When entering a new place, people’s eyes always like to find a focal point, which can be a glowing spot in the view or a familiar person or object.
Despite Su Ziceng’s reluctance to encounter anyone other than Shang Yin on his yacht, her eyes rushed straight into the very scene she least wanted to witness.
The moment she saw Hang Yishao, she reflexively released her grip from Pello’s arm, but immediately regretted it because she saw Chang Chi clinging almost completely to Hang Yishao. Without support, she was at a disadvantage in such a situation.
Fortunately, Su Ziceng had a quick-witted companion: Pello swiftly grasped her hand as she let go. From the firm touch of their palms, he could feel the helplessness of Su Ziceng at that moment.
On the ivory-colored sofa, the crowd of hip boys and girls also paused. Hang Yishao’s smile seemed pinned to his lips, and he didn’t even have time to sit up before he saw a familiar-looking azure-colored tie and a pair of tightly held hands with no gaps between them; their fingers adorned with rose gold rings that dazzled blindingly.
In a daze, he felt he had seen those rings before; perhaps a gift requested by a female companion, or just a ring he glanced at in a display window but chose not to buy. The light rose gold and the tiny diamonds made those ten fingers look like a colorful sculpture, forcefully imprinting into his memory, pressing him to recall—that was the Valentine’s gift he personally returned last year.
Su Ziceng’s blind date indeed came to nothing. Afterwards, Hang Yishao and his friends joked about it for a long time; Fei Qing even said: With Yishao as her potential fiancé, what kind of man could Su Ziceng possibly consider worthy? In the whole Mo City, no man can compare to Hang Yishao.
But the man before them had boldly taken Hang Yishao’s place. What sort of man was Pello? He was gentle and polite, a blend of Eastern simplicity and Western grandeur, reaching a perfect balance. His demeanor, his talk, even the shirtsleeves that always extended 1.5 centimeters from his suit jacket cuffs, and the way he looked at people—everything was just right.
Even the warmth of the hand holding Su Ziceng’s was controlled so well that it made Su Ziceng’s mood comfortable and eased her, no longer restless or panicked. Although Pello’s interactions were spot on, he still unintentionally offended someone—at least, he had insulted Hang Yishao.
Hang Yishao’s brain was muddled with alcohol and his body was warming up, but in an instant, he felt a chill, his chest heaving with agitation. His hand, which had been lying lazily aside, clenched into a fist, making a snapping sound at the joints.
"Welcome my new guests," Shang Yin, holding a glass of wine, stepped in. He nodded to Su Ziceng and Pello, then stood in front of Hang Yishao and the others, "Let me introduce everyone first."
Pello started with introducing the male guests, from Hang Yishao to Fei Qing and himself, then it was the ladies’ turn, which made Pello somewhat uncomfortable.
"As for the ladies, Miss Su and Miss Chang are known to everyone." Shang Yin skipped the formal introduction, ready to continue, when Chang Chi wrapped her arms around Hang Yishao again, kissing his cheek, "Mr. Shang, you just need to talk about Mr. Hang’s girlfriend and that gentleman’s girlfriend. Tonight, we are all merely accompanying our respective partners."
"Is that really the case?" Pello said with a playful tone, seeking confirmation. The yacht was already populated with more women than men, and with the entrance of the outstanding Hang Yishao, Fei Qing, and now Pello, the ladies nearly popped their eyes out. Hearing his question, they all echoed in agreement, and Chang Chi, who spoke, had an even brighter expression, her hand falling back on Hang Yishao.
"Then you must listen to me tonight," Pello, seemingly charmed by the night, spoke seductively near Su Ziceng’s ear.
Shang Yin was taken aback by Pello’s attitude. The wine glass dropped onto the carpet with a dull sound; Hang Yishao also hugged Chang Chi tightly, planting a harsh kiss on her lips, and added, "Mr. Shang invited us here; surely there’s more to the arrangement than this? I was expecting some more enjoyable entertainment." While he spoke, his teeth ached from the previous clenching, and Chang Chi’s lipstick lingered on his mouth, sickeningly sweet to the point of nausea.