After he got out of the car, he turned and reached back inside. A hand clad in black lace gloves reached out, and then, a richly dressed middle-aged woman stepped out. She stood beside Mayor Su, their arms entwined, smiling at each other with a silent understanding that flowed between them; it was clear they were very close.
It seemed that this person was Mayor Su's wife, Zhai Qing.
Jiang Jinse, who had been refused by Zhai Qing yesterday, hesitated to step forward and greet her.
Soon another car pulled up, and upon seeing who it was, Jiang Jinse felt even more incredulous.
Secretary Zhou, who was a rank senior to Mayor Su, and his wife arrived. Mayor Su went forward to exchange pleasantries, and the four of them, guided by attendants, walked towards the gardens.
The oppressive air unique to officials made Jiang Jinse tense unconsciously, and she took a step back, feeling so insignificant and small in front of these people.
Just who was this host, that even Mayor Su and Secretary Zhou were in attendance?
Before long, Yun Shen arrived.
Today he was dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and blue polka-dot tie. His tall and straight figure, his dashing appearance, and his handsome face seemed to be covered by a layer of frost. Walking in the setting sun, the pale gold light shining on him, he looked clear cut, elegant, and indifferent.
This man always captured attention so effortlessly, yet his eyes never lingered on any woman.
Jinse watched the man walking towards her, entranced, as the defenses she had so carefully built up crumbled once again.
She had fallen for a poison called Yun Shen, with no antidote in sight for the rest of her life...
"Daddy," Yun Ya called sweetly before Yun Shen had even come close.
"Have you been waiting long?" Yun Shen asked as he approached her, his indifferent gaze landing on her face, beautifully made up. It was hard to tell if his mood was one of satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
"Not at all, I only just arrived," Jiang Jinse said, shyly lowering her eyes.
"Let's go," Yun Shen stood there, reaching out his arm towards Jiang Jinse.
Jiang Jinse was startled, then nearly overwhelmed by joy. Trembling, she reached out and took his arm, her heart racing with excitement and joy.
The faint scent of his cologne tantalized her senses, and she knew she was like a pet that Yun Shen had tamed. With just a beckoning finger from her master, she would rush forward without looking back, even if it meant marching into a firestorm, relishing every moment of it.
She turned her head to look at his handsome, indifferent profile so close to her, and her heart swelled with satisfaction.
Yun Shen extended his other hand to Yun Ya, who obediently walked over and took it.
The palm of her father's hand was thick and warm, the handholding she had craved for a lifetime, yet it had come so late.
Her gaze fell, filled with mockery.
The three silhouettes—one tall and upright, one gracefully curvaceous, one lively and adorable—looked like a family of three, radiating warmth and happiness.
Upon following the guide to a stand-alone villa located to the southeast, at that moment, the villa was brightly lit, with people weaving through the garden, engaged in lively conversations—a myriad of attitudes and social interactions of high society unfolded before one's eyes.
The arrival of Yun Shen caused a minor sensation, since Yun Shen was known for keeping a low profile, and it was the first time he had brought a female companion to a banquet, and the woman by his side...
Everyone's gaze was speculative and gossipy.
The disappearance of Ji Lanyi seemed to pave the way for Kang Jinse's complete ascension. Could that proud and noble top socialite have been finally bested by such a woman?
Tsk, tsk... the irony.
Holding onto your man, leading your daughter, completely taking over your status, and also enjoying your wealth and all the titles you once held.
But then again, who knows?
No matter how well Kang Jinse tried to disguise herself, she still revealed her lack of confidence among these graceful and noble ladies, looking as uncomfortable and panicked as a clown, which in turn elicited disdainful and mocking glances.
A pheasant will always be a pheasant, even if it flies into a Phoenix nest, it cannot change its lowly origins, the pettiness of a small household that simply can't make the grade.
Observing the man, even the Eldest Miss of the Ji Family, who was too proud for anyone else, submitted to the man in the suit—truly a standout among men, especially with that clear-cut appearance and indifferent temperament, he could easily make a woman's heart flutter.
It was said that the Ji's were soon to be renamed Yun's, and the worth of Yun Shen would absolutely double. A hero is not judged by his past; Ji Huaixi was already dead, Ji Lanyi had become history, and this man was about to usher in a new era. To call him a hero would be insufficient; he should be known as, a hegemon.
Such a man is like opium, drawing women in to become addicted, to go crazy for him.
Yes, Ji Lanyi was no more, and this man was now single; despite having two children, he was still the most sought after. And Kang Jinse...
Don't be ridiculous, how could Yun Shen possibly fancy such a woman? She was just a plaything.
Kang Jinse was oblivious that many people already had their eyes on the man beside her, and to them, she was no threat at all.
"I didn't expect President Yun, always so low-profile, to attend tonight's banquet. Had I known, I would have dressed up even prettier," said a seductive woman in a silver bodycon dress, holding a tall wine glass. The silver flowed like moonlight, half-revealing her bust, with a slit at the root of her thigh-high dress. As she walked, her long, fair legs played a game of hide and seek, extremely seductive. The light aqua eyeshadow, slightly upturned eyeliner, those peach blossom eyes instantly revealed a captivating and charming luminescence like that of a fox. Her fiery red lips were full and glistening, beckoning for a taste.
This woman's every move exuded a sensual grace, as soft and alluring as water, yet as enchanting as a fox.
Kang Jinse immediately felt an immense threat, staring unfavourably at this woman, her arm subconsciously tightening around Yun Shen's.
She recognized this woman—Miss Bai of the Bai Family. The Bai Family was once the wealthiest in Jiangzhou, later to be surpassed by the Ji Family. Recently, there seemed to be a downward trend, but even a starved camel is still bigger than a horse, and in Jiangzhou, they remained the wealthy household second only to the Ji Family.
The current Family Head of the Bai Family, Bai Lun, was Bai Ran's brother. Bai Ran was an exceptionally promiscuous woman, her romantic exploits taking three days and nights to tell—yet, she had the capital and the confidence, and even if people itched with hatred, they had to swallow their teeth along with the blood.
It was said that no man she set her sights on could escape her grasp, even if he was a married man, she would still have him in the end, a terrifying existence that made women tremble in fear.
Leaving her private life aside, Bai Ran was also incredibly capable at work. It was rumored that she had high prestige within the Bai Group, landing many big deals, and the group's recent improvements were all thanks to her efforts.
Such a woman, with skills, looks, and status—if she really took a liking to Yun Shen, it would be an absolute disaster for Kang Jinse.