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.
