Chapter 36 Party Invitation

On a Friday afternoon in March, in the top-floor office of the Huo Group.

Outside the window, the spring sunshine was bright, and the glass curtain walls of the CBD reflected dazzling light. Huo Yanli had just finished a video conference, rubbing his throbbing temples, when his phone vibrated.

It was a WeChat message from Ji Yun: "I've arranged to meet Mu Bai and Shen Yu at the usual spot at 'Yunding' tonight to welcome you back—congratulations to President Huo on the great success of the Middle East project."

Huo Yanli looked at the screen, a slight smile playing on his lips. The investment agreement with that sovereign wealth fund, signed just last week, was indeed something to celebrate. He was about to reply when Ji Yun's second message popped up:

"By the way, shall we invite your mysterious wife? She's been back in the country for a month, and the brothers haven't officially met her yet."

My finger paused on the screen.

During her month-long stay back in China, Song Zhiyi lived in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dormitory, working during the day and seemingly working overtime at night—a fact Huo Yanli overheard from Uncle Chen. They met twice, once at the airport and once at a family dinner, but had no other contact. She hadn't even sent him a single message, just as she had promised: to leave each other alone.

Huo Yanli thought for a moment and replied, "She's busy, never mind."

He replied almost instantly: "What are you busy with? You need to rest on weekend nights too. Yanli, that's not fair of you. You've been hiding him for over two years, and now that he's back, you still won't let me see him?"

Then came another message: "The old man was praising your wife to my dad the other day, saying how many amazing things she's done abroad. We're all incredibly curious, what kind of amazing person is she that Grandpa Huo speaks so highly of?"

Huo Yanli looked at his phone, his brows furrowing slightly. He knew what his friends were thinking—on the surface, they wanted to get to know Song Zhiyi, but in reality, they were somewhat intrigued by the spectacle. After all, his marriage had already become a hot topic in their circle, with all sorts of versions and rumors circulating.

Just as he was about to refuse again, the landline on the table rang.

It's an inside call. It's Uncle Chen calling.

"Young Master, the Old Master is on the phone and wants to speak with you."

Huo Yanli pressed the answer button, and the old man's strong voice came through the receiver: "Yanli, do you have any plans for tonight?"

"Ji Yun has invited me for drinks."

“Perfect timing,” the old man said. “I heard that Ji Yun wants to see Zhiyi? You take her there.”

Huo Yanli paused, then said, "Grandpa, we..."

“I know you have an agreement,” the old man interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument, “but an agreement is an agreement, and there must be some decorum. Zhiyi is your legal wife, Huo Yanli’s wife. What kind of behavior is it to hide her away and never see her?”

“It’s not that she’s hiding it,” Huo Yanli tried to explain, “it’s just that she might not have time…”

"Did you ask if she had time?" the old man retorted. "How would you know if you didn't ask? Yanli, I'm not asking you to pretend to be affectionate, but at least you should bring her along to basic social occasions. That's the rule, and it's also a sign of respect for Zhiyi."

Huo Yanli fell silent. He understood the old man's insistence and the reasoning behind it. In this circle, a "Mrs. Huo" who never showed her face would only attract more speculation and criticism. It wasn't a good thing for Song Zhiyi either.

“Okay,” he finally said, “I’ll ask her.”

"It's not just a question, it's a must." The old man's tone softened a bit. "Yanli, listen to your grandfather. Zhiyi... you should introduce her to more people; it will benefit her. She doesn't have any connections in China, so as her husband, you need to pave the way for her."

After hanging up the phone, Huo Yanli stared at the expectant emoji sent by Ji Yun on his phone screen for a long time before finally opening his contacts.

He didn't have Song Zhiyi's personal phone number, only the work email address used within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had his assistant find out her office landline.

The phone was answered after three rings, and it was Song Zhiyi's calm and clear voice: "Hello, this is Song Zhiyi from the Translation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

“It’s me,” Huo Yanli said. “Huo Yanli.”

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, then the voice remained calm: "Mr. Huo, is there something you need?"

This businesslike tone made Huo Yanli somewhat uncomfortable. He cleared his throat: "Ji Yun has organized a gathering tonight; a few friends want to meet you. Do you have time?"

There were no pleasantries, no preamble, just straight to the point. He regretted it as soon as he finished speaking—it sounded more like an order than an invitation.

There was silence for a few seconds on the other end of the phone. Huo Yanli could imagine Song Zhiyi's expression at that moment: a slight frown, calm eyes, as if she was weighing her options.

Just when he thought she would refuse, she spoke, her voice still devoid of emotion: "Okay. Send me the time and place."

It was decisive and efficient, without any unnecessary delays.

Huo Yanli was taken aback for a moment: "You...don't you ask what the occasion is? Who's there?"

“Ji Yun, Zhou Mubai, Shen Yu,” Song Zhiyi accurately recited the three names. “I met them on the day we got our marriage certificate.”

“…Yes.” Huo Yanli found himself at a loss for words. “Eight o’clock in the evening, at the ‘Cloud Top’ club.”

"Okay. I'll be there on time," Song Zhiyi said. "If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. I still have a document to review."

"Wait," Huo Yanli called out to her, "Do you... need me to pick you up?"

This time, the silence on the other end of the phone was longer. Then she said, "No need. I'll go myself. Just send me the address—Uncle Chen has my number."

Huo Yanli hung up the phone, sat in his chair, and looked out the window at the darkening sky. The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the entire city, but it would soon be swallowed by the night.

He replied to Ji Yun: "She agreed. See you tonight."

Ji Yun replied instantly: "Awesome! I'm finally going to meet the legendary Mrs. Huo! I'll post a preview on my WeChat Moments!"

Huo Yanli frowned and sent another message: "Don't cause trouble. Just a normal gathering."

"Don't worry, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Huo Yanli put down his phone and leaned back in his chair. The image of Song Zhiyi floated into his mind—a clean face, calm eyes, and an ever-straight back.

He didn't know why she had agreed. Was it out of politeness? Out of obligation as "Mrs. Huo"? Or... simply because she didn't care?

He wasn't sure if taking her to meet Ji Yun and the others was the right or wrong thing to do.

But at least, he completed the task his grandfather had assigned him.

As for what will happen tonight...

Huo Yanli stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. The city lights outside were just coming on, and another night was about to begin.

He suddenly became curious about how Song Zhiyi would react when she entered the decadent environment of "Cloud Top" and faced the curious or scrutinizing gazes of Ji Yun and the others.

Will you be nervous? Will you feel uneasy? Or will you remain calm and detached, as always?

Huo Yanli didn't know.

But he knew that tonight's party would be very interesting.