A light gray shirt hung loosely off his shoulders, its sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows to reveal his well-defined forearms. He wore a constant smile and a pair of black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose.
"Xuyu, over here!" Shen Mo waved, his face bright with undisguised cheer.
"Great reporter, any news on that person yet?" Wen Xuyu placed her clutch on the side and took a sip of the coffee on the table.
Shen Mo knew her taste and had ordered her drink in advance.
"You still don't trust me when it comes to getting things done?" Shen Mo tapped his chest, looking entirely confident. "According to my investigation, there's an auction at Tian Shang Ren Jian tonight. It’s expected that all the big shots in Kyoto will show up, and Lu Baiqian is no exception. But that place is Kyoto’s biggest den of vice; it’s filled with all sorts of characters. Are you sure you have to go?"
"Yes." Wen Xuyu put down her coffee cup, her eyes sharp. "I must go."
Wen Yuqin had only given her three days. Though today was only the first, she didn't feel very confident about her chances.
"The problem is, you need an invitation to get in," Shen Mo sighed. "With my capabilities, this is all I can do to help. And my editor has me rushing to meet a deadline tonight, otherwise, I’d go with you!"
Wen Xuyu smiled. Intentionally making a joke to lighten the mood, she raised her fist. "It’s all right. You’ve already helped me a lot. Plus, you don't know what I'm capable of yet—if anyone dares to bully me, I'll fight back!"
"I believe in you. Just stay safe." Shen Mo raised his glass, though his eyes remained downcast, unable to hide his worry.
He knew Wen Xuyu was keeping something from him, but he would always be her backup.
"Cheers!"
***
On the top floor of the Bian Group, Bian Xunzhou finished the last file and glanced at his phone.
*What could that woman be doing that has her so happy?*
He pressed the intercom, and Lu Zhao appeared in the office shortly after.
"What’s the schedule for tonight?"
As a top-tier executive assistant, Lu Zhao reported the work immediately. "Regarding the development funds for the land in northern Kyoto: according to my investigation, Mr. Jobs, the person in charge, returns to the country tomorrow. His schedule for tonight is a charity gala held by the Qiao family at Tian Shang Ren Jian."
"Tian Shang Ren Jian?" Bian Xunzhou raised his eyes, looking thoughtful.
"Yes. It's our last chance tonight," Lu Zhao said, having already investigated everything. "The Qiao family sent you an invitation as well. Shall we..."
"I see. Get things ready."
Bian Xunzhou capped his pen and stood up. "What is she doing?"
"Her?" Lu Zhao was stunned for a moment before quickly realizing. "You mean the Madam?"
"Madam?" Bian Xunzhou turned around, displeasure flickering in his eyes. "What did she offer you to make you so loyal?"
They had only met a few times, yet he called her that so easily?
Lu Zhao lowered his head, standing ramrod straight. "Sir, you’re joking." *As if I’d dare,* he thought.
"Remember, she is just an outsider," Bian Xunzhou said in a low, authoritative voice. "Once the synesthesia ends, she will leave. Do not address her that way in front of me again!"
"Understood!" Lu Zhao nodded. "Then, should I continue looking into... Miss Wen's location?"
"No need." Bian Xunzhou walked into the lounge.
Lu Zhao sighed. He truly could never fathom the boss's mind.
***
At 7:00 PM, Wen Xuyu arrived at the entrance of Tian Shang Ren Jian on time.
She wore a black strapless gown, the scattered diamonds on the hem shimmering with every step like starlight. The line of her swan-like neck disappeared into the black silk, her delicate collarbones captivating. Her long hair fell down her back, revealing faint glimpses of her shoulder blades, and she wore matching tassel earrings. Her high heels complemented her porcelain-white ankles perfectly.
The moment she appeared, she drew many eyes.
Not wanting the attention, Wen Xuyu headed for a corner, only then realizing it was a masquerade ball. Fortunately, the organizers had set up a "mask wall" nearby.
