—A little while earlier

“Young Master Feng, I’ve known you for ages, and this is the first time I’ve heard you speak so humbly. Just who is this young lady?”

Qin Heng looked toward the center of the hall again. The moment his gaze landed on Qing Nianyi, he suddenly felt as though their eyes had met.

Qin Heng: ?

Feng Xun, standing beside him, didn’t notice anything unusual. The place was already packed with people. Even if he noticed Qing Nianyi looking in their direction, he’d only assume she’d happened to glance that way a few times.

Feng Xun thought for a moment, then began to speak.

“This young lady doesn’t just come from an influential family. Her own abilities are also outstanding—even among those so-called social elites, she’d be one in a million.”

“As for her background, she’s the acting chair of Minghua Group, the largest financial group in the country—and the one who’ll truly hold the reins of Minghua in the future.”

“And in terms of personal ability, she’s the current president of Jing University’s Student Council.”

……

Feng Xun seemed quite enthusiastic about praising Qing Nianyi, but it wasn’t because he admired her romantically or had a crush on her.

It was more a recognition of her outstanding abilities. Despite her powerful background and abundant resources, Qing Nianyi remained humble and composed. On top of that, she had incredible talent of her own. That was what inspired Feng Xun’s genuine admiration.

His praise came from recognizing her abilities and character—or, more accurately, from respect.

The main reason Feng Xun had gone to the trouble of joining the Student Council was that Qing Nianyi was serving as its president this year……

But Qin Heng wasn’t really taking in much of what he was saying……

The longer he stared at the center of the hall, the more certain he became that Qing Nianyi was looking this way. And…… it really seemed like she was making eye contact with him……

—What’s going on……? Am I imagining it?……

“……Yeah, she’s pretty impressive.”

Feng Xun had just delivered a praise-filled speech that was practically rousing. It took Qin Heng a good while to finally offer a halfhearted reply.

But that was understandable. He wasn’t some devoted admirer of Qing Nianyi. He’d only met her today—or rather, he’d only laid eyes on her for the first time today.

They weren’t even in the same league. To an ordinary person, there wasn’t much difference between a millionaire and a billionaire. Either way, they were both just rich.

“……Young Master Feng, don’t you think she’s been looking over here this whole time? Or is it just me—”

“Hm?!”

He’d only just started to tell Feng Xun about the strange thing he’d noticed……

Big Couch-Potato Qin suddenly seemed to have an epiphany and spun around.

“Wait!! Minghua Group!? The financial company?”

Feng Xun was speechless at Big Slacker’s reaction.

“That Minghua—the behemoth of the financial world. Old Qin, are you running on 3G or something? Were you seriously not listening to a word I said?”

Qin Heng gave an embarrassed smile, then took his phone out of his bag.

He really knew nothing about Qing Nianyi, but the name “Minghua Group” did seem familiar.

Right in front of Feng Xun, he started searching on his phone, as if trying to recover a long-forgotten memory. Then he found an old news story about Minghua Group from many years ago……

!!!!!!

As Qin Heng stared at his phone screen, his face went pale. A shiver ran through him from head to toe.

Just as I thought!!

I knew that name sounded familiar!!!

He jerked his head up and turned to Feng Xun.

“Brother Feng!!! Minghua Group!? It really was fourteen years ago—”

Before Qin Heng could finish, Feng Xun immediately clamped a hand over his mouth.

“Old Qin!!!! Look around! Do you know where we are?!”

Feng Xun lowered his voice, speaking in a heavy tone as if warning him.

Qin Heng immediately caught on and hurriedly nodded.

“……S-sorry, Young Master Feng. I-I got too excited.”

Standing in front of Qin Heng, Feng Xun cautiously glanced around.

Fortunately, most people were still focused on Qing Nianyi. And since he and Old Qin had been looking for someone earlier, they were still some distance from the crowd. No one should’ve heard Qin Heng……

A bead of cold sweat slid down Feng Xun’s face. Only after making sure everything was all right did he slowly let out a long breath.

Qin Heng apologized again from beside him.

“S-sorry, Brother Feng.”

Feng Xun let go of Qin Heng, then shook his head.

“No, this is my fault. I should’ve warned you sooner…… Anyway, let’s get out of here. Now.”

“Okay.”

After that, the two hurried away from the crowd and went somewhere else.

That was exactly when Qing Nianyi, having finished speaking with Steward Ling, turned back to search the crowd for someone……

……

The two men outside the hall were walking a little too quickly. Big Slacker was panicking like crazy. If anyone had heard what he’d just said, he’d be dead for sure!!!

Fourteen years ago, when Qin Heng was still not quite five, a huge news story had made headlines……

Even as a child, Qin Heng had absorbed it all from hearing the adults talk about it again and again. So many years later, he still remembered……

The story was about Minghua Group—or, more precisely, about its CEO at the time, Qing Guoheng.

Back then, he wasn’t just one of the most influential powerbrokers in finance. His family also carried the noble bloodline of dragons.

But then a horrific, deliberately caused multi-car pileup left nearly fifty people dead or injured. Among them were Qing Guoheng and his wife and child. Only his daughter survived……

That daughter was……

Qing Nianyi.

——————————

“Miss, are you all right?”

Steward Ling’s concerned voice came from outside the door.

Qing Nianyi stared blankly toward the door. Her Mu Zi eyes had grown much dimmer, their earlier golden glow gone.

The pain in her chest hadn’t eased at all. But Qing Nianyi no longer seemed to care. She simply stared into the distance, dazed. Only after a long while did she respond. Her voice still held a touch of gentleness and ethereal softness, but much of its liveliness was gone……

“……I’m fine. How are the guests?”

“I’ve informed them that you’re feeling a little unwell and have left early. They’re all very concerned about your health.”

At Steward Ling’s words, Qing Nianyi kept her eyes lowered. Her pale hand resting on the sofa tightened its grip……

“……I see. Please thank all the guests for me later, Steward Ling……”

Hearing his young lady say that, Steward Ling’s brow furrowed.

“Miss, that can wait. I’m more concerned about how you’re feeling right now. If you’re really not up to it, I’ll cancel the banquet for you.”

Qing Nianyi slowly rose from the sofa and walked over to the mirror in the bedroom. She gazed at her reflection, still every bit as elegant as before, and fell into thought. After a long while, a gentle smile returned to her stunning face……

“……No need. I’m feeling much better now. Please let the guests know, Steward Ling. I’ll attend the banquet later.”

Outside the door, Steward Ling was about to say something. In the end, he only bowed slowly and chose to remain silent……

“Yes, Miss.”