SHE-DEVIL 31

The grand ballroom of ZGDX Hotel was bathed in golden light, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests who mingled with glasses of champagne in hand. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their dazzling reflections dancing across the room as a live jazz band played soft melodies in the background.

The walls were adorned with lush floral arrangements in deep reds and purples, symbolizing both the power and grace that Mei Xia embodied. Tables draped in ivory linens were set with fine china and glittering silverware, each centerpiece featuring a stunning arrangement of roses, orchids, and peonies.

As the evening progressed, the murmur of conversation quieted, and all eyes turned to the grand staircase at the far end of the room. Descending with poise and confidence, Mei Xia appeared, her presence commanding immediate attention. She wore an elegant evening gown, shimmering in the light, with a dignified yet modern cut that highlighted her strength and femininity. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo, and a simple yet stunning necklace adorned her neck.

At the bottom of the staircase, a podium awaited her. As she approached, the band paused, and the room erupted into applause. Mei Xia smiled graciously, her eyes sparkling with determination and pride. She stepped up to the podium, taking a moment to look at the sea of faces before her — friends, family, supporters, and dignitaries who had come to celebrate this monumental achievement.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice steady and clear, "I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you tonight as your new President. This journey has not been easy, but together, we have shown that perseverance and unity can lead to extraordinary change."

Her speech was met with enthusiastic applause, and as the night continued, the atmosphere remained one of joy and optimism. Guests danced, laughed, and shared stories, all while toasting Mei Xia's future and the bright prospects that lay ahead for their nation under her leadership.

---

Mei Xia majestically walked down from the podium with a smile on her face. The elegantly dressed guests moved towards her, their faces lit up with admiration and pride.

"Congratulations, dear!" one guest exclaimed, reaching out to shake her hand. The guests continued to approach her, each eager to convey their heartfelt congratulations and respect. They shook hands with her, expressing their sincere appreciation and recognition for her hard work and achievements.

---

While enjoying the party and mingling with the guests, Mei Xia's attention was drawn to Mrs. Lun Weishan standing in a secluded corner of the room. Excusing herself from the group, Mei Xia gracefully made her way towards Mrs. Lun Weishan. Despite her calm exterior, Mrs. Lun Weishan's clenched fists revealed her underlying anger, though her face betrayed no such emotion. She smiled as Mei Xia approached.

Mei Xia returned the smile, though it was a facade, and hugged Mrs. Lun Weishan. "It's been a while," she said, her tone polite but distant.

Mrs. Lun Weishan continued to smile, masking her true feelings. "I know! Congratulations! But don't get too excited," she replied, her words laced with a veiled threat.

Releasing the hug, Mei Xia took a step back, maintaining her smile as she observed Mrs. Lun Weishan. She then moved towards a table laden with an assortment of snacks and drinks, selecting two glasses of champagne. Returning to Mrs. Lun Weishan, she offered her one of the glasses. "Thanks for coming," she said, her tone still pleasant.

Mrs. Lun Weishan, careful to maintain her composure, accepted the drink from Mei Xia. "Smells nice!" she commented with a smile. As she brought the glass to her lips, Mei Xia leaned in closer.

"Be careful, nice things always go with a dice," Mei Xia whispered into her ear, her tone carrying a warning about the unpredictability and risks in their power play. "Don't think I don't know how to play," Mrs. Lun Weishan whispered back, her smile unwavering. "Then go on!"

Mei Xia calmly stepped back, raising her glass towards Mrs. Lun Weishan's. "Cheers," she said with a graceful smile before turning and walking away. Mrs. Lun Weishan stood there, her fists clenched in fury. She breathed heavily, watching Mei Xia disappear into the crowd. "You girl! I will deal with you," she muttered under her breath.

---

Mr. Lu stood in a secluded corner of the room, maintaining a cool demeanor with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a champagne glass. His striking appearance captured the eyes of many young ladies at the ceremony, who couldn't help but daydream about speaking to him.

