Chapter 15

After leaving the lounge with Xie Jinxing, Gu An’an refused to go downstairs with him no matter what.
Laughable. Xie Jinxing was the highlight of tonight’s banquet. The spotlight was destined to shine on him alone, today marked the transition between the old and new heads of the Xie family. Translating this to ancient times, this was basically an imperial succession.
She was just an outsider, why bother rubbing shoulders with the legitimate heir? Even if she did get some attention, what benefit would it bring?
“Uncle, I still have something to do, so I won’t be going down.”
Gu An’an held onto the carved railing on the staircase and faintly heard elegant music downstairs, Chopin’s Waltz. It sounded refined, but it didn’t suit her at all.
A dance-heavy occasion, and she couldn’t even waltz, what was the point of joining in?
Xie Jinxing thought for a moment, understanding her concern. A small girl, yet so thoughtful. He smirked quietly but didn’t push.
“Xie Ying and Xie Wan are downstairs. Go find them in a bit.”
Xie Ying was the eldest daughter of Xie’s second uncle, and Xie Wan was the youngest daughter of Xie’s third uncle.
There weren’t many girls in the younger generation of the Xie family, just the two of them. Raised as proper heiresses, they were polished socialites. Xie Ying had just graduated from an Ivy League school abroad and was enjoying a leisurely gap period before starting her career. Xie Wan, only sixteen, was studying at a royal high school overseas and came home twice a year.
Of course, they knew Gu An’an, but their social circles and upbringing were completely different. She wouldn’t fit in with them.
Still, with Xie Jinxing’s instruction, Gu An’an nodded: “Okay, okay, I understand, Uncle.”
Xie Jinxing dropped a final word and went downstairs.
Gu An’an lingered at the staircase for a moment before returning to the lounge.
The banquet was already in full swing, and Xie Jinxing would soon take center stage. Most guests were waiting downstairs, so the lounge was empty, she could rest wherever she liked. These little mermaid heels were really painful; she preferred lying down.
But Xie Youjun wouldn’t allow her to be lazy.
She hadn’t been in the lounge for ten minutes before the boy rushed in.
Seeing Gu An’an sprawled like a retired old man with nothing to do, he was momentarily speechless.
“An’an, you’re really good at hiding. Finally found you,” he said, a strange grin tugging at his face.
Gu An’an lazily glanced at him, wearing the expression of I was just about to nap, why are you barging in, and what do you want?
Xie Youjun exhaled softly as he stepped closer. “Grandpa was just asking where you went. Why are you lying here alone?”
He wore a perfectly tailored suit styled like a tailcoat, with a blue velvet bow tie. Slightly curly hair, impeccably styled, like a little prince straight out of a fairy tale.
Xie Youjun sat by Gu An’an’s legs, casually brushing down the hem of his tailcoat. The subtle scent of young men’s woody perfume spread naturally, and the coat draped lightly across her arm.
The proximity was undeniable.
Yet his expression made it seem effortless, as if any thoughts she had were entirely her own imagination.
“Grandpa wanted me to take you to open the dance, but I looked everywhere and couldn’t find you.”
Gu An’an pulled her arm from under his coat, glanced at it, then at his innocent face, and suddenly, a bolt of realization struck her.
Wait...could this kid be flirting with her?
She eyed him cautiously.
Xie Youjun blinked, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
She suspected that her grandfather was orchestrating their interaction for some purpose, but she didn’t think Xie family boys blindly followed their elders. Still, seeing Xie Youjun’s radiant, mischievous smile made her hesitate.
“First, making me dance in these shoes is suicidal!” she said, pointing at her sky-high heels.
Xie Youjun glanced at the abandoned 15 cm heels in the corner: “...”
“Second, I don’t even know how to dance.” She sat up, crushing her large bow slightly with her movement. But the bow was made of stiff fabric and easily regained its shape.
Brushing it into place, she added, “I already told you, my talents barely reach the level of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Happy Birthday.”
Xie Youjun: ...Your ceiling is really low.
“No ballroom dancing either?”
“If you’re not afraid of pain, I can step on your toes and trigger a nail infection.”
