Chapter Nine: Don't Move, They're Coming

The party took place in a luxurious estate.

The “Cloud” Group had specially sent a business car to pick up Fu Tingshen and Luo Yunmian along with the others.

Luo Yunmian only took off her trench coat after stepping out at the estate’s entrance, and only then did everyone notice her gown, their eyes full of admiration.

She was wearing the set that “President Huo” had gifted her.

The strapless dress was made of champagne-colored satin, adorned with a black bow, and the voluminous purple skirt swayed gently with her every step.

Her long, wavy black hair cascaded loosely, making her round, bright eyes sparkle like stars.

She looked like a little fairy slowly stepping out of a painting.

Fu Tingshen’s gaze was equally fixed on her, while Shen Xin’er’s hand clutching her purse turned faintly pale.

He stepped forward and extended his hand. Luo Yunmian was momentarily stunned but glanced at Shen Xin’er unconsciously before naturally linking her arm through his.

Shen Xin’er saw this and felt it was a provocation, her eyes filled with unwillingness.

The interior was spacious, with high ceilings and magnificent crystal chandeliers, divided into reception, wine tasting, dining, and social dance floor areas.

Luo Yunmian was still Fu Tingshen’s official girlfriend, so she followed him, holding a wine glass as they toasted with business partners and other company executives.

“President Fu’s companion is truly beautiful,” someone complimented. Fu Tingshen’s face lit up with pride.

“This is my girlfriend. Our engagement party is next week; you’re all welcome to attend.”

Luo Yunmian was surprised; he actually announced their engagement so openly—was he not afraid of hurting Shen Xin’er?

She stole a glance and saw that Shen Xin’er’s eyes were red-rimmed; a beauty shedding tears was heart-wrenching.

Fu Tingshen seemed to sense the direction of that gaze; Luo Yunmian felt his body stiffen slightly.

Sensing the moment, she gently withdrew her arm.

“President Fu, I’m going to get something to eat over there.”

Luo Yunmian wandered off with her wine glass, quietly sipping alone.

Sure enough, as she expected, Fu Tingshen merely clinked glasses symbolically with a few people before heading in the direction Shen Xin’er had left.

Luo Yunmian had just gone to the restroom, not realizing they were nearby.

Fu Tingshen was gently wiping Shen Xin’er’s tears.

“Xin’er, you know I have to get engaged to Yunmian.”

“I know, but it still hurts. Your parents only recognize her. It’s all my fault for being older than you and leaving you back then.”

Tears welled in Shen Xin’er’s eyes; she looked so pitiful that Luo Yunmian thought any man might feel moved.

“I will always treat you well.”

Luo Yunmian’s heart was pierced deeply. The man she had loved for six years, once so idealized, had suddenly fallen from a pedestal into hell.

Her eyes reddened despite her efforts to hold back tears. When she looked again, the two were already embracing and kissing; she even clearly saw the man’s hand slipping under the woman’s skirt.

She forced herself to record it all on her phone.

Luo Yunmian had not expected them to finish so quickly. A mocking laugh sounded behind her.

Startled, she hid her phone and turned to see a tall man wearing a mask, dressed in a sharply tailored black suit, leaning against the wall.

Though masked, his presence was imposing, and from the half-visible face, Luo Yunmian thought he must be very handsome.

He toyed with a custom lighter, flicking it casually, sparks flashing as his eyes gleamed with mischief, staring straight at her.

Luo Yunmian was taken aback, her heart skipping a beat.

She was caught, like a child caught spying on others doing something wrong—awkward and embarrassed.

Especially since his gaze felt strangely familiar, but she couldn’t recall where she had seen him before.

Taking a deep breath, she braced herself and asked, “How much did you see?”

A faint, teasing smile curved his lips.

“I saw everything. I even saw them doing a live broadcast in that place.”

Luo Yunmian blushed deeply, speechless.

Not knowing how to explain, she wished she could disappear into the ground.

“So, Miss Luo, do you enjoy spying on others making love?”

“Don’t say that…”

She was about to protest when he nodded behind her, his smile deepening.

“They’re coming this way.”

Luo Yunmian froze, panic rising within her, and instinctively looked for a place to hide.

Suddenly, the man grabbed her and spun her around, pulling her body beneath his towering frame.

He leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice to whisper, “Don’t move. They’re coming.”

“Tingshen, we’ve been out for so long. Do you think Miss Luo has noticed anything?”

Shen Xin’er’s voice came from nearby.

Luo Yunmian only heard Fu Tingshen’s hushed reply, “No, she trusts me very much.”

Indeed, she trusted him deeply. Fu Tingshen, you are so confident you can openly cavort with your first love anytime, anywhere...

As he spoke, he passed right in front of Luo Yunmian. He suddenly paused, finding the woman’s skirt peculiarly familiar, but the dim lighting prevented him from seeing clearly.

Just as he was about to step forward for a closer look, the other man’s voice rang out:

“Darling, may I kiss you?”

Before the words had fully left his mouth, the man bent down and gently kissed Luo Yunmian’s lips.

She was shocked and furious, trying to push him away, but his grip on her waist tightened, leaving her unable to move.

He whispered into her ear, “If you don’t want your boyfriend to know you discovered their affair, stay quiet now.”

Luo Yunmian’s heart was pierced again; she dared not struggle, allowing him to hold her until the footsteps faded away.

She lifted her foot, ready to kick him, but he dodged.

“You’re heartless. I helped Miss Luo, and you repay me with ingratitude.”

Luo Yunmian wiped her lips disdainfully, keeping a wary eye on him.

“How do you know that man is my boyfriend? And how do you know my surname is Luo?”

“Miss Luo, you’ve asked so many questions, which one should I answer?”

He clearly didn’t want to answer; she turned to leave but was grabbed firmly.

“What do you want?”

“Miss Luo looks stunning tonight. May I have the honor of dancing with you later?”

“Sorry, I don’t dance with strangers.”

Luo Yunmian shook off his hand and strode ahead.

From behind came a confident voice:

“You’ll come to invite me to dance later.”

Luo Yunmian halted, muttering “crazy” under her breath, then quickened her pace.

The man’s laughter echoed loudly through the corridor. Her instincts told her his identity was no ordinary one.