Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Tonight, Tang Shihan wore a flowing white gown, her lustrous black hair fluttering in the breeze, her eyes resolute and spirited. Though the dress was loose, it could not hide the proud curves of her figure.

Her beauty was not ostentatious, but possessed a purity like a lotus emerging unsullied from the mud—a radiance that instantly drew the attention of everyone present and inevitably sparked envy and resentment among some women.

Tang Shihan had no intention of upstaging anyone, but unfortunately, her beauty permitted no other outcome.

“Wow—”

“So, that’s Tang Shihan?!”

“Damn, I used to think seeing her once would make my life worthwhile, but now I realize I was too hasty!”

“Those legs, that figure, that face, that aura—she’s like a fairy descended to earth!”

“Too bad I heard Tang Shihan already has a man.”

“What? Who’s that lucky guy who managed to marry such a perfect goddess?”

“To have married Tang Shihan, that man must be incredibly outstanding, right?”

Curiosity about Tang Shihan’s significant other spread among the crowd.

Just then, a shout shattered their fantasies.

“Wife, wait for me!”

Ye Fengyun hurried over, dressed in a well-fitted suit, matching Tang Shihan stride for stride.

The crowd was momentarily stunned—their jaws dropped.

This was Tang Shihan’s husband? He was shockingly unattractive.

It seemed impossible to believe that someone as breathtaking as Tang Shihan could have chosen such a plain man as her husband.

Yet, what drove the onlookers mad was that Tang Shihan did not deny it! Though she didn’t hold his hand, she walked shoulder to shoulder with him into the hotel.

Inside, the hotel was lavishly decorated, resplendent in gold. Tables overflowed with delicacies, while elegantly dressed maids weaved through the guests with trays of champagne.

At that moment, Tang Yilin and Lin Lei arrived. Upon entering, they immediately spotted Tang Shihan and Ye Fengyun.

Tang Shihan was actively engaging with the city’s elite, politely clinking glasses with the notables, displaying all the grace and poise of a goddess. In contrast, Ye Fengyun showed none of this composure; he looked like a starved man, devouring the food as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

Lin Lei regarded this with contempt. How could such a loser be with Tang Shihan? After all his efforts, he had never even caught her eye—so what right did this nobody have to steal his chance?

“Hillbilly—what a disgrace to the Tang family,” Lin Lei sneered sarcastically.

Tang Yilin covered her lips with a laugh, echoing her husband’s mockery. “He’s probably never tasted such fine food in his life. Let him eat his fill now, since he’ll never have the chance to sample luxury like this again.”

Ye Fengyun straightened, wiped his mouth, and smiled disarmingly. “Food is food—what’s so high-class about it? If you want real delicacies, those must be for gods or ghosts. No worries—when you’re buried, I’ll come to your grave and eat your offerings. Now that’s high-class!”

“You—!”

Tang Yilin stomped her foot in anger, nearly snapping the heel of her shoe. She wanted nothing more than to lash out at this ugly fool but held back, mindful of the occasion—and, truth be told, she couldn’t outargue him anyway.

Tang Yilin huffed, drew a deep breath, and said irritably, “Laugh while you can—enjoy it. Once we secure the contract with Longhai Group, let’s see if you can still smile.”

At that moment, the lights abruptly went out. Spotlights converged on the stage, illuminating a well-built middle-aged man in a suit with neatly cropped hair.

It was Long San.

The audience buzzed with curiosity at his appearance.

“Who is that? You can tell he’s extraordinary just from his presence!”

“You don’t know him? That’s Long San, CEO of Longhai Group, steward of the Long family!”

“The Long family? As in one of the three great clans of the provincial capital?”

“Of course—who else would dare put their family name after ‘Long’ but the Longs?”

Admiration for Long San filled the room.

Long San wasted no time with pleasantries and cut straight to the point.

“Thank you all for coming. Tonight’s banquet is also an investment conference marking Longhai Group’s entry into Yunchuan City. We have two major projects in the works:

First, we will establish the city’s largest high-end, international shopping center—creating a luxury brand unique and representative of Yunchuan.

Second, we will build a comprehensive hospital meeting international standards, offering free treatment to citizens aged seventy and above.

