A man in his middle age wore a men's diamond ring on his ring finger, but it had slipped out a little, perhaps because it was too large.
It was perfectly normal for a married man to wear a diamond ring.
The problem lay in the fact that the skin on the finger where the ring was worn was lighter than elsewhere.
This immediately reminded Lin Xingwan of the masked man she had seen after being captured by Yuan Qisheng.
Although Lin Xingwan never learned the man's true identity before being rescued, the long-term mark left by the ring on his ring finger was deeply etched in her memory.
"Mr. Shi, I didn't expect you to attend the Xue family's banquet," Jia Yanzhen's usually frivolous expression turned serious upon seeing the middle-aged man.
Lin Xingwan, meanwhile, cast a curious glance at the man before her, surprised to find him looking at her as well.
The man's gaze was filled with inquiry and scrutiny. Lin Xingwan felt an overwhelming sense of panic, yet she managed to maintain an appearance of clear, innocent eyes, as if she were a woman unaware of the world.
As expected, the man narrowed his eyes dangerously, and the gentlemanly aura he exuded quickly vanished.
"The Xue family is hosting a banquet and has invited guests from all corners. I intended to use this opportunity to meet more outstanding individuals. I didn't expect to encounter Young Master Jia here, so I took the liberty of inquiring about the matter from a few days ago. I wonder if Young Master Jia has given it any thought?"
Shi Zhesheng finished speaking and fixed his expectant gaze on Jia Yanzhen.
Jia Yanzhen, however, did not immediately answer Shi Zhesheng's question. Instead, he glanced at Lin Xingwan and Xue Manting before explaining, "This is Mr. Shi Zhesheng, the mayor of Rongcheng."
A flicker of confusion crossed Lin Xingwan's eyes. She had met the mayor of Rongcheng, and it wasn't Shi Zhesheng.
But her thoughts were easily discernible. Seeing Lin Xingwan's bewildered expression, Shi Zhesheng smiled and explained, "I was just appointed a few days ago, so it's quite normal for a young lady like you not to remember me. However, I remember you quite vividly!"
Shi Zhesheng's tone was calm, even carrying a discernible note of admiration. Lin Xingwan then asked, "This is the first time Mayor Shi and I have met. I'm not sure what Mayor Shi means by 'remembering me vividly'?"
In fact, Lin Xingwan was beginning to suspect that this Shi Zhesheng might very well be the masked man she had encountered before, especially since Shi Zhesheng also had white hair at his temples!
If she imagined Shi Zhesheng wearing a mask, he would look exactly like that man!
"Your Peak Entertainment in Rongcheng is often in the news. Moreover, at your age, to turn a perpetually loss-making company into a profitable one is truly remarkable. I will be hosting a banquet in a few days and inviting outstanding young talents from Rongcheng. Young lady, please don't miss it. Consider it an invitation from an old man like me, shamelessly extending it to you."
As a rising figure in Rongcheng, Shi Zhesheng did not need to be so humble in his speech.
Even with Peak Entertainment in her possession, Lin Xingwan could not openly oppose Shi Zhesheng or show him disrespect. However, his words left her momentarily speechless, unsure how to refuse.
Instead, Xue Manting answered on Lin Xingwan's behalf, "Since Mr. Shi has personally invited her, I will definitely bring Xingwan to attend. Xingwan is a rising star in the business world, and her path ahead will not always be smooth. I hope Mr. Shi will offer her guidance in the future."
"I am someone who values talent. Even if Miss Manting hadn't said so, I would certainly look out for a talent like Miss Lin."
Shi Zhesheng finished speaking and once again turned his gaze to Jia Yanzhen.
The pressure Lin Xingwan felt instantly dissipated.
At this moment, Jia Yanzhen's lips curved into a polite yet distant smile. "Mr. Shi, I have been considering what you mentioned a few days ago. Your offer is very tempting. However, Hong Wenyao is not a benevolent person. Is Mr. Shi taking a great risk? As we say in China, 'He who walks by the river will eventually get his shoes wet.' Mr. Shi has just taken office as mayor, aren't you afraid of being dragged down by Hong Wenyao?"
