CHAPTER 4:Inner turmoil
Li Zhiyuan's Inner Turmoil
Li Zhiyuan stood off to the side, watching as his brother Li Zhiqiang and his new fiancée, Jiang Nian, posed for photos. He couldn't help but feel a pang of unease as he gazed at Jiang Nian's beautiful face.
"What is she doing with him?" Li Zhiyuan thought to himself, feeling a surge of protectiveness towards Jiang Nian.
He had always known that his brother was ruthless in business, but he had never suspected that Li Zhiqiang would stoop so low as to buy himself a fiancée.
As Li Zhiyuan watched, Jiang Nian's eyes met his, and he felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the noise and chaos of the party fading into the background.
Li Zhiyuan's heart was racing as he turned away, trying to compose himself. He couldn't believe the way he was feeling. He had always been the calm and rational one, but there was something about Jiang Nian that drew him in.
A Rival Suitor Appears
As Jiang Nian and Li Zhiqiang continued to pose for photos, a tall, handsome man appeared at Jiang Nian's side.
"Jiang Nian, it's so great to see you again," the man said, his eyes gleaming with warmth.
Jiang Nian's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face the man. It was Luo Tian, her ex-boyfriend from college.
"Luo Tian, what are you doing here?" Jiang Nian asked, trying to sound calm.
Luo Tian smiled. "I'm here for the charity gala, of course. But I have to say, I'm surprised to see you engaged to Li Zhiqiang. You two make a lovely couple."
Jiang Nian felt a surge of unease. She had thought she was over Luo Tian, but seeing him again brought up all sorts of emotions.
Li Zhiqiang's eyes narrowed. "Luo Tian, I don't recall inviting you to this event."
Luo Tian smiled. "I'm afraid I crashed the party. But I promise I'm not here to cause any trouble."
Jiang Nian's heart was racing. She knew Luo Tian was trouble, but she wasn't sure how to get rid of him.
A Sudden Exit
Luo Tian's eyes locked onto Jiang Nian's, and for a moment, it seemed like he was trying to convey a message. But before he could say anything else, Li Zhiqiang intervened.
"I'm afraid you're not welcome here, Luo Tian," Li Zhiqiang said, his voice cold and menacing. "Security, please escort this man off the premises."
Luo Tian's smile never wavered. "I see you're still as charming as ever, Li Zhiqiang," he said, before turning to Jiang Nian. "It was great seeing you again, Jiang Nian. Maybe next time we can catch up in private."
With that, Luo Tian turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Jiang Nian let out a sigh of relief, grateful that the awkward encounter was over.
But as she turned back to Li Zhiqiang, she noticed something strange. Li Zhiqiang's eyes seemed to be gleaming with a sinister light, and his smile seemed more like a snarl.
"What's wrong?" Jiang Nian asked, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
Li Zhiqiang's expression returned to normal, and he smiled charmingly. "Nothing, my dear. I just don't like it when people try to ruin our special night."
Jiang Nian's heart was racing. She wasn't sure what had just happened, but she knew she didn't like it.