After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 16

When the office door opened, Sarah was dumbfounded and blurted out instinctively, “Forest Fire and Ice Man?”

Fan Qingyu’s expression remained unchanged, but the faint curve of her lips showed she was in a good mood.

Jing Xiao, who never cared much about image management, doubled over with laughter, speaking between broken chuckles: “Honestly, that’s such a perfect description.”

Since Fan Qingyu was usually very stern, Sarah only realized afterward how inappropriate her words had been—she had just made fun of her own boss. Cold sweat broke out on her back. She quickly patted her own lips and apologized: “I’m sorry, President Fan, I promise it won’t happen again.”

“You always have so many quirky ideas.” Fan Qingyu didn’t take offense, instead she tapped Sarah lightly on the forehead. “But don’t let there be a next time.”

Sarah hurriedly thanked her.

Since she wanted to save time, Fan Qingyu had done her makeup at the office, leaving just as the busy afternoon hours began. Almost no one noticed her and Jing Xiao together, but Fan Qingyu cared a lot about appearances. Only after getting in the car did she finally burst into laughter.

Jing Xiao looked at her suspiciously. “What are you laughing at?”

“‘Forest Fire and Ice Man.’” Fan Qingyu laughed until tears came, dabbing at her eyes with the back of her hand. She leaned closer to catch her reflection in the rearview mirror. “It actually does look pretty accurate.”

Jǐng Xiao snorted. “That was five minutes ago. Why are you laughing only now?”

“Five minutes ago we were still at the company, I had to maintain my image.” Fan Qingyu truthfully replied while checking her makeup with a small mirror she always carried. “Besides, Sarah is my subordinate. I can’t allow my subordinates to make fun of me.”

“Fair enough.” Jǐng Xiao pressed the mirror shut with both hands. “You’re already beautiful—no need to keep looking.”

The yacht party was held across the city, and by the time the two of them arrived, the sky had already darkened.

The lawns along the Hongjiang Bridge were meticulously decorated. Hundreds of meters of banquet tables overflowed with dishes, but the most striking feature was a massive golden round table. From its center rose a towering champagne tower of crystal-clear glasses, nearly two meters tall.

As the star of the evening, young master Jiang Shíyuè basked in attention, surrounded by wealthy heirs and heiresses flattering him endlessly. Madam Jiǎng, dressed elegantly in a custom qipao, stood at the side, her gaze quietly sweeping over the young women present, though never too blatantly.

Most of the men at the long tables were middle-aged, their conversations circling around negotiations and probing bottom lines. Fan Qingyu faintly overheard talk of recent shifts in platform profits and lingered to listen longer.

When Madam Jiǎng noticed the arrival of Fàn Qingyu and Jǐng Xiao, she gave a subtle nod and signaled to her son.

Jiang Shiyue immediately squeezed through the crowd and waved dramatically to silence the noise: “Our last two guests have arrived. What an honor!”

Every gaze turned toward Fan Qingyu and Jǐng Xiāo. Some looks were scornful, others envious, others simply confused. Whether Jiǎng Shíyuè’s move was intentional or not, it left Fàn Qingyu awkwardly nodding her greetings.

“And now, please witness the highlight of tonight!” Jiang Shiyue climbed a small staircase, raising two bottles of champagne, pouring them slowly into the topmost glass.

Golden liquid cascaded down the pyramid of glasses while fireworks burst behind him. The crowd erupted in cheers. By the time everyone had wine in hand and picked at some food, the night sky was completely dark.

The dishes on the tables remained mostly untouched. With a sudden flourish, Jiang Shiyue yanked the tablecloth off, sending plates and glasses crashing to the floor. He once again drew every eye: “Now we welcome tonight’s climax!”

A colossal yacht docked at the shore, its height so immense the top couldn’t be seen from below.

The guests shouted with excitement, rushing aboard. Jing Xiao trailed behind, listening as Fan Qingyu exchanged pleasantries with several older businessmen. At the gangway, Fan Qingyu went up first, extending her hand to firmly support Jing Xiao as she boarded.

Just then, Jing Xiao noticed Jiang Shiyue himself beside them. Instead of being surrounded like a star, he stood right there, smiling faintly.

Irritated, Jing Xiao stepped forward to shield Fan Qingyu.

“This young lady, your look tonight is truly striking.” Jiang Shiyue’s gaze swept over her, praising in detail, “Your hairstyle, makeup, and gown fit perfectly. And that rose—out of everyone here, it made you stand out at first glance.”

Jǐng Xiāo pointed at herself. “Me?”

“Yes, miss,” Jiǎng Shíyuè nodded. “May I ask whose daughter you are?”

The praise made Jǐng Xiāo’s skin prickle uncomfortably. Clearly, despite his polite words, his floral shirt didn’t match the gentlemanly air he was trying to project.

