They were still accustomed to the cold and indifferent Nangong Yehen. The Nangong Yehen with a sunny smile made them feel like he might be... sick.
Back at the villa, Nangong Yehen was in a good mood. Lin Ling watched him smile happily because of Chu Lingzhi, feeling a mix of envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Nangong Yehen sat on the sofa, crossing his long legs. He glanced at the invitation on the coffee table and said to Huo Luan behind him with a smile, "Huo Luan, go buy the most beautiful dress in T City."
Huo Luan looked a bit troubled. "Master, I'm not good at picking women's dresses. I'm afraid Miss Chu won't like it."
"Then bring the best fashion designer to the estate."
"Yes!" This time, Huo Luan agreed readily.
Nangong Yehen picked up the invitation and opened it. It had just been sent over by Ye Xi, the business elite.
Even before receiving the invitation, Nangong Yehen knew Ye Xi was planning a celebration banquet. His branch company in Xia Country had gone public, and its stock price had soared in the days since. Now back in T City, Ye Xi was throwing a high-profile celebration banquet, scheduled for next Wednesday evening.
In the past, Nangong Yehen either skipped such banquets or sent Huo Luan in his place. This time, he wanted to bring that woman along.
...
Chu Lingzhi slept until she naturally woke up. If the maid hadn't knocked on the door, she would have stayed in bed staring at the crystal chandelier on the ceiling.
"Miss Chu, Young Master Nangong wants you to come downstairs immediately." The maid pushed the door open and saw Chu Lingzhi still lying in bed. She couldn't help urging her, "Miss Chu, please get up quickly. If you're late going down, Young Master Nangong will lose his temper."
"What time is it?" Chu Lingzhi rolled her bright, lively eyes and asked the maid.
"Nine o'clock."
Chu Lingzhi smiled, slowly sitting up. "I slept all the way until nine. That's wonderful."
Lately, her sleep had been good, and she felt much more energetic. She patted her rosy cheeks and giggled. Good sleep meant good energy, and her skin was much more supple too.
"Miss Chu, please hurry up and wash up to go downstairs. Young Master Nangong and the others are waiting for you."
Seeing Chu Lingzhi's unhurried demeanor, the maid stomped her feet in anxiety.
"The others? Who else besides Young Master Nangong?" Chu Lingzhi looked at the maid in surprise.
"Several renowned fashion designers from T City."
"Fashion designers?"
"Yes, Young Master Nangong specially invited them here to design clothes for you, Miss Chu."
Was Nangong Yehen planning to have clothes custom-made for her? Chu Lingzhi looked down at herself. Did he think her usual clothes lacked taste?
"I understand. I'll wash up and come down."
She threw off the covers, got out of bed, quickly washed up, and casually changed into a pink dress. The hem reached her knees, revealing her fair, lovely calves. She combed her hair but didn't tie it up, letting it hang loose. Her waist-length hair danced lightly with every step she took.
In the living room, five designers sat on the sofa waiting for her to come down. At the head seat, Nangong Yehen sat like a sovereign emperor, lazily crossing his long legs. His left index finger tapped the sofa rhythmically, his gloomy face showing little patience.
Chu Lingzhi saw them from upstairs and walked down lightly. Huo Luan looked up and caught sight of her, ethereal like a fairy. A flicker of amazement passed through his eyes. He bent slightly. "Master, Miss Chu is coming down."
Nangong Yehen lifted his head lazily, a rare hint of astonishment flashing in his cold, sharp eyes. She looked like a fairy emerging from a flower garden.