Mei Xia, in her elegant evening gown, moved towards Mr. Lu. He smiled warmly as she approached.

"Is that a beauty I see?" he teased.

Mei Xia gently shook her head. "Thank you for coming!" She raised her glass towards his.

"It's my second time being in one of ZGDX Hotels," Mr. Lu said, glancing around the room.

"Is it?" Mei Xia turned to him, curious.

"Yes," he replied. "Because of me, some people misjudged the situation at the hotel last time."

"You—" Mei Xia pointed at him, exasperated. "Whatever! I was just trying to help and also stop the hotel from getting negative comments." She turned her face away, hiding her frustration.

Mr. Lu took a sip from his champagne glass. "People still think we have some sort of unclean relationship after that incident."

"I thought you had it taken care of," she said, turning back to him.

"Did I? Besides, back then, I thought you were some impersonator because you looked like a friend of mine," he admitted.

"Hmph! Either way, that incident made us business partners. That's what matters," Mei Xia asserted.

"If you say so," Mr. Lu smiled. "How are you doing? Last time, you played the heroine and went to the company despite your unstable health."

She laughed. "Mr. Lu seemed so worried last time, and the almighty Mr. Lu of Future Group had to be my bodyguard throughout my company's board meeting."

"I was just trying to be a good business partner. Losing you would be a great loss," he said, trying to mask his genuine concern.

"Well, thank you," she said sincerely.

"For what?" he asked, puzzled.

"For everything. Saving me from Mr. Dong, and being there for me. I sincerely appreciate it. And if you ever need help, you can come to me," she said, her eyes full of sincerity.

Mr. Lu gave a calm smile. "It's nothing—"

Mei Xia interrupted him. "It may seem like nothing, but those things you did saved my life. I will be indebted to you for a lifetime."

"Lifetime?" He leaned closer, teasing. "Why don't we just get married then?"

"You—" She pushed him off playfully. "Don't take advantage of others!"

"Alright! You don't have to be indebted to me. If you want to repay the favor, you can just use your power as president to move ZGDX Company forward and sign a contract with us. But you'll have to work for it," he said, placing the empty champagne glass on the table.

"You don't have to worry about it. As long as ZGDX Company and Future Group sign a contract, future challenges won't be a problem," she smiled confidently at him.

"I hope to see something unpredictable and unexpected from you, President of ZGDX," he said.

"Trust me, I will," she promised. She hugged him briefly. "I have to attend to the other guests now." She released the hug and walked away.

Mr. Lu watched her go, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Mei Xia... Why didn't I realize she was this beautiful? What's wrong with me?" he muttered, snapping out of his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Mr. Shanggue and Mrs. Lun Weishan watched Mei Xia and Mr. Lu from a distance, their conversation muffled by the buzz of the ballroom.

"That girl actually dared to challenge me!" Mrs. Lun Weishan's voice was low, but her anger was palpable as she clenched her fists.

"It didn't seem like a challenge, more like she was being straightforward with you," Mr. Shanggue replied, standing beside her with a hint of annoyance.

Mrs. Lun Weishan shot him a sharp look. "You—" she pointed at him, making him step back. "It's because of your incompetence that she's gotten this far!"

"My incompetence?" Mr. Shanggue's voice was tinged with irritation. "Why don't you try handling her yourself?"

"Are you questioning my authority?" Mrs. Lun Weishan glared at him.

"Is that how you see it?" he asked, his tone defiant.

"What I think is none of your concern," she said coolly.

Mr. Shanggue sighed, his patience wearing thin. "I believe my part in this is finished. I'll leave the rest to you. If you need any assistance, you know where to find me." He gave a slight bow and walked away.

Mrs. Lun Weishan watched him go, frustration evident on her face. Turning to a figure who had just passed by, she whispered, "If he dares to cause any trouble or defy me, you know what to do. After all, I'm the one who gave him everything he has."