“Fine, then. I can’t dance. The opening dance is already over anyway.”
“So, shall we get cake?” He checked his watch. “I picked you up at four, so you probably haven’t had dinner. You rushed here for makeup and didn’t get any snacks. Now it’s almost nine.”
His clean, red-lipped smile revealed tiny fangs. “Lying there, aren’t you hungry?”
The lounge had no food, and Gu An’an’s stomach rumbled.
“The banquet ingredients were all flown in from overseas. The chef even won awards at international culinary competitions. I tried one coffee petit four, it’s actually quite good.” He asked, “Want some?”
“...Yes.”
“Shall we go?”
“Let’s go!”
And so, she followed him downstairs.
The banquet wasn’t long, about an hour and a half. The socialites were polite but busy. By the time Gu An’an followed Xie Youjun, the event was nearly over. Most guests stayed to meet the new head of the Xie family.
As Gu An’an wandered with Xie Youjun through the crowd, holding her coveted petit four, she stumbled upon the scene of a full-blown drama.
No surprise, the culprits were the usual suspects.
Su Ruan, in a white strapless gown with a French curled hairstyle, had her makeup smeared with red wine and was standing at the center of the chaos.
Beside her, Shen Shan was also fully dressed up. Champagne-colored strapless dress, classic princess styling, crystal-studded heels. Not the most exquisite faces, but wealth-made beauty can hold up. If not for her vicious expression, she might have looked like a delicate little princess.
Behind Shen Shan, her plastic clique formed layers of protection.
The Xie sisters were there too but stood at a distance, not getting involved.
Meanwhile, Su Ruan had her ever-present knightly duo, Lu Xingyu and Zhou Jiayu.
Last time, Lu Xingyu and Zhou Jiayu had a fierce scuffle, Zhou’s family ruled Shanghai with an iron fist, but here in Beijing, they still almost got outplayed. Zhou’s family wanted to expand into Beijing but hadn’t found the right opportunity.
The last skirmish even reached the grandson of Xie family’s head. Although the start was ugly, it ended reasonably. Smart adults let go of grudges overnight, especially businessmen. No revenge plots, no soap-opera-style hatred, cooperation was possible.
After the confrontation, Zhou Jiayu had been a bit embarrassed, and Lu Xingyu, as his usual handsome, capable self, was equally on point.
Two young men guarding Su Ruan, who looked fragile and pitiful, like a butterfly ready to fly, drew all eyes.
This was the difference between a raw material and a finished product.
Gu An’an watched from the edge, eating her petit four and enjoying the drama firsthand.
Teenagers’ grudges rarely ran deep; even in Mary Sue worlds, societal structures were fundamentally modern and law-abiding. College students had even fewer reasons for major animosity.
Shen Shan and Su Ruan’s clash? A simple dress clash.
Shen Shan’s champagne-colored dress was a special design from Lu Xingyu’s mother’s high fashion brand, only one in the world. She had been thrilled for days, believing it symbolized his mother’s favor. She had even called in top-tier stylists to prepare the perfect look.
She wanted to be the brightest socialite at the banquet, even though Xie Jinxing was the main attraction.
But in less than twenty minutes, her joy was crushed.
Su Ruan, a green-tea girl from a poor background, appeared in an almost identical dress, though in pure white. Even purer, more innocent than Shen Shan’s.
To make things worse, the boy Shen Shan had openly liked, Lu Xingyu, was with Su Ruan.
Shen Shan, accustomed to dominance in the socialite circle, was humiliated. All around her, mocking eyes, whispers, her heart raced.
Flushed with anger, Shen Shan did something unthinkable: she grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing waiter and splashed it onto Su Ruan’s face.
Su Ruan screamed in shock, drawing everyone’s attention. Only some dignified heirs had gone upstairs to mingle. Everyone downstairs saw the scene.
Su Ruan’s fragile, pitiable demeanor drew sympathy.
No one understood the context, only seeing Shen Shan abusing her power.
Shen Shan couldn’t explain why she’d lost control, and before she could, Su Ruan’s guards arrived, shielding her and confronting Shen Shan.
