14. Cocktail Party

The reception was held in the hotel's top-floor banquet hall. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the dazzling nightscape of Jiangcheng was visible, while inside the hall was ablaze with light. Elegantly dressed guests chatted in groups of three or four, while waiters shuttled around carrying drinks.

This was Jiang Nan's first time attending a business reception of this magnitude, and she couldn't help but clench her hand. Chen Yunsheng sensed her uneasiness and gently patted her hand, which was still holding his.

"Relax," he whispered, "Just stay with me."

At this moment, a familiar voice came: "Miss Jiang?"

Jiang Nan turned around and saw her client, Director Liu, looking at her in surprise, his eyes moving back and forth between her and Chen Yunsheng.

"Hello, Director Liu." Jiang Nan quickly forced a professional smile.

Director Liu's gaze fell on Chen Yunsheng, and his attitude became respectful: "Ms. Jiang, I didn't expect to meet you here. This is..."

Jiang Nan wasn't stupid. She sensed Director Liu's regard for Chen Yunsheng. She blinked and replied vaguely, "He is Chen Yunsheng."

Chen Yunsheng smiled gently and introduced naturally: "He is also Nan Nan's husband."

Jiang Nan was taken aback by Chen Yunsheng's affectionate address of "Nan Nan." Fortunately, her professional instinct allowed her to respond immediately: "This is Director Liu. We have been collaborating recently."

Director Liu showed a happy expression and said to Chen Yunsheng with a smile: "Mr. Chen is so lucky. Miss Jiang is both capable and beautiful."

Chen Yunsheng smiled faintly: "My family thinks so too."

Jiang Nan’s inner thoughts: …Is this just social etiquette?

After a few more pleasantries, Director Liu said goodbye and left. After she left, Jiang Nan whispered to Chen Yunsheng, "Does she really not know you?"

"Even if you know someone, you have to pretend you don't know them," Chen Yunsheng took two glasses of champagne from the waiter's tray and handed one to her. "There will be many similar occasions tonight, so you have to be prepared."

Jiang Nan took the wine glass: "I will try my best not to embarrass you."

"You've done very well," Chen Yunsheng encouraged her. "The first time I attended this kind of event, I wasn't even half as good as you."

Jiang Nan was grateful for Chen Yunsheng's comfort, but she was skeptical.

At this moment, several business people approached them, and Chen Yunsheng immediately resumed his business elite demeanor, chatting and exchanging pleasantries with them. Jiang Nan, as he had instructed, kept smiling and stood quietly to the side, occasionally greeting them politely when Chen Yunsheng introduced her.

She noticed that whenever Chen Yunsheng introduced me as his wife Jiang Nan, there would be a flash of surprise in those people's eyes, but those emotions would soon be covered up by a perfect social mask.

Jiang Nan thought that most people were surprised and shocked by the fact that Chen Yunsheng got married suddenly - especially when the person he was marrying was just an ordinary person like her.

She suspected that rumors about her had already spread under the peaceful atmosphere of the cocktail party, but she could only follow Chen Yunsheng calmly, pretending to be confident and calm, as if she was in control of everything.

By the second half of the reception, Jiang Nan was already feeling a bit tired, but she was still trying her best to maintain her elegance. Chen Yunsheng noticed her fatigue and asked, "Do you want to go to the terrace to get some fresh air?"

Jiang Nan nodded vigorously, fearing that Chen Yunsheng would change his mind halfway.

There were not many people on the terrace, and the evening breeze brought a hint of coolness filled with the scent of river water.

Jiang Nan breathed a sigh of relief and felt a lot more relaxed.

"Are you still adapting?" Chen Yunsheng leaned on the railing and looked at her sideways.

"It's better than I thought," Jiang Nan gave an honest answer, "but I have to smile all the time, so my face is a little stiff." She rubbed her cheeks as she spoke.

Chen Yunsheng chuckled softly. "You have a strong ability to adapt. It's almost—" He paused, considering his words, "almost gifted."

He'd affirmed her many times tonight.

Jiang Nan couldn't help but look up at him. Chen Yunsheng's profile was clearly defined in the night. Compared to his usual calm and composed demeanor, he now appeared much softer under the dim light, like a pine tree standing still in the moonlight.

"Mr. Chen, thank you for helping me so much today," she said sincerely. "The clothes, the bag, and even in front of my client... sending a little signal."

"You're welcome," Chen Yunsheng said calmly. "This is part of the agreement." He paused before continuing, "Besides, you're more accustomed to this kind of situation than I thought."

Jiang Nan felt a slight warmth in her heart. She wanted to thank him for his affirmation, but a gentle voice suddenly rang out: "Mr. Chen, it really is you!"

She turned her head and saw a young woman in a silver sequined dress walking quickly towards her. She had delicate makeup and a sweet smile, but the look she gave her was clearly scrutinizing. It took Jiang Nan a while to realize that this was Song Wei, whom she had met at the Chen family dinner before, someone who was obviously dissatisfied with her.

Chen Yunsheng nodded and said, "Miss Song."

"Aiya, our Song family is just a small shrimp under your Shenghua. Mr. Chen, there's no need to be so polite. Just call me Song Wei." Song Wei's eyes swept over Jiang Nan, with a hint of tentativeness, "Is this... the young lady I met last time? She changes a lot when she grows up. I almost didn't recognize her."

