A real business banquet was far more brutal and direct than that quiet Michelin dinner.
A few days later, Qiyu brought Xiaochen Yan to an important industry partnership dinner. Crystal chandeliers glittered, perfumed shadows swayed, and conversations over clinking glasses revolved around deals worth billions. As Qiyu's assistant, Xiaochen followed closely behind him, diligently noting key points from his discussions with various figures.
However, her presence alone, especially standing beside a man like Qiyu, was enough to attract countless curious or probing glances. Her clear yet slightly稚嫩 features stood out among the worldly-wise faces around her, making her a target in the eyes of some.
A certain Director Wang from the partner company, after a few drinks, frequently turned his gaze toward Xiaochen. Raising his glass, he said with a laugh, "President Qi, your new assistant is so young and promising. Come, little lady, have a drink with me. It'll help us move forward with this contract."
The implication and ill intent in his words were almost undisguised.
Xiaochen frowned and was about to decline politely: "Sorry, Director Wang, I don't drink—"
But Qiyu stepped in before she could finish, expressionlessly blocking the glass Director Wang offered. His voice was cold: "Director Wang, my assistant isn't here to drink. If you want to discuss the contract, discuss it with me."
The atmosphere instantly turned tense.
Director Wang's smile stiffened, and he let out an awkward laugh but didn't press further. However, others eager to curry favor with him began taking turns "toasting" Xiaochen under various pretexts, their words laced with sarcasm, implying that her refusal would be disrespectful and could harm Qiyu's business.
Qiyu's expression grew darker by the minute, and he tried to intervene several times, but Xiaochen gently tugged at his sleeve.
She could see these people were doing it on purpose and knew that even someone of Qiyu's status couldn't afford to be too blunt in such social settings. She didn't want to cause trouble for him or let these people look down on her.
Taking a deep breath, she picked up a glass filled to the brim from the table, her eyes clear and determined as she looked at the person who had first started the commotion. "I'll drink, but I hope all you executives will keep your word and ensure smooth progress in your cooperation with the Qi Group afterward."
With that, before Qiyu could stop her, she threw her head back and downed the辛辣 liquid in one go. Her throat and stomach instantly felt like they were on fire.
One glass after another.
She hardly knew how much she had drunk, only that her head grew heavier, her vision blurred, and the虚伪 smiles and noisy chatter around her became distant and unreal. Only the cold, steady presence of Qiyu beside her felt vaguely reassuring.
She clung to the last shred of her consciousness until the banquet finally drew to a close.
Qiyu ended the final pleasantries, his expression dark as he pulled her into his arms—she could barely stand steady. Her cheeks were flushed, her breath heavy with the smell of alcohol, and she leaned weakly against him, relying entirely on his strength to keep from sliding to the ground.
He scooped her up into his arms, ignoring the stunned looks from everyone around him, and strode swiftly out of the banquet hall.
The car moved smoothly on the road back. In the back seat, Xiaochen curled up uncomfortably, whimpering softly. Qiyu frowned, reaching out to adjust her position.
Unexpectedly, her eyes fluttered open迷迷糊糊. Her almond-shaped eyes, glazed with tears, blinked confusedly before focusing on his face.
Perhaps because the alcohol had lowered all her defenses, she shed her usual vigilance and stubbornness, revealing a side of her that was娇憨 and utterly懵懂.
Suddenly, she reached out with both arms, wrapping them softly around his neck, pressing her feverish cheek against the cool skin of his neck like a kitten seeking comfort.
Then, in a voice that was soft, muffled by a thick nasal tone, yet unusually clear, she murmured:
"You... are... so good-looking..."
"...How can... you be this handsome..."
Having said this, as if she had accomplished some great task, she sighed contentedly, closed her eyes again, found a more comfortable position in his arms, and fell sound asleep.
Completely unaware that the man holding her had frozen, his always calm eyes now turbulent with shock like stormy waves.
(End of Chapter 8)