Returning to the banquet, the music was still melodious. Couples moved elegantly on the dance floor. She quickly found Tong Baichuan, chatting and toasting with several people, while Liu Qiusi was happily conversing with some socialite wives.
Idly stirring the ice in her glass, Tong Baichuan suddenly beckoned her over.
As she wove through the scattered crowd, she was momentarily shocked to see him. His imposing presence was undeniable.
In the bright light, she could see his face clearly. A few strands of hair fell casually on his forehead, exuding a wild air. His features were sharp and beautiful, and his dark eyes held a seductive, slightly evil smile.”
The perfectly tailored black formal wear accentuated Di Xihuang’s impeccable physique.
“Dehe, where do I have so much to learn? I hope Master Han and the uncles will not hesitate to guide me,” Di Xihuang said humbly yet confidently.
“I heard you’re planning to invest in a project in SZ city while in Hong Kong?” Han Bing’s father, Han Zhending, mentioned.
Di Xihuang gently twirled the wine glass between his long fingers. “Indeed, the Chinese government’s policy is tempting. The development of SZ city is clear to all, particularly with its plans for a new CBD…”
She thought helplessly, Businessmen never stray far from business, though her smile remained perfect and she wasn’t really listening.
At that moment, his slightly cold yet handsome face appeared before her as he warmly invited, “May I have the honor of dancing with Miss Tong?”
Before she could respond, Di Xihuang led her to the dance floor. Amid her shock and the surprised looks from men and jealous glances from women, he elegantly guided her hand, gently embracing her waist as they danced gracefully.
The waltz, known as the queen of dances, originally comes from the old German “Walzer,” meaning rolling, rotating, and sliding—accurately describing the dance’s movements.
The true essence of the Waltz lies with the gentleman, who leads the turns while the lady mostly moves forward and backward. The beauty of the Waltz depends on the gentleman’s skill.
Di Xihuang’s dance technique was exquisite as he led her across the floor with fluid and natural movements. The undulating rotations were mesmerizing, showcasing his innate nobility.
Perhaps Cinderella felt the same way when dancing with her prince – her heart quietly anticipating the moment with trembling excitement.
The neon lights enveloped them as everyone else faded into the background. In their spinning, she saw her reflection in his deep, black eyes, while only his silhouette existed in her gaze. At that moment, they saw only each other.
She had ordinary dreams of love, longing for her destined one. Would the man spinning her now be her true love?
That night, no one expected the business world’s king to have any further connection with her. But unexpectedly, they fell in love. Reflecting on their year together, she couldn’t help but smile.
Tomorrow was their wedding day, marking the fruition of their love.
Though many disapproved of their union, she believed true love would help them grow old together.
The moon hung high, its soft light spreading across her face. She reached out, knowing it was unreachable. Suddenly, she felt like the distant moon, causing a panic in her heart.
A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts. “Xuanxuan, are you asleep?” The warm voice belonged to Tong Yifeng.
Tong Yifeng was the son of Tong Baifu, the current head of the Tong family and elder brother to Tong Baichuan. He was refined and elegant and managed the Tong family’s subsidiary in SZ city. However, his gentle demeanor was not appreciated by Tong Baifu, who preferred his second son, Tong Yitian, leading to speculation about the inheritance of the family business.
Regardless, she liked him with a sibling-like affection because, in this deep sea of nobility, he was someone who truly cared for her.
Ou Xueman was stunned, infected by his mood, and the previous panic surged again in her heart. “Inside information? What inside information?”
Taking a long sigh, he removed his glasses, his slender fingertips rubbing his brow. “The mainland government is preparing to build a CBD in SZ city. Powerful consortiums and corporate groups are focusing their attention on it.”
If one owns a land use right in a location chosen by the SZ city government, the future value will be immeasurable.”
Tong Yifeng put his glasses back on and looked at her. Although she had never been interested in these matters, she understood some basics from years of hearing about them, so she nodded.
Tong Yifeng continued, “However, the SZ city government has not decided on the CBD location. I don’t know how Di Xihuang learned of this news. His Di Family Consortium is preparing to acquire a plot of land owned by our Tong Family in the Futian District and is investing one billion US dollars to build the Emperor’s Tower on that plot.”
Ou Xueman worried, “Brother Yifeng, isn’t the risk too great?”
Tong Yifeng shook his head, “For the Di Family, such an investment, no matter how risky, would not lead to their ruin. But for our Tong Family, any slip-up could be devastating.”
“What do you mean? Are we involved in Xihuang’s investment?” Ou Xueman asked in surprise.
Tong Yifeng nodded, “This investment was strongly promoted by Second Uncle. The Di Family’s condition is that, in addition to our plot of land, we must also acquire the usage rights of surrounding small landowners within six months and deliver it to them.”
If we fail to do so, we will have to pay compensation equivalent to 50% of our Tong Family’s total assets.”
Pulling at her clothes, her long black hair hanging in front of her chest, she asked after a long pause, “Brother Yifeng, are you worried this is… a trap?”
Tong Yifeng, with his keen insight, detected her unease. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders, “Silly girl, this is just my speculation. One must always be cautious.”
Ou Xueman knew that beneath his gentle exterior was the vision and courage of a sage. His worries were never groundless.
Though her eyes were filled with anxiety, she looked at Tong Yifeng, hoping for the truth, as this concerned everyone she loved.
“Brother Yifeng,” she finally asked, “Why did Xihuang marry me?”
A flash of surprise crossed Tong Yifeng’s eyes, but quickly disappeared. His smile became stiff, “Of course it’s…”
“Brother,” Ou Xueman interrupted, looking anxiously into his eyes, “I want to know the real reason.”
Tong Yifeng slowly removed his smile. After a moment of silence, he said, “This was an additional condition proposed by Second Uncle to Di Xihuang.”
Suddenly, the beautiful images in her heart cracked. All of this was just for a business collaboration.
Seeing the hurt in her eyes as her dreams shattered, Tong Yifeng consoled her, “Xuanxuan, it might not be as bad as you think. Given Di Xihuang’s character, he wouldn’t risk his marriage for an investment. If he didn’t care for you, he wouldn’t have married you. He has plenty of wealthy and powerful women around him.”
She had no intention of fighting for anything, but that didn’t mean she was oblivious. At this moment, she preferred to avoid the painful truth.
Forcing a weak smile, she said, “Yes, Xihuang’s personality—no one can force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. But,” she could no longer maintain her smile, “Brother Yifeng, please be prepared for anything.”
Tong Yifeng looked at her in surprise. Though she was young, he knew she was smart, yet she often hid her extraordinary talents. He had discovered this when he accidentally looked at her academic credits, noting her consistent, moderate grade point average.
Maintaining exactly the same score consistently was unusual, even if one could attain top rankings occasionally.
