When Shen Qi lifted her eyes again, her gaze was cold and distant, all emotions sealed away. "Alright. I'll do my best to complete today's work," she replied calmly.
He Yi Ning stared at her intently. Suddenly, he felt she was a stranger. She no longer seemed like the person who would fight him for blankets and pillows, cook him terrible meals, argue with him over design concepts, share embarrassing moments with him, or interact with him so freely and without restraint.
What had happened? Why had she changed so suddenly?
He Yi Ning wanted to ask, but there was no time. Outside, many guests were waiting for him to attend to. He could only set the matter aside for now and ask her later after finishing the immediate tasks.
He Yi Ning nodded. "Alright. Someone will come to get you shortly." With that, he turned and left.
Watching his retreating figure, Shen Qi finally unclenched her fists. When she had spoken those words, she had used every ounce of her composure. Only the pain of her nails digging into her palms allowed her to maintain that forced calm.
Indeed, a stirred heart brings pain.
Slowly releasing her palms, she saw red marks where her nails had pressed into her skin. Shen Qi closed her eyes briefly, then turned to put on her first outfit.
She skillfully applied her makeup. This was just work, nothing to do with emotions.
As she finished the last stroke, a maid knocked on the door. "Second Young Madam, the banquet is about to begin. The young master requests your presence." "I understand." Shen Qi took one last look in the mirror, then stepped out gracefully in her floor-length deep purple evening gown, composed and elegant.
As she walked out the door, she saw He Yi Ning already dressed in a matching suit of the same color and design, crafted by the same master. He Yi Ning looked at her, a flicker of admiration in his phoenix-like eyes. "Very beautiful." "Thank you," Shen Qi replied with a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.
She stepped forward to take his arm, her long train trailing behind as they slowly descended the staircase together.
At that moment, the entire hall fell silent. All eyes scrutinized Shen Qi, and she felt waves of pressure crashing down on her from all sides.
He Yi Ning sensed her tension through his arm and gently patted her hand. Shen Qi responded with a faint, strained smile.
She straightened her back as much as possible, resolutely facing those hostile gazes, and finally stood in the light.
"What!" Feng Kexin, standing at the front, her beautiful face twisted in fury, could no longer maintain her socialite composure. "How could it be her!"
Shen Yin Yin was equally stunned. "Impossible!"
Many of the socialites present had hired Shen Qi for styling before, so when she appeared, they were all utterly shocked. Everyone wore expressions of disbelief. Some even dropped their glasses without noticing.
Shen Qi had anticipated how shocking this scene would be, but standing here in reality, facing the stunned and venomous stares of the men and women, she realized her mental preparation was far from sufficient.
"He Yi Ning, don't you owe me an explanation?" Feng Kexin finally couldn't hold back, confronting him.
All eyes immediately shifted to He Yi Ning.
With a languid demeanor, He Yi Ning swept his gaze over Feng Kexin and replied coldly, "You're worthy?"
Those three simple words landed like a slap across Feng Kexin's face. The last time he had slapped someone, it was the Feng family's face. This time, it was clearly aimed at Feng Kexin herself.
Feng Kexin had never been treated like this in her entire life. She was on the verge of losing it, pointing at Shen Qi. "Then is she worthy?"
"Man Lun, long time no see." He Yi Ning ignored Feng Kexin and turned to greet Feng Man Lun, who stood beside her. "I'm glad you could make it."
Feng Man Lun smiled awkwardly. His gaze swept over Shen Qi. The girl was still forcing herself to stay calm, but her pale complexion betrayed her state. Still, her resilience surprised him.
Feng Man Lun glanced at his sister before replying, "It's been a few years since I've been back. Yi Ning, you've become even more impressive." "Likewise," He Yi Ning said calmly. "Back then, out of respect for you, I did a few deals with the Feng family. Looks like today might be the end of that?"
Before Feng Man Lun could respond, Feng Kexin shrieked, "He Yi Ning, are you threatening me!"
Feng Man Lun quickly clamped his hand over her mouth and offered He Yi Ning an apologetic smile. "Apologies. My sister is rude. I'll apologize on her behalf."
Feng Man Lun saw it clearly. The He Yi Ning of today was no longer the one from a few years ago. Back then, though young and sharp, he still had weaknesses. Now, He Yi Ning had evolved into an introverted yet powerful emperor.