She walked over, picked up a gray fox mask, and put it on; it matched her outfit quite well.
At the entrance, a page was checking invitations and registering guests. Wen Xuyu’s heart hammered as she quietly brainstormed a strategy. Suddenly, a familiar figure caught her eye.
Lu Baiqian? It really was him!
Wen Xuyu’s eyes widened as she watched him be ushered into the venue. In that case, she had to take the gamble!
She scanned the crowd; most people had partners. After a careful sweep, she finally spotted her target: a tall figure wearing a silver wolf mask. She slowly walked to his side, making it look as though they were together.
Lu Zhao handed over the invitation. The page opened it, naturally noticing Wen Xuyu standing at the back. Just as he was about to ask, a commotion nearby drew everyone’s attention.
"I forgot my invitation, please, just let me in!" A woman in a revealing red dress grabbed the page’s hand, pleading pitifully.
"No invitation, no entry." The page cut her off, unmoved. When the woman tried to make a scene, the page called security to have her removed.
Wen Xuyu secretly felt relieved she hadn't tried that, or she would have been thrown out too!
Irritated by the interruption, Bian Xunzhou grew impatient. "Can we go now?"
The page nodded hastily, ushering them in.
Wen Xuyu’s pounding heart finally settled. Once inside, she turned in a different direction, naturally missing the way the man turned around to gaze at her back.
"Sir, is something wrong?" Lu Zhao looked over, but only caught a glimpse of a black hem.
"It’s nothing." Bian Xunzhou pressed his lips together, his eyes deep and unreadable.
Meanwhile, Wen Xuyu explored on her own and found her way into the main hall. She chose a seat toward the back and scanned the room, but could not find Lu Baiqian anywhere.
"How can that be? I clearly saw him come in," she whispered to herself. Then, a thought struck her. Lu Baiqian had a special identity; he probably didn't want to be exposed to the public eye. Perhaps he was in one of the private suites.
At that thought, she felt reassured. As long as Lu Baiqian was still at the auction, she still had a chance!
The auction began, and the organizers took the stage. Soon, the auctioneer began the showcase. Wen Xuyu found it boring and grew anxious.
Little did she know, in a second-floor suite, two pairs of eyes were fixed upon her.
"Third Young Master, that person seems to be the second Miss of the Wen Family," Meng Jin pointed down, looking puzzled. "But how did she get in?"
Lu Baiqian sat in his wheelchair, watching silently, his slender fingers tracing the edge of his teacup as he pondered.
"She came looking for me. Invite her up."
Meng Jin acknowledged the order and headed straight downstairs.
At the same time, in the adjacent suite, Lu Zhao noticed something wrong. He looked at the man beside him, who was resting with his eyes closed, and hesitated. "Sir, I think that person’s back looks like the Mad... like Miss Wen!"
Lu Zhao hit the brakes on his tongue, switching his address just in time. *That was close! Nearly lost my life there!*
Hearing this, Bian Xunzhou slowly opened his eyes. He was sunk into the black leather sofa, his long legs crossed casually, his left arm draped comfortably over the backrest. He reached for a glass on the coffee table, the ice cubes slowly swirling in the amber liquid, his pale skin looking startling against the darkness.
"She’s full of tricks, isn't she?" He took a sip of his drink, his expression unreadable.
"Oh no," Lu Zhao’s expression turned grim. "Someone is inviting Miss Wen away. It looks like Meng Jin, the one who works for the third young master of the Lu Family!"
Bian Xunzhou’s hand froze on the glass, a flicker of coldness crossing his eyes.
*No wonder she was so happy? So she was rushing to meet her ex-fiancé?*
But when had these two become so familiar? Hadn't she been desperate to escape the engagement before? Could it be that she had been lying to him all along?
Bian Xunzhou lowered his eyes, lost in thought. His gaze touched the contract documents for the project lying nearby, and his dark eyes flashed.
He seemed to know exactly what to do.