Xia Chenchen couldn't help wondering: If Weiyang knew Dabai's father was President Bai himself, would she still dare spout that bravado?
Chi Weiyang abruptly changed the subject. "I heard the President might attend the banquet tonight."
"Really? I didn't hear that."
"It's a last-minute addition. The Secretary-General just confirmed it."
"...Oh." Come to think of it, she hadn't seen Bai Yeqing in days.
"Why so calm?" Chi Weiyang vibrated with excitement. "I'm already dizzy just thinking about seeing President Bai! He's always looked so handsome on TV – imagine him in person! Probably even more breathtaking."
"Handsome doesn't matter. He's icy. Like carved wood," Xia Chenchen muttered under her breath.
"What? Who's like wood?"
"...You'll see."
Afraid of slipping, Xia Chenchen clamped her mouth shut.
Xu Yan remained scarce throughout the day. As the Prime Minister's chief interpreter, he was glued to the delegation's side.
That evening, President Bai arrived as anticipated. Amidst the usual fanfare, the Foreign Minister led the welcoming party. Xia Chenchen watched the untouchable man through the crowd – a radiant sun orbiting high above, while she felt like dust clinging to the earth.
How could two people from such distant worlds share a child? Life truly twists in strange ways. Thank goodness I won't fall for him. That road promises nothing but misery.
Chi Weiyang's sharp pinch snapped her back. Turning, Xia Chenchen found her friend flushed crimson, eyes practically sprouting cartoon hearts as she stared at the President.
Good grief. Where's your dignity?
But one glance around confirmed it: nearly every woman present, married or not, wore identical expressions of rapt fascination. Xia Chenchen's composed stance suddenly felt jarringly out of place.
This man is a walking scourge.
Bai Yeqing, a celestial body orbited by lesser stars, swept inside without sparing Xia Chenchen a single glance. Beside her, Chi Weiyang wilted. "He didn't even look our way!"
"Too many people vying for his attention. Now hurry up – get changed! The banquet's starting."
Minutes remained. Fireworks already bloomed brilliantly over the harbor. Xia Chenchen, now transformed in sapphire-blue evening gown and subtle makeup, emerged from the changing room.
She hurried toward the ballroom entrance when a familiar silhouette froze her mid-step.
Her heart stumbled.
Xu Yan.
His intense gaze swept over her. Clutching her clutch and gathering her skirts, a wave of inexplicable tension washed over her under his scrutiny.
"It's been a long time," Xu Yan finally spoke.
Xia Chenchen managed a faint smile. "Yes. I didn't expect to see you here."
Xu Yan's eyes lingered on her transformed appearance. "You look… beautiful. That gown suits you perfectly."
"Thank you."
An awkward silence descended. A thousand unspoken words hung heavy between them; neither knew where to begin. The air thickened with the dregs of betrayal and lost years.
"Xu Yan!"
A clear, sweet voice sliced through the tension.
Xia Chenchen stiffened. Xu Yan froze before reluctantly pulling his arm away as a petite figure bounded over, claiming it possessively. "Xu Yan! Told you we'd meet here!"
Xia Xingkong.
Xia Chenchen remembered now – Xingkong's international dance troupe was performing tonight. But she'd never imagined… Xingkong and Xu Yan?
Her gaze dropped to Xia Xingkong's hand firmly wrapped around Xu Yan's arm. Xu Yan extracted himself stiffly. "Xingkong, this is the Foreign Ministry. Maintain decorum."
"Why? We're together! And it's not like there are outsiders here," Xia Xingkong chirped, radiating smug happiness.
A tight fist clenched around Xia Chenchen's heart.
"Sister? Oh, it's you!" Xia Xingkong feigned surprise, releasing Xu Yan to seize Xia Chenchen's hands. "So lucky! Fancy all three of us meeting here! I just got back and wanted to visit, but heard you'd moved…"
"You two catch up," Xia Chenchen interrupted, unable to mimic Xingkong's sugary act. She pulled her hands free. "I have duties."
"Don't rush off!" Xia Xingkong clung tighter. She turned pleading eyes to Xu Yan. "Xu Yan, darling, could you fetch me some coffee? I'm parched."
Xu Yan glanced between the sisters, conflict fleeting in his eyes, but nodded wordlessly and left.
The moment he was out of earshot, Xia Xingkong dropped Xia Chenchen's hand. Her sweet mask vanished, replaced by icy hostility.
"He's mine now. Stay away from him." The warning was a razor's edge.
Xia Chenchen met her stepsister's venomous gaze, long accustomed to her two-faced facade. "Five years gone, and your hypocrisy hasn't changed a bit."
"Hypocrite?" Xia Xingkong sneered. "Better than playing the pure maiden while secretly whoring around, popping out a bastard whose father's a mystery! Listen well, Xia Chenchen: spare yourself the humiliation. You're beneath Xu Yan."
Unfazed, Xia Chenchen arched a cool brow. "If I'm so beneath him, why the panic? Five years abroad, Xingkong, and you learned nothing?"
"You—!" Xingkong's retort died as Xu Yan returned, coffee in hand. Her malice evaporated instantly, replaced by a radiant smile. Xu Yan eyed both warily. "I need to get inside. Will you both…"
"You go ahead!" Xingkong chirped. "Sis and I will chat. My performance isn't for a while."
"Alright." Relieved, Xu Yan hurried off toward the ballroom.
The instant he disappeared, Xia Xingkong whipped the cup forward. Scalding liquid flew.
Caught completely off guard, Xia Chenchen gasped. The coffee splashed onto her low-cut neckline, searing her skin as it spilled down her cleavage. Pain flared instantly; angry red welts bloomed across her chest.
Damn her! Fury ignited in Chenchen's eyes.
Xia Xingkong smiled with wide-eyed innocence. "Oops! Sorry, clumsy me. But sister?" Her voice dropped to a venomous purr. "Next time you're eyeing someone else's boyfriend… try not to dress so provocatively. Some of us might get… jealous."
Before Xia Chenchen could react, Xingkong whirled away, leaving her standing alone, soaked and seething.