Before Lin Xi could speak, Duan Yiheng interjected, "There are so many people with the surname Duan these days, who are you asking about?"
The reporter immediately corrected himself, "It's Duan Mingxuan, the second young master." Lin Xi feigned confusion, "I don't understand what you mean." The reporter then explained the specific timeframe and the news release:
"From being an adopted daughter to publicly becoming the second young master Duan's fiancée, such a huge change in status, do you feel any pressure?" "Fiancé?"
Lin Xi feigned surprise, then smiled helplessly, "The second young master Duan and I only grew up together. Besides, I'm single now, very busy with work, and really don't have time for dating. I don't know where these rumors came from; they're too outrageous."
Just then, a commotion came from the banquet stage. Duan Zheng stood on the stage, smiling and holding a microphone: "Ladies and gentlemen, the banquet is nearing its end. I have something I'd like to share with you all." Lin Xi had a bad feeling, and sure enough, Duan Zheng looked at her.
He raised his hand, slightly turning to face her: "This is my adopted daughter, Lin Xi. She and Mingxuan grew up together, their bond is deep. I intend to arrange their marriage, and tonight I ask everyone to be our witness." Duan Mingxuan, his face full of affection, walked to Lin Xi and said:
"After you turned six, we've never been apart. You went to America for five years, and a month is the maximum I can go without seeing you.
Xiao Xi, I fell in love with you a little late, but my love is no less. Today, in front of everyone, I tell you, I will only love you for the rest of my life. If I can't do that, may I die a horrible death."
Lin Xi was shocked and filled with anger. Her heart heaved violently, she almost couldn't catch her breath, and her face was ashen. She moved her hand, but Duan Yiheng subtly pressed it down. Duan Yiheng's tall and imposing figure stood before Lin Xi like a towering mountain.
Lin Xi leaned against him, feeling a sense of security and strength. Duan Yiheng climbed two steps to stand before Duan Zheng, chuckling as he asked,
"Old people often enjoy matchmaking. Since it's about facilitating a union, it should be a happy one. I won't question Duan Mingxuan; he's sworn an oath, so he's naturally willing.
Lin Xi has been raised at home since childhood and is also part of the family. This concerns her life's happiness, so Father probably won't make a hasty decision, lest others think we're using favors to force a marriage. Shouldn't we ask Lin Xi's opinion?"
Duan Zheng wasn't stupid; he knew Lin Xi naturally wouldn't agree. He said, "I treat Xiao Xi like my own daughter. Mingxuan and her—" "Lan Yue Mansion." Duan Yiheng tilted his head slightly, his somber voice brushing past Duan Zheng's ears.
Duan Zheng's expression remained unmoved, his pupils dilating rapidly. How did he know about Lan Yue Mansion? Duan Yiheng looked at him, his dark pupils filled with a chilling ruthlessness. The father and son faced off for a full minute before Duan Zheng forced a stiff smile and asked Lin Xi, "Xiao Xi, are you willing?"
Lin Xi walked over and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Duan, but I am truly unworthy of the Second Young Master. Grandpa has already promised me freedom of choice in marriage, so please don't make jokes like this, Uncle Duan." Duan Zheng chuckled dryly twice, turned, and left the stage.
The expressions of the spectators below were even more fascinating. Duan Yiheng narrowed his eyes at Duan Zheng's retreating figure, took out his phone, and sent a message to Qin Yang, who had been playing the role of the stalker: Follow.
Duan Mingxuan was publicly rejected, but he didn't care about any of the scrutinizing gazes; he only cared about Lin Xi in front of him. But Lin Xi seemed too lazy to even glance at him. "What's going on? Wasn't this Miss Lin supposed to be the Second Young Master Duan's fiancée?" whispers arose from below the stage.
"Who knows? I thought Old Duan was going to take this opportunity to announce their engagement, but who knew it would turn out like this?" "Weren't they said to be childhood sweethearts? What does it mean that Miss Lin isn't willing?"
"It's a matter of life and death, what else could it mean but unwillingness? She doesn't like him." Duan Zheng left, and Duan Yiheng finished up the banquet, took two phone calls, and saw off the shareholders and directors. He slowly breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to look for Lin Xi, he was told by a staff member:
She was asleep in the lounge area. Duan Yiheng frowned. Her dress was so thin, and she was asleep? He strode over, then stopped. Lin Xi was curled up on the sofa, covered with a blanket from his car.
"So carefree," Duan Yiheng suddenly chuckled. He almost got betrayed by Duan Zheng, and she's still asleep. Duan Yiheng walked over and brushed aside the stray hairs on her cheek. Lin Xi was fast asleep, her head slightly tilted back, a position that Duan Yiheng found very uncomfortable.
"Wake up," Duan Yiheng gently called to her, leaning down. "We're home." Lin Xi responded unconsciously. Duan Yiheng tapped her nose: "I called you, but you didn't wake up." The only response was Lin Xi's steady, even breathing.
Duan Yiheng bent down and carefully cradled her in his arms, blanket and all. The driver approached to ask if he needed help, but he refused outright. He carried her to the back seat, not letting go, and the driver didn't dare glance back.
Lin Xi nestled in Duan Yiheng's arms, her cheek pressed tightly against his chest, her mouth slightly parted, her sleeping face a little adorable. Duan Yiheng lowered his head and pinched her cheek, squeezing it in a little, until Lin Xi's mouth turned like a goldfish's.
Duan Yiheng chuckled, leaning back in his seat and letting out a long sigh. When they arrived at Tian Du Yu Xi, Lin Xi still hadn't woken up. Lin Xi's personal butler recognized Duan Yiheng, pressed the elevator button, and accompanied Duan Yiheng to take Lin Xi back to her room.
His phone suddenly rang. Duan Yiheng took it out, covered Lin Xi with a blanket, and went to the living room to answer Qin Yang's call. "The person who got into the car with the general manager was his assistant, Ms. He. There was no one else." Duan Yiheng frowned: "Are you sure?" Qin Yang:
"I'm sure. The other party may have been prepared. It's really not suitable to meet in such a crowded place." Duan Yiheng hung up the phone and looked at the photo Meng Huaishan had given him for a long time.
Duan Mingxuan's personality was half inherited from Duan Zheng. Duan Zheng was definitely not such a meticulous and cautious person. Compared to before, Duan Zheng's current style of doing things was much more stable, which must have been due to someone's guidance.
This person was meticulous, cautious, patient, intelligent… and possibly Duan Zheng's lover. Duan Yiheng suddenly froze, his gaze falling on the woman on the far left of the second row of the photo. Only she matched all these qualities—the board secretary, Ke Yu. Ke Keyu, isn't she one of Grandpa's people? At the last board meeting, she was helping him both openly and secretly. Duan Yiheng never expected this. He rubbed his temples, elbows propped on his knees.
Suddenly, a bright light and fragrance filled the air. He looked up and saw Lin Xi, still in her tuxedo, holding scented candles given as gifts from tonight's charity gala. "They smell wonderful," Lin Xi wrinkled her nose.
Duan Yiheng was exhausted. He reached out and hooked his arm around her waist, holding her tightly.