CHAPTER 41: 038 DAYDREAMING

Zhuang Xiyue, holding hands with Yan Nanmo and leading Yan Song, walked into the living room of Ji Family Manor.

The Ji Family Manor originally was a winery, and in the early ’80s when the winery’s owner moved abroad, the winery was sold to a businessman who had returned from overseas. The businessman transformed it into a manor, featuring a main villa, two smaller villas, and a backyard that spanned several acres containing a flower garden, a horse racing track, golf courses, badminton courts, a swimming pool, and other recreational facilities.

The main villa was located at the very center of the manor’s main axis, styled in Gothic architecture. Nestled against the verdant bamboo behind it, it resembled a castle straight out of a fairy tale, grandiose and dreamlike.

The interior decoration of the villa was just as opulent as its facade suggested; resplendent and imposing as though one had stepped right into the Imperial Palace.

Zhuang Xiyue kept exclaiming in awe at the luxury of Ji Family Manor, while inwardly looking down on Yun Shen’s shamelessness. Indeed, such a vast family enterprise was a significant temptation for a man like him, a Phoenix risen from the ashes.

But his last name was Yun, while Ji Yunya and Ji Yunmiao bore the name Ji. They were the true heiresses of the Ji family, and he would never inherit in the next life, either. Sadly, reality was this cruel. Since Yunya and Yunmiao were too young and, as their guardian, the Ji’s fortune had entirely fallen into Yun Shen’s pocket.

This was an exceptionally suffocating banquet for Zhuang Xiyue, and she wouldn’t have come if not for her concern for Yunya.

Her late arrival with Yan Nanmo drew the attention of many guests. Zhuang Xiyue responded with a light smile, effortlessly portraying the image of an elegant and dignified lady.

Silk rustled and jewelry shimmered, toasts were made amidst the gleam of rosy wine.

Yun Shen made an appearance with Yun Shu, and Yunya followed beside her, playing the role of a well-behaved granddaughter.

As for Miaomiao—

Yun Shu considered him an embarrassment and locked him in a room, forbidding him from stepping out until the banquet had ended.

The last look Miaomiao had given haunted Yunya’s mind. She pursed her lips, her gaze dropping to hide the bitterness in her eyes.

In everyone’s eyes, Miaomiao was unfit for public appearance. To Yun Shen and Yun Shu, Miaomiao symbolized shame, but to her, Miaomiao was the most gentle and kind-hearted child in the world.

One day, she resolved, she would let Miaomiao stand proudly before all.

Today, Yun Shu donned a simple white brocade cheongsam with ink lotus embellishments, modest and elegant.

The stand-up collar design accentuated her delicate and soft features; every move she made exuded an air of nobility and grace that was unmatched.

No one had ever heard of Yun Shen having a mother, yet here she was, a lady of such elegance.

Many eyes surveyed Yun Shu, who responded with a light and easy laugh, betraying no sign of fear or nervousness. With a gentle and graceful smile, she said, "Welcome, everyone, to my banquet. I am Yun Shu."

Her confidence won the favor of many, but not Zhuang Xiyue.

Zhuang Xiyue had a keen eye for people, and despite Yun Shu’s gentle smile, she could tell that Yun Shu was not someone easy to get along with.

Her gaze fell on Yunya; the little princess was indeed a princess, beautiful no matter how she was dressed. Noticing Zhuang Xiyue’s gaze, Yunya looked up and smiled at her.

From a corner of the crowd, Bai Ran glanced at the strikingly handsome, brooding man bathed in the light. The light in her eyes shifted, and she finally raised her lips in a smile and raised her glass of red wine to her lips.

That smile held a sense of resigned determination.

Yunya’s gaze swept casually across Bai Ran’s position, collectedly retracting it, and she lowered her eyes, quietly and obediently following Yun Shu, her smile cold and indifferent.

Human nature always chases after benefits, and no one would probe into Yun Shen’s past. Now, he is the President of Yun Group. To offend him is akin to offending the economic system of Jiangzhou, and no one would be that foolish. Thus, Yun Shu’s appearance was readily accepted.

With a glass of red wine in hand, Yun Shu weaved through the guests. Her extraordinary conversation skills and elegant demeanor quickly won everyone’s favor, drawing endless compliments.

"I didn’t expect Lady Yun to be so young. Standing beside President Yun, they look more like siblings," said the wife of the chairman of Zhao Electronics, who relied on the Yun’s for business. Hence, her flattering remarks came out as freely as if they cost nothing.

"Yes, yes, Lady Yun is indeed blessed. To have such an outstanding son as President Yun, it makes us quite envious," added the Young Lady of Kang Group eagerly.

Yun Shu responded with a faint smile, neither denying nor acknowledging. Her attitude left several ladies feeling somewhat unsure; Lady Yun seemed not easy to fool.

"Aunt Yun." Someone called out.

The crowd turned towards the voice and saw a woman in a white evening dress, her long hair flowing elegantly, standing quietly not far off. She held a glass of juice, looking over with a gentle smile, fresh and gentle, making an impression like the first light of dawn.

Even with a different style, the inherent sensuality couldn’t be hidden, as several keen-eyed ladies recognized the newcomer.

It was none other than Yun Shen’s rumored girlfriend, Kang Jinse.

Yun Shu gestured for her to come over with a smile: "Come over to Auntie."

Kang Jinse walked to her side, and Yun Shu took her hand, her brows slightly furrowed: "Your hand is so cold, why aren’t you wearing more clothes?"

Kang Jinse smiled shyly, "I’m not cold, Aunt Yun, don’t worry."

Seeing how Yun Shu cared for Kang Jinse, the ladies exchanged glances. Those with schemes promptly lost interest.

Yun Shen had drunk quite a bit tonight, but his tolerance was high, so there was no worry of him getting drunk. However, his mood wasn’t very good tonight—perhaps because his mother had insisted on keeping the child, which left him feeling an unspeakable irritation.

Sitting down on a sofa in the rest area, he watched the revelry of lights and wine, tiredly massaging his temples.

A shadow fell in front of him, and the subtle, soothing fragrance of a woman drifted into his nostrils.

He looked up, his eyes met with the slender and sensual thighs of a woman. The pale skin glowed almost translucent under the light, and the high slit of the skirt invited daring thoughts.

Yun Shen shook his head, feeling as if he was indeed drunk.

"Why is President Yun hiding here all alone? It’s quite hard for someone to find you," said the woman with a soft, charming voice that could make half of one’s body go numb.

Yun Shen took a deep breath and turned to face the woman, locking eyes with her sultry, captivating gaze. The look in her moist eyes was unsettling, and an unexpected heat surged in his lower abdomen. He took another deep breath and tilted his head away.

"What brings you here, Miss Bai?"

Bai Ran blinked her eyes and then leaned in close to Yun Shen, her breath warm and fragrant by his ear: "The way President Yun talks, can’t I come to see you without a reason? In fact, Ran’er has admired President Yun for a long time. I’ve finally seized the chance, so please don’t send Ran’er away."

Feeling her sudden quickened breath, Bai Ran blew gently into his ear, her eyes cold and mocking.

——

The departure of Bai Ran and Yun Shen went unnoticed by everyone else.

Yun Ya withdrew his gaze, turning to look at Kang Jinse who was still immersed in the praise of the ladies, a deepening smile on his lips.

Enjoy the gift I’ve prepared for you.