Chapter 19

Shi Qianyu owned another property in the suburbs. It was spacious and serene, the perfect spot for a lively party.

To celebrate this special day, preparations had begun early that morning. The house was festooned with balloons and streamers inside, while entertainment setups dotted the outdoor area. Even the swimming pool had been meticulously cleaned and refilled, its surface rippling under the night breeze as colorful lights danced and shattered across the water.

It all looked extravagantly indulgent—a place Wen Xin would never normally set foot in.

Yet here she was, honoring Shi Qianyu’s invitation.

Rewinding to a few days earlier: ever since agreeing to attend the birthday party, Wen Xin had been gripped by anxiety. She had no idea what to wear, how to do her makeup, or even what the proper etiquette for such an event entailed. She had done her homework online in advance.

One of her college roommates had gone on to become a fashion editor. Wen Xin dug up her contact info and, after much hesitation, finally messaged her on WeChat for advice. The friend was incredibly helpful and soon sent over several outfit suggestions.

Wen Xin compared them all and ultimately chose a white gown.

—The very one she wore today.

She glanced sideways, nervously inspecting her outfit once more in the reflection from a nearby glass surface. The dress had a slightly low neckline with thin spaghetti straps, made from smooth, lustrous satin. Its asymmetrical hem flowed down to her calves, fluttering gracefully in the night breeze.

There were no flashy designs, but every detail was crafted with subtle cleverness. The seams flattered her figure beautifully, accentuating her curves in a delicate, alluring way.

Wen Xin rarely wore formal dresses, and this was the first time she realized just how well-proportioned her body truly was.

She took a glass of wine from a server and sat quietly in a chair, sipping it slowly. Shi Qianyu had many friends. Even after carefully curating the guest list to include only those she was close to, there were still at least two dozen attendees—all stunning, vibrant women at the top of their fields.

Wen Xin was the outlier.

She had no impressive credentials to gain entry. In terms of status or background, she couldn’t compare to anyone else there. The only reason she was present was because Shi Qianyu had given her special permission—and that single, heartfelt word of “intimacy” she’d uttered.

Intimacy.

The very thought made Wen Xin fall even more silent.

For reasons she couldn’t quite pinpoint, she had secretly looked up Jiang Jianxue. Hiding her phone from those around her, she tapped open a browser and typed in the name, ensuring no one saw.

The office Wi-Fi was fast, and the search results loaded quickly. Everything about Jiang Jianxue appeared before her eyes: top-tier university graduate, privileged family, sunny personality, beautiful voice and looks. Her only flaws were middling acting skills and a bit of bad luck—otherwise, how could such a gem have been overlooked for so long?

Even so, she was an exceptional person. Wen Xin closed the page, feeling once again the vast gulf between people.

At the same time, a strange sensation began to stir in her heart. She couldn’t identify it, but she knew it had everything to do with Shi Qianyu.

…

The chatter around her had grown louder at some point.

Wen Xin jumped at the sudden cheer from the woman beside her and finally snapped back to attention. Following everyone’s gaze upward, she saw Shi Qianyu emerging gracefully from the house.

Gone was her usual professional attire. She now wore a pure black evening gown reminiscent of their first chance encounter at the bar that night—but far more breathtaking. The velvet fabric hugged her form, with a fishtail skirt accented by a bold deep-blue sash at the waist. Crystals sparkling across her chest caught the light dazzlingly.

She wore lace gloves, long ones that extended to her forearms, exuding sensuality even at rest. Lifting her wine glass only amplified the allure.

She was stunning—so much so that Wen Xin couldn’t tear her eyes away. She didn’t even register what Shi Qianyu said next, not until Shi Qianyu noticed her and directed a glance her way.

Instinctively, Wen Xin lowered her gaze, dodging the eye contact. It was odd; she hadn’t drunk much, yet her breathing quickened and her heart raced.

Before she knew it, Shi Qianyu stood before her.

“Wen Xin, you came,” she said, her voice laced with delight, as if she were genuinely thrilled. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you.” Wen Xin nodded, meeting her eyes awkwardly before adding sincerely, “You look beautiful too.”

“Happy birthday,” she continued. “I bought you a cake. I handed it to the server when I arrived—strawberry, since I overheard some colleagues mentioning a few days ago that it’s your favorite.”

“But it looks like there’s already one here.” Her thoughts felt jumbled; she wasn’t even sure what she was blurting out. “That cake, you…”

“I’ll eat it,” Shi Qianyu interrupted before she could finish. “I definitely will tonight.”

She added with a smile, “Wen Xin, thank you for the gift.”

Her expression was warm, her tone beaming.

Somehow, Wen Xin’s previously downcast mood lifted considerably.

Friends began approaching one by one to toast Shi Qianyu. She turned her attention to them with a raised smile, downing glass after glass of red wine.

She was a natural at socializing, chatting effortlessly on any topic as if they were the closest of friends.

