In Country S, within Cloud City.
The grand glass doors, rimmed with gold and patterned with dark red flowers, slowly opened as a pair of white high-heels stepped within.
A soft, dreamlike golden light fell from above, causing the girl to squint in discomfort.
Dressed in a pure white lacy princess dress, she looked as if she was fairer than snow, her delicate and splendid face standing out remarkably.
Clutching her golden clutch bag, Shen Ziyan's palm was slightly sweaty.
She looked at the opulent scenery around her, filled with rich aromas and beautiful shadowy figures, feeling her heart tighten with nervousness.
It was her first time attending such a grand banquet- the politicians and business elite that she used to only see on television gave her a strong urge to turn tail and run.
Why did it have to be her?
She had no clue why she received an invitation to this top-class banquet, nor why she was standing here.
This was all too unreasonable! Shen Ziyan was completely bewildered.
"Quick, look! CEO Xie is coming out."
"Wow, he's so handsome!"
...
Shen Ziyan followed the crowd's gaze.
Under the command of the grand lights, a man slowly emerged. He had a tall and upright figure, approximately 1.9 meters tall. Dressed in a hand-tailored white suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and slender hips, outlining his perfect physique.
His eyes were depthless, with his face as handsome as if it was carved and crafted by a knife and axe. He was noble, aloof, and his powerful aura forced those around him to continually retreat.
This was the President of Xie’s Corporation that controls the global economy, just returned from abroad!
The public's gaze suddenly became fervent and obsessed...
His glance swept over everyone, yet finally fixed on Shen Ziyin, who was standing dumbfounded at the door.
Good, she's here.
Shen Ziyin widened her eyes, staring at the man who was slowly approaching, dazzling like the sun, her breathing became somewhat strenuous.
It was him! Her face turned pale due to the shock and fear.
That night, that man... was actually him!
The president of Xie Corporation? How could that be possible!
Shen Ziyin stepped backward, the fingers of her tightly clenched hand digging into her palm until it hurt.
Amidst the applause and public attention, the man stepped off the stage.
And headed towards her amidst waves of admiration...
"Come with me."
Xie Shi'an walked over to Shen Ziyin, and extended his hand.
His voice was low and sophisticated, yet it left no room for refusal.
Shen Ziyan looked at the man's cold face, feeling a chill engulf her entire body. She longed to flee, but her hand, as if spellbound, lifted of its own accord.
She followed the man, step by step onto the stage, her entire being in a state of numbness.
"Who is this woman? She's so ugly! Why does CEO Xie have to hold her hand?"
"Did CEO Xie get a girlfriend?"
"It's impossible. How can CEO Xie possibly have an ordinary woman as a girlfriend? Is she even worthy?"
...
"Thank you all for coming to my welcome banquet. Taking this opportunity, I have an announcement to make."
Xie Shi'an, with his arm around Shen Ziyan's stiff shoulders, spoke to the crowd.
With their eyes almost entranced, they stared at Xie Corporation's president standing on stage, shining with perfect brilliance.
Say whatever you want, everyone agrees you're handsome.
"I'm getting married!"
The crowd was agitated...
"My wife to be is Miss Shen Ziyan, standing beside me."
Every person had their jaws dropping...
Without giving the crowd a chance to recover, Xie Shi'an drew the woman who seemed to be dazed into his arms, lowered his head, lifted her chin, and kissed her on the lips.
......
That night, a week ago, at the Sheng Ge Clubhouse.
It's so hot, unbearably hot!
Shen Ziyan tugged at her collar, feeling a fiery discomfort coursing through her body, her heart fluttering uncontrollably.
What could be wrong with her?
She had not had any alcohol, why did she feel... so uncomfortable?
Getting up from the bed, she stumbled towards the bathroom. All she wanted was to take a cold shower, hoping it might make her feel a little better.
"Click!"
The sound of the room door being pushed open startled her.
Her cousin?