The last of the guests had been ushered out. The banquet hall, once alive with laughter and music, now sat in the quiet aftermath of celebration. There were petals scattered across the floor, soft echoes of footsteps fading down the corridor.
He Yuchen loosened his tie and exhaled slowly, his eyes drifting toward the hallway that led to the private suites. Madam He was still unconscious... at least, that was what everyone believed.
Yun Li returned to his side, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her expression was calm, but the faint crease between her brows betrayed her worry. "I told Uncle He to send for another doctor tomorrow morning. I’m not entirely convinced it was just exhaustion."
He Yuchen’s gaze softened. "You’re still thinking about her?"
"How can I not?" she said quietly. "She collapsed right after taking a drink. Something about it doesn’t sit right with me."
He ran a hand through his hair, tension tightening his jaw. "I’ve already asked the staff to check the glasses, but they said everything’s been cleared away. It’s too late for any test."
"Then we’ll just have to wait until she wakes up, to ask her" Yun Li murmured, her eyes flickering toward the hallway.
A faint silence fell between them.
He Yuchen’s tone lowered. "You know, for as long as I can remember, my mother has always been... strong. She doesn’t fall sick, doesn’t complain. Seeing her like that today—" He trailed off, shaking his head slightly.
Yun Li reached for his hand, her voice gentle. "She’ll be fine."
He managed a small smile and squeezed her fingers in return. "I hope so."
Outside the hall, the corridor lights dimmed as the hotel staff began closing off the area. Neither of them noticed the shadow that passed by the far doorway — one of Madam He’s men quietly slipping away after confirming the couple’s location.
For now, they were safe. But the orders had already been given.
In one of the adjoining suites, the air felt heavier than it should have. The dull noise from the emptied banquet hall filtered faintly through the walls. It was a reminder of how quickly joy could turn into chaos.
Yue Ning stood by the vanity, absently twisting the ring on her finger. The faint shimmer of her gown caught the light, but there was no trace of calm in her reflection.
Behind her, Huo Feng tossed his jacket aside and loosened his shirt collar. "You haven’t said a word since we left the hall," he said, watching her through the mirror. "That’s not like you."
"I just..." Yue Ning’s voice faltered. "It doesn’t feel real. Madam He collapsing like that."
"She’ll survive," he said, leaning against the table. "The doctor said her pulse was steady."
Yue Ning turned to face him, her eyes searching his gaze. She wanted to know what he thought. "Do you really think it was just exhaustion?"
He shrugged. "That’s what they’re saying. You think otherwise?"
Her lips parted, but no words came. Her mind replayed the moment. From the servant with the tray, the two glasses of champagne, her own hand switching them before the toast began.
She’d only meant to protect Yun Li. The system’s mission, warning and Madam He’s calculating gaze had made her uneasy all evening.
But she hadn’t expected that outcome.
’It is karma. There is no need to beat yourself over something which had already been set in tone.’
"I know." Yue Ning replied. "I wasn’t expecting that outcome."
Huo Feng frowned slightly. "Yue Ning?"
She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts and forced a weak smile. "I’m fine. Just overthinking, I guess."
He studied her for a moment longer before sighing. "Don’t. This family’s drama runs deep enough without you dragging yourself into it."
Yue Ning’s fingers clenched around the edge of the vanity. If only you knew...
"I know," she murmured. "I just hope she wakes up soon."
"Get some rest," Huo Feng said, his tone softening. "We’re leaving early tomorrow anyway."
He turned to leave, but just as he reached for the door, she called quietly, "Huo Feng."
"Do you believe people always get what they deserve?"
He gave a low chuckle. "No. But karma usually finds its way around."
After he left, Yue Ning sank onto the edge of the bed, the faint sound of the closing door echoing in her chest.
If karma truly existed, then she might have just sealed her own fate.
Judging from Madam He’s character, she had undoubtedly become a target.
’You have to be careful. I sense that Madam He is a vengeful person,’ the system warned in a low voice.
Yue Ning’s brows furrowed slightly, before she stepped out of the room.
Meanwhile, Huo Feng bumped into He Yuchen in the hallway.
"Care for a drink?" He Yuchen asked, his voice low, fatigue still lacing his tone.
Huo Feng smiled faintly. "You sure you’re up for another round after tonight?"
"There’s still some champagne left at the bar," He Yuchen said, gesturing toward the hall. "The staff haven’t cleared everything out yet."
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They crossed the dimly lit corridor and entered the hall again. Most of the tables had been cleared, but a few bottles and glasses still sat abandoned at the side counter. One of the catering attendants straightened up as they approached.
"Mr. He, would you like me to bring fresh glasses?" the young man asked.
"That won’t be necessary," He Yuchen shook his head. "We’ll help ourselves."
The attendant nodded and slipped away, leaving them to their quiet corner.
Huo Feng poured two glasses and handed one over. The faint fizzing sound of the champagne filled the silence between them.
"To a wedding we’ll never forget," Huo Feng said dryly.
He Yuchen huffed a tired laugh and raised his glass. "You’re right about that."
They clinked glasses, the soft chime echoing faintly in the vast emptiness of the hall.