Yet Wen Xin subtly noticed the difference. Shi Qianyu always maintained a polite distance, never crossing lines, and the others respected that—engaging in light conversation, offering sincere birthday wishes, and clinking glasses.

—Until a glamorous woman burst onto the scene.

“Happy birthday!!!” Jiang Jianxue handed her gift to an attendant and rushed straight over, throwing her arms around Shi Qianyu in a hug. These past few days, she’d been caught up in arguments with Yan Xi and nearly forgotten her cousin’s birthday. Thankfully, Shi Qianyu’s mother—Lady Fang, her aunt—had reminded her. She’d scrambled to buy a gift and a dress.

She’d imagined her cousin spending the day alone, but the party was already in full swing.

Jiang Jianxue was seriously annoyed—furious, even. Why invite everyone else but not her? “You’re too much!”

“Why didn’t you send me an invite?” She pulled out the same cute pout she’d used on Lady Fang, tugging playfully at Shi Qianyu’s lace glove. “Am I not worthy? Do I not deserve to come to your party?”

It was her—Jiang Jianxue.

Wen Xin was stunned. She hadn’t expected the actress she’d just researched online to appear in person. Zhou Lele had been right; she and Shi Qianyu seemed incredibly close—intimate beyond words.

Was she the one Shi Qianyu had in mind?

Wen Xin had no insight into their relationship, only witnessing Jiang Jianxue’s unabashed coquettishness. The crowd had gathered around them, familiar smiles and greetings for Jiang Jianxue lighting up their faces.

She and Shi Qianyu formed their own little hub, drawing everyone nearer. Suddenly, Wen Xin felt dejected, like an intruder who didn’t belong in this joyful circle.

In the end, she swapped her glass for a fresh one and slipped away quietly.

~~~

Wen Xin hadn’t left. She settled into a lounge room instead. Shi Qianyu had invited her personally; sneaking out without a word would be rude. If she truly wanted to go, she’d say goodbye first.

She was just a bit dizzy—probably from the wine—and felt drained. She needed a quiet spot to rest.

Or at least, that’s what Wen Xin told herself. It was a day worth celebrating, yet her mood stubbornly refused to lift.

Was it because of Shi Qianyu? But why?

Wen Xin couldn’t figure it out. The alcohol made her head swim. Unbidden, memories of that night resurfaced—the boldest moment of her life, sleeping with someone as unattainable as Shi Qianyu.

Shi Qianyu.

She heard the door open and looked up, meeting the gaze of the person at the threshold. Shi Qianyu must have noticed her absence and come looking.

“What’s wrong?” She stepped inside, gently closing the door behind her. The noise from outside faded once more, leaving the room tranquil.

She sat beside Wen Xin, lifting a lace-gloved hand to brush her cheek. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Her voice was gentle, as always.

Wen Xin shook her head. Jiang Jianxue’s face flashed in her mind, and she instinctively pulled back from the touch. “I’m just a little tired,” she murmured slowly.

“Director Shi, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be fine after resting a bit.” She fell back on the formal “you” again, as if trying to push her away. “Go back out there—everyone’s waiting.”

At that, Shi Qianyu’s brows furrowed slightly.

Her eyes fixed on Wen Xin’s face, as if reading her thoughts. After a moment, she ventured, “Wen Xin, are you upset?”

She hit the mark so precisely, leaving no room for denial. “Because I invited too many people? Because you don’t like the atmosphere? Or…”

Recalling the earlier scene, her lips curved up again in the next instant. “Or is it because of Jianxue—the one who just showed up?”

Wen Xin stayed silent, but her reaction spoke volumes.

“She’s my cousin,” Shi Qianyu said softly, noticing the misunderstanding. “Just a little starlet.”

“A few days ago, someone snapped photos of us at a bar. We caught it quickly, and my team had the post taken down right away. She’s on the rise in her career right now, so it’s best to dodge any unnecessary trouble. That’s why I didn’t invite her this time—who would have thought she’d hear about it and show up anyway?”

“We’re not involved in the way you’re imagining.” Shi Qianyu explained everything to Wen Xin, clarifying not just their relationship but the whole backstory.

Wen Xin’s initial wariness soon gave way to embarrassment. Her face, already flushed from the alcohol, burned even hotter.

Shi Qianyu smiled. She couldn’t get enough of this side of Wen Xin. Reaching out, she hooked an arm around her shoulder, drawing her into the closest possible embrace. “Are you jealous?”

“No,” Wen Xin shot back on instinct, averting her eyes rather than meet Shi Qianyu’s gaze. “I didn’t think anything like that.”

“Really?” Shi Qianyu wasn’t convinced. Her eyes roamed over Wen Xin’s face—from her eyes to the tip of her nose, lingering on her lips.

Then she leaned in closer. Very close. Closer still. Lowering her gaze, she brushed a soft kiss against Wen Xin’s lips.

“But you know,” she murmured, her fingertip trailing along the sensitive skin behind Wen Xin’s ear. The black lace of her outfit added a tantalizing texture, igniting a wildfire wherever it touched.

“You’re terrible at lying.”