"Brother Jin Han, thank you."
Zane Song curled his lips. He couldn't understand why both his second brother and Jin Han had such affection for Yara Lu. In his eyes, Yara was simply skilled at casting a wide net.
Nathaniel Fu glanced at Jin Han. "Are you leaving again this time?"
Zane immediately cut in, teasing, "Brother Jin Han, you disappeared right after your wedding two years ago, leaving Sister Xiaofu alone. Don't you think it's time you stayed put? Your mother is still waiting for a grandchild!"
Xia Xiaofu.
The moment that name was spoken, Yara's expression darkened. She had always been the imperial capital's favored darling, dazzling and unrivaled. But there was another woman whose beauty cast a shadow even over her radiance—Xia Xiaofu, the so-called 'Beauty of the Nation.'
Upon her debut, Xia Xiaofu had reached the pinnacle of stardom, becoming a household name almost overnight. Two years ago, the Jin and Xia families arranged a marriage, and Jin Han, the heir of the Jin family, had taken this celebrated beauty as his wife. Yet after their wedding night, Jin Han had flown abroad without looking back.
Yara had long despised Xia Xiaofu. She shot a meaningful glance at Xia Ling, who stood nearby.
Xia Ling, who had been gazing at Jin Han with admiration, immediately stepped forward and called out sweetly, "Brother-in-law."
Xia Ling was Xia Xiaofu's younger half-sister, sharing the same father. She smiled innocently, but her words were anything but pure.
"Brother-in-law, you don't know this, but in the two years since you left, my sister hasn't exactly been lonely. The paparazzi are always catching her with someone—today a famous actor, tomorrow a pop idol. Rumors about her never stop. Honestly, she seems to be living a carefree and very exciting life," she said, feigning complaint.
Jin Han's expression did not shift, but behind the golden rims of his glasses, his dark eyes grew cold, a sharp glint flashing like a blade.
Green-tea girls really know how to play their part, Zane thought, narrowing his eyes. "Hey, Xia Ling, what kind of sister are you? Talking behind her back like that—aren't you ashamed?"
"You—!" Xia Ling flushed.
"Enough," Nathaniel cut in curtly, shutting down the quarrel.
Yara quickly pulled Xia Ling behind her, adopting a soft tone as she turned to Nathaniel. "Nancheng, I need to talk to you."
"Go ahead."
"I heard you had Celia's name removed from the competition. I know you dislike her, but since she's so determined, why not let her join? It won't hurt anyone."
Nathaniel's sharp brows furrowed, and he flatly refused. "No."
He had no wish to see her.
"Nancheng, this competition is about designing my wedding gown. I should be the one to decide. I want Celia to participate—and that's final."
With that, Yara tugged Xia Ling out of the private room.
Nathaniel's face darkened. Jin Han, who had been watching the exchange silently, turned to him. "Let her have her way. But tell me—what's really going on between you and this Celia?"
Jin Han had known Nathaniel too long not to notice the tension.
Nathaniel pulled a cigarette from the case, lighting it with steady hands. Smoke curled around his sculpted features as he exhaled slowly, his voice low and sardonic. "You're bold to lecture me. I haven't even asked whether you're planning to go back tonight to the stunning wife you left waiting."
"..." Jin Han's composure cracked for the briefest second. He gave Nathaniel a swift kick under the table.
Outside, Yara and Xia Ling stepped into the cool night air.
Xia Ling pouted, jealousy seeping into her tone. "Yaoyao, I know Brother Jin Han likes you. But what I can't understand is why he married Xia Xiaofu two years ago. She's just one of the many daughters of the Xia family!"
Yara's lips curved upward, her mood buoyant from the attention of so many powerful men. "Lingling, don't say that again. I'm about to be engaged to Nancheng. If he hears, he'll be jealous. I don't want any friction between him and Jin Han because of me."
"Don't worry," Xia Ling said eagerly. "I'll help you and Brother Jin Han get closer. He clearly doesn't care about Xia Xiaofu—otherwise he wouldn't have left her a widow the very night of their wedding."