“Shen Shan, are you crazy?”
Lu Xingyu angrily grabbed Shen Shan’s arm and pushed her back. She stumbled in heels. If Gu An’an hadn’t steadied her, she might have twisted an ankle.
Lu Xingyu noticed Gu An’an suddenly behind Shen Shan and froze for a moment, forgetting words.
Next to him, Su Ruan’s right guard, Zhou Jiayu, grabbed a bottle of wine and aimed it at Shen Shan.
He wanted to pour the entire bottle on her. But the Xie family’s etiquette prevailed, Lu Xingyu wouldn’t allow violence against a girl and blocked him.
Even blocked, Gu An’an stood out in the crowd. Lu Xingyu, holding Su Ruan’s hand, twitched nervously, avoiding her gaze.
He looked guilty, as if caught cheating.
He avoided Gu An’an’s eyes and shouted at Shen Shan: “Why are you bullying Ruan Ruan in public?”
“It’s you guys who bullied me! You! It’s your fault!” Shen Shan cried, tears brimming. “Who is she, and why is she here at such an important event?”
Lu Xingyu frowned, wanting to explain Su Ruan was his friend, so her presence was fine.
But in the next moment, he caught sight of Gu An’an and froze, words unspoken.
Zhou Jiayu quickly interjected: “She’s the lady I invited.”
That single line silenced Shen Shan.
All eyes widened, the gossip buzz palpable.
Shen Shan couldn’t stand, leaning against Gu An’an.
Zhou Jiayu justified Su Ruan’s presence, but Shen Shan, furious and frustrated, glared at Lu Xingyu:
“Why did you pick that dress for her?”
“Of course she liked it,” Lu Xingyu said. “The stylist tried all dresses, and she loved that one. Her gentle, sweet aura suits the innocent color.”
Shen Shan, seething, grabbed something to throw at Su Ruan.
Lu Xingyu hadn’t acted yet, Zhou Jiayu prepared to counter.
The scene erupted.
Tonight’s banquet was crucial for Xie Jinxing’s public debut, important for the Xie family and their partners. Children couldn’t disrupt it.
Ten minutes later, Xie Jinxing, accompanied by a few young men of similar age and temperament, descended.
He silently fixed his gaze on Lu Xingyu.
Lu Xingyu stiffened, lowering his arm shielding Su Ruan.
Swallowing nervously under Xie Jinxing’s icy stare, his face paled. “Uncle...”
Xie Jinxing ignored Su Ruan’s pleading, instead looking at Zhou Jiayu, who tried to act against a lady.
“Mr. Zhou,” Xie Jinxing’s low, magnetic voice carried an air of cold authority. “The cooperation between the Xie and Zhou families can continue, but your brother is no longer welcome in Xie enterprises. Also, today’s business discussion will be rescheduled.”
Zhou Ye glanced at Zhou Jiayu and apologized discreetly.
Xie Jinxing then arranged for staff to escort Su Ruan out politely but firmly.
He instinctively stroked the callus on his left hand, thinking methodically, this person shouldn’t be within ten meters of him.
The staff handled her with courtesy and even paid her an hour’s wage for the inconvenience.
Finally, a responsible person notified downstairs: “Do not hire the girl Su Ruan again.”
Su Ruan, shocked and aggrieved, had tried to whisper to Xie Jinxing earlier but was ignored amidst the crowd.
Lu Xingyu was a bit frustrated. Though he admired Su Ruan’s courage, her gentle nature couldn’t withstand being made a fool repeatedly.
It seemed that, in someone’s eyes, he was now the laughingstock.
Frustrated, he couldn’t even comfort Su Ruan properly.
“Ruan Ruan, don’t cry.”
Despite irritation, he spoke gently, knowing she had a timid nature. “It’s not your fault. This dress clash wasn’t intentional; Shen Shan is overreacting.”
“Xingyu,” Su Ruan sniffled, “does Mr. Xie dislike me?”
“Huh?”
It had nothing to do with Uncle.
“We caused a scene at his important banquet, did we upset him?” she asked, looking fragile and cute.
Lu Xingyu didn’t respond; he was certain of this.
