Ou Xueman waved her hand dismissively, “No, I should thank you. If not for you, I wouldn’t have had such a peaceful life.” She picked up her sunglasses, preparing to leave. “Alright, if there’s nothing else, I’ll go. I need to return to Shenzhen.”
The man reached across the table and grabbed her hand, “Sister,” he called. Then he paused, “…my father and I have always been looking for you and your mother for sixteen years. I only confirmed everything at your wedding to Hui Huang…”
“Enough,” Ou Xueman interrupted, then realizing her outburst, took several deep breaths. “Mr. Ou Wen, I don’t care who you are or that man, but” – she pointed at her chest, enunciating – “in my memory, I have no mother, only a woman who abandoned me, and I have only one father: Tong Baichuan.”
Owen nodded, understanding that she needed time to accept this. “Let me take you back to Shenzhen.”
She shook her head, “I want to be alone for a while.”
After much contemplation, Owen said, “Be careful, call me if anything happens.” He dialed her number, stating, “This is my number.”
Ou Xueman smiled faintly, “It seems you know everything about me. Well, I should go now, goodbye.” She then walked away without looking back.
In the descending observation elevator, she gazed out blankly, unsure how to process her emotions. When the elevator dinged and opened its doors, she stepped out as if escaping.
As she exited and turned left, leaving behind a fresh fragrance, the elevator door on the right opened. A tall man emerged in a perfectly tailored black suit, his features strikingly symmetrical but cold and stern.
Suddenly, he seemed to catch a whiff of her lingering fragrance. His deep eyes glanced at her departing figure, and for a moment, something flashed in his eyes before he walked in the opposite direction.
[Not Wanting to Say I Love You: Chapter 24 – Passing Like Strangers (Part 1)]
Regardless of everything, life continues, never stopping because of anyone’s gains or losses.
Layer by layer, she applied makeup, considering cosmetics a disguise that hid her true self beneath layers of powder, creating a mask. Although everyone knew this, for the sake of superficial vanity, they were eager to wear such masks.
Ou Xueman was no exception. Conforming and adapting was the way to blend into ordinariness, the path to finding peace.
Her smooth honey-colored face had a light blush on her cheekbones. Her eyebrows curved like willow leaves, and her long, curled eyelashes made her eyes even more enchanting. Her lips, tinted with crystal-like lip color, exuded an alluring luster with a hint of a seductive smile.
A black off-shoulder evening gown showcased her graceful figure. Her wavy hair was styled into an elegant French updo, but after several mirror checks, she let a few strands fall, adding a lazy charm to her appearance. At this moment, she resembled a rose about to bloom passionately in the evening twilight.
Nodding at her reflection, this version of herself finally captured her own essence.
Tonight was a bidding cocktail party for a project in Shenzhen, and her company, as the promotional co-organizer, was obligated to attend. Originally, Chen Zhensheng was supposed to go, but since he was in Hong Kong, she, the company leader, had to show her face.
As night fell, the FL Hotel’s hall was brilliantly lit, with flowing lights that made the stars seem dim. Handing her car keys to the attendant, she walked slowly on the red carpet. Upon entering, she momentarily squinted to adjust to the dazzling lights.
An elegant waltz played by the orchestra filled the hall. Several couples danced gracefully, their movements elegant, which sparked memories in her mind. Once, it was also such a night of fine wine and delicacies. He had appeared in her world then. Surprised by her nostalgic thoughts, she wondered why she kept recalling the past.
Just as she was about to step forward, a voice beside her said, “Director Ou, everyone will surely be captivated by you tonight.” The sudden voice prompted Ou Xueman to smile—a smile that conveyed elegance but also an unmistakable distance.
She turned to see Liu Shu Teng, a real estate tycoon now famous in Shenzhen.
Although she rarely attended social gatherings in the past eight years, she was familiar with the prominent business figures at these events. She calmly dealt with the endless stream of people trying to strike up conversations. Their words weren’t vulgar, but she discerned subtle hints of flirtation and feigned ignorance, deliberately avoiding their implications.
Since entering the business world, many political celebrities and wealthy merchants had suggested keeping her as a mistress, all of which she had politely declined. Chen Zhensheng was aware of this and would attend social occasions unless unavoidably busy.
“I heard that a powerful Hong Kong group is also bidding for this project,” someone remarked.
Ou Xueman had no interest in their discussion, merely smiling and listening, or occasionally making small talk with their female companions. The comment sparked a conversation, and she glanced at Liu Shu Teng, noticing his composure had diminished, indicating he was aware of this formidable competitor.
Not her concern, Ou Xueman had no intention of inquiring about the group that made Shenzhen’s real estate tycoons change their expressions.
Elegantly swirling her drink, Ou Xueman’s patience nearly reached its limit when applause greeted Shenzhen’s mayor, Su Zhanbo, and a tall figure emerging from the VIP room.
As attention shifted to the stage,Ou Xueman was plunged into shock, unable to focus on Su Zhanbo’s words. Her gaze was fixed on the tall, elegant figure beside him. Everything else faded away, leaving only him in her consciousness.
His black stand-up collar formal wear radiated nobility and elegance, and his cold demeanor remained unchanged. His deep, shadowy eyes surveyed the crowd like an emperor inspecting his subjects. His thin lips were tightly pressed, emitting a chilling coldness.
She pressed her hand against her heart, trying to calm the turmoil. Eight years had passed, and she never expected to see him. He was even more composed than before, exuding a royal-like quality that captivated female guests while she felt a deep, lingering pain.
Su Zhanbo’s impromptu speech drew thunderous applause, during which she left the venue, burdened by her heart’s pain.
In her turning, she didn’t notice the searching gaze from the shadowy eyes on the stage.
Outside the venue, only a few hazy street lamps lit the stone path to the pool. The night made the unlit areas heavy.
Reaching the corridor’s end, she leaned against a stone pillar, taking deep breaths to ease her earlier wild heartbeat. The fresh fragrance of grass and the gentle evening breeze calmed her. Gazing at the night sky, she stood in the shadows, not hiding her old wounds as she used to.
The cool wind brushed her shoulders, causing a chill. She loosened her hair, cascading like a waterfall, creating an illusion of warmth while spreading loneliness in her heart.
At such moments, she had always warmed herself alone. She couldn’t remember when she stopped longing for a warm embrace, not answering her own query but letting a melancholic smile grace her lips.
Losing track of time, a soft waltz played nearby, making her pause and smile enigmatically.
Seeing the brightly lit venue, she knew it was time to return. As she adjusted her dress and hair, she heard soft footsteps.
Following the sound, she saw a man and woman standing opposite each other on the lamp-lit path, whispering. Though the man’s back was turned, his silhouette was recognizable from a glance.
Some things never change; he still liked outdoor trysts. But why did she always encounter him in such situations?
