Chapter 231
"Chen Yisi, hurry up! We're going to be late!"
Shen Xi shouted to Chen Yisi, who was behind her. He smiled gently and strode over with long steps.
"No need to rush. Xiao Lin said Shen Huaichu just arrived too."
Shen Xi pulled him forward, "That won't do. We need to secure a good corner first, or there won't be any space for just the two of us."
Chen Yisi chuckled helplessly, resignedly holding Shen Xi's hand as they ran toward the Hengjing annual party venue.
Meanwhile, at the lighthouse, Shen Huaichu waited.
He seemed a bit nervous, straightening his collar, adjusting his tie, and smoothing out the creases in his cuffs.
When footsteps echoed from behind, Shen Huaichu's heart raced like a drum. He turned around, and the smile froze on his lips.
He took a deep breath, staring at the two men in front of him. Who else could it be but Jing Zeqian!
Jing Zeqian, seeing the familiar "ghostly" expression, looked even more smug.
"Shen Huaichu, long time no see. Are you happy to see me?"
Henry, who had been curious about Jing Yi's man for a long time, glanced at Jing Zeqian upon hearing his words. No wonder he was such a good friend; he really suited his taste!
Shen Huaichu's lips curled into a fake smile, "Long time no see, not at all!" He said through gritted teeth, and Jing Zeqian's smile deepened.
"Oh, let me introduce you. This is Yi Yi's friend, Henry."
Shen Huaichu was almost out of patience with Jing Zeqian. Where did he have the mood to make new friends now?
"...Hello, Shen Huaichu."
Jing Zeqian nodded in satisfaction, seeing that he was cooperative.
"Hello, Henry."
Henry leaned closer to Jing Zeqian and whispered, "Aren't you afraid he'll punch you?" He asked sincerely, and Jing Zeqian raised an eyebrow. "Why would I? If he dares to raise a hand, I'll go tell Yi Yi."
Henry glanced at Shen Huaichu, whose face was slightly pale, and secretly gave Jing Zeqian a thumbs up. He still had a lot to learn; he must ask Jing Zeqian for advice when the opportunity arose.
Shen Huaichu was growing impatient. He glanced behind Jing Zeqian but saw no one, his eyes flashing with disappointment.
Jing Zeqian crossed his arms, looking as smug as ever. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Yi Yi is in the hall." He emphasized, "I asked her to guide a few guys from Startrack. She's busy."
If he didn't teach this guy a lesson, he'd really think Jing Yi would wait for him forever.
Shen Huaichu paused, "...You win." He strode past Jing Zeqian toward the hall, his steps looking somewhat hurried.
As soon as Shen Huaichu was out of sight, the two men quickly followed, trying to find a good spot to watch the show.
In the banquet hall.
Jing Yi was initially a bit uneasy, thinking it was yet another "large-scale matchmaking event" orchestrated by her brother.
But she quite enjoyed chatting with Lu Yichi, and the few male group members seemed even more nervous than she was. Gradually, Jing Yi relaxed.
"Is that so? I thought you'd be acting next."
Lu Yichi smiled brightly, "My acting skills are nothing to write home about. Next time, I'll let you see how good Jing Zeqian is—he says he could act better with his feet than I can."
Jing Yi laughed, her eyes curving into crescents. "Then next time, I'll have him act with his feet for you." Lu Yichi was taken aback, his smile widening. "No, that's okay. If it comes to that, I wouldn't dare watch."
When Shen Huaichu arrived, he saw this "beautiful" scene: a man in a straight white suit, Jing Yi standing beside him, wearing a black velvet long dress, her slightly curled hair tied up high, a few strands falling on her cheeks.
She smiled brightly, and one might mistake it for a wedding scene. Shen Huaichu thought sourly.
At that moment, their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still.
Lu Yichi looked toward Jing Yi's direction, where a tall, elegant, and aloof man stood.
Was he the main character of this drama?
Jing Yi stared at Shen Huaichu, her mind blank.
He seemed to have lost some weight.
After a long while, Jing Yi snapped back to reality and continued talking to Lu Yichi, her lips curving slightly, her eyes hiding a smile.
Shen Huaichu's expression faltered for a moment before softening. He slowly walked over to Jing Yi's side.
With the intention of fulfilling his task, Lu Yichi looked at the newcomer, his expression somewhat surprised. He asked Jing Yi, "Who is this?"
Shen Huaichu didn't speak, just silently gazed at Jing Yi.
Jing Yi held her glass calmly, seeing that Shen Huaichu didn't respond, she teased, "Mr. Shen, he's asking you."
Shen Huaichu was slightly stunned, his deep eyes brimming with a gentle smile. "Miss Jing, do I have a title? I need to know before I introduce myself."
Jing Yi lightly raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Shen Huaichu. "And if you don't have a title?" Shen Huaichu didn't show disappointment. His usually indifferent eyes softened with tender affection.
"Without a title, I'm just Miss Jing's kept man."
Lu Yichi & Male Group Members: ......
Lu Yichi looked at the male group members with a mix of frustration and pity. They were all here on a mission, so why weren't they saying more?!
Male Group: Uh? What were they supposed to say? They hadn't even debuted yet; how could they dare to say such things?
In the corner, the onlookers.
Jing Zeqian looked at Shen Huaichu in shock. Wasn't Shen Huaichu supposed to be better? Why did he seem even crazier now?!
Jing Zeyou thought it wasn't bad without a title; after all, Jing Yi wouldn't lose out either. Jing Beicheng agreed.
Lin Ruiqing found herself more satisfied with Shen Huaichu.
Jing Zejun, on the other hand, was more worried about Wen Qingyan's future situation.
Ross held his wine glass, thinking that if Jing Yi agreed, it would be a rare opportunity to undermine Huarui Group.
Henry was enlightened. This must be the reason why Jing Yi waited for him; he was really impressive.
Benjamin looked serious. Was this why he couldn't be a kept man?
Marso nodded in satisfaction. It was best not to have a title; that way, he could keep the person under control.
Shen Xi tightly held Chen Yisi's hand, covering her mouth to prevent herself from excitedly shouting out. Chen Yisi looked at her helplessly, his eyes full of tenderness.
Jing Yi's smile grew even brighter. She put down her glass and threw herself into Shen Huaichu's arms.
Shen Huaichu's lips curved into a clear smile as he reached out and held Jing Yi tightly.
"Shen Huaichu, you made me wait too long."
Jing Yi's soft voice whispered in his ear, and Shen Huaichu tightened his embrace. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
From a distance came the voices of Jing Zeqian and the others, deliberately lowered but still audible.
Jing Yi smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, the dimples on her cheeks deepening.
Family, friends, lover.
The world, it seemed, was silently loving her in its own way.
[The End]