Chapter 16: She Was the Real Jester in the Ballroom

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow on my pale face. After a night of turmoil with Jin Shixun, my body felt as if it were falling apart; every muscle was aching unbearably, and I had no desire to get out of bed.

I forced myself up and tidied up briefly.

Outside, a Bentley was parked.

Jin Shixun stood beside the sleek black Bentley, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, his posture straight and commanding.

When he saw me step out of the car, a faint smile curved at the corner of his lips. He slowly approached, gallantly opened the door for me, and said softly, “Get in.”

I nodded obediently and slipped inside.

The two of us sat together in the Bentley, heading towards the banquet.

The car was silent. I stole a glance at the man sitting beside me.

His face was flawless—chiseled features like a sculpture, a nose so straight it seemed carved by a blade, and thin lips tightly closed, exuding an air of authority.

Afraid to look any longer, I quickly dropped my gaze to my knees, my heart pounding like a frightened rabbit trapped inside my chest.

Suddenly, Jin Shixun’s calm voice broke the silence. “Sneaking a look at me?”

Though his tone was even, it felt like a heavy weight pressed down on my heart. I was so nervous that I didn’t know how to respond.

“Ah? No!” I hastily waved my hands, forcing out an awkward smile.

He chuckled softly but didn’t press further.

Before long, we arrived at the hotel hosting the banquet.

At the entrance, a swarm of reporters, cameras in hand, surrounded us like hungry wolves. The moment Jin Shixun and I appeared, they descended instantly.

Escorted by bodyguards, I followed Jin Shixun into the hotel, feeling countless eyes burning into me. Their gazes were greedy and fiery, making me deeply uneasy. I forced myself to keep moving forward with him.

The banquet hall was like a magnificent palace, dazzling lights intertwining, luxurious decorations overwhelming the senses, as if every inch radiated brilliance, leaving one dazzled.

At the very center hung a grand and exquisite traditional painting, shining like a radiant pearl that captured everyone’s attention.

An elderly man stood there leisurely. His hair was as white as snow, yet his complexion was rosy and vibrant. His eyes carried the kindness and warmth that only time’s wisdom could bestow, resembling a sage who understood the world’s secrets.

He held a champagne glass delicately, the translucent cup reflecting the rich hues of the red wine within. He took a small sip with graceful calm.

“Sir,” Jin Shixun approached steadily, standing tall before bowing respectfully, his demeanor full of reverence and humility.

The old man nodded softly, his voice deep yet gentle, possessing an undeniable authority.

Turning slowly, his sharp gaze briefly rested on me as if appraising a priceless artwork. Then he nodded slightly and whispered, “Not bad.”

I understood immediately—his “not bad” was an approval of Jin Shixun’s choice in bringing me as his companion.

I hurriedly bowed slightly in return, wearing a polite smile. “Thank you.”

The three of us sat down in sequence. Fine tea sets were arranged before us, steam rising gently from the cups, filling the air with the fragrant aroma of tea.

We sipped and chatted casually about trivial matters, the atmosphere seemingly harmonious.

Occasionally, the old man’s gaze flickered up to me, a hint of inquiry hidden within.

I sat quietly like a well-behaved kitten, head bowed, hands resting calmly on my lap, heart anxious and cautious, terrified that even the slightest misstep might break an unspoken taboo.

Suddenly, a familiar figure dashed into my line of sight like lightning—it was Qi Yuzhou.

My heart dropped heavily.

As expected, Qi Yuzhou strode directly towards us, his eyes glinting with provocation and contempt.

I instantly tensed, aware that my current situation was as precarious as walking a tightrope.

“President Jin, your companion looks very familiar!” Qi Yuzhou’s lips curled into a smirk, his icy gaze fixed on me as he spoke to Jin Shixun, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Jin Shixun’s expression darkened instantly, ominous as storm clouds, a flash of anger sparking in his eyes.

I frowned slightly, filled with doubt and unease. What was Qi Yuzhou’s intention? Was he here to cause trouble deliberately?

“Is that so?” Jin Shixun gritted his teeth and retorted coldly, his voice restrained but burning with fury.

Qi Yuzhou sneered, his mocking expression deepening. Raising his voice, he said, “Jin Shixun, aren’t you being a bit hasty? A woman like her doesn’t deserve you. Besides...”

He paused deliberately, as if awaiting the storm’s arrival, then continued with ridicule, “She works at Zeming Teahouse. Who knows what kind of mess she’s involved in behind the scenes?”

His words hit like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring an uproar throughout the hall.

Everyone turned, their eyes like spotlights focusing on me. Whispered conversations surged like tides, drowning me in waves of judgment.

“Mr. Qi, please show some respect,” I clenched my teeth, suppressing the anger and humiliation inside. Though my voice was soft, it held firm resolve.

“I am the chief tea master at the teahouse. I only sell tea art.”

At that moment, Jin Siqi, like a proud peacock in an exquisite gown, glided over to Qi Yuzhou. She hooked her arm around his casually, then glared at me with disdain. “Respect? You, a woman who flirts everywhere, asking my brother to show respect? Pfft!”

Her eyes burned with contempt and disgust. Her poisonous words stabbed at me like a sharp blade.

“Jin Siqi, watch your language,” Jin Shixun frowned deeply, his tone cold and stern.

I bit my lip tightly and ignored their quarrel.

Jin Shixun looked at me, a flicker of complicated emotion crossing his eyes. Then he reached out and squeezed my small hand firmly. His was broad and warm.

Startled, I lifted my head to meet his gaze, only to find it deep and dark, like an abyss. That profound look sent a shiver through me, as if he could see straight into my soul.

I swallowed nervously and slowly turned my eyes away.

Was this his way of comforting me? I pondered bitterly in my heart.

“Brother...” Jin Siqi’s voice cut through my thoughts, “How did you get involved with her?”

She pointed at my arm with a hint of disgust.

Jin Shixun, as if some taboo had been touched, immediately released my hand...