Hearing those words, Huayan's tender heart felt both moved and pained, her eyes swelling with sour tears that seemed ready to spill any moment. But a passing beam of light made her hold back the tears.

Soon after, the eighth anniversary of Ningyin Group arrived. Huayan, dressed in a light purple off-shoulder gown, and Hu Li, in a black suit, arrived at the outdoor banquet.

Their arrival went unnoticed by the glamorous and well-dressed guests, except for a few women who seemed captivated by Hu Li's presence. Without smiling, speaking, or making any unnecessary movements, Hu Li left a lasting impression on people.

At this banquet, celebrities, divas, movie stars, renowned directors, upper-class socialites, aristocrats, and wealthy merchants gathered together. Handsome men and beautiful women were everywhere. At this moment, Huayan's fresh appearance seemed like that of an ugly duckling.

From afar, Huayan saw Ningyin, dressed in a white suit reflecting blue light under the lamps, like a victorious general returning. Three actresses in their twenties, thirties, and forties, all still radiant, followed closely behind him. This also highlighted Ningyin's efforts over the past seven or eight years. Perhaps in the next eight years, there would be many more actresses in their fifties and sixties under his banner, still radiant and beautiful.

The banquet venue was half the size of a football field. Guided by Hu Li, Huayan sat on the side, sipping strawberry juice while admiring the handsome men and beautiful women around her, exchanging flirtatious glances.

"Hu Li, do you think it's worth being a male companion at this event? So many beautiful women, it must be pleasing to the eye," Huayan said, laughing at her own words.

Hu Li glared at her and hoarsely said, "Seeing too much of something makes it lose its appeal, just like that vase over there," pointing to a nearby decorative vase.

"If they heard that, they would surely be heartbroken. Ah, men are really strange creatures."

"Why are you talking nonsense? Let me inform you of something in advance: do you know who Cheng Yunqi is?"

"Yes, so what? Why so serious?"

"I said before that I didn't know her, right?"

"And now you suddenly remember her?" Huayan's heart trembled.

"I don't know her, but she's the one I saved in the United States when she had just had an accident. My pocket watch should have been lost at that time too. I don't remember her, but she seems quite eager to know me. She should be here tonight. If she says anything, don't let yourself get upset."

"I understood the first part of what you said, but the latter part feels off. Why should I be unhappy if you have something with her? And your solemn explanation just now makes it seem like there's something between us?" Hu Li's expression remained unchanged, but he felt quite pleased inside. He listened to the person next to him using despicable methods to pursue Huayan. Just now, she didn't get angry even after a little test.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

He didn't dare to laugh out loud, afraid of being discovered by Huayan.

"It's nothing, just wanted to tell you. Remember it."

Huayan nudged Hu Li and then ignored him with a grumpy expression.

On the other side, Cheng Yunqi was walking towards Ningyin with her brother.

"Congratulations on your success, Ningyin." Cheng Yunqi held her head high, blocking Ningyin's path in a tone reminiscent of a family member.

Ningyin's smile paused for a second before he continued with a perfect smile, "Thank you for your kind words."

"I've been back for a long time. This is the first time I've seen you up close." Cheng Yunqi's tone carried a hint of grievance, drawing angry glares from several beautiful women beside Ningyin.

One of the actresses couldn't bear it any longer and stood up, saying, "Miss Cheng, please don't block Mr. Ningyin's way. There are many of us who want to see him."

Cheng Yunqi's chest rose and fell rapidly. She glared at the actress but remained silent, only looking at Ningyin, waiting for him to speak up for her. Cheng Jie also stopped talking to the others.

"You all have a good time tonight. I have other things to attend to, so I'll leave first."

This sentence made Cheng Yunqi instinctively step back to make way for them. It was because Ningyin's tone was too unfamiliar. After Ningyin left without turning back, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Cheng Jie hugged her and comforted her softly.

"Sister..."

"It's okay, there are plenty of good men out there."

Witnessing this scene, Cheng Xiang wanted to step forward to comfort his brother as per his request. However, Cheng Qingqing was unwilling. Since she saw Cheng Yunqi blocking Ningyin's path earlier, she had been very displeased. It wasn't the female actress who grabbed her and started lecturing her, it was Cheng Xiang.

Seeing Cheng Yunqi crying, Cheng Qingqing was delighted and pulled Cheng Xiang to look for Huayan's figure. Because she knew that Hu Li was also here today. "Second brother, you're always so busy. Now, Huayan sister has been snatched away, and by someone much stronger than you!"

Cheng Xiang tapped Cheng Qingqing's smiling face, which was about to wrinkle up, and said, "Am I that bad? You're boosting others' morale while undermining your own prestige."

Cheng Qingqing made a face at Cheng Xiang, laughed, and continued searching for Huayan's figure while carrying the gown.

Meanwhile, Cheng Yunqi, wandering alone after greeting Cheng Jie, had even better luck. After just a couple of turns, she saw Huayan's group. She first noticed Hu Li's cold expression, but now he was different. Every movement of his was gentle and sincere, and his eyes were only focused on one person.

That person was a woman. Cheng Yunqi didn't expect Huayan and Hu Li to be so intimate. The way they looked at each other and their gestures were filled with tacit understanding.

Cheng Yunqi's heart was about to burst with jealousy. She lifted her skirt and walked over to them. "Hu Li, I finally get to see you."

"I don't know you," Hu Li said coldly, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm Cheng Yunqi. It's thanks to you that I'm standing here again." Turning to Huayan, she said, "Can I have a private conversation with Mr. Hu?" Then, she turned back to Hu Li and added, "Huayan used to be my sister-in-law. But later, their relationship soured, and they got divorced."

"Excellent people naturally deserve to be cherished by even more outstanding individuals. Miss Cheng, please step aside a bit, or you'll be in our line of sight." Hu Li, holding Huayan's hand, looked at Cheng Yunqi expressionlessly.

A few seconds later, Cheng Yunqi still didn't move. Hu Li pulled Huayan away, and they walked off. Cheng Yunqi stared spitefully at Huayan's back, then grabbed a glass of milk punch from a passing waiter and followed them.

However, Hu Da and the others, who had been secretly observing Hu Li's group, immediately noticed Cheng Yunqi's actions. Before she could pour the milk punch on Huayan's dress, Hu Da intercepted her.

Cheng Xiang hurried over when he saw this. "Sister Cheng... what's going on?"

"It's nothing. Hasn't your eldest brother returned this time?" Cheng Yunqi glanced at Hu Da, gave up, and asked about another matter she cared about.

"No," replied Hu Da.