“Don’t worry about Uncle,” he waved dismissively. “He’s just odd. He treats all girls poorly. You and him will never cross paths. Even if he dislikes you, he won’t do anything.”
Even Lu Xingyu said “dislike,” making Su Ruan cry for real.
She clutched him: “Can you take me back? I want to apologize to Mr. Xie. Please, Xingyu. I feel awful ruining someone else’s important moment. I want to apologize!”
Lu Xingyu had no choice, Uncle had already sent her out. Bringing her back would be suicidal.
They tussled in a back alley as the banquet ended.
Gu An’an had eaten so much petit four she had no appetite for dinner.
Guests gradually left; she quickly changed into her sneakers, still in her dress and makeup, eating fruit on the lounge sofa.
After two plates, the door knocked.
A young waitress entered: Grandpa Xie wanted to see her. She washed her hands and went.
The lounge was abuzz, Grandpa Xie, Xie Lingyun and his wife, several uncles, and Xie Jinxing were present.
Gu An’an peeked in, startled by the crowd.
“Grandpa, you called me?” She asked bravely.
“An’an, come over.”
She obediently approached and stood by Grandpa Xie.
He looked at the pretty girl, sighing inwardly. Though he had heard from his eldest that Lu Xingyu didn’t like An’an, he hadn’t taken it seriously. Today, seeing Lu Xingyu embarrass a young girl, he understood.
“Since Xingyu doesn’t like An’an, forget the engagement. An’an, would you prefer an older or younger boyfriend?”
“Huh?”
Even prepared mentally, the suddenly personal question left Gu An’an stunned.
“Do you get along with Xiaojun?”
Her eyes instantly widened.
Before she could even speak, Xie Jinxing, who had been sitting with his legs crossed and a cold, distant expression, uncrossed one leg and slowly interrupted his father’s enthusiasm.
“Dad, let’s forget about An’an and Xingyu’s marriage. As for anything else, there’s no rush to decide. After all, the girl’s still very young.”
Mrs. Xie instantly caught her younger brother’s cue and quickly chimed in, “Ah, yes, yes, Dad. Young people nowadays value free love, you shouldn’t interfere.”
The old man was completely choked up by his son and daughter’s united front. Irritated, he didn’t even want to look at them anymore and instead turned his gaze toward Gu An’an.
How could Gu An’an dare to go against the wishes of these two powerful figures? Even though they called her “An’an” so warmly, it was clear they were pointedly reminding her. With both of them dropping such heavy hints, how could she, with her poor and humble background, possibly dare to reach for a wealthy family’s young master?
So she quickly shook her head. “Grandpa Xie, I actually have a boyfriend already, so please don’t arrange anything for me. I’m afraid my boyfriend would get upset.”
Grandpa Xie: “?”
Xie Jinxing: “???”
But Mrs. Xie and her husband’s smiles instantly softened.
Mrs. Xie even walked over and patted Gu An’an’s shoulder kindly. “That’s wonderful. College relationships are the sweetest, make sure you cherish it.”
Gu An’an’s scalp prickled under her touch, and she hurriedly nodded.
Just like that, the entire storm ended as suddenly as it had begun.
When Lu Xingyu later learned that Grandpa Xie had abandoned his plan to match him with Gu An’an, he didn’t feel relieved at all. Instead, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, seeping all the way down to his heart, a stifling frustration that made it hard to breathe.
Unable to confront his grandfather about it, he swallowed the anger in silence. Feeling suffocated, he jumped on the new motorcycle he’d bought just last month and sped out of the house.
Gu An’an, of course, had no idea what was bothering him. Exhausted, she dragged her tired body back to her rented apartment.
That night, after showering and applying body lotion, her phone suddenly chimed.
She picked it up, WeChat notification: a new friend request.
She opened it.
Xie Jinxing.
Gu An’an: “......”
Xie Jinxing? Huh??
She rolled off the bed in shock and rubbed her eyes several times to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating.
Nope. She saw it right, it really was Xie Jinxing.
She froze completely.
Ahhhhhhhh, why on earth is he adding me out of nowhere?! Ahhhhhh