She answered frankly, “I came with my fiancée.”

“Fiancée?” Jiǎng Shíyuè arched a brow, eyes darting between the two of them. He knew who Fàn Qīngyù was, of course. The only guest to catch his genuine interest turned out to be the old acquaintance’s fiancée. He forced a smile. “Forgive my bluntness…”

But halfway through, he seemed to reconsider, pursed his lips, and instead said: “Enjoy your evening, the both of you.”

With that, he turned and left.

True enough, Fàn Qingyu had no entanglements with Jiǎng Shíyuè. Soon she was deep in conversation with businessmen, their topic shifting into serious business deals. Bored, Jǐng Xiāo drifted away toward the railing.

She admired the night view of the Hongjiang Bridge, skyscrapers looming across the river. The bridge itself stood magnificently, the river vast and glimmering, waves shimmering under the breeze. The air carried just the right humidity, cool and refreshing.

“Thirsty? Have a drink.” Jiǎng Shíyuè reappeared, offering her red wine and standing at her side.

Not wanting to refuse outright, Jǐng Xiāo accepted, sipping lightly. “Thank you.”

But instead of flirting, Jiang Shiyue started casually: “Miss, you look very familiar.”

Jing Xiao didn’t bother to hide her identity and gave her name directly.

“No wonder,” he said with sudden understanding. “So you’re from the Jing family. Even abroad, I’ve heard of your family’s many achievements these past years. Clearly you’ve contributed a lot as well—you truly are exceptional.”

The compliment was phrased carefully, highlighting both her abilities and his admiration. But since his praise missed the mark, Jing Xiao could only accept it with polite silence.

“So you’re Fan Qingyu’s fiancée?” Jiang Shiyue clutched his chest dramatically, sighing in regret. “What a pity—you’re really something special.”

His exaggerated mannerisms made him seem nothing like a proper young master. Jing Xiao set her glass down. “There’s nothing to pity. I only hope you find your own true love soon.”

“True love is rare.” Jiang Shiyue downed his glass in one go, then handed her another. “Why not let Fan Qingyu try it too?”

But Fan Qingyu was still laughing and drinking with others, unlikely to spare her attention. Jing Xiao shook her head. “She probably doesn’t have the time.”

“Seems you’re the one with better taste, Miss Jing.” He chuckled, reaching out as though to place a hand on her shoulder, but she sidestepped deftly, leaving his hand hanging mid-air.

Picking a decorative flower from the railing, Jing Xiao replied lightly, “I’m just a carefree bystander, nowhere near Fan Qingyu’s level.”

“How could you be beneath me, Xiaoxiao?” A familiar voice cut in.

Fan Qingyu had slipped away from the crowd, sliding her arm through Jing Xiao’s. She picked up the very glass Jing Xiao had been drinking from.

Tilting it, she pressed her lips to the spot Jing Xiao’s had touched, letting the cool wine glide down her throat. With a subtle click of her tongue, she murmured, “Exquisite vintage, Jiang Gongzi.”

Jing Shiyue laughed. “So you’re flattering me now, Fan Qingyu?”

She parried smoothly, “You’re busier than ever, Jiang Gongzi. Times have changed.”

“I heard you’ve been negotiating with Keke for a new venture?”

“Negotiating, yes,” she said modestly. “But we’re far from entering a new industry.”

“I’ll be frank then,” he said directly. “I’m interested in your company’s upcoming product line.”

“It’s my honor to have your interest,” Fan Qingyu replied evenly.

“Shall we find time to talk in detail?” He clinked her glass, probing. “I wonder if you have someone in mind to lead the deal.”

Her smile didn’t waver. “I did before. But since you’ve expressed interest, perhaps it’s time to reconsider.”

He laughed heartily, patting her shoulder. “Both you and Miss Jing are true talents.”

Jǐng Xiāo interjected, “I told you, I’m just a leisure guest.”

A group of women pulled him away then, giggling. “Come on, Jiǎng Gōngzi, don’t leave the party yet!”

As he let himself be led off, he called back, “President Fan, I’ll be in touch.”

The yacht drifted closer to the bridge, breeze gentle on the deck. Fàn Qīngyù leaned against Jing Xiao’s shoulder, relaxed. “Didn’t I say you looked stunning tonight?”

“As long as you like it.” Jing Xiāo tugged her toward a quieter corner. The red gown flowed against her pale skin, the high slit revealing long legs, a rose wilting faintly behind her ear.

Fan Qingyu brushed her hair back into place. “I love it.”

With no one else around, Jing Xiao kicked off her heels, strolling barefoot on the deck while pulling Fan Qingyu along. She stretched languidly, her whole body radiating ease.

Fan Qingyu also savored the relaxed moment, leaning closer and closer until their lips were only a breath apart. “Xiaoxiao, I want to kiss you.”

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