Chapter 36: Lingyun Grand Hotel (4)

Meng Yi’er looked up toward the banquet hall and immediately saw Yan Yichen surrounded by two actresses, one of whom was Ouyang Xi.

Ouyang Xi was on his left, very close, her ample chest almost pressing against Yan Yichen.

Despite the temptation of beauty, Yan Yichen’s handsome face betrayed no emotion. He held a glass of red wine in one hand, head slightly lowered, appearing deep in thought.

Suddenly, a man standing beside Yan Yichen stepped to his left, smiling as he blocked Yan Yichen from view and spoke to Ouyang Xi.

The smile faded from Ouyang Xi’s alluring face. The woman beside her tugged gently at her arm, whispering something, but Ouyang Xi glared at her, twisted her waist, and sauntered away first.

As Meng Yi’er watched Ouyang Xi leave with all her charm, Yan Yichen abruptly lifted his gaze. Their eyes met, catching Meng Yi’er watching the scene unfold. Flustered, she quickly lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, inwardly praying he hadn’t noticed her presence.

Yan Yichen’s gaze did not shift. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes seemed distant, making it uncertain whether he had actually seen Meng Yi’er.

After quite a while, Meng Yi’er, feeling uneasy, stole another glance. Their eyes met again, sending a tremor through her heart. This time, she was certain Yan Yichen had truly noticed her. He still stood motionless in the same spot, his gaze fixed on her. Though the distance between them was considerable, Meng Yi’er could still sense the coldness gathering in Yan Yichen’s eyes.

“Minxin, why are you hiding here?”

A sudden voice interrupted the turmoil in Meng Yi’er’s heart. She hurriedly withdrew her gaze and saw that Yu Siming had somehow appeared beside them.

“Dad, I’m not hiding,” Yu Minxin replied, playfully wrapping her arms around Yu Siming’s.

“Chairman Yu—” Gao Yang greeted him with a smile, respectful and courteous.

“Uncle Yu, hello—” Meng Yi’er nodded with a smile.

Yu Siming was taken aback to see Meng Yi’er. “Is that you, Yi’er? You’re back in the country?”

“Yes, Uncle Yu.”

Yu Siming looked at Meng Yi’er kindly and smiled, “Good, good, it’s wonderful you’ve come back. You’ve really changed so much—haven’t seen you in years, and you’ve grown even more beautiful. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Uncle Yu, you flatter me—”

During Yu Minxin’s studies in America, her parents had visited her several times, and as Minxin’s closest friend, Meng Yi’er had naturally met Yu Siming on those occasions.

Gao Yang smiled and nodded. “Chairman Yu, I’ll let you catch up.”

Yu Siming nodded, and Gao Yang slipped away.

“Minxin, don’t forget your task tonight. The second son of the Hua Corporation has arrived. Aren’t you going to meet him?” Yu Siming looked at Yu Minxin, his demeanor suddenly serious.

Yu Minxin rolled her eyes and, feeling dejected, walked over to sit down, taking a sip from her wine glass. “Dad, do you really think this is meaningful?”

“Minxin, how can you say that? Everything your father does is for your own good. Please don’t disappoint me again.”

Yu Siming earnestly tried to persuade his daughter, then turned to Meng Yi’er. “Yi’er, you and Minxin are good friends. Help me talk some sense into her.”

Meng Yi’er glanced helplessly at the sulking Yu Minxin. “Uncle Yu, Minxin is still young. Don’t worry so much—give her a little more time…”

“Minxin, since you’re already here, listen to Uncle Yu and go meet him. No matter what, you need to see him first to know whether he’s suitable or not. If you really don’t think so after meeting him, I’m sure Uncle Yu won’t force you.” As she spoke, Meng Yi’er shot Yu Minxin a meaningful look.

Yu Minxin instantly understood. She leapt to her feet, swaying Yu Siming’s arm as she acted coquettishly. “Daddy, I’ll do as you say. I’ll go meet him now, alright?”

Yu Siming smiled in satisfaction, took Minxin’s hand, and led her toward the banquet hall. “That’s my good girl—”