Han Jibai and Ran Shasha's engagement party was held in the hall of a hotel, scheduled for 11:30 AM.
Considering Ran Shasha's status, the Han family did not invite media today.
Xinan came with Cheng Yi, and perhaps because the man beside her was too dazzling, as soon as she arrived at the entrance of the hall, she felt countless eyes on her.
After all, Xinan was someone who had lived under the spotlight for years and quickly adapted to these gazes. She walked slowly inside, arm in arm with Cheng Yi, nodding and smiling in response to anyone who greeted her, representing not just the Xi family's young lady but also as Cheng Yi's wife.
Inside the hall, many guests had already gathered, the atmosphere buzzingly festive throughout, mostly comprised of Jing City's esteemed and noble families.
In the center of the hall was a long table, laden with a variety of exquisite foods and drinks, where Han Jibai and Ran Shasha were mingling with the people around them.
Han Jibai was dressed in a black suit, his hair meticulously styled, emanating a mature and stable aura, while Ran Shasha was in a red mermaid dress, with a low-cut shoulder design making her skin appear snow-white.
Han Jibai spoke a few words with a laugh to someone next to him and then walked over with Ran Shasha.
"Ah Yi, Nannan, it's been such a long time," Han Jibai said, his eyes and brows always carrying a smile, his demeanor seemingly gentle with everyone.
Xinan took out a small box from her handbag and handed it to Ran Shasha, "Sister Shasha, Brother Ji Bai, happy engagement, this is your engagement gift."
Ran Shasha opened the small box on the spot, revealing a pair of couple's necklaces, "Thank you, Nannan, I really like it."
In contrast to Xinan, Cheng Yi did not bring a gift, but took a glass of wine from a passing server and lightly toasted Han Jibai with a tilt, "Happy engagement."
Ran Shasha smiled brilliantly, "Cheng Yi, I heard from Ji Bai that you recently acquired several entertainment companies—don't forget me when you come across any good resources!"
Ran Shasha glanced at Xinan as she said this.
Her words clearly had an underlying meaning, and Cheng Yi, being the clever person he was, certainly understood this.
The corner of Cheng Yi's mouth curled into a slight smirk as he replied leisurely, "You're already a triple Golden Award-winning actress, do you still need me to provide resources for you?"
"It's one thing whether I lack resources, but whether Mr. Yi provides them is another matter entirely," she emphasized the words "Mr. Yi" a bit more heavily.
Cheng Yi enunciated each word, "I give them to you, would you dare to accept?"
Ran Shasha met Cheng Yi's gaze unwaveringly, her face still smiling, "Dare I, why wouldn't I?"
Xinan, unaware of the deeper implications of their conversation, just felt the tension between them rising, and hurriedly gave Han Jibai a meaningful look.
Back in their school days, Cheng Yi and Ran Shasha hardly got along; their encounters were like a battlefield.
Receiving the look from Xinan, Han Jibai chuckled softly, then interjected, "Shasha, most of the guests have arrived, let's go up and say a few words."
Without waiting for Ran Shasha to speak, he pulled her away.
Watching the main couple walk to the center of the hall, all the guests gathered around.
Han Jibai led Ran Shasha to the center of the stage, took a microphone from a server, and spoke clearly and resonantly, "Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend Shasha's and my engagement party. Shasha and I have known, understood, and loved each other all the way till now, and we are about to step into the hall of matrimony. We are truly grateful that you all could witness this wonderful moment with us. Now, I declare that the engagement party officially begins."
The crowd below erupted in applause, as if to convey their blessings for the couple with this warm ovation.
Under the witness of everyone, Han Jibai and Ran Shasha exchanged rings and then kissed.
After the ceremony, it was time to cut the cake. Cheng Yi had already been surrounded by people discussing work-related matters, and Xinan couldn't understand their conversation, so she found a sofa to sit down on alone.
Having nothing better to do, Xinan sat for a while and then asked a waiter for a glass of fruit wine, which was not very strong.
In such a place, idle gossip is inevitable.
"Look, the girl sitting on the sofa over there is the Xi Family's young mistress, Xinan."
"That's her, huh? I heard that the Cheng Family seems to be forming a marriage alliance with the Xi Family."
"What marriage alliance? It's just wishful thinking on the Xi Family's part. The Cheng Family doesn't acknowledge her at all. She's nothing more than a vase beside Cheng Yi. Otherwise, why do you think they've been together for so long and Cheng Yi hasn't given her a wedding?"
"..."
Xinan clenched the bag in her hand tightly. She thought she was strong enough, but when she heard these words, her heart ached as if someone had stabbed it.
Yes, if she was really that important to Cheng Yi, then why hadn't he given her a wedding?
A bitter taste rose in Xinan's eyes. Getting married is such a sacred event, usually done with someone you love. Cheng Yi didn't like her, so how could he give her a wedding? To him, she was just a bed partner.
"Nannan?"
Xinan collected her emotions and squeezed out a smile, sweetly calling out, "Brother Ji Bai."
Han Jibai sat down on the sofa next to Xinan, placing the cake he held on the table, "I saw you didn't go and get a cake, so I saved a piece for you, matcha flavor, which you like."
Xinan felt a warmth in her heart; she hadn't expected that after so many years, Han Jibai would still remember her favorite flavor of cake. "Thank you."
"You look a little pale. Are you feeling unwell, or is something bothering you?"
Han Jibai always had a way of seeing right through her.
Xinan shook her head, making up an excuse on the spot, "No, I probably ate something unclean this morning, and now my stomach hurts a bit."
Han Jibai was still somewhat concerned, "Do you want to go upstairs and sleep for a while?" There were special rest rooms upstairs.
Going somewhere with no one around to sleep would be good, at least she wouldn't have to listen to the upsetting gossip.
"Okay."
Han Jibai had intended to take Xinan upstairs, but she refused; after all, he was the star of the event today and there were many things waiting for him to do.
Xinan quickly fell asleep on the hotel bed once she lay down. She slept deeply and for a long time because when she woke up, the sky had already started to darken.
Xinan groggily took out her phone from her bag to check the time; it was already 5:30 in the afternoon. At this time, the engagement party should have already ended.
But when she saw the missed call notification under the time, she was stunned. Cheng Yi had actually called her thirteen times!
She didn't know when she had accidentally set her phone to silent, so she hadn't heard any sound.
Cheng Yi had called her so many times—was there some sort of emergency?