Chapter 152
Wang Boqi didn't disappoint Jing Yi. From the moment he arrived at the banquet, he began observing the interactions between the Jing family members and Jing Yi.
The longer he watched, the more certain he became of his suspicions about the relationship between Jing Yi and the Jing family.
The only thing Wang Boqi couldn't understand was why Shen Huaichu was here.
Perhaps it was just out of respect for Jing Zeyou, Wang Boqi speculated.
Huarui Group and Hengjing were business partners, so attending the birthday party of a partner's sister was perfectly appropriate.
However, after the last time when Jing Yi had inadvertently mentioned Shen Huaichu's food preferences, Wang Boqi had his doubts.
But Wang Boqi preferred to believe it was just a coincidence. Besides, even if Jing Zeyou wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Shen family, the target should be Jing Zejun, not Jing Yi, the fake daughter.
While Wang Boqi was lost in thought, Jing Yi walked over, holding up her dress.
She smiled brightly, "Boqi, thank you for coming to my birthday party."
Wang Boqi maintained his gentle and gentlemanly demeanor. He lifted his hand as if wanting to fix her stray hair but restrained himself due to the presence of others around them.
A passionate yet courteous man.
"You look beautiful today."
This was Wang Boqi's genuine sentiment. He even thought that after acquiring Hengjing, he might consider having some fun with Jing Yi.
Jing Yi lowered her head shyly, while her eyes remained cold.
Wang Boqi looked around, "Your sister didn't come?" He hadn't seen Jing Zejun since his arrival.
He remembered how grand Jing Zejun's party had been, like a star surrounded by admirers. In comparison, Jing Yi's party was much more modest.
Seemingly struck by Wang Boqi's observation, Jing Yi smiled awkwardly, "She's still filming..." Wang Boqi's lips curved into a slight smile, while his eyes showed sympathy.
"Is this how they treat you?"
Jing Yi lowered her head, appearing unwilling to let someone who cared about her witness this undignified scene.
"I can't stay with you too long, they'll get suspicious."
Wang Boqi nodded understandingly, maintaining his devoted expression even as Jing Yi turned away.
As she turned, Jing Yi's eyes grew cold, and she walked straight towards Jing Zeyou.
It was time for the birthday girl's first dance.
Jing Zeqian stood to the side, visibly annoyed. His displeasure wasn't directed at Jing Yi, but at Jing Zeyou.
The decision about who would dance with Jing Yi was made by drawing lots, just as it had been for Jing Zejun's birthday.
What irritated him was that his father, who had already danced with Jing Zejun, was participating in their lottery! Even more frustrating was that he had lost again!
Now he could only watch as Jing Zeyou danced with Jing Yi.
Jing Yi wasn't skilled at dancing, and despite Jing Zeyou's numerous lessons, she was still quite awkward. She was now extremely nervous, afraid of missing a step.
Jing Zeyou tried to ease her tension, "Yi Yi, don't be nervous, just follow my lead." Jing Yi kept staring at their feet, "Big brother, dancing is really hard." Her tone was utterly pitiful.
While leading his sister through the steps, Jing Zeyou kept an eye on Shen Huaichu in the distance.
"Do you see Shen Huaichu?" Jing Yi's eyes flickered, showing a hint of guilt, "Yes." She had told him to stay quiet, and so far, he seemed to be complying.
Jing Zeyou had wanted to ask Jing Yi why she had invited Shen Huaichu when they had agreed not to, but seeing the guilt in his sister's eyes, he held his tongue.
At this point, what was there left to ask?
However, until Shen Huaichu met his expectations, he shouldn't be allowed to get too cocky.
Perhaps because she was lost in thought, Jing Yi relaxed a bit and managed to complete the dance following Jing Zeyou's guidance.
But before Jing Yi could catch her breath, Wang Boqi approached. By all logic, he shouldn't have come forward, still mindful of the Jing family's suspicions.
And most importantly, she really didn't want to dance a second time!
Nearby, Shen Huaichu had been quietly observing until this scene unfolded before him.
Wang Boqi and Jing Yi stood at the center of the dance floor, with the man extending his hand gentlemanly, waiting for the radiant young woman's favor.
What a beautiful picture.
In Shen Huaichu's deep, profound gaze, a current of jealousy surfaced. Even knowing it was all an act, he couldn't help but feel envious.
It seemed as though everyone had more right to stand beside Jing Yi than he did.
At that moment, all of Shen Huaichu's self-control seemed to vanish. He made his way through the crowd, step by step, towards Jing Yi, bending slightly and extending his hand.
"As it happens, I'd also like to request a dance with Miss Jing."
Wang Boqi's arrival had already caught Jing Yi off guard, and as she was trying to figure out what to do, another person appeared before her.
Jing Yi froze, looking up to meet those deep, dark eyes that seemed to reveal hidden emotions.
When she came to her senses, she finally realized the predicament before her.
What was Shen Huaichu doing? Hadn't she told him to stay quiet?!
The air around them suddenly froze, and the guests stood stunned, watching the scene unfold.
Jing Zeqian frowned deeply and was about to rush forward, but Jing Zeyou held him back.
If Shen Huaichu hadn't approached, he might have let Jing Zeqian go up to help, but now with representatives from three families standing there, it was too conspicuous.
Nearby, Wang Boqi was equally surprised. Why had Shen Huaichu come forward? Was this also about business cooperation?
Hesitation showed in Jing Yi's eyes. Whether for the sake of the plan or for other reasons, she couldn't choose Shen Huaichu.
She began to raise her hand toward Wang Boqi, who showed a flash of triumph in his eyes.
Suddenly, Shen Huaichu grabbed Jing Yi's hand and pulled her to him, "Thank you for the honor, Miss Jing."
The guests: ...Are we blind?
Before Jing Yi could react, Shen Huaichu had already wrapped an arm around her slender waist and led her to the dance floor.
Aliali: 674b1625c4f3f33ac49d2fc3Left behind, Wang Boqi stared at the scene with wide eyes, furious. He never expected the prestigious CEO of Huarui Group to do something so shameless!
Meanwhile, Jing Yi was startled by Shen Huaichu's actions, "Shen Huaichu, didn't I tell you to stay quiet?"
Shen Huaichu gently held Jing Yi's hand, drawing closer, "It's just one dance, Miss Jing. I haven't wished you happy birthday yet." Jing Yi's steps were unsteady; she was in no mood to hear birthday wishes.
"This isn't just about dancing! What if he becomes suspicious?"
Shen Huaichu's thin lips pressed together. Was he some shameful third party?
"That's simple enough to handle, isn't it? Miss Jing, someone as charming as you deserves multiple suitors, don't you think?"
Jing Yi's heart fluttered, her heartbeat inexplicably quickening as she let Shen Huaichu lead her in the dance.
"What... what are you saying?"
Spots of light sparkled around them as Shen Huaichu turned slightly right, guiding Jing Yi in her white gown through a graceful arc.
"I'm saying, would someone who might never be able to participate in your hobbies," Shen Huaichu's gaze was serious, "be qualified to be one of your suitors?"