“You really came up with a lousy idea, and Ah Rou isn’t buying it.” Zhuang Qiting crumpled the note with the one hundred thousand figure written on it that he had slipped into his suit pocket, his expression sour as he looked at Zhuang Qikai.
Zhuang Qikai managed Shenghui Electric and the pharmaceutical division, and the afternoon was far from leisurely.
Zhuang Qiting’s secretary called headquarters over, and Qikai had thought it was to assign work, but it turned out to be a scolding.
“Have you seen Sister-in-law? Delivered the flowers? Did you repeat my instructions? Word for word?”
Zhuang Qiting took off his suit jacket and sank into the sofa, feeling irritated as he lit a cigar. He lazily cast a glance at his younger brother and sneered, “Your nonsense might fool a seven- or eight-year-old sister, but anyone who’s been through middle school wouldn’t fall for it.”
What dazzling beauty? More beautiful than flowers? Childish. Li Yaru doesn’t like these things.
Zhuang Qikai winced at his elder brother’s harsh words. How could he not persuade her? He had chased Lanlan the same way when he was young.
Though he wasn’t as shameless as back then now that he was older, a few teasing words still made Lanlan blush.
“It’s definitely your expression that’s off.” Zhuang Qikai sat down as well and picked out one of Qiting’s collectible cigars. “You’re too serious. When you talk to Sister-in-law, smile, soften your voice, be pleasant—”
“Enough, shut up.” Zhuang Qiting wasn’t listening and coldly instructed, “Don’t ever ask me for stupid ideas again. Tell Sister-in-law to contact Ah Rou more often and visit her frequently. Keep an eye on her and that Housekeeper. Report immediately if there’s any abnormality.”
Within a day, the people he had planted in the Li Residence were all dismissed. Zhuang Qiting was very clear that his wife was a straightforward, fiery person; only the dog shadowing her would be so scheming.
Zhuang Qikai was truly at his wit’s end. For big brother to reconcile, both he and Lanlan would have to sacrifice.
“By the way, isn’t Sister-in-law’s birthday coming up? You haven’t forgotten, right? Big brother, this is a good opportunity—grab it.”
Zhuang Qiting: “No one has to remind me of Ah Rou’s birthday.”
There were twenty days left until Li Yaru’s forty-fourth birthday. Zhuang Qiting remembered every year without fail.
Ah Rou loved celebrating her birthday, loved extorting a big sum from him on that occasion, and throwing parties with friends and lively crowds.
In previous years, she had arranged all the extravagance, and he paid. This year, even if he paid to organize it for her, she probably wouldn’t want it.
She might not even invite him.
Whenever he thought of his wife’s birthday, how he couldn’t be by her side as the host, to send her blessings and accept envious gazes from others, his heart twisted painfully.
–
For this year’s birthday, Li Yaru decided to hold an elaborate Masquerade Ball at the Li Residence, also inviting all the women in their social circle.
She wanted everyone to open their eyes and see how content and comfortable she was now— no more pitying glances.
This ball would celebrate her forty-fourth birthday and also her freedom from the old man’s control— the successful divorce.
Organizing a ball wasn’t easy. The manpower, effort, and resources involved were enormous.
Li Yaru allocated three million from her private funds to Liang Sijie, instructing him to handle everything meticulously.
Two weeks later, Zhuang Qikai took a moment to visit Zhuang Qiting’s office to ask if he had received the invitation from the Li Residence.
Zhuang Qiting examined the exquisite invitation multiple times— the gold and red color scheme was striking. His handsome face was clouded with deep thoughts, though no one knew what he was thinking.
The invitation was addressed to Zhuang Qikai’s wife, Zhou Shenglan. Strictly speaking, Zhuang Qikai wasn’t entitled to attend, but as Zhou Shenglan’s husband, he could accompany her.
“Phantom of the Opera theme, Masquerade Ball…”
Zhuang Qiting squinted. The little lady really knew how to surprise. Last year’s birthday had been a Jiangnan-themed Cheongsam Party; this year she went all out with a mask party.
Zhuang Qikai smiled, clearly looking forward to Li Yaru’s birthday party. Wearing a mask and dancing with Lanlan—it was an experience he hadn’t had yet.
Everyone in attendance would be masked; no one would recognize each other. Wouldn’t that let him openly show affection for his wife?
His wife always maintained a too-prim and proper demeanor in public; he hoped she would be a bit bolder and wilder.
“Sister-in-law is always the most fun in our family. Big brother, since you didn’t get an invitation, don’t be discouraged. Hand the gift to me, and I’ll deliver it for you. I’ll make sure to speak highly of you.”
Zhuang Qiting covered the invitation with his palm and said indifferently, “I’m keeping the invitation. Tell Sister-in-law that I remember this favor.”
Zhuang Qikai chuckled, “Big brother, it’s addressed to Lanlan. Even if you have it, the Li Residence security won’t let you in.”
Zhuang Qiting didn’t like to hear that and curled his lips sarcastically.
Li Yaru had been avoiding him lately— ignoring him, blocking all his contact methods, refusing the flowers he personally sent, but accepting the ones Housekeeper Li delivered. It was clear she wanted to spite him.
But she was still too naive. If he really wanted to see her, no matter if she hired a hundred Housekeepers and a thousand bodyguards, it wouldn’t stop him. Even if the Li Residence installed bulletproof doors, it would be useless.
