As Yan Feng felt his spirits sinking lower, Bo Jinxi's voice cut through the tension. "Yan family? The one from Haifeng Construction?"
A flicker of hope sparked in Yan Feng's heart. "Yes! Yan Haifeng is my grandfather. He often praises you as a genius in the business world. He believes that if our company could collaborate with the Bo family on the resort project, it would be a tremendous honor."
Yan Feng had been searching for an opportunity to steer the conversation toward business, and now it seemed fate was on his side. He didn't expect Bo Jinxi to agree right away; after all, a billion-dollar project couldn't be negotiated in just a few minutes. But he needed Bo Jinxi to remember the Yan family for future opportunities amidst fierce competition.
Bo Jinxi toyed with his wine glass, exuding an air of aloofness that made those standing feel they had to look up to him. His voice, calm yet laced with a hint of mockery, was low. "The resort project could be partnered with anyone, but definitely not with the Yan family."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Many had their eyes set on the lucrative project and had envied the mention of Haifeng Construction. But now, expressions shifted from envy to schadenfreude, curiosity brewing. What had the Yan family done to earn the ire of this powerful figure?
Yan Feng was taken aback. Prior to today, the Yan family had no ties to the Bo family, let alone had they met Bo Jinxi. Why would he say such a thing?
"Bo Sir, if I may ask, has the Yan family offended you in some way?" Yan Feng's voice trembled slightly, confusion and concern etched on his face.
In response, Bo Jinxi rose, his gaze sliding past Yan Feng to settle on Jiang Ciyou. His expression was impassive, but there was a flicker of emotion beneath his cool exterior.
"You should ask Mrs. Yan," he replied.
All eyes turned to the woman behind Yan Feng. Jiang Ciyou was stunning, undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the room. Clad in a qipao, she looked like a fairy from the misty Jiangnan, her beauty radiating even in the simplest of colors.
The crowd watched with a mixture of admiration and scrutiny, unaware that Jiang Ciyou was completely blindsided by the sudden confrontation.
Yan Feng turned to her, his voice edged with accusation. "Jiang Ciyou, you need to explain what's going on."
His mind raced with questions. How could she know Bo Jinxi, and why had she angered him? Had there been something between them?
Gathering her thoughts, Jiang Ciyou stepped forward, a smile playing at her lips. "I didn't realize President Bo held a grudge. It was three years ago when I accidentally scratched your car. At the time, I had no idea who you were, so I just left a thousand yuan and left. It's impressive that you remember."
With that, Jiang Ciyou felt the weight of the moment. She couldn't confess the truth—that she had been with him and now was distancing herself. The crowd finally understood, and Yan Feng relaxed a bit, relieved.
"Bo Sir's car must have cost a fortune; a thousand yuan is hardly an apology. You should go and properly apologize to him!" Yan Feng commanded.
The onlookers marveled at his lack of sensitivity, noting how he reprimanded such a beautiful woman without a hint of concern. It seemed cold-hearted, especially given the circumstances.
Yan Feng reasoned that Bo Jinxi wouldn't care about the repair costs but felt Jiang Ciyou's careless remark of a thousand yuan was a slight, thus fueling the grudge.
Seeing Bo Jinxi remain silent, Jiang Ciyou boldly approached him, raising her glass. "Three years ago, I was foolish and disrespectful. I apologize, President Bo."
She added meaningfully, "I hope you can forgive me, a mere woman, and not hold it against me."
Bo Jinxi's lips curved into a chilling smile, his demeanor strikingly captivating. "You think a single drink can erase three years of grievances?"
The crowd gasped at his coldness. How could a mere scratch on a car provoke such a lasting resentment? They exchanged wary glances, recognizing the depth of his character.
"How can we settle this?" someone finally asked.
Bo Jinxi picked up an unopened bottle of baijiu. "One drink won't suffice; a whole bottle might be considered."
Everyone stared in disbelief. To make a woman drink an entire bottle of strong liquor was excessive, yet someone had already started pouring.
Ten glasses lined up neatly on the table, each filled to the brim. Bo Jinxi's unwavering gaze fell on Jiang Ciyou. "Mrs. Yan, please."
Jiang Ciyou realized that perhaps this bottle could sever the ties of their tumultuous past. Stepping forward, she lifted a glass. "If this drink settles our three-year entanglement, then I accept. But you must also discard any bias against the Yan family and allow us a fair chance."
"Of course," he replied, a hint of amusement lacing his voice.
As she raised the glass to drink, a voice from the crowd piped up. "Mrs. Yan is truly remarkable—both beautiful and bold. But her husband seems a bit lacking."
"Exactly, letting a woman fight the battles while he stands silently by. He's like a kept man," another chimed in.
"The Yan family's interests are at stake, and he seems indifferent," a third added.
These remarks cut through the air, landing squarely on Yan Feng's ears, painting his face in hues of anger and embarrassment. Why couldn't they see that this was Jiang Ciyou's fault?
But Yan Feng's pride wouldn't allow him to let it go. He snatched the glass from her hand and declared, "She is my wife. Her mistakes are mine to bear. I will drink on her behalf."
He expected Bo Jinxi to refuse this gesture, but instead, Bo Jinxi replied casually, "Young Master Yan, you truly are a good husband."
"Drink up."