Although Jia Yanzhen spoke in a joking tone, Shi Zhesheng replied, "Young Master Jia, might I have a word with you in private?"
Jia Yanzhen nodded, and then Shi Zhesheng led him to a less crowded area.
Shi Zhesheng's wife remained behind to accompany Lin Xingwan and Xue Manting.
Lin Xingwan carefully observed the gentle woman beside her. She was beautiful and graceful, not overly thin but possessing a pleasing plumpness.
It was precisely because of this that the jade bracelet on her wrist instantly outshone many of the other noblewomen present that evening.
Beauty resided in the bones, not just the skin. Coupled with a fragile aura that could evoke tenderness in any man, Lin Xingwan found the woman truly beautiful.
"Mrs. Shi, your diamond ring is so beautiful. Is it a wedding ring?"
Lin Xingwan's curious gaze fell upon the woman as she asked.
"You don't need to call me Mrs. Shi. My surname is Zeng, and my given name is Ying. You can call me Aunt Ying. This diamond ring I'm wearing is indeed my wedding ring." Zeng Ying lowered her head, looking at the diamond ring on her ring finger, her eyes growing even more tender.
She seemed untouched by the passage of time. Despite being in her forties, a girlish shyness could still be seen in her eyes.
"My boyfriend and I are also planning to get engaged. Aunt Ying, I really like your wedding ring. Where did you buy it?"
Lin Xingwan asked with a mixture of truth and fabrication. The diamond ring on Zeng Ying's ring finger was indeed beautiful, but upon closer inspection, it had several flaws.
"This diamond ring cannot be bought with money. My husband found it for me in South Africa. It's one of a kind in the world." As Zeng Ying spoke, a sense of happiness radiated from her, envied by those around her.
"Only one in the world?"
Lin Xingwan grew more confused, and Xue Manting couldn't help but ask, "Aunt Ying, please don't keep us in suspense. Quickly tell us your enviable love story with Mr. Shi."
"It's not much of a secret. My husband and I fell in love in college. Back then, my husband came from a poor family, and my family was initially very opposed to our relationship. But during our four years of college, my husband doted on me. He didn't want me to envy other girls, so after graduation, he went to South Africa to find this diamond for me. He knew nothing about diamond cutting or jewelry design, yet he personally cut this diamond and made this wedding ring for me. The wedding ring on my husband's finger was made from the leftover scraps."
After Zeng Ying finished speaking, Xue Manting's eyes welled up with envy. "Wuwuwu, when will I find a man who loves me this much, who would go find diamonds for me and even make my wedding ring with his own hands? Aunt Ying, your love story is too touching."
Lin Xingwan remained silent, carefully pondering Zeng Ying's words.
Poor family background, went to South Africa for diamonds after graduation...
There was nothing to doubt about the former. But shouldn't one be looking for a job after graduation?
For someone from a poor background, money was undoubtedly the most important thing.
Furthermore, traveling from Rongcheng to South Africa at that time, when South Africa was quite chaotic...
Clearly, the "love-struck" persona did not match Shi Zhesheng at all!
Although Lin Xingwan had only met Shi Zhesheng for the first time today, her initial impression of him was that he was extremely intelligent and knew exactly what he wanted.
As Lin Xingwan was deep in thought, Zhou Jinbai's call came through.
"Since tonight's events are over, we should head back," the man's deep voice came from the other end of the line. Even though Zhou Jinbai wasn't in front of Lin Xingwan, she nodded.
"Okay, shall I come find you then?"
"Yes, I'm at the helicopter's parking spot. Xuanyin will pick you up."
As soon as Zhou Jinbai finished speaking, Xuanyin appeared in Lin Xingwan's line of sight.
"Young Madam—" Xuanyin approached Lin Xingwan, his tone respectful.
"I'll say goodbye to Manting and the others, and then I'll leave." Lin Xingwan then cast an apologetic glance at Xue Manting and Zeng Ying and said, "Manting, Aunt Ying, I have to leave now. I look forward to seeing you again."
"Why are you leaving so early? Stay and have some more fun." Xue Manting had finally managed to see Lin Xingwan and didn't want her little lucky star to leave.
