Chapter 42: Unfathomable
There weren't many people in the room, perhaps seven or eight. Most of the men were dressed in well-tailored casual suits or fine cashmere sweaters, unencumbered by ties. Their postures were relaxed, yet they exuded the calm aura of someone who had long held a high position.
The female companions were dressed in elegant and appropriate skirts or trousers, with exquisite makeup and low-key but valuable jewelry. They were talking in low voices or smiling.
The moment Zhao Chen and Yu Ling walked in, the originally relaxed and casual conversation in the hall seemed to be muted, and there was a very brief pause.
Everyone's eyes, as if drawn by an invisible magnet, were focused on them.
That look was not one of curiosity or scrutiny, but an extremely complex mixture—a momentary surprise, a quickly concealed respect, an imperceptible inquiry, and a hint of strong interest and assessment of Ling's identity?
Zhao Chen seemed accustomed to such scenes. With a gentle, graceful smile on his face, he naturally put his arm around Yu Ling's waist and led her toward the center of the crowd. His steps were unhurried, his posture relaxed, yet he exuded an air of control, as if he were born to be the center of attention.
"Sorry, I'm a little late." Zhao Chen's voice was not loud, with a hint of casual apology, but it was clearly heard by everyone.
"Brother Chen! You are finally here!" A young man wearing a dark blue haute couture casual suit and with a flamboyant temperament came forward with a smile. It was Azhe who Zhao Chen said "borrowed a car to chase the flight attendant" last time.
He smiled brightly, his eyes quickly swept over Yu Ling with sincere admiration, "This must be my sister-in-law, right? I've heard of you for a long time! You're much more beautiful in person than what Brother Chen described! Hello, sister-in-law! I'm Zhou Zhe, just call me Azhe!" He extended his hand enthusiastically.
"Hello, Azhe." Yu Ling tried to maintain her composure and shook hands with him politely. She could sense Azhe's enthusiasm, his acknowledgement of her identity, and a subtle awe.
"Brother Chen, sister-in-law, please sit here." Another man who looked more calm and wore gold-rimmed glasses also came over with a gentle smile and personally led them to the main sofa area to sit down.
When Yu Ling sat down, he adjusted the pillow for her naturally, his movements familiar and with just the right amount of respect. Yu Ling noticed that everyone else subconsciously adjusted their sitting posture before Zhao Chen sat down, leaning forward slightly, appearing to listen.
Soon, a waiter silently brought the drinks. Yu Ling had a cup of fragrant, fragrant, floral tea at just the right temperature, while Zhao Chen had a dark single malt whiskey in his usual crystal glass, with just the right amount of ice.
"Sister-in-law, try this," a beautiful woman in a champagne-colored silk dress with a gentle temperament smiled and pushed a small plate of delicate pastries in the shape of petals in front of Yu Ling.
"This is a new dish developed by the chef. It uses French rose water and Japanese yuzu. It is sweet but not greasy, and is especially suitable for pairing with floral tea." Her smile was kind, but her eyes carried a precise assessment, as if she was looking for something in Yu Ling.
"Thank you," Yu Ling said, picking up a small, petal-shaped pastry. It was refreshingly sweet, with the delicate texture and layered aroma of premium ingredients. She ate it in small bites, trying to appear natural and presentable.
The atmosphere of the party became lively again after Zhao Chen arrived, but Yu Ling keenly felt an invisible barrier.
The conversation seemingly haphazardly swung around the latest art auction, a hidden private island getaway, or the investment prospects of a cutting-edge technology project. They discussed figures often in the hundreds of millions, their tone as nonchalant as if discussing the weather. Occasionally, a name or event would be mentioned, using cryptic code names or knowing glances.
Yu Ling listened quietly, finding herself completely unable to get a word in. Those distant, otherworldly topics separated her like invisible chasms.
She was like Cinderella who had strayed into an aristocratic tea party; no matter how well-dressed she was, she couldn't hide her incompatibility. She could sense the curiosity, inquiry, and even a subtle sense of superiority hidden beneath those seemingly friendly gazes.
What frightened her even more was everyone's attitude towards Zhao Chen.
They addressed him as "Brother Chen," their tone of familiarity tinged with a deep-seated respect. When he spoke, everyone naturally paused their conversation to gaze intently at him. Even if he casually commented on the authenticity of a work of art or raised a question about an investment project, someone would immediately take careful note or quickly offer a more detailed analysis.
Ah Zhe tried to refill Zhao Chen's glass, but his movements were cautious and tentative, as if he was afraid to disturb him. The calm man with glasses subconsciously bowed slightly and lowered his posture when Zhao Chen looked at him.
This is not an equal relationship between friends. This is a kind of reverence and obedience to absolute authority that is rooted in the bones.
Zhao Chen sat there, needing no effort to highlight anything. He was the absolute core of this circle and the rule maker. His gentle smile was more like a condescending tolerance.
Yu Ling held the warm, expensive cup of flower and fruit tea, but her fingertips felt icy cold. She looked at the man beside her, chatting and laughing, controlling the entire situation. Then she thought of her "husband" in the apartment, wearing an apron, frying eggs for her and meticulously calculating at the supermarket shelves. A huge sense of disconnection and a chill that penetrated her bones once again swept over her.
"Ordinary employee"? The ridiculous fantasy that remained in her heart was shattered by the living reality before her eyes that night.
Just as she was lost in thought, a man wearing a burgundy velvet suit and with a slightly frivolous temperament approached Zhao Chen with a wine glass in hand, with a somewhat deliberate familiarity, and teased with a smile:
"Brother Chen, I heard that the 'Galaxy' was on sea trials in the Caribbean Sea a while ago? How was its performance? Next time we go out to sea, we must bring our brothers to have a look! I've been coveting that ship for a long time!" As he spoke, he glanced at Yu Ling meaningfully, as if hinting at something.
Galaxy? Yu Ling's heart skipped a beat! Was it a coincidence? Or was it related to her "Galaxy Whisper" dress?
The smile on Zhao Chen's face faded slightly. He lifted the wine glass, his slender fingers stroking the cold glass wall. His amber eyes glanced at the man. His gaze was calm, yet it carried an invisible pressure that froze the smile on the frivolous man's face and he shrank back awkwardly.
"It's just a boat." Zhao Chen's voice was low, with a hint of nonchalant laziness, but it clearly suppressed the suddenly somewhat subtle atmosphere around them. "It's just a toy. Didn't Ah Zhe just order a new toy? Let him take you for a ride."
He casually changed the subject, and at the same time, very naturally extended his hand and gently patted the back of Yu Ling's slightly cold hand. The action was soothing, but also silently declared a certain boundary.
The frivolous man immediately changed the subject tactfully, and the others also agreed tacitly, as if the brief temptation just now had never happened.
Yu Ling felt the warm touch from him on the back of her hand, and then looked at everyone's almost conditioned reflex of awe and obedience to Zhao Chen, and the chill in her heart deepened.
This party, this circle, Zhao Chen's unfathomable identity and power... everything was like an invisible net, trapping her firmly in the center. And she couldn't even find a way to struggle.
She lowered her head and looked at the clear tea in the cup, which reflected the bright crystal light. She felt that the light was so dazzling that she wanted to escape.
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