A champagne-colored gown reached the floor, dazzling high heels adorned her feet, and her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders. A subtle makeup enhanced Shi Xinxin's approachable and charming demeanor. Shi Xinxin understood Wen Xiaoxiao's intentions; as someone who had just returned to the country, she was also a hot topic for paparazzi.
The clamor outside the window, accompanied by a hint of coolness, prompted Shi Xinxin to grab a coat and step into the waiting car. As she turned, she spotted the long lenses of cameras hidden behind the greenery.
The opulent hotel exuded an air of luxury. Upon alighting, Shi Xinxin saw the attendants at the entrance and understood everything. This must be the party Wen Xiaoxiao was hosting.
"Xinxin." Wen Xiaoxiao, seeing Shi Xinxin enter, immediately put down her wine glass and stood up. This small call caused the previously bustling party to fall silent. Shi Xinxin, with an unflappable smile, walked forward, noting that this welcome banquet was quite grand.
After the silence, murmurs of discussion filled the air. Wen Xiaoxiao gave Shi Xinxin a proud look, and Shi Xinxin smiled helplessly.
"How is it?" Shi Xinxin knew what Wen Xiaoxiao meant. Tomorrow's headlines would undoubtedly feature her, and this outfit was the original for the photos. Shi Xinxin scanned the room; among the many servers, a few were disguised reporters. Shi Xinxin looked at Wen Xiaoxiao with a touch of helplessness.
"Mm-hmm." Shi Xinxin picked up a glass of champagne and entered the hall, sitting down with Wen Xiaoxiao. The crystal-clear glass swirled in Shi Xinxin's fair, slender hand, the scent of champagne wafting out with her movements. Shi Xinxin closed her eyes, inhaling the mellow aroma.
"Ye Yun should make a move soon," Wen Xiaoxiao whispered to Shi Xinxin. She was in a high position now, but it was not without its risks.
"Today?" Shi Xinxin wondered if Ye Yun's people were at the party. She scanned the surroundings; everyone was sipping their drinks, some discussing business.
"Ye Yun's people aren't here today, but she's still very dangerous. You need to be extra careful!" Wen Xiaoxiao listened to the soft piano music, but her heart remained uneasy.
"It's fine. I'm ready. I won't be taken advantage of like before." Shi Xinxin's gaze drifted into the distance, a hint of determination and resolve in her eyes. The past instances of Ye Yun bullying her replayed in her mind. The music beside her pulled her back, and she looked at Wen Xiaoxiao, who was sipping red wine, her gaze softening.
"This party is your welcome banquet for me?" Shi Xinxin took a small sip of her champagne, looking at Wen Xiaoxiao's gentle smile. The cameras in the distance were aimed at her.
"Yes!" Shi Xinxin knew Wen Xiaoxiao's painstaking efforts. Although she had achieved some success, she had been developing abroad for a while. Upon her return, some resources and connections needed to be re-established. She wasn't sure about the specifics of the party, but she knew it was all for her.
"We haven't had a proper drink in a long time. Let's go for drinks after this is over!" A flicker of excitement gleamed in Wen Xiaoxiao's eyes. Seeing the transformed Shi Xinxin before her, she felt both happy and touched. She downed her glass of red wine.
"Are you sure? I have jet lag, and I'm very energetic at night." Shi Xinxin playfully rested her hand on Wen Xiaoxiao's arm, her expression like a child's petulance. Wen Xiaoxiao burst into laughter. She was finally back; it was wonderful, and she hoped heaven would be kind to her.
"If I get you drunk, you'll fall asleep, and it'll help you adjust to the time difference." A hint of moisture was already in Wen Xiaoxiao's eyes, the tears on her lashes betraying her emotions.
Shi Xinxin hugged the adorable woman before her, grateful that Wen Xiaoxiao had always been by her side, her most steadfast supporter no matter what happened.
"Welcome back," Wen Xiaoxiao whispered softly into Shi Xinxin's ear. Only the two of them knew what it meant. This simple sentence resonated deeply within Shi Xinxin's heart.
"Mm-hmm." Just as Shi Xinxin replied to Wen Xiaoxiao, her stomach rumbled, a slight vibration that Wen Xiaoxiao felt. The party continued, but Wen Xiaoxiao stood up and pulled Shi Xinxin along. Having slept, Shi Xinxin hadn't eaten and followed Wen Xiaoxiao in search of delicious food.
"What do you want to eat?" Wen Xiaoxiao surveyed the surroundings, not particularly craving anything, and asked Shi Xinxin. Shi Xinxin thought for a moment and then her eyes lit up as she looked at the Western restaurant across the glass window.
"Steak," Shi Xinxin said softly. Wen Xiaoxiao immediately understood and nodded. She also wanted steak. The two of them surveyed the room, acknowledging those who greeted them, and slowly exited the hall.
As they emerged from the back door, the slightly cool evening breeze made Shi Xinxin feel especially delighted. After steak, they would go for a night of drinking. The two women exchanged smiles, understanding each other's intentions.
The bright moonlight in the sky was exceptionally luminous, much like Shi Xinxin's radiance at that moment. A thick cloud suddenly drifted by, obscuring the moon's glow.
As expected, the major media headlines were about Shi Xinxin's return and her participation in the party. The photos depicted Shi Xinxin in a champagne-colored gown, her black permed hair cascading over her shoulders, her long legs revealed as she moved. Her expression was dignified and elegant, devoid of her youthful immaturity.
Ye Yun's assistant slowly closed her eyes to rest. The coffee machine brewed Ye Yun's favorite coffee, its aroma alluring. Feeling that the time was right, the assistant turned to take a delicate coffee cup to pour the coffee.
"Did you see today's headlines?" the assistant from next door asked, pouring hot water, her gossipy nature not forgetting to inform Ye Yun's assistant.
"What headlines?" Ye Yun's assistant's eyes flashed with a hint of arrogance. Could it be that our Ye Yun was on the headlines again?
"Shi Xinxin is back. Super beautiful, super high-profile." After speaking, the woman took her cup and walked away. Ye Yun's assistant could hardly believe what she had heard. She turned and rushed into Ye Yun's dressing room.
"Sister Yun, Sister Yun!" Before the door even opened, Ye Yun heard her assistant's voice. Her brow furrowed slightly.
"What's all the shouting about?" Ye Yun kept her head down, engrossed in her phone, reluctant to deal with her boisterous assistant. She wondered if she should find a quieter one.
"Did you see today's headlines?" The assistant, flustered, entered the room, unsure of what to say. Ye Yun, seeing the little coffee left in the cup in her hand, felt extremely annoyed.
"No, what's wrong now?" Perhaps the paparazzi had taken photos of her again? She hadn't done anything outrageous, so it didn't matter if they took pictures. Ye Yun's gaze remained fixed on the coffee cup in the assistant's hand, her brows furrowed.
"Shi Xinxin is back," the assistant said softly. Ye Yun's gaze immediately shifted. She reopened her phone and began scrolling through today's headlines.