Tang Bainian smiled with satisfaction, glancing casually out the window before meeting the gaze of the man outside through the crack.

The train chugged forward, and Song Hengjue, his hair disheveled from running, tripped and fell somewhere, his knees covered in dust. He could only watch helplessly as the train continued on its way.

Tang Bainian's smug look made him even more furious.

The train finally disappeared from sight. He grabbed a handful of his messy hair, slumped to the ground in dejection, and if it weren't for his strikingly handsome face, he would have looked like a beggar.

Xu Lan charged in from behind, not even seeing the back of the train. Enraged, she pointed at Song Hengjue's nose and cursed, "You can't even stop one person! Song Hengjue, you're a complete and utter piece of trash!"

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to." Song Hengjue stood up and sneered.

Xu Lan, having been exposed, stopped pretending. She crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes cold, and her words were like ice picks piercing his heart: "So what if she saw through you? You need to know that in her heart, you're just her ex-husband!"

"So that's really what you're planning!" Song Hengjue's mind went blank for a moment; this world was truly absurd and terrifying.

…………

Five years later, the eldest grandson of the Ming Dynasty family in the capital held his one-month celebration.

As Yang Qingheng stepped through the gate, holding up her skirt, several women in the corner warmly greeted her with wine glasses.

"I thought you were too busy to come today, Mr. Yang. I was just telling them that I haven't seen you in a long time." Mrs. Zhao chuckled, affectionately linking her arm with Yang Qingheng's. Her smile was even sweeter than the wine in her glass.

"It's been a while since I last saw you, Mr. Yang, you've grown even more handsome. I really wish I were a rich young master so I could pursue you." Mrs. Li, standing beside her, covered her mouth and smiled.

"Mrs. Zhao, your words make me blush. I wouldn't even dare to think about such a young master." Yang Qingheng waved to the waiter, took a glass of red wine from his tray, and nodded to him.

"Thanks."

Her smile was genuine and made people feel comfortable, but only those who were close to her could tell that Yang Qingheng's smile probably didn't reach her eyes and was just an act.

Even if the ladies could see through it, they dared not voice any objections.

Everyone knew perfectly well that everyone in this place was just putting on an act. As for why they were currying favor with Yang Qingheng, it was simply because they either happened to be cooperating with her or wanted to cooperate with her.

After all, Yang Qingheng's development in Beijing's business circles has been rapid in the past two years, and with Tang Bainian, a rising star in politics, as her backer, cooperating with her is a sure win.

"I think you're not afraid to think about it, you're just too lazy to think about it. Who here can compare to your husband?" Mrs. Zhao teased.

Yang Qingheng smiled but remained silent.

Mrs. Li noticed that Mrs. Zhao wasn't responding, so she quickly laughed it off to help Mrs. Zhao out of the awkward situation: "I heard that the Ming family has finally welcomed their eldest grandson. The old man is overjoyed and has gone all out for the full moon celebration. This wine was air-freighted from an overseas estate. I think it's pretty good. Qingheng, you should try some too."

"It's really good." Yang Qingheng took a sip, nodded lightly, and looked past Mrs. Zhao to the other side, thinking of an excuse to get rid of these people.

She came to this banquet today with business purposes, and she didn't really want to talk to them about trivial matters.

Just as she was about to speak, a magnetic male voice came from behind her: "Qingheng, you're here. I happen to have something to discuss with you."

Mingyu walked over with a wine glass in his hand, greeted the ladies, and then gave Yang Qingheng a friendly smile.

Yang Qingheng's shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly: "What is it? Let's go."

Mingyu is the host, and today's full moon celebration is for his own son. Several wives have offered their blessings.

Finally out of the sight of the wives, Yang Qingheng's smile faded slightly, but she looked more genuine.

"Why aren't you entertaining the guests? What do you want to talk to me about?"

Mingyu took her wine glass and placed it on the table, then poured her a glass of warm water from the table next to him: "Drink less, or Bai Nian will come after me again if you get drunk."

“He’s not that kind of person,” Yang Qingheng said, amused.

He is naturally gentle, polite, and understanding in your presence.

Mingyu clicked his tongue twice in his mind before getting down to business: "A few people came to Haicheng last month. You've been looking for an investor lately, haven't you? I've got two good ones in mind. If you have the chance today, let's get to know them."

"It's kind of you to still think about me for your son's one-month celebration." Yang Qingheng didn't stand on ceremony with him, put down her cup, and went upstairs to the reception room with him.

The door was ajar. Before Yang Qingheng even went inside, she faintly heard a familiar voice. She shook her head helplessly, thinking it was just her imagination.

Why would Song Hengjue, who was perfectly fine in Haicheng, come here?

However, when the door opened and their eyes met, Yang Qingheng was stunned for a second before she suddenly smiled, the curve of her lips as perfect as if measured with a ruler.

Mingyu enthusiastically pulled Yang Qingheng upstairs, completely unaware of her momentary lapse in composure, and introduced her to the group: "This is Ms. Yang Qingheng, the founder of the Qingyang Bags brand, whom I introduced to you before."

He then introduced a few more people to Yang Qingheng: "This is Li Tongji, the owner of Haicheng Steel Company; this is Gu Wenhao, the owner of a leather factory in Haicheng; and this is Song Hengjue, the owner of Boxiang Company."

When introducing Song Hengjue, he paused noticeably. Even he himself couldn't understand why this person, who was doing so well in Haicheng, would suddenly set his sights on the market in Beijing.

"Mr. Li, Mr. Gu..." Yang Qingheng shook hands with the two men one by one. When it was Song Hengjue's turn, she said in the same tone, "Hello, Mr. Song."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!