The celebratory banquet for Changsheng Group's successful acquisition of Starve Corp was a glittering affair, with the venue sparkling under dazzling lights. Guests, dressed in their finest attire, chatted amiably against the backdrop of soft music and the occasional clink of glasses, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. The event organiser, Hu Yali, glided through the hall with Yan Xuemei at her side, mingling with guests and exchanging pleasantries. Ye George seemed to have run into some old acquaintances—no sooner had he arrived than he was ushered into the VIP lounge. Ye Minglang followed closely behind Ye Mingzhe, greeting sellers from afar, and neither noticed Cheng Yi and Zhu Mandy's slightly belated entrance.
After being dragged around by Zhu Mandy all afternoon for makeup, hair, and endless dress fittings, Cheng Yi barely recognized herself by the end. Still feeling a bit dazed from the transformation, she hurried over to Ye Mingzhe as soon as she entered the hall, ready to step into her role as interpreter. She wore a stunning champagne-coloured gown, its fitted silhouette accentuating her figure. Her light, natural makeup and elegantly styled hair made her look as if she'd stepped straight out of a painting. The murmurs of appreciation from the crowd confirmed this. Ye Minglang let out a low whistle, and just as suddenly, Ye George reappeared, boasting that he'd personally picked out the dress. Ye Mingzhe and Zhu Mandy exchanged a knowing glance, smiles playing on their lips.
Across the hall,the moment Cheng Yi appeared, Fang Zhiyuan's gaze locked onto her, unable to look away. His grip tightened around his wine glass, knuckling white from the strain. How he wished, more than anything, that it was him standing by her side.
As the banquet officially commenced, guests took their seats at the arranged tables. Cheng Yi found herself seated between Ye George and Ye Mingzhe, ready to provide on-the-spot translations if necessary. The American sellers were seated separately from Changsheng's representatives. Cheng Yi discreetly asked Zhu Mandy if this seating arrangement was appropriate. Zhu Mandy just shrugged and said that Changsheng wanted a more relaxed, informal atmosphere. Cheng Yi let it go, but she couldn't help but wonder why Ye George was here. When she asked him quietly, he merely smiled and said he was invited. It seemed that his claim of "having friends everywhere" wasn't just idle boasting.
The banquet tables were arranged in four neat, rectangular rows, with Cheng Yi and the Ye family on one side. The seats opposite remained conspicuously empty until the host took the stage to officially open the event. Right on cue, Hu Yali led Yan Xuemei to their seats across from Cheng Yi. Although Cheng Yi had no desire to see Hu Yali, she couldn't pretend not to see Yan Xuemei, so she offered her a polite nod.
"Oh, Aunt Yan, aren't we lucky to be seated right across from Cheng Yi and her… partner?"
Hu Yali's voice dripped with sarcasm, while Yan Xuemei's expression immediately darkened. Cheng Yi chose to maintain her composure and ignore the comment, but Ye George wasn't one to let such remarks slide.
"I don't know who arranged the seating, but it's a shame when someone's perfume is so overpowering it ruins the atmosphere."
But he didn't stop there.
"Or wait, maybe it's just bad breath? Yi, why don't we switch tables?"
"You…"
This old man! Hu Yali was seething but kept her anger in check. There was a bigger scene she'd planned for tonight, and she wasn't going to spoil it now. At that moment, a cold and imposing figure quietly took a seat beside her. Hu Yali's lips curled into a triumphant smile.
"Zhiyuan, you're here. Would you like to have something to eat first?"
No refusal—that meant acceptance.
Hu Yali eagerly instructed the waitstaff to bring some snacks over to Fang Zhiyuan, who silently ate, his face devoid of emotion.
The banquet officially commenced with a toast from Changsheng Group, and the courses began arriving one by one. Cheng Yi couldn't help but admire the meticulous presentation of the delicate Western dishes, though their flavours weren't exactly to her liking. She glanced over at the refined manners of the Ye family trio and suspected they shared her sentiments. The evening's programme was interspersed with elegant performances, a stark contrast to the lively toasts and loud chatter typical of Chinese banquets.
As the clear sound of a piano filled the room, Hu Yali's eyes lit up, and a smug smile spread across her face. Ye George leaned close to Cheng Yi's ear and made a wry comment about how the dishes looked beautiful but weren't at all satisfying. Just then, They both felt someone standing behind them and assumed it was a waiter—only to turn and be stunned by who they saw. Ye George was so shocked that his fork slipped from his hand.
"Shu… Shufang…"
They immediately stood up, with Ye George visibly flustered. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and he hunched slightly, too nervous to meet her gaze. Gone was his usual sharp tongue, replaced by a stuttering mess.
"Wh-what… what are you doing here?"
Xu Shufang narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of authority in her soft voice.
"Why… can't I be here?"
"No, no, that's not… not what I meant…"
"Then what did you mean?"
Ye George lowered his head, looking like a child caught misbehaving. Cheng Yi immediately vacated her seat and asked the waiter to set another place. Ye Mingzhe and Ye Minglang adjusted their seats one after the other, and Cheng Yi ended up seated between Xu Shufang and Ye Mingzhe.
Hu Yali leaned in and whispered something to Yan Xuemei, whose face turned paler with every word. Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyuan, sitting nearby, had stopped eating altogether, his brows furrowed deeply as he watched the scene unfold with a cold, detached gaze. Hu Yali had been holding herself back for so long—now was finally her moment of triumph.
"Mrs Ye made the long trip from America just to give you all a surprise."
Xu Shufang nodded and smiled lightly, while Hu Yali pressed on.
"Cheng Yi, I'm really sorry to ask you to move. It's just… the main seat was never yours to begin with, and it seems even the side seat is out of your reach."
Fang Zhiyuan's cold gaze bore into Cheng Yi, his fists clenched tightly.
"So, this is the guy you're relying on?"
Ye George shrank back like a wilting flower, not daring to say another word.
At that moment, the music abruptly stopped, and the host's voice rang out again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm round of applause to the man who played a key role in this acquisition, Mr Ye Mingzhe. He'll now take the stage to deliver a speech."
Ye Mingzhe smiled as he rose to his feet, walking steadily to the stage with Cheng Yi following behind him, her mind awhirl with thoughts.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank Changsheng Group and Starve Corp for giving us this opportunity to work together. This successful acquisition wouldn't have been possible without the support of our clients and the hard work of our team. Today's achievement is truly a reflection of everyone's efforts."
He paused and swept the room, his gaze lingering on his family and guests before finally resting on Cheng Yi. A mysterious smile tugged at his lips.
"Allow me to extend my deepest gratitude to someone very special—without her, I wouldn't be where I am today. She's been by my side through the toughest times—the financial crisis, the loss of my grandfather, and countless sleepless nights during the founding of this company. It's her support and companionship that made everything possible.""
He slowly lifted his right hand. The spotlight caught the ring on his finger, making it glint brilliantly. Applause and cheers erupted around them. Cheng Yi felt as though she were in a dream, light-headed and floating.
"I want to thank my wife, the love of my life."
Ye Mingzhe turned, his gaze tender as he looked at Cheng Yi. He reached out his hand, gesturing for her to step forward. The crowd waited for her to step forward and translate his words into English.
As she approached, Ye Mingzhe leaned forward, slipped his arm gently around her waist, pulling her close and placing a tender kiss on her lips.
"My Yi."