"Jiang Nan, my wife." Chen Yunsheng's introduction was concise and clear.

Song Wei's smile froze for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. "I was wondering if he looked familiar!" She extended her hand toward Jiang Nan. "Song Wei, Chen and I are old friends... We've been collaborating for many years. But he's actually my dad. I'm just hanging out there."

Jiang Nan shook hands with her politely: "Hello."

Jiang Nan sensed Song Wei's ill intentions and instinctively glanced at Chen Yunsheng, hoping he would react. Unfortunately, his phone rang. He glanced at it and said, "Excuse me, I have to answer a call." Then he walked to the other side of the terrace.

Song Wei watched him leave, then turned around, the smile on her face instantly fading a bit: "Miss Jiang, right? I wonder whose daughter you are? I don't think I've seen you in this circle before."

Jiang Nan kept smiling: "I'm not from a wealthy family. I'm from an ordinary family."

"Oh?" Song Wei raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "That's even more surprising. Mr. Chen is notoriously picky. Not many people can catch his eye." She paused deliberately. "Especially women."

Jiang Nan heard the sting in the words, but remained calm and composed: "When it comes to love, it's enough to just be attracted to each other. There's no need for so many rules and regulations."

Song Wei chuckled and shook the wine glass in her hand. "That's true. But in this circle, there's no shortage of people who want to climb up the social ladder. Some people are very cunning and will use any means." She looked at Jiang Nan meaningfully, "Ms. Jiang, don't misunderstand me. I'm not talking about you."

Jiang Nan raised her eyebrows slightly, her tone brisk, "Of course not. After all, those who can stand here are all formally invited guests, aren't they?" Then, she changed the subject, with a hint of bullying, "Miss Song seems to know Yunsheng's friends very well. It must be a long-standing friendship. Then you should know that what he hates most is people gossiping behind his back."

Song Wei's expression changed slightly, but she managed to maintain a smile: "I'm just showing concern as an old friend."

"Thank you so much," Jiang Nan said with a smile, "Please don't worry, Yunsheng and I are both fine."

At this time, Chen Yunsheng returned from a phone call. He glanced at the two people's expressions and sensed the change in the atmosphere. He didn't delve into the matter, but simply asked in a calm tone, "What are you talking about?"

Jiang Nan spoke first, her smile warm and lovely: "Miss Song is very enthusiastic, I benefited a lot from her."

Chen Yunsheng glanced at Song Wei and said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Song." He naturally put his arm around Jiang Nan's waist—actually, he just put his arm around her waist lightly. He continued to say to Jiang Nan, "We should go say hello to Mr. Li."

Jiang Nan nodded obediently and said goodbye to Song Wei politely: "It's nice to meet you, Miss Song. I hope you can enjoy the banquet more when we meet next time."

Song Wei's face turned pale and blue, and she forced a smile: "Of course."

Walking out of the terrace, Chen Yunsheng looked down at Jiang Nan and asked, "Did Song Wei give you a hard time?"

Jiang Nan blinked and didn't tell the truth: "No, we were just chatting for a while. But..." She raised her head slightly, unable to suppress her inner curiosity, "Does she like you?"

Chen Yunsheng narrowed his eyes in confusion, then answered firmly, "My dealings with the Song family are only business. You don't have to worry about any romantic affairs."

"Why?" Jiang Nan speculated quietly, "Because you solved it yourself?"

Chen Yunsheng's expression remained unchanged. "It doesn't matter. Just remember, if someone claims that she and I are emotionally involved, you should completely ignore them because they are a liar."

Jiang Nan uttered an "oh," but inexplicably felt relieved. She tilted her head slightly to look at the usually expressionless man beside her, and suddenly found him particularly pleasing to the eye tonight.

"What's wrong?" Chen Yunsheng noticed her gaze.

"Nothing," Jiang Nan narrowed his eyes, "I was just wondering why Miss Song suddenly had such strong emotions."

Chen Yunsheng was silent for a few seconds, as if struggling.

"Song Wei actually has an older brother named Song Huai. A few years ago, despite his family's opposition, he married a girl from an ordinary family. But the final result... was not very good. After that, Song Wei was full of suspicion towards ordinary girls who entered this circle..." Chen Yunsheng lowered his head slightly and moved slightly closer to Jiang Nan.

As the whispers continued, Jiang Nan felt a warm breath near her ear. She tilted her head slightly, and saw Chen Yunsheng's slightly pale face. She froze for a moment, then pretended to take a half step back, but she couldn't stop the strange, sweet, and intoxicating scent from drifting into her nostrils.

"I think I understand." Jiang Nan interrupted Chen Yunsheng in a panic, and also slightly turned sideways to avoid Chen Yunsheng's warmth.

Chen Yunsheng was surprised for a moment, then immediately apologized to her: "I'm sorry, I just don't want others to hear me saying this."

Jiang Nan chuckled and explained awkwardly: "Nothing. I just feel... my ears are itchy." She wiped her pearl earrings in an attempt to cover up her problem, as if her ears really were uncomfortable.

Chen Yunsheng nodded and did not question Jiang Nan's excuse.