Seeing Chu Yan nod in agreement, Xu Yi’an was so elated that he almost wanted to rush downstairs and run a few laps immediately. However, the warmth of Chu Yan in his arms quickly calmed him down. The two embraced tightly, discussing their future together—meeting each other’s families and more.
As time grew late, it was time to prepare for bed. After exchanging a passionate kiss, they each took a cold shower. Chu Yan slept in the master bedroom, while Xu Yi’an retired to the guest room.
It wasn’t that they didn’t want anything to happen, but Chu Yan felt their relationship was still relatively new, and moving too fast would leave him with an inexplicable sense of insecurity. Xu Yi’an, doting on his beloved, was more than willing to slow things down if that was what Chu Yan wanted.
After all, Chu Yan was already his. Whether he “devoured” him sooner or later didn’t matter much—Xu Yi’an was a patient man. In fact, he was an exceptionally patient and enduring hunter, biding his time.
At this thought, Xu Yi’an grinned like a cunning fox or a cat that had just stolen a fish. Gone was the sunny, innocent demeanor he showed Chu Yan; instead, his mind brimmed with dark schemes, plotting countless traps just waiting for his adorable little prey to stumble into—cleaned, prepped, and delivered straight into his mouth. And once devoured, the prey would even timidly ask:
“Did I taste good? What part did you like best? Do you enjoy eating me?”
Xu Yi’an licked his lips. Ah, the more he thought about it, the harder it was to restrain himself.
Soon, the engagement banquet of the Qin and Han families arrived. After a simple meal with Xu Yi’an’s family and formally meeting his parents, Chu Yan naturally attended as Xu Yi’an’s plus-one. Meanwhile, Han Siyu, after several setbacks, disguised herself as a waiter and infiltrated the banquet.
Her repeated failures had made Han Siyu realize that only her “Brother Ze” had ever been truly sincere with her—which was why they had ended up together in her past life. Indeed, the only one she could trust was her Brother Ze!
This time, Han Siyu was determined not only to reunite with her beloved Brother Ze but also to ruin the engagement banquet between him and that shameless woman, Han Ningyao! In her past life, her Brother Ze had suffered in a loveless marriage with that woman, forced together by circumstances. This time, she would rescue him from that misery! Han Ningyao and her mother had stolen everything from Han Siyu and her own mother—she would take it all back!
Recalling the injustices of her past life, Han Siyu steeled herself, making thorough preparations for the day of the banquet.
The day arrived sooner than expected. Hidden among the waitstaff, Han Siyu watched as elegantly dressed guests mingled, her eyes burning with envy—especially at the sight of Han Ningyao, Qin Ze’s fiancée, being fawned over by the crowd.
All that admiration and respect—it should have been hers!
Of course, Han Siyu failed to consider that even without Qin Ze, Han Ningyao, as the young lady of the Han family, would still command attention. Without Qin Ze’s protection or the favor of her other brothers, Han Siyu was nothing in the eyes of the banquet’s attendees.
But even if she had realized this, Han Siyu would only resent Han Ningyao for “stealing” her status and everything that should have been hers.
Some people never recognize their own shortcomings or learn to reflect on their failures.
Meanwhile, Chu Yan stood before a mirror, slightly embarrassed by his appearance. His outfit for the evening had been specially designed under Xu Yi’an’s direction.
Previously, Chu Yan had dressed conservatively to project authority, often wearing a large black-framed glasses that made him seem rigid. Combined with his icy demeanor, few dared approach him casually.
Now, in a tailored suit that accentuated his slender waist, with his phoenix eyes subtly highlighted and his hair styled, he looked years younger—his refined features and striking figure on full display, as if he were a completely different person.
Still, the unfamiliar reflection left Chu Yan feeling slightly uneasy.
Xu Yi’an wrapped his arms around Chu Yan from behind, nuzzling his cheek. “Yan Yan, you look stunning today. Part of me wants to show you off so everyone can see how amazing you are—and that you’re mine. But another part of me doesn’t want to share you at all. Ah, such a dilemma~”
Chu Yan’s ears turned pink as he ruffled Xu Yi’an’s hair. “I’m yours.” He had already committed to Xu Yi’an and wouldn’t abandon this sincerity lightly.
After a sweet, lingering kiss, Chu Yan shyly pushed Xu Yi’an away to adjust his attire, leaving the latter savoring the moment.
By the time they were ready to leave, it was already late. Seated in the back of the car with a driver and bodyguard up front, they reviewed the guest list for the banquet, strategizing how to interact with different attendees—who to approach, who to avoid, and what topics to steer clear of.
In such high-stakes social settings, every word and gesture had to be carefully measured to avoid missteps that could damage reputations or relationships.
Xu Yi’an, as the second son of the Xu family, had grown up observing such dynamics. Though his “practical experience” was limited, he was no novice. Chu Yan, groomed by Xu Yi’an’s father as a future right-hand man, was even more familiar with the company’s alliances and rivalries.
In fact, Chu Yan likely understood these intricacies better than Xu Yi’an, having spent more time at the company. Together, they complemented each other perfectly.
Throughout the ride, Xu Yi’an couldn’t resist stealing little affections—holding Chu Yan’s hand, caressing his face, kissing his hair—all while feigning innocence whenever Chu Yan shot him a look.
Chu Yan, playing the role of the indulgent older partner, simply tolerated it. What else could he do? Spoiling his mischievous boyfriend was part of the deal.
Unseen by Chu Yan, Xu Yi’an smirked triumphantly, pulling him closer. The driver and bodyguard, trained to ignore such displays, remained stoically focused ahead.
Soon, they arrived at the hotel hosting the banquet. As they stepped out with their invitation in hand, they noticed a commotion at the entrance—a crowd had gathered, leaving them puzzled.
Xu Yi’an rubbed his chin. “Who would dare cause trouble at the Qin and Han families’ engagement banquet?” And more importantly, how had security allowed it?
This was no small affair. Any disruption would humiliate both powerful families, inviting severe repercussions. Yet here they were, witnessing a scene that suggested otherwise.
Xu Yi’an shook his head. “Regardless of the outcome, the Qin and Han families have already lost face tonight.”
“Hmm,” Chu Yan agreed, though he offered a different perspective. “I suspect this might be an individual’s doing—someone who just got lucky in stirring up trouble.”
Xu Yi’an looked at him questioningly. Chu Yan gestured to the onlookers and the time. “Most guests here now aren’t the most influential. If this were a planned attack, why strike when the key players haven’t even arrived yet?”
Realization dawned on Xu Yi’an. “So you’re saying…” He nodded, finding Chu Yan’s reasoning flawless.
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