know about anything else, but those crab legs in the center looked like something he hadn’t tasted in a long time. Today he would savor them thoroughly.
He let out an evil chuckle and buried his head in the table.
But just then, the woman from before blocked his way, her expression full of provocation.
Without a doubt, she was here to cause trouble.