As the ceremony neared its conclusion, the atmosphere in the grand ballroom was filled with a sense of culmination and anticipation. Mr. Ái, with a composed and dignified demeanor, extended his hand to Miss Xia, who was standing beside him. She accepted his hand with a graceful nod.

Together, they walked toward the podium, where Mei Xia had previously given her speech. Their approach signaled a significant moment in the event, drawing the attention of the remaining guests.

As the event drew to a close, Mr. Ái and Miss Xia approached the podium together. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as Mr. Ái prepared to address the guests one last time.

"I want to thank you all for coming here," Mr. Ái began, his voice steady and filled with warmth. "To this grand ceremony, my beloved granddaughter, Ái Mei Xia, has now become the President of ZGDX Company. From now on, we look forward to a better future." His calm smile was met with enthusiastic applause from the guests.

After his speech, Mr. Ái stepped aside to allow Mei Xia to take the spotlight. She moved gracefully to the microphone, her presence commanding attention. With a gentle smile, she began, "Thank you all for coming here today. Words cannot express how I feel right now."

Continuing, Mei Xia addressed the crowd with confidence, "From this day onward, I, Ái Mei Xia, will take ZGDX Company to the next level. I hope that you all will support me in achieving that success!" Her words were met with a round of applause from the audience.

With her speech concluded, Mei Xia turned to Mr. Ái, and together they descended from the podium.

"Grandpa, you should go home to rest, you have been here all say!" She turned to Mr. Ái.

Mr. Ái sighed and extended his hand towards her. As he held her hand, his expression turned serious. "Mei Xia-, he paused for a moment. "I know, that you have always been a strong girl and a very cautious person, but this time you have to be extremely careful. I don't want you to end up like your father." His eyes were filled with genuine concern for her safety and well-being.

Mei Xia smiled reassuringly and bent down slightly to meet his gaze."Grandpa, if you want to compare me to someone, don't choose my father, after all, I take my courage from you" she smiled at him. "Why will a soldier go to war unprepared?" She smiled.

"Darling!" He places his hand on her face. "Just know one thing: never let your guard down!"

"Grandpa, don't worry about me!" She stood up. "Just go home, and watch me bring the Universe to you," she said with a smirk, showing her determination to succeed.

"Then go on. I will wait for your news". Mr. Ái replied, nodding with a mix of pride and concern. He then turned to Mr. Rong. "Mr Rong let's go. Mr. Rong stepped forward to assist Mr. Ái.

"To make a dream real, you have to work for it" she smirked as they walked away from her.

---

The ceremony drew to a close, and the guests began to trickle out of the venue, exchanging polite farewells. They made their way to their cars, the evening air filled with the soft hum of conversations and the occasional laughter. One by one, they slipped into their vehicles, engines purring to life before they smoothly drove away, leaving the now quiet venue behind.

Yuayua wore a short crystal evening gown. She stood outside the hotel waiting for her mother. She kept scanning everywhere but couldn't find her.

"Where is she?" She sighed. From a distance, a figure walked towards her. "Hmm?" She moved forward to confirm the figure. "Mom?" She stared at the figure.

"Mom!" She waved at her as she approached her.

Getting there, Mrs.Lun Weishan sighed in relief. "What are you doing here?" She turned to Yuayua.

"Mom, I was waiting for you! Where were you?" She asked her.

"Did I keep you waiting?" Mrs. Lun Weishan inquired.

"You did! How could keep such a young beautiful lady like me waiting?" She teased, placing her hand around her mother's arm.

"Anyways, am here!" She gently patted Yuayua's hair. "Let's Go!" A Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate parked in front of them. Mrs.Lun Weishan moved towards the car.

"Mom wait a minute!" Yuayua said stopping her mom from entering the car.

"What is it? Did you forget something?" She asked.