Zhuang Qiting was changing slowly, trying to adjust his old habits. He was serious about trying a new way of interacting with her. He didn’t want confrontation; he wanted her to be happy.
If even this couldn’t win her heart back… then…
“Is that so?” Zhuang Qiting narrowed his eyes and, with a casual tone, put the invitation in the drawer, smirking slightly at his younger brother. “I never said I was going.”
Zhuang Qikai stared and felt chills run down his spine, suddenly realizing something. His face flushed red.
–
On the night of Li Yaru’s birthday, the Li Residence was packed with luxury cars, unable to accommodate the crowds.
A fiery sunset lit up the sky, bathing the exquisite white mansion in radiant golden light, turning it into a glowing pearl.
Inside the residence, the male servants wore white shirts and black vests with fresh red Camellia pinned on their chests. The female maids were elegant and refined, representing the estate’s dignity.
As the sun set, guests arrived one after another. Bodyguards rigorously checked invitations.
Zhou Shenglan was extremely nervous, occasionally adjusting her white lace Venetian mask, “Big brother… you just follow right behind me… I…”
Zhuang Qiting calmly adjusted his tie and repositioned the brooch before elegantly putting on his mask.
It was a black Venetian mask with intricate and dazzling golden patterns covering his entire face except for a missing corner near the jawline, revealing his sharp features.
The man was dressed in an exquisite suit, his hair slicked back perfectly. His whole face hidden beneath the luxurious mask, he sat coolly in the dim light, emanating an untouchable aura mixed with a subtle sinister charm.
Zhuang Qiting said, “No need to be nervous, sister-in-law. You just need to bring me in.”
Zhuang Qikai, now reduced to the driver, was sulking silently the whole time, not uttering a word. The entire anticipated scene was ruined.
When Zhou Shenglan got out of the car, she pinched her husband’s sturdy arm and quietly reassured him, “It’s fine, don’t be angry. I brought gifts from Sister-in-law and her blessings. She’ll be out soon to accompany you. Big brother and Sister-in-law are reconciled; aren’t you happy?”
Zhuang Qikai sighed and kissed his wife’s cheek, “Lanlan, don’t look at other men later, remember your husband’s waiting.”
Zhou Shenglan’s cheeks flushed. She was already forty! So she gave Zhuang Qikai a hard pinch.
“Lanlan, you—”
“Enough. Time’s up.” Zhuang Qiting cut off Zhuang Qikai coldly and stepped out of the car without looking back for a moment.
No rules. If you want to act lovey-dovey, do it behind closed doors at home!
Zhou Shenglan didn’t slip up and gracefully handed the invitation to Liang Sijie, introducing the man beside her as “Zhuang Qikai,” her “date” for the evening.
Zhuang Qiting entered the Li Residence calmly, brushing past Liang Sijie with a hint of arrogance revealed under his mask.
Tonight’s birthday party was grand, rivaling any of the past years. The whole residence was bathed in a soft golden glow.
The living room was decorated like a richly hued opera house, and the chandelier was replaced by a huge, gorgeous vintage crystal one, much like the one from the Phantom of the Opera film.
Long tables were adorned with bouquets of Camellias and Roses, paired with velvet tablecloths. A dazzling array of food and drinks were available for guests to help themselves.
The socialites wore masks and identified each other by voice and silhouette. Upon recognizing one another, they smiled and enthusiastically discussed their outfits.
Liang Sijie had painstakingly invited a national treasure-level Flamenco troupe from Spain to perform at the Li Residence.
Tonight was destined to be lively.
Zhuang Qiting found a discreet corner, holding a champagne glass, leisurely observing the scene. The Spring Festival Eve event had been rushed, and he hadn’t had a chance to study everything carefully.
This place was indeed impressive— like a miniature palace, magnificent and luxurious.
Suddenly, Zhuang Qiting had an idea: if his wife refused to move back to the Zhuang Residence, he could move here instead. Wherever the couple lived together was home.
Fifteen minutes later, Li Yaru descended gracefully from the white, swallow-tail-shaped staircase at the center of the living room, her slender fingers lightly touching the banister.
Her other hand held a lavishly ornate hand-held mask in gold and red.
Though the scene was dazzling, Zhuang Qiting immediately recognized Li Yaru without a doubt.
Her long, shapely legs peeked out from the white satin dress, the daring high slit reaching all the way to her upper thigh.
Her legs were clad in sheer stockings encrusted with countless tiny diamonds, exuding unparalleled allure.
Her full bosom was supported by the strapless bodice, and every step caused a subtle quiver, like butterfly wings fluttering.
It was just a specially tailored white satin gown that would look plain on a hanger.
But Li Yaru’s figure was too perfect, her skin too fair. Wearing this dress revealed every ingenious detail the designer had crafted. The designer should be receiving a big red envelope from Li Yaru.
Zhuang Qiting’s breath caught, veins bulging on the back of his hand. How could she dress like this?
All the men present turned to look at her in unison. When Li Yaru slowly removed her mask and smiled gently at the guests, “Welcome everyone to my birthday party…”
Zhuang Qiting overheard men nearby discussing Li Yaru—
“Look at that figure, that charm… no young model compares.”
“Of course. This is Li Yaru! Hong Kong’s number one socialite! The very best— no wonder Mr. Zhuang is completely smitten.”