On the dance floor, Su Yan placed his hand lightly on Han Li's waist, leading her into a smooth waltz
As he twirled her effortlessly, he lowered his voice. "I apologize. Due to my negligence, your identity was almost exposed."
Han Li's lips curved slightly, but the amusement never reached her eyes. "I never expected you to be so careless, especially in front of someone like Qi Chumian."
Su Yan sighed. "It was an oversight. I was discussing the latest firearms transaction with father when he suddenly barged in the room without warning. Fortunately, he only discovered that the CEO of IG is a woman from the mainland—and nothing else."
Han Li's gaze sharpened. "The Qi family sure is impatient. IG's headquarters haven't even moved yet, and they're already circling like vultures eyeing the contract"
"Exactly," Su Yan replied, twirling her in perfect rhythm with the music. "They offered to cover all transportation costs—our only task would be supplying the firearms. They know that once IG moves its headquarters, their chances of securing this contract will be zero. This is their attempt to get in early, hoping to gain favor."
Han Li was indifferent in the face of such huge profit "Just right at the time, spread words that IG will not be having any kind of firearm transections with mainland's families."
Hearing that Su Yan was not surprised, it was expected because no one could have bests of two worlds. Moreover, if this news spreads, rumors about IG CEO being a mainland woman will have no impact.
Standing at the corner of the hall with Su Lan, Qi Chumian was looking at dancing couple. They were talking and laughing as if they were very comfortable being so close to each other. He narrowed his eyes as thoughtful glint flashed past his eyes
"Sister"
A high-pitched, saccharine voice rang out, sending an unpleasant shiver down the spine of everyone who heard it. It was the kind of voice that was meant to sound sweet but instead made people instinctively frown.
Su Lan slowly turned, only to see Si Xi approaching with a European man by her side. The man was dressed in a sharp black suit, his brownish-blue eyes glinting under the crystal chandeliers.
His arm was wrapped possessively around Si Xi's waist as they approached.
"Sister, this is my boyfriend Marcus cooper. Mac, my sister Su Lan and Young master Qi from mainland's Qi family" introduced Su Xi with a gentle smile but her eyes couldn't hide pride and smugness she is feeling right now.
Marcus greeted Qi Chumian with a nod and turned toward Su Lan, his eyes flickered as he extended his hand towards her.
Su Lan looked towards extended hand with a complicated look, composing herself, she shook hands and turned her eyes away from Marcus. She thought he was out of country but here he was, with her cousin.
"Of course, I am acquainted with Miss Su, but this time I am meeting you as Xixi's boyfriend." Marcus smiled warmly towards Su Xi as if to show his love.
"I must say you both look compatible, Congratulations, you both are perfect for each other." Looking at them as they show their love, Su Lan felt nauseous, they were live example of birds of feather flocking together.
"Thank you sister I knew you would support us." Su Xi replied with a bashful expression.
"You are already an adult, it's not like I would have a say in your relationship. You are well aware what's good for you. You guys talk, please excuse me" Su Lan replied with slight smile. Turning around she made her way to food counter, normally she would have been cordial but these people are just too suffocating for her.
Looking at Su Lan's back Su Xi's eyes revealed cunning light as she smiled even more brightly. She was well aware about Su Lan's feeling for Marcus and it pleases her when she gets what Su Lan could not.
She will snatch more from them in the future, crumbling them under feets and having them lower their heads like slaves before her.
Turning her head she started talking with Qi Chumian.
Su Lan sat in the dimly lit corner of the grand ballroom, lost in thought. The soft hum of conversation and distant clinking of glasses barely registered in her mind.
When Han Li and Su Yan returned, Han Li took a crystal wine glass from a passing waiter and silently handed one to Su Lan.
Her gaze flickered briefly to Su Lan before landing on a man—Marcus Cooper, standing in a conversation with a few influential figures from the city.
The moment she saw him, she already knew.
"He is not worthy."
And she spoke bluntly.
Su Lan's fingers tightened slightly around the stem of the glass. She let out a quiet sigh.
"I know he's not worthy, but…"
Her voice trailed off. Knowing something and accepting it were two different things. Marcus Cooper came from an influential family, though it was still a step below the Su family. A man like him would never settle for anything less—he was always reaching, always calculating.
When he proposed to her, Su Lan refused. Not because she didn't care for him—because she did. But she had also seen through him. If he had been just a little less cunning, a little less ambitious, maybe…
Maybe they would have had a future.
Su Yan took a seat but chose not to comment. He had faith that his sister wouldn't let personal matters interfere with family affairs.
Su Lan lifted the glass to her lips and took a slow sip.
Enough.
She would stop wasting her time on a man who was never truly hers.
As she placed the glass down, Han Li spoke again, her voice low.
"Be on guard against your cousin."