We hope to work with all your families to elevate Yunchuan’s urban development, economy, and cultural industry to the international stage!”

At this, the hall erupted in excitement.

Such grand ambitions from Longhai Group!

Respect for Long San soared even higher.

“Now, please submit your project proposals. We will select our partners tonight, adhering to fairness, justice, and transparency.”

With that, everyone began hurriedly filling out their proposals.

Tang Yilin turned to Lin Lei. “No problem, right?”

“Relax, it’s in the bag. I’ve already arranged everything.”

A smile blossomed on Tang Yilin’s face. “Excellent!”

She cast a smug glance at Tang Shihan, who was still carefully writing her proposal.

Tang Shihan, let’s see how you can possibly compete with me this time.

Her gaze slid to Ye Fengyun, still gorging himself, and her teeth itched with hatred.

You ugly fool—just wait. Once Lei and I have the contract, you’ll be forced to streak naked! Then you and Tang Shihan will never lift your heads in Yunchuan again!

“Yilin, go submit it,” Lin Lei said, handing her their proposal.

“Aren’t you going to write more?”

Lin Lei replied with supreme confidence, “The connections are set. Even if I write nothing but my name, we’ll win. Trust me.”

Tang Yilin giggled and hurried to submit the proposal. On her way back, she crossed paths with Tang Shihan and Ye Fengyun.

“Good luck, Tang Shihan,” she said with a sly smile, eyes glinting with mockery. “Oh, and you too, Ye Fengyun—get ready to keep your promise.”

Tang Yilin walked away laughing.

Tang Shihan frowned, sensing something amiss.

Could it be—

Before she could think further, Ye Fengyun handed in their proposal.

“What are you doing?” Tang Shihan exclaimed in surprise.

Ye Fengyun grinned, “You were too slow, honey. I was afraid you’d miss the deadline, so I submitted it for you.”

“You—”

As Ye Fengyun handed the proposal to Long San, their eyes met for a brief moment. In that instant, unspoken messages seemed to pass between them, as if they could see through each other’s intentions.

Soon, all the proposals had been submitted.

Ye Fengyun returned to Tang Shihan’s side, but she greeted him with a frosty glare.

“Honey, are you upset?” he asked with a cheeky smile.

Tang Yilin feigned concern. “Don’t be upset, cousin. When we win, I’ll let you help out on the project.”

Already annoyed by Ye Fengyun’s impulsiveness, Tang Shihan grew even more irate at Tang Yilin’s provocation. She shot Tang Yilin a cold, sidelong glance, but Tang Yilin only smiled triumphantly.

She relished seeing Tang Shihan frustrated and helpless—thanks in no small part to that fool Ye Fengyun. Ha!

“Shihan, Mr. Long is about to announce the results. Which company do you think will win?” Tang Yilin asked, feigning anticipation.

Before Tang Shihan could answer, Ye Fengyun jumped in, “Of course, it’ll be our Tang family!”

Tang Yilin burst out laughing. “Naturally! Do you know why?”

Ye Fengyun replied, “Because my wife is outstanding.”

“Hahaha!” Lin Lei laughed, adjusting his glasses. “Because of Tang Shihan? Ugly fool, don’t flatter yourself. You’re bound to lose this bet. I can’t wait to see you streaking on the evening news!”

With that, Lin Lei put his arm around Tang Yilin and left, both of them chuckling.

Ye Fengyun was left speechless. “A pair of lunatics, right, honey?”

Tang Shihan replied coldly, “What did you call me?”

“Honey.”

“Shut up.”

With a flick of her sleeve, Tang Shihan strode away.

Ye Fengyun shrugged helplessly. “Women—so capricious, really.”

Just then, Long San took the stage again. Standing tall before the guests, he announced in a powerful voice, “The results are in. The winning family—”

He drew out the announcement, his gaze sweeping the eager, expectant crowd.

Tang Yilin grew anxious under the suspense, tugging at Lin Lei’s sleeve. “Lei, we’re the winners, right? You arranged everything, didn’t you?”

Lin Lei replied with unshakable confidence, “Trust me, Yilin. This deal is ours! Listen!”

Tang Yilin looked up at Long San, who gave a faint smile. His voice, though not loud, was strong and clear.

“This time, the winning family is—the Tang family!”