"Yuhan," Zixuan called, but he was lost in thought, staring blankly ahead.
Zixuan reached out, his fingers brushing over Yuhan's slightly exposed back, tracing lazy circles on his skin. The touch was brief but enough—Yuhan jerked upright, his breath catching as his gaze snapped to Zixuan.
Zixuan smirked. "Do you have anything to say?"
"I—uh… I'm Liang Yuhan. Nice to meet you all," he stammered, bowing awkwardly.
"He's not used to this yet," Zixuan said, his tone teasing as the crowd chuckled warmly.
The rest of the ceremony moved briskly—they signed the official papers in front of the guests, posed for photos with board members and shareholders, and finally cut the cake together.
"Enjoy the rest of the evening," Chen Xi announced with her signature poised smile.
As music filled the hall and waiters moved about with trays of wine and snacks, the energy in the room shifted from formal to celebratory.
"Mr. Mou is looking for you," Chen Xi murmured to Zixuan before leaving to greet other guests.
Zixuan groaned, pushing back his chair.
"Our—" Su Mei started.
"Stop," Zixuan cut her off sharply, shooting her a glare before walking toward the Mou family's table.
"Hi," Zixuan greeted as he sat beside Tingting.
"Hey," she replied, her lips curving into a suggestive smile.
"What about your father?" he asked, his tone even.
"Why pretend, Zixuan?" Tingting teased, leaning closer. "You know it's me who wanted to see you." She shifted, crossing her legs—the slit of her dress falling open to reveal more skin.
Zixuan's gaze dropped briefly, then he leaned in too, his fingers brushing the bare skin of her thigh. Tingting smiled, eyes fluttering shut, expecting a kiss.
Across the room, Su Mei gasped. "Whoa—Chen Zixuan!" she whispered excitedly, slapping the table.
Yuhan scoffed and downed his drink. "Wouldn't the reporters capture that?"
"Don't worry," Su Mei said, grinning. "Except an outsider comes in, the press here is all bought off."
Zixuan's lips hovered near Tingting's ear. His voice dropped to a whisper.
"How many times have I told you…" he said, his tone smooth but cold, "you're not my type."
Tingting froze, her smile faltering as he pulled back casually and took a slow sip of wine.
Su Mei was still giggling, leaning close to Yuhan. "Guess what her name is?"
"What?" Yuhan asked, side-eyeing her.
"Tingting," Su Mei said, bursting into laughter.
Yuhan chuckled. "Who names their child Tingting?"
"Tingting," Su Mei repeated between laughs, tears almost forming at the corners of her eyes.
"Su Mei," Yuhan said suddenly, his tone sharper now. "About my clothes… do you know who sent them?"
Su Mei stilled. "I know you know who sent them," she said, her lips curving into a knowing smile.