After several near-deaths and recoveries, the storm finally passed.
Li Bingqing glared fiercely at Song Qiao, her teeth gnashing audibly.
Song Qiao smiled, appearing quite at ease. He said to her, "Alright, it's not like this is our first time. Why are you acting like this, as if I'm really forcing you? Ask yourself, don't you want this? Aren't you enjoying it?"
"It's all your fault! You're so wicked!" Li Bingqing's eyes welled up with tears.
She forcefully smacked Song Qiao's chest, as if wishing she had immense strength to pulverize him with a single blow.
"Okay, it's all my fault, everything is my mistake! I shouldn't have appeared before you, shouldn't have been so outstanding, so handsome, so dashing! Our meeting was a beautiful mistake... But I don't regret it! This kind of mistake, I'm willing to make it over and over again, for you, I'm willing!"
"Hmph, all day long, you only know how to coax people. But look at what you do, it all makes me sad and angry. You bad guy, I swear, one day I will trample you under my feet!"
"Mmm, alright, I'll wait for that day. If that happens, you'll be my queen!" Song Qiao said with a smile.
Looking at the strange smile on Song Qiao's face, Li Bingqing felt he was definitely not thinking of anything good.
But she couldn't understand what Song Qiao truly meant.
And Song Qiao obviously wouldn't explain it to her. He merely gave a mysterious smile.
The implication was clear: guess it yourself, or if you're capable, find the answer yourself.
He first helped Li Bingqing clean up, then himself, after which they dressed and tidied up before he left.
Before he left, Li Bingqing specifically opened the door to peek outside. Seeing no one, she urged him to leave quickly to avoid their relationship being discovered by others.
Leaving the dressing room, Song Qiao understood that Li Bingqing wasn't willingly marrying Zheng Fei. Everything she was doing was merely at the Guo family's behest.
She was just a woman who wanted to control her own destiny.
As for the Wang family, they were no longer what they used to be, no longer a formidable enemy that required his diligent efforts.
In a way, this was a good thing.
At least it indicated his own growing strength, facing opponents of a different caliber, with different levels of influence and power.
He could also leverage his connection with Li Bingqing to gather more information about the Guo family from her.
Descending the stairs, Song Qiao found a spot where he could observe discreetly and sat down quietly.
He watched the arriving guests, assessing the Zheng family's influence.
The hotel and its surroundings had already been transformed into a festive scene.
Giant inflatable arches, balloons floating in the air, with congratulatory banners hanging below.
The air was filled with the aroma of food, laughter, and boisterous conversations, a scene of unparalleled merriment.
Many members of the Zheng family were outside the hotel to greet guests.
One had to admit, Zheng Fei had a wide network of contacts, or rather, the Zheng family possessed considerable influence.
Numerous guests arrived, and it was evident that many were businessmen, as well as cultural and artistic celebrities, and government officials, all of whom appeared particularly enthusiastic and courteous.
While observing, he received a call from Gao Meng.
Then, he saw her below the hotel.
Seeing the calm smile on Gao Meng's face, Song Qiao chuckled and said, "You still came?"
Gao Meng nodded and replied, "Zheng Fei's engagement means the Gao family is also invited. For me, this is also a good opportunity. With so many distinguished guests, I shouldn't let such a chance slip away."
Song Qiao expressed his approval, "Indeed, it would be a shame not to make use of such a great opportunity."
"By the way, I haven't asked yet, have you seen your old flame?" Gao Meng asked playfully, tilting her head.
"Hehe, of course, I did. We even had a deep and thorough exchange. Can't you tell from me? The aura of joy emanating from me!"
"Hahaha, I can tell, of course, I can. Seeing how flamboyant you are, I'll believe you!" Gao Meng laughed heartily.
Seeing her like this, Song Qiao felt a slight pang of guilt for deceiving such a lovely girl.
However, he would treat her better in the future, as compensation.
As they spoke, Song Qiao and Gao Meng walked towards the main entrance of the hotel.
Although they appeared to be a perfect match, not ordinary people, several burly security guards stopped them.
"Excuse me, could you please show your invitations?"
One had to admit, these security guards were diligent.
After all, so many people were arriving, and their superiors had already given strict orders to maintain security and prevent unauthorized individuals from entering. They had to fulfill their responsibilities.
"Heh, we heard that Young Master Zheng Fei is getting engaged, so we came personally to offer our congratulations," Song Qiao said with a smile.
"We came on our own, uninvited!" Gao Meng added from the side.
The security guard looked at Song Qiao, then at Gao Meng, astonished that they dared to say such a thing without fear of being turned away and losing face.
"I'm sorry, without an invitation, please forgive us! As you know, this is a Zheng family engagement, hosted by the renowned Gao family, so you cannot enter!" the security guard said.
At the same time, he signaled to the others, asking them to come over in case of any trouble and if they were short-handed.
Song Qiao simply smiled slightly, reached into his pocket, and produced his identification.
It was his security department ID, which he usually used when traveling.
Upon seeing the ID, the security guard was instantly shocked.
He was no stranger to the world and knew Song Qiao was a person of high status and influence, someone beneath him could not afford to offend. In fact, even the Gao and Zheng families would treat him as an honored guest.
Thus, the security guard's expression changed immediately.
He plastered a smile on his face and bowed subserviently to Song Qiao, "Please come in, the two of you. By the way, shall I inform the hosts?"
Song Qiao waved his hand, "No need, we can go in ourselves. You just do your job and don't let any unauthorized people in!"
"Yes, please, take your time!" The security guard respectfully saw the two off.
Only after they entered the hotel lobby did he let out a sigh of relief.
Gao Meng and Song Qiao entered the hotel with ease.
As soon as they entered the lobby, they saw Zheng Fei there, basking in the flattery of many people, appearing quite pleased with himself.
He was dressed impeccably, in a suit that complemented his tall frame, smooth complexion, and sleek hair.
"The Gao and Zheng families becoming one family will undoubtedly lead to a great increase in power!"
"Being able to marry a woman from a prominent family further demonstrates the immense strength of the Gao and Zheng families!"
"Young Master Zheng's influence will further grow!"
"Young Master Zheng is truly the cornerstone of the Gao and Zheng families."
"Oh my, why are you all talking about such mundane matters on such a joyous occasion? Young Master Zheng is getting engaged, soon to embark on a new chapter in life, and his career and future will surely reach new heights!"
"..."
Gao Meng looked at Zheng Fei's smug expression.
Then, she looked at the people around him, many of whom were fawning, and felt disgusted.
She gritted her teeth, wishing she could rush forward and knock them all down.
Song Qiao quickly calmed her, "Don't be impulsive, bear with it for now! This isn't the best moment. Wait until they are most complacent, then strike them hard! Do whatever you want, I'll back you up!"
Hearing Song Qiao's words, Gao Meng felt a warmth in her heart. She looked at Song Qiao affectionately, about to say something.
Suddenly, a young master walked over and loudly exclaimed at Gao Meng, "Ah, who do I see? Isn't this the woman from the Gao family with the crazy mother?"