Lin Xingwan said helplessly, "My husband is very strict. If I don't go back soon, he'll get angry."
Upon hearing Zhou Jinbai's name, Xue Manting's expression immediately turned serious. She then instructed Lin Xingwan, "Please send my regards to Mr. Dongfang. Our Xue family will forever be loyal to the Dongfang family!"
Lin Xingwan chuckled at Xue Manting's serious demeanor. "Okay."
Then, she and Xuanyin turned back the way they came.
However, before they had walked far, Lin Xingwan felt a powerful gaze fixed upon her.
She couldn't help but look in that direction and saw a group of men in matching black suits walking by about ten meters away.
Among these men, the one at the front was somewhat slender, with an arrogant expression on his face.
His looks were only average to above average, but the arrogance and wildness emanating from him made him appear like an uninhibited prodigal son from a wealthy family.
Even Jia Yanzhen would seem like a good person in comparison to this man!
Because this man exuded a sinister aura!
No, it wasn't sinister; it was malevolent.
Following this man was Cheng Yanzhe, dressed in a black suit.
Lin Xingwan thought she was seeing things and blinked hard, only to realize it was indeed Cheng Yanzhe.
She had encountered Cheng Yanzhe in Yanjing last time as well. If it weren't for him, Lin Xingwan wouldn't have known what might have happened that day.
However, Cheng Yanzhe didn't look at her.
Lin Xingwan even started walking towards Cheng Yanzhe, but before she could take a few steps, Xuanyin called out to her, "Young Madam, the people from the Qinlong Gang are ahead. For your safety, it's best not to proceed further."
Xuanyin's words successfully stopped Lin Xingwan in her tracks.
She turned to ask Xuanyin, "What is the Qinlong Gang?"
"The Qinlong Gang is a very famous family in Yanjing. Although the entire family retired from their illicit activities more than ten years ago, they have been involved in many underhanded businesses over the years. People in the underworld rarely provoke them, because if they anger them, they will cling on like a stubborn stain, until death."
As Xuanyin explained, his expression was one of disdain, while Lin Xingwan's confusion deepened.
Why would Cheng Yanzhe be with people from the Qinlong Gang?
It was clear that these people were not good.
Just as Lin Xingwan was about to look away, the man at the front turned his gaze towards them.
Upon seeing Lin Xingwan, the man, who already had a look of arrogant indulgence, showed a look of stunning admiration in his eyes.
He even stopped walking forward and changed direction, heading towards Lin Xingwan.
Xuanyin instinctively stepped in front of Lin Xingwan.
"Miss, whose esteemed daughter are you?" the man asked Lin Xingwan with a lewd grin, his greedy gaze making her uncomfortable.
Lin Xingwan wanted to turn and leave, but the man's subordinates immediately blocked her path. "My young master is asking you a question. Are you mute?"
"Are you two trying to court death? Do you know who this woman is?" Xuanyin directly reprimanded the two subordinates. "You're not even worthy of touching a single strand of her hair."
Xuanyin, truly a killing god forged in battle, stood at least 1.8 meters tall in aura, even if his actual height was less.
Clap—clap—clap—
"Oh, isn't this Xuan Yin, the ace bodyguard of the Dongfang family? What wind blew you here tonight, you important figure? Is this woman beside you your girlfriend? She looks so delicate and tender, she must be fun. Why don't you lend her to me for a few days?"
The man's words were not only disgusting to Lin Xingwan but also to Xuanyin.
"Liang Sichen, stop being so disgusting. Didn't you get beaten enough last time? Do you want another beating?"
Xuanyin directly called the man by name. Although the Liang family was formidable, Xuanyin was not to be trifled with.
As Xuanyin spoke, he clenched his fists.
Liang Sichen's expression turned ugly upon hearing Xuanyin mention his embarrassing defeat.
His gaze shifted from greedy lust to maliciousness. "Yes, I almost forgot. I need to settle the score from last time, with interest."
Just as Liang Sichen was about to order his subordinates to beat Xuanyin, Cheng Yanzhe walked up to Liang Sichen and whispered a few words in his ear.
