Yan Qingyao woke up to find her bedding had been changed, but the room was still a mess. Earlier that morning, a maid had offered to tidy up, but she had sent her away.
Sitting in silence for a while, Yan Qingyao finally called the maid back.
"Madam, how can I assist you?" The maid kept her head bowed, her voice trembling.
Yan Qingyao's voice was calm yet probing. "Is there a woman in the young master's room?"
"A woman? No, madam," the maid replied, confused.
Yan Qingyao dismissed her with a wave. Alone again, her mind replayed the image of the woman she had seen—bright, clear eyes, brimming with confidence and inner strength. Her beauty was unadorned and pure, untouched by artificiality.
Who is she?
In the days following Shen Chi's return, Rong Qian hardly saw him—he was often out early and back late. Meanwhile, young Shen Yi remained cloistered in his room, as disciplined as ever.
Just as Rong Qian thought she'd be confined to the room indefinitely, Shen Yi informed her one evening that he would be accompanying his father to a banquet.
"A banquet? So, we can finally leave?" Rong Qian's eyes lit up with excitement. She beamed, having been cooped up for over two months.
Shen Yi shot her a glance and said flatly, "Not we—just me."
"Who says? I can go too!"
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"You underestimate me!" Rong Qian grinned, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Shen Yi stared at her for a moment, momentarily lost in thought. She's like a beam of sunlight—so radiant, so full of life.
Once Shen Chi and Shen Yi left the estate in their car, Yan Qingyao stepped out of her room and headed for Shen Yi's.
She meticulously searched the bed, wardrobe, and storage cabinets but found nothing unusual. Closing the wardrobe door, she left without a word.
Seated in the car, Shen Yi remained silent, his thoughts consumed by worry. Had Rong Qian managed to follow him out? Where was she hiding? Had anyone discovered her?
Shen Chi, noticing his son's clenched fists, asked casually, "What's on your mind?"
Shen Yi quickly loosened his grip and lowered his head. "I'm afraid of you," he said softly.
"Pathetic," Shen Chi sneered, rolling down the window to light a cigarette. As smoke filled the car, he added coldly, "Don't embarrass me tonight. If you do, you'll regret it when we get home."
Shen Yi's fists tightened again. After a long pause, he muttered, "Yes, sir."
The banquet was held in a grand castle. A long red carpet led to the entrance, where photographers and journalists swarmed. Cameras flashed as a striking Lamborghini Miura pulled up to the venue.
As the driver opened the door, Shen Chi stepped out, holding Shen Yi's hand. The blinding flashes didn't faze Shen Yi; he stared straight ahead, composed and unflinching.
The resemblance between father and son was uncanny—two stoic faces, one larger, one smaller, both exuding an icy demeanor. Their entrance commanded immediate attention.
Once inside, Shen Yi was ushered to a children's area, where other young attendees, dressed like miniature princes and princesses, mingled.
Shen Yi, however, sat alone in a corner, scanning the crowd for Rong Qian.
She was nowhere to be seen. His gaze dimmed, and doubt crept in. Maybe she didn't come after all…
Just as he thought this, a maid approached him with a glass of juice.
"I don't want it. Take it away," Shen Yi said coldly without looking up.
"You dare refuse something I brought you myself?"
Startled by the familiar voice, Shen Yi snapped his head up to see Rong Qian standing there, hands on her hips, feigning an authoritative air.
For a moment, he simply stared, his eyes darting between her face and her outfit, as if trying to confirm what he was seeing.
"What's wrong? Don't recognize me?" Rong Qian teased, glancing down at herself. Her hair was loose, adorned with a playful cat-ear headband, and she wore a maid's outfit that showed off her long legs.
Shen Yi finally picked up the juice and took a sip before asking, "How did you get in here?"
"Don't ask. It was a struggle," she sighed dramatically, waving a hand.
Looking around to ensure no one was paying attention, Rong Qian plopped down beside him and launched into an animated recounting of her escapade.
As she spoke, Shen Yi watched her intently, his usually tense features softening. Unconsciously, a smile tugged at his lips.
Across the room, Shen Chi swirled his glass of red wine while conversing with some American businessmen. A glance toward the children's area revealed Shen Yi talking animatedly with a maid.
Shen Chi frowned. My son doesn't talk to anyone. Who is this woman?
Her back was to him, so he couldn't see her face. He took a step toward them but was stopped by someone calling his name. Torn for a moment, he turned away to handle the interruption.
Rong Qian, who had been keeping an eye on Shen Chi, exhaled in relief.
"What's wrong?" Shen Yi asked, oblivious to her tension.
"Nothing," Rong Qian replied with a smile.
"Excuse me, may I sit here?"
A polite, gentle voice interrupted them. Looking up, Rong Qian saw a man in his thirties, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.
Though he directed his question to Shen Yi, the man took a seat before waiting for an answer.
Rong Qian studied him—a warm, approachable demeanor, striking good looks, and a disarming smile. He exuded the kind of charm that likely made him a favorite among women.
The man noticed her gaze but seemed unbothered, perhaps even used to the attention.
"You must be Shen Yi," he said kindly. "I'm Xu Zhiwei, a friend of your mother, Yan Qingyao."
The name caught Rong Qian off guard. Xu Zhiwei… the man Yan Qingyao loves?
Shen Yi's brow furrowed. It was clear he recognized the name.
"I have a letter I'd like you to give your mother," Xu Zhiwei continued. "But you must make sure your father doesn't see it. Can I trust you to do that?"
Shen Yi's expression darkened, but before he could respond, Rong Qian cut in, her tone sharp.
"What are you trying to do?"
"And you are?" Xu Zhiwei turned his attention to her, his curiosity piqued.
Her voice carried authority, and her demeanor radiated confidence. "Answer my question. What are you planning?"
Xu Zhiwei seemed taken aback by her assertiveness. Smiling faintly, he replied, "Perhaps we could discuss this somewhere private?"
Shen Yi glanced at Rong Qian, clearly conflicted.
"You decide," Rong Qian said softly, leaving the choice to him.
After a moment's hesitation, Shen Yi stood and followed Xu Zhiwei, with Rong Qian close behind.
She wasn't about to let him out of her sight. Not now. Not ever.