He feared nothing. The He family was his foundation and his weapon. In his very first year as president, he had used ruthless tactics to dismantle a century-old family that once shared the market, forcing everyone to reevaluate this business monarch. After years of refinement and accumulation, his cards only multiplied, and his methods grew harsher.
Offending He Yi Ning over Feng Kexin was not good for the Feng family. Don't assume a strong dragon can't suppress a local snake. That's only true if the dragon isn't strong enough. When the dragon becomes powerful enough to sweep everything, the local snake remains just a snake. Under the natural suppression of the food chain, there's no chance of turning the tables.
"Man Lun, let me introduce you. This is my wife, Shen Qi, the Second Young Madam of the He family." He Yi Ning looked at Feng Man Lun seriously. "My wife is usually shy. If there's any oversight in the future, I hope you'll overlook it for my sake."
His words made everyone in the room gasp. The implication was clear: this was his legally wedded wife, not some casual mistress brought in to appease them. If they disrespected her, they disrespected the He family—and would face the consequences.
Feng Man Lun turned to Shen Qi. "I didn't recognize the Second Young Madam earlier. Please forgive me." Shen Qi nodded slightly. "It's fine."
Feng Man Lun then said to He Yi Ning, "Apologies, my sister seems unwell and can't stay. Please allow us to take our leave." "Alright. Butler, see them out." He Yi Ning's expression remained unchanged, his gaze clashing briefly with Feng Man Lun's, both leaving each other with a meaningful look.
Feng Man Lun quickly led Feng Kexin out of Jinghua Manor. Only after getting into the car did he release her.
"Brother, are you crazy? Why didn't you help me!" Feng Kexin pounded on him hysterically. "Look at that bitch! How could she be He Yi Ning's wife? No, absolutely not!"
Once she had calmed down a bit, Feng Man Lun said coldly, "Kexin, how many times have I told you? As the top socialite of H Province, how can you lose your composure like this? I've spoiled you too much over the years. You can't even handle this pressure—how do you expect to marry into the He family? That Shen Qi may have a lesser background, upbringing, and ability than you, but at today's banquet, she performed a hundred times better than you!"
"Brother, what do you mean by taking her side!" Feng Kexin was furious.
"I'm not taking her side; I'm stating facts!" Feng Man Lun's tone was stern. "I met her before this and subtly hinted that He Yi Ning has always loved someone else. I saw the shock and hurt in her eyes clearly. Yet even so, her manners were impeccable just now! Kexin, how many times have I taught you? Never lose your cool in front of an enemy—or you've already lost!"
"So you're just going to let that bitch stay by He Yi Ning's side?" Feng Kexin roared angrily.
"Staying by his side means nothing. If their hearts aren't together, how long can it last?" Feng Man Lun said dismissively. "Shen Qi knows He Yi Ning loves someone else. Do you think she'll stay with him for long?"
"So what? There are plenty of women who love He Yi Ning and would stay even knowing he doesn't love them!" Feng Kexin retorted angrily.
"That's them, not Shen Qi." Feng Man Lun said confidently. "I only spoke with her briefly, but I can tell she's a woman who values love and loyalty. Without love, she'd rather let go."
Feng Kexin finally calmed down, looking at her brother eagerly. "Brother, are you saying that as long as He Yi Ning doesn't love Shen Qi, she'll leave on her own?"
"Oh, you..." Feng Man Lun shook his head helplessly. "You're perfect in every way, but when it comes to He Yi Ning, you lose yourself."
Feng Kexin pouted. "Brother, you know! I've loved him for so many years, of course I can't stay calm! When you fall for someone someday, you'll understand how it feels!"
"So I'll never let myself fall for any woman, never give myself a weakness," Feng Man Lun said confidently. "Men controlled by love are all fools!"
"Forget it, I won't argue with you about this. An old man who doesn't understand love!" Feng Kexin finally let go of her anger, ready to watch Shen Qi's drama unfold. After all, she too knew that He Yi Ning had always been searching for his childhood sweetheart.
Once Feng Kexin was dragged away by Feng Man Lun, the atmosphere in the venue eased briefly before heating up again.