Zhixi strode back into the banquet hall wearing high heels, her expression cold and stunning.
The fragility and sadness seemed to have been thoroughly concealed by her.
"Zhixi," Yichen saw her and immediately walked over with a smile, although there was an undeniable concern in his eyes, "Are you alright?"
Zhixi flashed a radiant smile, "Of course! By the way, Dad was looking for me, where is he?"
"The President has arrived," Yichen gestured with his eyes, "Let’s go over and say hello."
Zhixi suddenly chuckled, "I remember you told me to be a bit more enthusiastic, right?"
Yichen glanced at her, "That would certainly be best, but you don’t need to force yourself."
"Let’s go." Zhixi smiled confidently and, linking her arm through Yichen’s, walked toward the group.
President Zhuo Yuwei, accompanied by the Minister of Internal Affairs Fu Haitao, was speaking with Gu Bingjun, wearing a smile. Given the President’s special status, his bodyguards followed closely, even at the banquet, making it difficult for others to approach casually.
His condescension in attending this dinner was to express his regard for Gu Bingjun.
After a few pleasantries exchanged with smiles, Zhuo Yuwei noticed Yichen and Zhixi on his arm.
A flash of understanding passed through his eyes.
"Mr. Gu, is this your esteemed daughter?" he asked with a smile.
Gu Bingjun immediately turned around, and upon seeing Zhixi, he beamed, "Yes, Jennifer, come and greet the President and Minister Fu."
Zhixi cast a coquettish glance at Yichen, then let go of his arm and took a step forward to take Gu Bingjun’s arm, "Dad."
She then turned her gaze to the two middle-aged men before her, smiling and dipping in a curtsy, "Mr. President, thank you for your hospitality; Minister, it’s a pleasure to meet you."
"Miss Leslie is too kind," Zhuo Yuwei returned the smile with a meaningful look at Yichen, "I hope my secretary has satisfied you."
"Mr. Ning is attentive and tactful. I am quite satisfied," her voice was low and slightly husky, filled with suggestive undertones, and she did not forget to cast a flirtatious glance at Yichen as she spoke.
Yichen maintained his smile, his demeanor as gracefully composed as ever.
But internally, he was at a loss for words. His memory of Su Zixi had always been that of a reserved and gentle person, and this was the first time he saw her display such a flirtatiously frivolous side, portraying a well-loved young lady full of springtime allure to perfection.
If she had acted as if she were smitten with him at first sight, Zhuo Yuwei would never have believed it. However, her interest in him, just enough to pique his own, was enough to satisfy Zhuo Yuwei.
Sure enough, Zhuo Yuwei let out a hearty laugh, "In that case, Yichen, you must take good care of Miss Leslie."
In a corner of the banquet hall, He Jingyao had emerged from the resting room at some unknown time.
He stood in a spot untouched by the light, concealing his form, yet he had a clear view of the scene unfolding near Zhuo Yuwei.
The woman’s light, brimming laughter seemed to ignite a blaze in his eyes.
He pressed his lips together, suppressing the anger welling up inside, and looked towards Zhuo Yuwei.
He had not recognized the Miss Leslie before him as the same Su Zixi from years ago.
After four years, the Su Zixi who died in the explosion had been completely forgotten.
Zhuo Yuwei, the instigator, how could he possibly remember the unremarkable girl from back then?