The banquet1

Ning An shook her head indifferently, "It's just a dress, nothing special. I'll have Sun Yi bring another one later, as long as it's suitable for the banquet."

Nangong Yaya was still somewhat unwilling. That dress was designed by Clarence, and there might only be one like it in China. She wouldn't easily let it go if it were hers.

She knew Ning An must also like it very much. From her eyes, it was evident. Yet, to be so elegant, composed, and unconcerned about the value of the dress, this kind of demeanor and temperament matched her brother very well.

Thinking of her brother, she hesitated to tell Ning An something, but ultimately opened her mouth and said nothing.

Yesterday, she saw her brother take a black box from the butler, avoiding her curiously. But her brother underestimated her. The more he tried to hide things from her, the more she wanted to see them. That night, she sneaked into her brother's room and found the box carefully placed on the top shelf of the wardrobe.

She quietly took it down. She was curious about what was inside. She lifted the lid and found a dress inside.

She took it out and lifted the skirt. The ethereal chiffon slipped through her hands, making it difficult for her to hold onto.

This was really extravagant. But looking at the style, it was clearly meant for Ning An. There was a cough from the doorway, and her brother stood there, frowning helplessly. He made her promise not to tell Ning An in advance, or else she'd gain 10 pounds! Looking at Ning An's profile, she felt a bit aggrieved. Well, for her brother's surprise, she could only play dumb for now.

But it shouldn't hurt to drop a hint.

She thought so, but Ning An couldn't stand it anymore.

"Yaya, do you have something to say?" 

Nangong Yaya nervously straightened up, "No! I have nothing to say about my brother..." Before she finished speaking, she suddenly covered her mouth, her bright amber eyes flashing.

"What about your brother?" Ning An asked with amusement, but no matter how she asked, Nangong Yaya didn't say anything more, leaving her puzzled.

...

As Ning An entered, Sun Yi came up to her. 

"Miss, someone has delivered a package. Would you like to see it first?"

Ning An was puzzled but let Sun Yi bring it over. It was a large black box, tied with a bow.

Her soft hands slowly untied the bow, her movements elegant, making her hands appear even whiter against the black box. After the ribbon was untied, she opened the lid to reveal a black gown inside, with the tag displaying English characters in elaborate calligraphy, signed by Clarence.

"Who sent this?" Ning An was surprised. She didn't take the dress out, but she could tell from the craftsmanship and material that it was valuable. The English on it indicated it was custom-made.

"The person was wearing sunglasses and a hat, so I couldn't see their face, but they were very tall," Sun Yi recalled.

Seeing Ning An's silence, Sun Yi smiled. "Miss, it must be a surprise for you. Maybe it's from Young Master Nangong!"

Nangong?

She suddenly remembered Nangong Yaya's awkward look earlier. The appearance of this dress was too coincidental. Could it really be from Nangong? But she remembered that Nangong didn't seem to like black... 

She asked Sun Yi to put the dress away for now and texted Nangong.

[Nangong, did you send over a dress?]

Nangong replied quickly, as if he had been waiting for her message.

[Yes, did you receive it? Do you like it?]

Ning An was surprised. When did his taste change? She thought if Nangong were to send something, it would be a light-colored dress, not black. It seemed more like... a figure suddenly popped into her mind.

...

The banquet was held at Joyful International.

Ning An had changed into the black gown. She quietly stared at herself in the mirror.

The black velvet strapless gown perfectly displayed her slender neck and delicate collarbones. The exposed skin seemed dazzling against the heavy black, a stark contrast that made her look like a princess in the dark.

Below, the full and perky chest bound by the strapless dress made her waist appear even slimmer, the layered petal skirt stacked on the bottom like a blooming black lotus.

"Miss, it's time to leave," Sun Yi said at the door.

Ning An looked at her and couldn't help but ask, "Where's Nangong?"

"The young master hasn't contacted... Miss, you should go to the banquet first. Mr. Ning and the master have left from the old house and are already at the hotel. It's best not to be late."

"Let's go."

There were already many cars parked at the entrance of Joyful International. Ning An lifted her skirt and walked to the entrance.

She took a deep breath. Today, she would appear before everyone as the heiress of the Ning family. This realization made her feel both nervous and excited. Did this mean that from today onwards, she would have the right to resist?

She took a deep breath, suddenly feeling as if someone was standing quietly behind her. The familiar scent of mint permeated her skin, making her exposed skin goosebumps.

"Sister, haven't seen you in a few days. Did you miss me?" 

Nangong's hot breath sprayed on her neck, his eyes full of her fair and tender skin. The messy, yet neat bun on her head revealed her neck, making him desire to leave his mark on her bare skin, telling everyone that she was his possession.

"How did you get here?" Ning An was surprised. This person seemed to appear out of nowhere. She originally thought he might even miss this banquet, but he came.

"How could I miss such an important day for my sister?" 

"Let's go in, sister. I'll accompany you." Nangong's voice seemed to have a magical power that gradually calmed Ning An's inner tension.

As the door opened, the two stunning figures walked in side by side... The previously bustling conversation disappeared the moment they entered, leaving only the amazed gazes lingering on the two figures.

The girl was wearing a simple black dress, her skin like jade under the light, her eyes full of charm as she looked around, as if she were a cold and elegant black swan.

The young man by her side also possessed a handsome appearance and aura not inferior to the girl's. His calm face was like still water, his messy yet deliberate hair seemed casually styled, but it gave him an even more unruly look. The peach blossom eyes, originally charming, now flashed with captivating light, as if he was somewhat annoyed by the attention from everyone.

Among the gazes, there were a few different ones. Nangong and someone standing together were looking at the dress on Ning An, with hidden sharpness in their eyes.

Nangong Yaya bumped into her brother's shoulder curiously. "Brother, why does An An's dress look different from what I saw?"

Nangong He's gaze darkened. "Because... this isn't the one I sent her

."

"What? No way!"

Nangong He didn't answer her, but he keenly felt a provocative gaze from afar. He instinctively looked over, locking eyes with Nangong Xuan, who raised his wine glass in a taunting gesture. He clenched his teeth, his grip on the glass tightening.