"Mom, my brother isn't here yet!" She said. Mrs.Lun Weishan's expression changed. Her eyes filled with anger and disgust. "Mom, are you okay?" Yuayua asked noticing the reaction of her mother.

"He's grown up and knows the way back home!" She said.

"Mom! Why are you doing this? He came with us and now we are going to leave without him?" She protested.

Mrs.Lun Weishan got into the car and sat down, ignoring her daughter's pleas. "Are you coming or not?" She asked nonchalantly.

"Mom?"

"At the count of three, get in, and let's go!" She stared at her. "One....two...."

"I will be waiting for him, you can leave!" She said, turning her face away.

"I don't have time for your crazy acts!" Mrs.Lun Weishan shut the car door. "Let's Go!" She instructed the driver.

"Mom!!" She shouted as the car drove away. "Hump!!" She angrily stomped her feet.

Mei Xia walked Mrs.Qian to her car. Getting there, they stopped by the car. Mrs.Qian smiled at Miss Xia.

"I am so happy to have seen this day!" Mrs.Qian smiled.

Mei Xia returned the smile. "Thank you so much for coming, I appreciate it!" She said.

"It's okay! Aren't we friends?" Mrs.Qian said.

"Yes will are!" She smiled happily.

"Now that you have finally become the President of ZGDX Company, in the future if you need anything, you can always come to you, I will support you!" Mrs.Qian said.

"Mrs.Qian, thank you so much!"

"If it weren't for you, I would have fallen for the trap set by that Lei Wuije!" Mrs.Qian said.

"It's all in the past! You don't have to worry at all" Mei Xia calmly said.

"Hmm!" She nodded in agreement. "It's been a long night, you should go rest. You should get ready to perform your duties, being a president of such a huge company, isn't easy". Mrs.Qian said.

"I know about that! Thank you!" She expressed her gratitude.

"Alright! Alright! I should get going!" Mrs.Qian said. She gently patted Mei Xia's shoulder.

"Ok! Have a safe journey!" Mrs.Qian got into her car and zoomed off. "Bye!!" Mei Xia waved as she drove away.

"Miss!" Chuxi, Fan Yin, and Mulang ran towards her. Chuxi hugged her tightly.

"Thank you for the salary bonus!" Chuxi happily smiled.

"Thank you!" Mulang gave a little bow towards Mei Xia.

"It's okay! We are family and will always stick together!" Mei Xia said with a gentle smile.

Releasing from the hug, Chuxi jumped happily. "You are the best!" She shouted excitedly.

"Ok! OK!" Fan Yin said,watching Chuxi rejoicing happily like a child. "What's the fuss about? Behaving like a child who was given candy!" He teased her.

"You-" she pointed at him. "How can you say that!" She exclaimed, running after him.

"It's not my fault that you are a 5-year-old child at heard!!" He said running away from her. They kept chasing each other around the underground parking pillar.

"Are you okay?" Mulang asked Mei Xia, who was happily watching Fan Yin and Chuxi.

"Hmm! Am ok!" She turned to him, smiling.

"How does it feel to finally achieve your dream?" He asked.

"Dream?" She scoffed. "This isn't my dream; it's just the beginning of my game. My game, my rules!" She smiled.

"Either way, I am happy that you are happy! As long as you keep smiling, I will be the same!" He said with his eyes lingering on her face with a depth of emotion that he couldn't quite hide.

"You-" she moved closer to him. "I don't need you to be committed to me, we are family and will always support each other! If one day, you wish to live a different life, tell me I will let you leave!" She said.

"Thank you!" He replied, a mix of gratitude and something more unspoken in his gaze. They both smiled.

"Kids! Let's Go!!" Mei Xia called Fan Yin and Chuxi, teasing them.

"Kids?" They stopped their play and turned to her. "Don't let me catch you!" Fan Yin said,running towards her.

"I can't run on my evening gown!!" She laughed, slowly running away with the others behind her.