The Christmas banquet went off without a hitch. “Dongke” Software spared no expense, reserving the largest venue in Gu Nan Hua Ting, along with three villas and a golf course as raffle prizes for guests.
Meanwhile, Gu Nan Hua Ting staff could only watch others enjoy the festivities during this sweet holiday.
The grand venue sparkled under massive crystal chandeliers. Every corner was brightly lit. Most men brought female companions, and the luxurious atmosphere was filled with women dressed in exquisite outfits, their hair styled to perfection.
As both staff and a guest, Shen Xi Fan wore simple attire with light makeup, feeling dull and out of place.
“Dongke” had invited many prominent figures from the tech world, including some CEOs she recognized from the recent IT summit. Senior management from Gu Nan Hua Ting also attended.
Compared to the lively crowd, Shen Xi Fan was far too quiet. She picked a corner to stand in, finding the lighting glaring and her thoughts drifting. She recalled a phrase: Happiness is theirs, and I have nothing.
She had always disliked noise, as it made her feel lost.
She felt out of place in the hotel world—unlike Xu Xiang Ya’s smooth sociability, Ding Wei’s worldly cunning, or Lin Yi Shen’s decisiveness and resolve. All she had was a bit of stubbornness and cleverness.
What she really wanted was to go home, brew a cup of jasmine tea, and chat with her parents—or maybe go for a stroll and perhaps bump into He Su Ye. The restlessness in her eyes revealed her emotions, making them sparkle with brilliance.
The chandelier scattered its light like golden dust, which fell on her dark hair, resembling golden embroidery on black brocade. The woman in the white dress and white shoes stood quietly in a corner, like a character emerging from the brittle, yellowed pages of an old book—completely out of place in this glittering background.
Unaware, some men glanced at her repeatedly.
Ling Yu Fan, holding a crystal glass, laughed with a beautiful woman while sipping French cognac. Yet his gaze kept straying toward Shen Xi Fan. He found her intriguing—sometimes cold and professional, like a machine; other times, childlike, her eyes full of dissatisfaction when he teased her.
Despite her quiet demeanor, she exuded an innate calmness. She seemed like someone who preferred solitude, and her solitary figure clashed starkly with the lively scene.
He thought back to how she had brought him cold tea when he was ill—an unnecessary gesture that he nevertheless appreciated. Yet his cautious nature made him question if it was truly out of goodwill or something more.
He had been observing her for a long time. Suddenly, he had an urge to provoke her.
A commotion at the entrance drew everyone’s attention. Shen Xi Fan saw Manager Cheng and other executives rush forward to greet a group of people. At the center of the crowd was Yan Heng, shaking hands and chatting politely, a slight smile on his face.
Someone should have told her Yan Heng was coming. If she had known, she would have gladly fallen ill to avoid this encounter.
Manager Cheng waved her over, and she braced herself as she approached. “Mr. Yan, hello.”
Yan Heng was dressed in a suit without a tie, wearing glasses that gave him a scholarly yet slightly rebellious air. He extended his hand. “Manager Shen, thank you for all your hard work these past days. I’ll still need your assistance for a while longer.”
His fingers were cool, just as she remembered them—long and strong. Once, this hand had led her through the most vibrant years of her life, a time of blooming flowers and endless possibilities. Yet, she never imagined they’d be shaking hands like this.
A faint sweat formed in her palm, though her expression remained calm. “You’re too polite, Mr. Yan. It’s my pleasure to serve you.” She tried to withdraw her hand, but Yan Heng held it firmly, clearly unwilling to let go.
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