Chapter 26
"What?" Zixuan whispered to Yuhan when he noticed the way Yuhan was approaching them,his stride sharp, his expression unreadable.
Hearing that, Yuhan blinked and softened his steps, suddenly aware of where he was and the gazes that surrounds him. The room came back into focus. The low murmur of cameras, the hum of voices, the press of eyes on him. Li Hao, caught off guard by the sudden stop, bumped into his back with a soft grunt.
Yuhan exhaled and continued forward, slower this time.
Chen Xi turned to him with a composed smile. "Assistant Liang, congratulations."
"Thank you," Yuhan said, bowing slightly as she shook his hand.
He greeted Wang Lai and Zhang Meiyue with a polite nod, which they both returned. Wang Lai leaned toward Zixuan, whispering, "He's the one?"
Zixuan gave a small nod.
Chen Xi's expression shifted, her tone firm. "You're a public figure now. Be mindful of your presence."
Her sudden seriousness startled Yuhan, who only managed to nod in response.
Within seconds, other guests began approaching, handshakes, smiles, flashes of cameras.
"This is the appointed assistant?" asked Mr. Xue as he approached.
"Yes," Chen Xi said, gesturing toward Yuhan. "This is Mr. Liang. He's one of ours now — and Mr. Xue, one of our shareholders and the owner of this hotel."
"It's an honor," Yuhan said with a bow as they shook hands.
Across the room, Li Hao had already begun retreating, slipping toward the buffet tables. Wang Lai's gaze followed him sharply. The moment Li Hao reached for a plate, someone caught his arm from behind. Startled, he spun around defensively, "WHO ARE…" then froze when he saw who it was.
"Hi…" Li Hao managed, forcing a smile.
Wang Lai smiled faintly. "Follow me."
Before Li Hao could protest, he was being led away.
---
"Where is Li Chen?" one of the guests, Mr. Ye, asked after exchanging greetings with Chen Xi and Yuhan.
"He should be here any minute," Chen Xi replied smoothly.
"Excuse us. We still have a few people to greet before the program starts."
As they moved further inside, shaking more hands, Yuhan leaned closer. "Ma'am," he said softly, "thank you for the outfit."
"What outfit?" Chen Xi asked, genuinely puzzled.
"The one you sent this morning," Yuhan said, brow furrowing. "Didn't you, ?"
"Assistant Liang, I don't— Oh, Mr. Tian, welcome!" she interrupted as another guest approached.
Yuhan froze, confusion rising in his chest. His gaze drifted toward Zixuan across the room. He was surrounded by guests, smiling politely, but something in his face was tight, forced.
What is happening? Yuhan thought, his chest tightening with unease.