Alex yearned to dismiss the woman before her, yet Tian Tian seemed intent on prolonging their encounter.
"Alex, that gentleman you were with earlier, is he your new boyfriend? Truly, a promising young talent," Tian Tian said, a sly smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Alex's eyebrows arched slightly, but she remained silent, observing Tian Tian's antics.
Sensing Alex's lack of response, Tian Tian persisted, her smile widening. "I genuinely feel happy for you, Alex. It's sad to cling to someone who doesn't love you."
Alex knew Tian Tian was trying to provoke her, but the latter failed to grasp the reality that Alex held no regard for Ethan. Thus, Tian Tian's words fell flat.
Feeling like her punch had landed on cotton, Tian Tian's heart seethed with frustration, yet she refused to let this opportunity slip.
Glancing around, she noted that everyone was engrossed in their own affairs, oblivious to their exchange. Seizing the moment, Tian Tian snatched the glass of orange juice from Alex's hand and splashed it across her own face, immediately followed by a piercing scream and the sound of the glass shattering on the floor.
All eyes turned to them.
"Alex, I know you resent Ethan Keller for choosing me. I'll take whatever abuse you dish out, but how could you insult my parents?" Tian Tian said, tears welling up in her eyes. Despite her drenched hair, she still managed to appear vulnerable and alluring, evoking a protective instinct in those around her.
Tian Tian's words bared her true intentions, and Alex's lips curved into a faint smile. She hadn't intended to confront Tian Tian tonight, but since the latter had brought it upon herself, Alex wouldn't let the opportunity pass without a proper response.
"Alex, what are you doing?!" Ethan burst through the crowd, positioning himself behind Tian Tian and staring at Alex with wide eyes.
"I haven't done anything," Alex replied innocently.
"The evidence is clear. How can you deny it?" Ethan demanded.
"Evidence, you say? Then may I ask, who here saw me splash orange juice on this lady's face?" Alex turned to the crowd, pointing at Tian Tian.
The crowd exchanged uncertain glances, their gazes shifting doubtfully towards Tian Tian. Even Ethan couldn't help but feel a twinge of skepticism.
"Alex, I know you dislike me, and I don't blame you for that. But what are you implying? That I would splash orange juice on myself?" Tian Tian exclaimed, tears streaming down her cheeks, adding to her air of innocence.
Many in the crowd recognized Ethan and had heard of his past with Alex, as well as Alex's reputation. Seeing Alex's polished appearance contrasted with Tian Tian's disheveled state, they instinctively sided with Tian Tian.
"Of course, no one would do such a thing to themselves," someone muttered.
"Exactly, it's obvious someone's jealous," another chimed in.
Just then, Sheng Xiangdong stepped forward from the crowd, frowning at the scene before him. "What's going on here?"
"Miss Tian claims I splashed orange juice on her," Alex replied succinctly.
"Did you?" Sheng asked Tian Tian, his tone intrigued.
"What do you think?" Alex countered with a smile.
Sheng chuckled, then addressed the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe this is all a misunderstanding. I know Alex well, and she wouldn't do such a thing."
As Sheng spoke, Ethan sneered sarcastically, his words laced with challenge. "How well can you know her after knowing her for such a short time? And can your word alone resolve this matter?"
Ethan's remark wasn't directed at Alex but rather at Sheng's presumption of familiarity and his dismissive attitude towards the situation.
"Then what do you propose?" Sheng asked Ethan, his expression disdainful. Upon learning of Alex and Ethan's past, Sheng had felt jealousy towards Ethan. Now, however, he held no such sentiment, believing Ethan unworthy of being his rival.
"We should clear things up and deal with it accordingly," Ethan said, avoiding Alex's gaze.
"There's nothing to clear up. Alex would never do such a thing," Sheng insisted confidently, though Alex knew he didn't fully trust her. Still, it was a far cry from his previous stance of siding with Tian Tian against her.
"Mr. Keller, I can see you care deeply for Alex, but your accusation is unfair," Tian Tian interjected, her expression a mix of humiliation and defiance, tears threatening to fall but held back with stubborn resolve. Her protagonist's aura shone brightly, eliciting empathy from those around her.
As the protagonist, Tian Tian commanded the sympathy of all, and those who supported her couldn't help but look upon Alex with increasing disdain.
Even Sheng, who had initially stood by Alex, couldn't help but feel a tinge of sympathy for Tian Tian's plight.
Alex shook her head in disappointment. Perhaps even if Sheng fell in love with her, he might still be swayed by the protagonist's charm to love Tian Tian instead.
However, Alex cared little for Sheng's affections. Her sole concern was completing her mission.
"Miss Tian is right. This is indeed unfair," Alex said calmly, her voice clear and soothing. "Therefore, we must resolve this matter once and for all."
Alex's words stirred a commotion, drawing more people to the scene, including Shen Zhen.
"What's the meaning of this?" he asked, his expression darkening. As the host of the event, he felt a sense of responsibility for the unfolding chaos.
Tian Tian, who had intended to disrupt any possibility of Ethan and Alex reconciling, now found herself in a predicament. She approached Shen Zhen, striving to appear innocent and understanding. "Mr. Shen, it's all a misunderstanding. It's my fault. Please forgive me."
Tian Tian's act garnered favor from most in attendance, further fueling their disdain towards Alex.
Alex sneered inwardly. Tian Tian sought to diffuse the situation and curry favor, but Alex wouldn't let her get away with it so easily.
"Miss Tian, how can you say that?" Alex stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Tian Tian. "If there's a misunderstanding, we must clarify it. We can't let it linger."
Snapping out of Tian Tian's protagonist-induced haze, Sheng echoed Alex's sentiment. "Exactly, we must clear up any misunderstandings and avoid wrongful accusations."
With Sheng's support, the crowd echoed his sentiment, and Ethan remained silent, watching as the situation escalated. Alex turned to Sheng, gratitude shining in her eyes. Sheng felt ashamed, realizing he had doubted her despite professing his affection.
Their actions, however, only served to irritate Ethan further.