Chapter 34

The guests politely gave them a round of applause as they went up the stage.

Zhang Heying smiled and thanked the guests for coming to celebrate with her. She told everyone to enjoy themselves, wine and dine, and have a good evening.

Because it was a party for only family and friends, the gifts were presented privately or sent over before the party. Fu Mengyao had forgotten this and only remembered after realizing that no one else brought gifts to the garden, so she resentfully kept her gift in her purse.

It was a jade ring, an antique, and she had spent a lot of money and effort to get it. It annoyed her that she was unable to show it off and watch more people fawn over her. She decided to make a scene later and give it to Zhang Heying before the end of the party.

The host couple opened the dance floor with a slow waltz. All eyes were on them, noting how both were lost in each other's eyes. The young ladies were fantasizing about their future love relationships, wishing for a man that would sweep them off their feet.

Pei Yueran looked at them. Their relationship reminded her of Han Lei, and it dampened her mood. If Han Lei was still alive, would they also be like this? Would they also be wrapped around each other, having eyes only for each other? Would they be inseparable, loving each other till their hairs turned white?

She would never know, and it saddened her to realize.

After the opening dance, other couples took to the dance floor as well. Li Yuchen told Pei Yueran that he wanted to go and talk to his grandmother, so she let him go. Li Chuanmo was already mingling with the guests, many of whom were business associates of the Li Conglomerate, so she took a glass of wine and joined him, toasting the guests and smiling politely.

Whenever questions were thrown at her, she answered politely and thoroughly, earning gazes of admiration and respect. As time passed, she relaxed and became more confident.

The evening was going well, but Fu Mengyao was livid.

How dare this woman come from nowhere and monopolize Li Chuanmo?

She looked around and noticed that The Li family members were talking together with the Wang family. Li Qianye, Li Chuanmo, Pei Yueran, Zhang Heying and Li Yuchen —who was holding unto her— were talking with Wang Jianguo, his wife, Zhang Hexian and their son Wang Fengxiao.

Zhang Heying was Zhang Hexian's elder sister, so both families were quite close. They were business partners as well, and as they chatted, they also discussed about the project both companies were collaborating on. It was already in the final stages and both companies had benefited hugely from the co-operation.

Pei Yueran was involved in the discussion about the project, because she and Li Chuanmo handled the major part of it. The Wang family got to know her due to the project and were very appreciative of her competence.

Zhang Hexian in particular, kept giving her elder sister looks. She seemed to say with her eyes, 'Jie, you had better consider Miss Pei for Chuanmo. If he loses her, he may not get someone like her.'

Zhang Heying, who understood what her sister's gaze meant, nodded subtly and winked. What her sister could see, she could see as well. Even if they would eventually not like each other, it would be a shame to not try linking them up at all.

Both sisters smiled at each other, while Li Yuchen looked at them, bewildered. Did something enter Grandma's eyes, or was that a wink? And why was she smiling like that? He was also anxious, he had not been able to talk to his grandmother about his Goddess yet. The wheels in his brain turned.

While both families were having a pleasant discussion, Fu Mengyao walked up to them, full of smiles, "Auntie, Uncle, you're here. I wanted to give you your gift. May your fortune be as boundless as the East Sea, and may you live a long and happy life", she said, handing a small, exquisite, pink box over.

Zhang Heying smiled politely and accepted it. Seeing the jade ring inside, she thanked her, "This is so expensive, you should not have bothered. Thank you very much, it's beautiful."

Li Qianye also stopped his conversation with Wang Jianguo long enough to smile at her and nod.

"It's no bother Auntie, I wish I could have done more", Fu Mengyao replied, smiling.

Zhang Heying didn't say anything anymore, and didn't try the ring on either. She resumed her conversation with her sister, while Li Qianye continued speaking with Wang Jianguo.

Fu Mengyao felt embarrassed. Li Chuanmo and Pei Yueran, who were talking with CEO Wang's son, did not even look in her direction. It was as if they didn't hear her speak or know that she came to present her gift. Only Fu Mengyao stood there awkwardly.

She tried to gain attention by asking conversationally, "So Auntie, I hope you like the gifts you got today. I'm sure Chuanmo ge would have bought you something excellent. How about his assistant? Did she get you anything?"

Zhang Heying, who was saying something to her sister, paused. She turned to look at Fu Mengyao and gave her a look that made her flush in embarrassment.

"I didn't mean to be rude Auntie, I was just curious and..."

"But you were rude. Whether or not someone gives me a gift is for me to know, and I consider it a private matter. You don't need to worry about it." In essence, stop being nosy and mind your own business!

Zhang Hexian hid a smile behind her wineglass. Her sister excelled at putting people in their place, and in such a calm, unhurried and gentle tone of voice too.

Li Yuchen snickered, and Fu Mengyao blushed furiously. She had forgotten he was even there. She felt embarrassed and angry.

"I'm sorry Auntie."

"Forget it. Run along now, you don't need to stay and keep two old ladies company." This was directly sending her away.

Fu Mengyao was indignant. Auntie had never spoken to her like this before. It must be because of that Pei Yueran. Even Li Chuanmo didn't pay her any attention —and she caught him staring at her!

Who did she, a mere assistant, think she was? She needed to be taught a lesson!

She apologized again and left. As she walked, she looked around and caught the eyes of a particular server. She signalled to him.

*****