The girl's face suddenly turned red, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else, pardon the interruption."
"It's okay," Shen Dang was very gracious.
"Let's go, wife," Shen Dang wrapped his arms around Qiao Xi's shoulders as they walked away—they could still hear the voices behind them.
"They look so well-matched."
"And her eyes really do look like Qiao Xi's, and her figure too."
Qiao XI was the epitome of a truly beautiful woman with phoenix eyes, graceful and ethereal demeanor, possessing a distinctive charm.
Even without seeing her face, one would be drawn by her demeanor.
"Forget it, how could Qiao XI be here with a man."
"That's true, haha."
As they walked farther away, Qiao Xi immediately shrugged off Shen Dang's hand.
Seeing her eagerness to disassociate from him, Shen Dang laughed with a hint of annoyance, "Miss Qiao, I did help you just now."
Qiao Xi smiled and praised him, "Thanks for that, Boss Shen, you played your part well just now."
Tall and imposing, Shen Dang looked down at the woman a head shorter than him, suddenly leaning in closer with a faint teasing smile in his eyes, "After all, my wife is a big star, almost recognized on the street, I had to learn a bit."
Qiao Xi stepped back, creating some distance, "Boss Shen, there's no one here, you don't have to keep calling me your wife."
It really is annoying.
Shen Dang, somewhat smugly, raised his brow, "Miss Qiao, now you don't have to worry about me blowing our cover."
Just to annoy you.
Qiao Xi smiled elegantly, "Indeed, no worries now. Seeing you today, Boss Shen, it's a pity you don't act, the showbiz world is missing an emperor of drama."
Are you crazy? Why cling to her every word?
Their eyes met, neither willing to back down, an invisible smoke of tension enveloping them.
After a few seconds of eye contact, their gazes darted away as if scorched by heat.
...
Old Master Shen's birthday banquet was held at the Shen Family Mansion, where Hai City's business elites had been invited.
That afternoon, the brilliant sunlight pierced through the lush foliage casting splotchy circles of light on the ground.
Qiao Xi stood under a tree, the vintage dress making her look elegantly dignified; the hem of the dress gently lifted by the wind.
This scene was as picturesque as a painting.
However, the tranquility was disturbed by the ring of her phone; Shen Dang looked at Qiao Xi, "You go in first? I need to take this call."
Qiao Xi nodded unconcernedly and just as she entered the Shen Family Mansion, she was greeted with derisive laughter.
"Qiao Xi, oh, you had the courage to come here alone." Qu Keke mocked her, her eyes filled with scorn, "Brother Dang isn't even accompanying you. He really doesn't appreciate you. But it's clear Brother Dang doesn't fancy you, yet you shamelessly cling to him, you're really making it hard for Brother Dang."
The ladies beside Qu Keke laughed as if they were watching a spectacle.
Nowadays, the heiresses of Hai City simply hoped Shen Dang would get divorced and become single again, so they could have their chance with him.
Today, with Qiao Xi appearing alone, there were many ready to mock her.
Qiao Xi heard this and was not annoyed; Qu Keke, in her eyes, was just a brainless yet jumpy person.
A few insignificant words.
"It's indeed hard on Shen Dang, but who made him choose to marry me? Don't be too envious."
Qu Keke's pretty face alternated between paling and flushing, "Qiao Xi, you have no shame! Stop hanging onto Brother Dang!"
"Qu Keke!" a voice intervened, "What are you doing?"
Qu Keke stamped her foot, glaring hatefully at Qiao Xi, "Brother, I'm not causing trouble."
"Shut up!" If it hadn't been such a public place, Qu Jiashu might have called his sister an idiot!
"Xixi, Keke likes to make a fuss, don't mind her. Where's Ah Dang?"