The elevator to the Grand Imperial's penthouse restaurant was silent except for the soft hum of machinery. Yang Wei stood with his back against the wall, the broken pendant pieces wrapped in his handkerchief and tucked safely in his jacket pocket.
Xiao Ling stood beside him, her earlier cold fury replaced by gentle concern. "I know someone who specializes in restoring antique jewelry," she said quietly. "Master Chen has worked with pieces far more damaged than that. If anyone can put it back together, it's him."
Yang Wei nodded, not trusting his voice. The pendant represented more than just a piece of jewelry—it was his last tangible connection to the woman who had raised him to value honor and service above personal comfort.
"Thank you," he said finally.
"Don't thank me yet. Just... give me the pieces. I'll make sure it's handled properly."
Yang Wei hesitated for a moment, then carefully handed over the handkerchief. Xiao Ling accepted it with the reverence of someone who understood the weight of what she was being entrusted with.
The elevator doors opened to reveal an opulent restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Despite the luxurious surroundings, Yang Wei's expression remained grim.
"You're thinking about what that little brat said," Xiao Ling observed as they were led to a private table. "About Cheng Jun."
Yang Wei's eyes sharpened. "You know him?"
"I know of him. Cheng Jun styles himself as the heir to a powerful family fortune, but..." Xiao Ling's expression grew thoughtful. "There are rumors in business circles. His family's wealth might not be as solid as they pretend."
This aligned with Yang Wei's mission briefing, though he couldn't reveal that. Instead, he said, "What kind of rumors?"
"Overextended investments, borrowed money to maintain appearances, that sort of thing. He's been very aggressive in pursuing business partnerships lately—particularly with established companies that have strong cash flows."
Like Zhang Clan Corporation, Yang Wei thought.
Xiao Ling leaned forward, her voice dropping to a more personal tone. "Speaking of business partnerships, I'm hosting a charity banquet next week. It's my first major event as CEO of Ye Yu Corporation, and I could really use your support."
Yang Wei rubbed his forehead. After everything that had just happened, the thought of socializing at a formal event felt overwhelming. "Xiao Ling, I appreciate everything you've done today, but I just want to rest for now. Maybe next time—"
Before he could finish his refusal, Xiao Ling had somehow maneuvered herself onto his lap, her arms draped around his shoulders in a familiar gesture that spoke of years of comfortable friendship.
"Get off," Yang Wei said automatically, though his tone lacked any real heat.
"No." Xiao Ling's pout was theatrical, but her eyes held genuine concern. "This is my first time organizing such a major event. All the important families will be there, including some potential business partners for various deals. I need you there to help me feel confident."
"You're the CEO of one of the most powerful corporations in the region. Since when do you need help feeling confident?"
"Since always, when it comes to formal social events," she admitted. "I'm much better at boardroom negotiations than charity galas. Please? I promise it won't be boring. There will be dancing, excellent food, and probably some very interesting business gossip."
Yang Wei found himself caught between amusement and exasperation. Xiao Ling had perfected the art of getting her way through sheer persistence, a trait that had probably contributed to her business success.
"Fine," he said. "But I'm not staying late."
Xiao Ling's face lit up with triumph. "Perfect! I'll have a tuxedo sent to wherever you're staying. Black tie, of course."
"Of course," Yang Wei muttered.
Meanwhile, across the city, Lee Yu Feng sat in the emergency room of City General Hospital, her phone pressed to her ear as she waited for Zhang Jie to return from his X-rays.
"Yun Xi, you need to know what happened today," she said, her voice carefully modulated to convey both urgency and wounded dignity. "Your ex-husband has been released from prison, and he's involved with some very dangerous people."
On the other end of the line, Yun Xi's voice was distracted. "What are you talking about, Mother?"
"He attacked your brother! And when we confronted him about the money you gave him, he had some woman's bodyguards threaten us. Jie might have a fractured wrist."
There was a pause. "Yang Wei attacked Zhang Jie?"
"Brutally! And he's clearly moved on already—parading around with some wealthy woman like he never cared about you at all."
Zhang Jie limped over, his wrist in a temporary brace, and grabbed the phone. "Sister! It's true! That bastard hit me and had his new girlfriend's people rough us up. If you don't believe me, come to the hospital and see for yourself!"
"I can't come right now," Yun Xi's voice was tight with tension. "I'm preparing for the charity banquet tonight. Cheng Jun and I are trying to secure a partnership with Ye Yu Corporation."
Zhang Jie's eyes lit up with opportunity. "Cheng Jun is there? Let me talk to him!"
"Zhang Jie, he's not—"
But Zhang Jie had already raised his voice. "Brother-in-law! It's Zhang Jie!"
There was a muffled conversation on the other end before a smooth, cultured voice came on the line. "Zhang Jie? What's this about a hospital?"
"That criminal ex-husband of my sister's attacked me! He's out of prison and causing trouble for our family. You need to do something about it!"
Cheng Jun's laugh was warm and reassuring. "Don't worry about it. Being acknowledged as family by you is an honor. I'll make sure to look into this situation."
After ending the call, Cheng Jun leaned closer to Yun Xi at their table in the hotel's main dining room. "Don't worry about your family's situation tonight. Focus on securing the partnership with Ye Yu Corporation. With my connections and your company's reputation, we'll definitely succeed."
Yun Xi managed a polite smile, but her mind was elsewhere. The idea of Yang Wei being violent seemed inconsistent with the man she had married, but then again, three years in prison could change anyone.
What bothered her more was the thought of him with another woman. She told herself it was just wounded pride—after all, she had been the one to ask for the divorce. But as she touched her throat where the lotus pendant had once rested, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Yang Wei's story than she had ever known.
The charity banquet would be starting soon, and with it, a collision course between past and present that none of them could anticipate.