Liang Sichen's anger gradually subsided. "I have business tonight. You wait for me, I will definitely not let you go, nor your girlfriend! Let's go!"
Liang Sichen said, then turned and left in a hurry.
Cheng Yanzhe glanced at Lin Xingwan and followed Liang Sichen.
However, Cheng Yanzhe failed to notice that another subordinate of Liang Sichen had taken in the entire scene. Chun Jiao, standing to the side, pulled up her sleeve and revealed a calculating smile.
Lin Xingwan and Xuanyin simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. They no longer dared to delay and quickly headed towards the helipad.
Three minutes later.
On the helipad.
Zhou Jinbai had been waiting for a long time.
Upon seeing Lin Xingwan and Xuanyin, Zhou Jinbai walked directly to Lin Xingwan's side and naturally took her hand.
"Why did it take so long?" Zhou Jinbai asked.
"Young Master, on our way here, we encountered Liang Sichen. He spoke disrespectfully to Young Madam."
Xuanyin had not revealed Lin Xingwan's identity to Liang Sichen at the time, partly to protect her.
To others, Lin Xingwan was Zhou Jinbai's woman, which would inspire fear and awe. However, to Liang Sichen or those lurking in the shadows, Lin Xingwan's identity would only bring her danger.
"Find someone to teach that brat a lesson, right now." Zhou Jinbai raised an eyebrow, not taking Liang Sichen seriously.
"Alright."
Xuanyin turned and left, while Lin Xingwan and Zhou Jinbai boarded the helicopter.
The helicopter flew back towards Rongcheng, while Lin Xingwan and Zhou Jinbai lay on the bed inside.
The interior was decorated to be as cozy as a bedroom, and the cockpit was separated from their sleeping quarters, so Lin Xingwan didn't have to worry about being seen in Zhou Jinbai's arms.
His hand, which had been resting on Lin Xingwan's waist, soon began to grow restless.
If it were any other time, Lin Xingwan would have already started to evade him, but tonight, Zhou Jinbai sensed her distraction.
He tightened his grip and squeezed her. Lin Xingwan finally came back to her senses, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. She pressed down on the man's unruly hand and said weakly, "I'm not in the mood tonight."
"You have something on your mind, hmm? Tell your husband about it? Perhaps your husband can solve it with ease."
Lin Xingwan's feeble resistance held no threat to Zhou Jinbai.
The man removed Lin Xingwan's hand and continued his advances, even burrowing under the covers.
For him, as long as he was with the woman he loved, nothing else mattered.
Lin Xingwan, however, coldly lifted the covers, her expression somewhat annoyed. "I really don't have the mood. I'm sorry."
"It seems something big has happened. Tell me."
Zhou Jinbai had no choice but to lie down beside Lin Xingwan again, pinching her soft cheek.
"Do you remember the incident during the last King of Gamblers' Night when Manting and I were kidnapped?"
"I remember. Why do you suddenly ask?"
"Tonight, I met someone at the banquet named Shi Zhesheng. He's the newly appointed mayor of our Rongcheng."
The image of the ring marks on the man's ring finger resurfaced in Lin Xingwan's mind.
"I know him. He's a very capable person. He worked his way up from the grassroots over the years to reach his current position. His reputation and public opinion are very good. With him in charge, Rongcheng's development will reach new heights."
Zhou Jinbai's assessment of Shi Zhesheng was quite high.
Lin Xingwan listened to his words, unsure of how to proceed.
Perhaps everything tonight was just her being overly suspicious?
"Why are you suddenly asking about Shi Zhesheng?" Zhou Jinbai raised an eyebrow and kissed Lin Xingwan's cheek.
"It's nothing much. I just heard that he's going to collaborate with Hong Wenyao to develop that piece of seaside land. He was negotiating with Jia Yanzhen not long ago. I don't know how far their talks have progressed, but Jia Yanzhen doesn't seem to like Hong Wenyao."
"Hong Wenyao, hmph." Zhou Jinbai's tone also turned disdainful, and Lin Xingwan waited for him to continue.