Qi Chumian.
A name Han Li had heard before. A man she instantly categorized as disgusting trouble.
"Good evening, Miss Lilian," Qi Chumian greeted with a practiced, gentle smile.
Han Li set down her glass, tilting her head slightly. Her tone was distant but polite. "Young Master Qi."
Su Lan's brows arched slightly. She knew Han Li's mannerisms well—this level of cold detachment meant she had already sized him up and found him lacking.
Qi Chumian chuckled, a light-hearted lilt in his voice as if he hadn't noticed her indifference. "There's no need to be so formal. We're all in the same social circles, aren't we? Just call me by my name."
Narrowing his eyes, he looked at Han Li.
Being a renowned model, he had come to France for a fashion event and, during a visit to the Su estate, he had unexpectedly laid eyes on Han Li. She wasn't just beautiful. She was breathtaking. That cold yet composed aura, her unreadable expressions, and the way her presence commanded attention made her irresistibly intriguing.
Upon asking around, turned out that she was from Han family. Although he was unaware about any other of their extended family member living in France but this young miss is the first cousin of Han eldest lady.
He was first shocked when he found out about her being from Han family. Although she is distantly related, just her being part of Han family was attractive to him. Moreover, such a beautiful face and temperament, with a body like mermaid, he was mesmerised.
He had her investigated but nothing could be found from before this year except that she studied at Murphy International university, and had been living in France for over 18 years. being the part of high society and still maintaining such a private life really intrigued him. It made him more interested in her, like mystery waiting to be opened. Of course, the main part of interest is because of her beautiful face and indifferent temperament.
Unfortunately nothing could be found about her schedule, so he had no idea how to meet her. He tried to ask Su Yan but he was tongue tied. As if she has a deep background which can not be exposed.
Nevertheless, no matter what kind of support she had, he wanted her to become his woman. So he wanted to try his luck out with Su Lan today but who knew he would meet her here. Like everyone else his attention was also attracted toward her when she entered the hall, she looked stunning.
He was going to approach her when he saw her going toward main table and sitting with Old Man Su, he retracted his steps, he had guessed she was connected with Su family but never thought she would be so well liked by Old Man Su.
"I never thought I'd have the pleasure of meeting you again, Miss Lilian. And certainly not at such a grand occasion. I must say, you are even more exceptional than I remembered."
Su Lan shot him a look—such a cliché line.
Han Li didn't even blink.
She simply replied, "I thank Young Master Qi for his praise." Her tone was polite. Detached. Impersonal. But there was a shift in the air. For a brief moment, the temperature around them seemed to drop.
She has seen countless greedy eyes of men filled with lust, eyeing her body like they were admiring some sculpture. It revolts her so much that she wishes to yank out those pupils.
"The lady is worthy of the praise." said Qi Chumian. Standing next to Su Lan a young aristocrat lady, Han Li didn't pale in comparison. In fact her aura exceeded Su Lan's, which caused him to think about her background again. Being away from mainland for so many years, she still has an aristocratic air around her.
"Since I admire Miss Lilian so much," Qi Chumian said smoothly, "may I have the honor of your first dance tonight?"
His words were bold.
Su Lan's eyes widened slightly. For a man to ask for the first dance at an event like this, on their first formal meeting, was nothing short of aggressive.
Even Han Li raised a brow, a flicker of amusement flashing across her usually impassive gaze.
How impatient.
She parted her lips, about to reject him—But before she could, a voice cut through the air.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Young Master Qi, but I have already asked Miss Lilian for her first dance tonight." The voice was calm yet firm.
Qi Chumian's smile faltered ever so slightly.
Turning toward the voice, he saw Su Yan approaching, his expression unreadable. Su Lan blinked. Since when did Su Yan ask for Han Li's first dance?!
Han Li, too, studied Su Yan, her gaze cool but intrigued.
Qi Chumian chuckled, adjusting his cuffs as he looked at Su Yan. "Oh? I see."
Han Li's eyes swept between the two men. One seeking her out of ambition. The other stepping in unprompted.
"Young master Qi should try again next time." said Su Yan then he extended his hand toward Han Li. "May I?"
Su Lan first looked at her brother and then Qi Chumian , well it's better for Han Li to dance with her brother than that flirt.
Han Li looked at Su Yan extended hand then eyed him deeply, before putting her hand on his.
"I apologize that I have to reject Young master Qi's invitation, I already have a date for the night." Said Han Li
Qi Chumian calmly retracted his hand seeing this. He knew fully well she was not anyone's date for the night. Her dancing with Su Yan was probably to make him step down. Qi Chumian looked at Su Yan thinking, does he like Lilian? Well it's given. She is a stunning beauty, no one can escape her charm. Nevertheless, he can't fuss around it. If she didn't want to dance with him tonight, there would be other nights.
"Then I shall graciously step aside," he said smoothly. "I hope to have the pleasure of a dance with Miss Lilian another time."
Han Li gave a polite yet distant smile, offering no further words.
Su Yan, uninterested in the exchange, simply said, "Excuse us." With that, he led Han Li toward the center of the ballroom, leaving Su Lan and Qi Chumian behind.
"Mr Qi, you should think before you eye or say something, otherwise you will invite troubles at your door" commented Su Lan when she saw Han Li leaving. Everyone can see the real destination he has in his mind just by looking at his lecherous eyes.
"Of course I will! I know Miss Su and Miss Han are childhood friends so I expressed my thoughts openly." He replied turning his eyes away from Han Li's back. He was just checking the boundaries to find how he should advance forward.
"Since you are aware she is from Han family. then you should also know that they are very protective of their members." she replied with a straight face.
"As far as I am aware, miss Lilian is Han family's second branch's adopted daughter, Han Li." said Qi Chumian with slight smile. If she was one of the direct descendant he would never have thought of approaching her. Han family direct descendants are always under precise control and constant supervision of elite team.
Su Lan side eyed him, if Han Li was adopted, then no one in Han family was biological and legitimate. Heh! It seems her decision of return was correct. If not maybe those pigeons will continue to occupy the magpies nest.