JINHAI'S POV.
Everyone in the office murmured about Asher Fontaine's latest fashion show.
Xiao Chen, my assistant, handed over a document. "Everyone's talking about the black model Asher invited to his show. I think it's sports-themed. Why don't you check it out?" His tone was casual, but I could see the curiosity dancing in his eyes. He hesitated, then added with a sly grin, "I heard she's gorgeous…"
I leaned back in my chair, my sharp features sculpted into an icy mask of disinterest. My gaze locked onto Xiao, cold and detached.
"Do I look like I care about Asher?" I snapped, my voice sharp, cutting through his excitement.
Xiao's grin faltered, replaced by a nervous chuckle as he cleared his throat. "No, sir."
"What's my next schedule?" I asked.
"Oh, uh…" Xiao fumbled with his tablet. "You have a meeting with Li Yue at eight. At her hotel. I'm guessing dinner?"
My brow furrowed slightly. "Li Yue? She's back?"
"Yes, sir. You asked me to remind you. She's been trying to—"
"That's all. You can leave," I interrupted, my voice firm.
As soon as the door clicked shut, a heavy sigh escaped my lips. As the day pressed down on me. I stretched my neck and the faint crack breaking the silence, before leaning back to stare at the ceiling. Another meeting with Li Yue. Another night of empty conversations. She had only left for Italy two days ago but had already flooded my phone with bikini photos. It was her usual game —seduction with a sense of entitlement.
Li Yue was beautiful, no question. She was the kind of woman who turned heads wherever she went, her confidence as striking as her looks. Yet, after five years of the same routine, her allure was beginning to bore me. However, it was because of Li-rong's words and her pressure to having an heir for the Liu family, but a child. Never my agenda.
"You can't always be about work. One day, you'll have to settle down, Jinhai. You're 29, and you're not even seeing anyone?" Then, she proceeded to introduce me to Li Yue.
I stood, grabbing my coat. As I did, my eyes landed on a ticket resting on my desk. Asher's fashion show.
I grimaced. Asher Fontaine. A man I had little patience for. The French multibillionaire moved around like he owned the world, and his wide success in China. I scoffed and slipped the ticket into my coat pocket anyway.
In the underground parking lot, my phone buzzed. I answered without checking the ID.
"It's me, Li Yue," her voice sang on the other end so sweet and melodic. I could hear the playful edge in her tone, the one she always used when she wanted something.
My hand fumbled in my pocket, pulling out the ticket instead of my keys. I stared at it, distracted as Xiao's words echoed in my mind. Although, I disliked Asher. I was curious.
"It's my birthday today…" she added with a soft, nervous laugh. "Xiao told me you've been busy all day."
"I'm driving," I said flatly. "I'll call you later." Without waiting for her next response, I hung up, tossing my phone onto the passenger seat.
Thirty minutes later, I pulled up to the Vérité Hotel, one of the crown jewels of Shanghai's luxury. Of course, it was owned by Asher Fontaine. I frowned, still unsure why I'd come. But here I was, and turning back wasn't an option.
The show was already going on when I arrived. Quietly, I slid into my reserved seat as my eyes began scanning the runway as models strutted out to the rhythm of the beat.
Their outfits were bold, colorful, and meticulously designed, but none of them held my attention for long. Asher and I had different goals, and styles. Having taken the offer to be the designer the nation's champions team. My distaste for him grew even more. I shifted in my seat, about to leave, when a movement at the far end of the runway caught my eye.
It was meant to be a fleeting glance, but my gaze lingered and then, completely glued. Something about the figure stepping into the spotlight demanded my full attention. She walked, radiantly under the bright lights.
Her dark, rich skin glowed against the sleek white gown she wore. The garment clung to her curves as though they were sculpted just for her, and the golden clasp at her hip gleamed like a star. The off-shoulder design revealed the elegant line of her collarbone, and the flowing sleeves added a touch of ethereal grace. Her black hair, pinned into a sleek bun, shimmered subtly with each step she took.
My breath caught. It wasn't just her beauty. Goddamnit, it was the way she carried herself, an effortless poise. Staring at her stirred something deep within me. She wasn't just stunning. She was magnetic, heavens. She felt so graceful to touch. As my gaze locked with her everything else, the crowd, even the music faded into the background.
Then, murmurs swelled as she exited the stage, reappearing moments later arm-in-arm with the designer, a middle-aged Chinese man. Her smile was soft, almost shy, as she waved politely to the audience. The contrast between her and the man was striking as the light and sweet, dark, yin and yang. But if I had to choose, there was no question. I would choose yang.
My ears twitched at the conversation that floated to me from the row in front. "Do you know who she is?" one woman whispered.
"Of course! That's Jeneta. She's super popular. Here, this is her handle."
I leaned forward, subtly glancing at the woman's phone. By the time she noticed, I'd already memorized the handle, looking away while maintaining my icy demeanor.
"Do you think she'd take a picture with me? Her skin is flawless and beautiful."
"Maybe after the show. I wonder how Asher managed to invite her. I heard she's been single since breaking up with Jason Wang…"
My attention returned to Jeneta. She stood off to the side now, smiling hesitantly as more people approached her. There was a quiet nervousness in her, but it only added to her charm.
My phone buzzed again. I lowered my gaze, glancing at it. Li Yue. I silenced it without a second thought, slipping it into my pocket as I rose from my seat. The show was over for me. I had seen what mattered.
As I approached my car parked in the quiet parking lot, my phone lit up with a notification.
"Jeneta has accepted your request to follow her."
A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips as I started the engine, driving off. Her name was all I could think of. Jeneta. What a nice name.