Chuxia eventually reached out her hand, took the invitation card, and slowly nodded, "I understand."
Xiao Zhao then smiled contentedly.
After having breakfast, Chuxia still decided to visit the hotel. However, Yun Shu was not in a good state, so Chuxia did not want to disturb her rest. She sat with her for a while, reminded her to rest well, and then left.
Two days passed in a blink of an eye, and soon it was Shen Qian’s birthday.
Since she had agreed to attend, even though she was unwilling to face Che, she had to forcibly suppress her emotions and dress well.
Ever since she learned she was pregnant, she had unconsciously cut down on makeup and stopped wearing high heels. But since it was a party, Chuxia still applied light makeup, chose a conservative yet elegant dress, and paired it with slightly lower high heels.
At seven in the evening, Old Zhu drove to pick her up. Chuxia, holding her dress, slowly walked over. Old Zhu opened the back door of the car for her, and as she was about to bend down to get in, her eyes caught sight of Che sitting inside.
She had thought it would be just Old Zhu picking her up and did not expect Che to be there as well. Her movements faltered, and she unconsciously clenched the hand holding her dress.
Che sat there, a laptop resting on his lap. His dark eyes stared at the screen, not glancing at her even once.
Chuxia took a deep breath and slowly got into the car. Old Zhu returned to the driver’s seat, started the engine, and the car slowly drove away from the mansion.
The car was very quiet, so quiet it felt somewhat suffocating. Chuxia sat on one side, almost clinging to the car window, trying to maintain as much distance as possible from Che.
Although Che appeared to be looking at his computer screen, since Chuxia had entered the car, his gaze inadvertently swept over her. Seeing her actions, a darkness gradually appeared in his eyes, making the aura around him turn colder.
Chuxia sensed Che’s mood and instinctively shrank further. Che suddenly slammed his laptop shut with a snap, the sound harsh in the silent space.
Upon arriving at the Shen Mansion, Che got out of the car without paying any attention to Chuxia and walked straight into the mansion. Chuxia squeezed her hand slightly and then lifted her foot, following him inside.
When Che and Chuxia entered, there were already many people, all splendidly dressed and mingling. Shen Qian approached them and said, "You’re here."
Che barely lifted his head, but Chuxia curved her lips slightly and softly said, "Shen Qian, happy birthday."
Shen Qian nodded with a smile, but his eyes continuously, subtly observed them. Although they walked in hand in hand, one was expressionless, and the other stiff, making him sigh lightly.
The atmosphere turned slightly awkward. Chuxia did not want to stay next to Che any longer and opened her mouth, "Shen Qian, where is Xinxin?"
Xinxin, as his fiancée, would certainly appear at such an event, and indeed, Shen Qian replied, "She’s in the restroom."
Immediately, Chuxia glanced at Che and spoke softly, "I... I’ll go find Xinxin."
Che ignored her, treating her as if she were air. Chuxia felt a bit awkward, but simply lowered her eyes, nodded at Shen Qian, and then walked toward the direction of the restrooms.
She had not walked far when she saw Xinxin coming out of the restroom. Catching her just as she emerged, Chuxia walked up to her. Just as she was about to speak, suddenly, from the crowd nearby, someone rushed out, swiftly heading their way.