Although Wen Huaizhi appeared to be speaking seriously with Qiu Xing and the others, his clenched fist behind his back betrayed his true feelings. He had been restraining himself from looking at her, and heaven knew how much he missed her.
Just now, when she and Ye Chuan Ci walked over hand in hand, the two of them looked so well-matched that he was almost driven mad with jealousy. It had taken great effort to suppress the urge to rush forward and separate them.
Ye Chuan Ci and his companions were discussing topics that didn't interest Shen Jianxi. Feeling a bit bored, she greeted everyone and prepared to look around, having thought she saw a familiar figure just now, though she wasn't sure if it was an illusion.
“Jin Ke? It really is you! What are you doing here?” Shen Jianxi looked at Jin Ke, who was holding a camera and dressed all in black, with surprise.
Hearing his name called, Jin Ke turned his head. The moment he saw Shen Jianxi, his gaze instantly turned to one of delight.
He put away his camera and strode towards her, still wearing his usual shy and gentle smile. "It's the school anniversary today, and your school invited me to take some photos."
“It seems the school is really sparing no expense for the anniversary, to be able to invite you.” Shen Jianxi had looked him up the first time she met him. Jin Ke was an internationally renowned photographer; money alone wasn't enough to hire him. The school must have put in a lot of effort to secure his presence. Sudaan Novel Network.
Jin Ke touched the earring in his left ear. He had come for her, though he wouldn't say it aloud. "S University is also my alma mater. I'm very happy and proud to do something for her."
"You look very beautiful today."
Shen Jianxi looked down at herself, a little pleased. No girl would refuse a compliment. "Thank you. You look very handsome today too."
“Mr. Jin, we need you to take some promotional photos over here.” Before they could exchange more pleasantries, a woman wearing glasses approached and interrupted them. She looked like an assistant.
Jin Ke's eyes turned cold for an instant, so fleetingly that it was almost imperceptible. However, Shen Jianxi still caught it. A chill ran down her spine; that look made her feel as though Jin Ke had just wanted to kill someone.
Who exactly was he? Shen Jianxi grew more puzzled and more wary in her heart.
"Then I'll head over first." Jin Ke was reluctant. There were always some insignificant pests who disrupted them. The spoiled tête-à-tête made him feel so irritable that he wanted to destroy everything, especially those annoying people around her.
Shen Jianxi waved her hand distractedly, still immersed in the chilling gaze she had just witnessed.
“What’s wrong, what are you thinking about?” Her shoulder was clasped as Ye Chuan Ci walked over, seemingly out of nowhere.
“Nothing, just spacing out.” She forced a smile and turned to look at the man beside her. “What’s up?”
Ye Chuan Ci noticed the young girl's preoccupation, but seeing that she didn't seem inclined to talk about it, he changed the subject. “We should head backstage to get ready. The dance is about to start.”
Shen Jianxi then realized it was dark, and the crowd was growing. Drinks and food had been laid out.
“It’s starting soon? I hadn’t noticed. Let’s go.”
*
Backstage.
The host on stage was giving the opening remarks. Looking at the audience below, Shen Jianxi sighed nervously.
Her palm was lightly touched. Ye Chuan Ci winked at her and whispered in her ear, "Don't be nervous, Xi Bao. Just look at me."
Shen Jianxi smiled at him. Just as she was about to say something, the host's voice rang out, "And now, we'll clear the center space for Ye Chuan Ci and Shen Jianxi to perform the opening dance!"
As soon as the words fell, the lights in the venue dimmed. The two of them, hand in hand, took the opportunity to move to the center of the hall.
A beam of light shone down, the music started, and they began to dance.
The young man was tall and handsome, the young woman elegant and noble. Anyone watching would have marveled at their perfect match, a match made in heaven.
Not far away, Liang Chengyin tightly gripped the edge of the table beside him, his eyes fixed on the stage, hatred evident in his gaze and his face overcast.
That position beside him should have been his! That b*tch!
"She's just someone who uses her looks to get by. How can she compare to our Miss Liang?" A voice came from behind him. Liang Chengyin turned his head and his face immediately resumed its arrogant facade.
He tilted his chin up, looking condescendingly at the newcomer. "And what are you?"
Hearing her words, Meng Ning's face contorted slightly before he said obsequiously, "Miss Liang, hello. My name is Meng Ning."
Liang Chengyin chuckled dismissively. "I don't know you."
"It's alright, it's alright. I'm here to offer you some advice, Miss Liang." Meng Ning sneered inwardly. Without the Liang family, what are you?
Hearing Meng Ning’s words, Liang Chengyin crossed her arms and smiled. The intention of this person to use her was written all over his face. Did he really think she was that stupid?
However, she could make use of him. With this thought, her expression turned serious. "Oh? What plan do you have?"
Seeing that Liang Chengyin seemed to be listening, Meng Ning suppressed his excitement and leaned close to her ear, whispering his plan.
*
After the dance ended, the host returned to the stage to explain the content and rules of the second activity.
"The next activity is called 'Love's Knock.' It will test the compatibility of couples and also help single friends find their destiny. So, now, we ask everyone who came together to spread out."
Those who came with friends below laughed and separated, wishing they were farther apart. Couples, on the other hand, were reluctant to part. Ye Chuan Ci took the opportunity to kiss Shen Jianxi on the cheek and said loudly, "Don't move around later. It's easy to get hurt in the dark. Find a wall to lean against and stand still. I'll come find you."
"Alright, all companions in the venue have now been mixed up. We will count down three seconds before turning off the lights!"
"3—"
"2—"
"1—"
"Lights out!"