"Hey, sis, what was that reaction just now? What if people get the wrong idea?"

Yichen grumbled as they walked down the corridor.

Zixuan puffed out her cheeks and shot him a glance.

"What’s wrong with it? Aren’t you happy having such a stunning beauty as your girlfriend?"

"Ugh… alright, alright."

Unable to argue back, Yichen sighed weakly.

The usheresses pushed open the hall doors. Before them stretched a magnificent grand hall.

A carpet red as blood. Chandeliers glittering like stars. Snow-white tables. Exquisitely crafted tableware. The air hummed with cheerful chatter and the delicate clinking of wine glasses. Every man wore a sharp suit—each tailored uniquely to reflect their character. The women shimmered in elegant gowns, blooming like radiant flowers.

The moment Yichen and Zixuan stepped inside, most eyes turned to them. The lively chatter hushed noticeably.

Before Yichen could marvel at the splendor, the stares prickled his skin.

"Sis… what do we do now?"

Zixuan smiled softly at him.

"Don’t worry. Just eat, chat, and dance later. Stick with me."

"Huh? Dance too?"

Yichen knew nothing about dancing.

"Dancing starts in the second half—voluntary only. Right there in the center."

Relief washed over Yichen at the word "voluntary." Zixuan pinched his arm hard, sensing his reaction.

"Don’t you dare run away later."

"But I have zero clue how to dance! Hahaha…"

"Just follow my steps. It’ll be fine."

Their exchange drew stares from the crowd. Yichen felt the sharp glares—especially from the young men.

"Chairwoman Lin! Deputy Mayor Deng Junyun here. Your presence honors us all tonight. And who might this outstanding young man be?"

"My brother, Lin Yichen."

Deputy Mayor Deng stared at Yichen in surprise—he’d never known Zixuan had a brother.

"Haha! Truly worthy of being Chairwoman Lin’s brother! Handsome and heroic!"

Yichen flushed under the praise.

Only a few officials knew Zixuan’s true identity; others merely knew her as Skyvoid Group’s chairwoman. Deng was among the informed.

A group of sharply dressed young men surged forward alongside Deng. They tripped over themselves introducing themselves to Zixuan, boasting of their achievements to win her attention.

Zixuan greeted them with polite detachment.

The deputy mayor, edged aside, shook his head with a bitter smile at their audacity.

Then a tall, strikingly handsome young man stepped forward—sharp eyes cutting through the crowd. The others instantly parted for him, their gazes tinged with envy. Yichen wondered who he was.

"Esteemed and beautiful Miss Zixuan. An honor to meet you. Your radiance has utterly captivated me."

Zixuan gave a cool nod.

"Hello."

Inside, she was already impatient. She rarely attended such events—usually accompanied by her secretary, who’d shield her from nuisances like this. Without her secretary today, the swarm felt suffocating.

"Ah—forgive my rudeness. I’m Luo Ao Roge. My father chairs Roge Group, a Fortune Global 500 company. I oversee our China operations. Frankly, I’ve turned things around: after years of 1% annual decline here, our quarterly growth just hit 8% under my leadership."

Luo Ao beamed, expecting awe. But Zixuan’s expression remained utterly neutral—as if he’d mentioned the weather. Awkwardness tightened his smile. Desperate not to fade like the others, his gaze snapped to Yichen.

"Ah! Is this your brother, Miss Zixuan? May I ask where he’s employed?"

"I’m… a sophomore at Skyvoid Academy," Yichen replied stiffly. He disliked Luo Ao but kept his tone polite.

Luo Ao’s smirk widened.

"Just a student? You’re nearly the same age as Miss Zixuan—yet she commands Skyvoid Group while you’ve achieved nothing?"

"I…"

Yichen’s fists clenched. Luo Ao had struck his deepest insecurity. The surrounding youths exchanged shocked glances—they’d planned to flatter Yichen, not insult him. But all knew Luo Ao stood above them: his looks, lineage, and proven success dwarfed their student statuses.

"Luo Ao! How dare you speak so rudely! Is this how your father raised you?"

Deputy Mayor Deng snapped. He knew Luo Ao’s arrogance firsthand but never expected this. Angering Zixuan could ruin them all.

Luo Ao didn’t flinch.

"Uncle Deng, I merely stated facts. No disrespect to Mr. Lin Yichen, right?" He shot Yichen another challenging look.

"Someone as exceptional as your sister deserves an equal by her side. This hall gathers China’s elite. Don’t you feel… out of place here?"

"I…"

Yichen’s jaw tightened. He hated Luo Ao—but hated his own helplessness more.

"Ruo Ao."

Zixuan’s voice cut through the tension.

"Yes, esteemed Miss Zixuan?"

Luo Ao bowed smoothly, flashing what he thought was his most perfect smile. He’d studied Zixuan—knew she dismissed all suitors. *Because none were her equal*, he’d reasoned. *Only a peer like me deserves her.*

"Are you finished?"

"Huh?"

Confusion flickered across Luo Ao’s face. Zixuan still smiled—but everyone except him saw the ice beneath it.

"If you’ve finished… please leave."

Luo Ao finally sensed her fury—but couldn’t fathom why. Women always fawned over him. He’d shown her utmost respect; she should be flattered.

Panicked, Deputy Mayor Deng intervened.

"You two—take Luo Ao away. He’s had too much to drink!"

"Uncle Deng, why—"

"*Now!*" Deng’s glare silenced him. Luo Ao let his friends drag him off, scowling.

"Chairwoman Lin, please forgive his immaturity! Haha…" Deng stammered an apology. Zixuan ignored him, her eyes fixed on Yichen. The crowd wisely dispersed.

"Yichen? What’s wrong?"

Yichen stared at the floor, face blank. His anger wasn’t at Luo Ao’s words—it was at his own powerlessness. He’d needed Zixuan to rescue him. Here, he was a duckling among swans. Without her, he’d have been thrown out.

He forced a smile and shook his head.

"Sis, I’m fine."

Zixuan saw through the strained smile. All she could do was help him forget.

"Let’s grab some food. There’ll be live orchestra music soon."

Yichen nodded. They moved toward the buffet.

This was China’s highest-tier social gathering—top business and political figures mingling. The food matched the prestige: every fruit flown in daily from famed origins, impeccably fresh.

But Yichen had no appetite. He took a glass of red wine from a server and sipped slowly. Zixuan stood beside him with her own glass.

"Yichen… don’t dwell on what that man said. Everyone has their strengths. Why compare yourself to others?"

Yichen met her eyes briefly, then looked away. He knew she was right—but resentment coiled in his chest. His mind was chaos.

He glanced back at her. Zixuan smiled gently at him. She was breathtakingly beautiful—yet a sharp pang twisted in his heart.