Chapter 57
The charity dinner was scheduled for Friday night, held in the ballroom of Jinzhou's premier Peninsula Hotel. As the date approached, Xia Wan's lingering nervousness didn't completely dissipate. Instead, it spread like ripples, like a pebble dropped into still water. This was, after all, her first time as "Jiangyu's Companion," entering a strange world riven by capital, celebrity, and complex interpersonal relationships.
On Wednesday evening, the famous dress brand Jiang Yu had mentioned actually sent someone to the apartment. Two well-dressed consultants appeared in the apartment's living room, carrying five or six carefully selected dresses, along with matching shoes and handbags.
Xia Wan looked at the gorgeous clothes hanging on the mobile hangers somewhat at a loss. They were made of different materials and were well-cut. Under the light, they exuded a low-key and luxurious luster, which was completely different from the professional suits or casual clothes she usually wore.
Jiang Yu sat on a nearby sofa, flipping through a financial magazine, his posture relaxed, as if this were just a trivial matter. But when his consultant presented Xia Wan with the first champagne-colored, deep-V-neck, floor-length dress, he glanced up, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone flat but undeniable, "This one doesn't fit. Change it."
The consultant immediately understood and respectfully took off the other one.
Finally, under Jiang Yu's seemingly casual yet precise "screening," she settled on a light haze blue knee-length dress. The style was simple and elegant, with flowing lines, and the V-neckline perfectly revealed her slender collarbone while maintaining a dignified look. The fabric, made of subtly pearlescent silk crepe, shimmered softly as she moved, complementing her calm demeanor. She accessorized with a pair of matching satin pointed-toe low heels and a small silver clutch.
When Xia Wan changed her clothes and walked out of the guest bedroom with some restraint, she could clearly see a clear look of surprise in Jiang Yu's eyes. He put down the magazine, stood up, walked over to her, and carefully lingered on her body, as if admiring a perfect work of art.
"Very good." He murmured, his tone showing undisguised approval, and then frowned slightly, "It's just that the neck is a little empty."
He turned around and took out an extremely exquisitely designed platinum diamond necklace from a velvet jewelry box he had brought with him. The pendant was a teardrop-shaped aquamarine, surrounded by tiny diamonds, like the moon surrounded by stars, cool and noble.
"Try this with it." He walked behind her and put it on her gently.
Xia Wan flinched subconsciously at the cool metal against her skin. His warm fingertips inevitably brushed the skin at the back of her neck, bringing a subtle shudder. The necklace was the perfect length, the sapphire pendant resting just below her collarbone, matching the color of her dress and instantly brightening her whole body.
Xia Wan looked in the mirror and was almost unrecognizable. The woman in the mirror was tall and straight, with elegant makeup and a well-fitting, expensive dress. Her neck shone with a dazzling yet understated light. She had shed the immaturity of a student and the casualness of an engineer, revealing a grace and grace that she had never noticed before, a mature woman.
"Will it be... too grand?" She was still a little unsure.
"No," Jiang Yu stood behind her, his hands gently resting on her shoulders, looking at her through the mirror, "Just right. Xia Wan, you deserve the best." His eyes were calm and firm, with a power that could soothe people's hearts.
On the afternoon of the banquet, Jiang Yu deliberately finished work early and went home. He also changed into a formal black Tom Ford suit. The tailored fit made his tall figure stand out even more. He lost some of his usual sharpness in the ups and downs of the business world and gained a touch of noble gentlemanly demeanor.
Before leaving, he looked at Xia Wan, who was still obviously a little nervous. Without saying anything to comfort her, he simply extended his hand, palm facing up: "Are you ready, my female companion?"
Xia Wan looked into his calm eyes, took a deep breath, and placed her slightly cold hand into his warm palm. "Yeah."
The car drove steadily towards the Peninsula Hotel. As night fell and the lights came on, Xia Wan's heartbeat became clearer as she got closer to her destination. She could even feel the slightest dampness on her palms.
Jiang Yu seemed to notice and tightened his grip on her hand slightly, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand soothingly. "Don't be nervous," he said, looking sideways at her. "It's just like attending a project review meeting, just in a different setting. Just stand by my side, smile, nod, and leave the rest to me."
His words were simple, yet strangely effective. Xia Wan recalled her own composure and determination in the face of the experts' questions at the review meeting. That confidence came from her expertise and ability. And at this moment, perhaps she could share some of that confidence with the man beside her who had promised to weather the storm for her.
At the entrance to the hotel banquet hall, a dazzling array of elegantly dressed people filled the air. Reporters' flashbulbs lit up the surrounding area. Jiang Yu was the first to exit the car, then, with a very gentlemanly hand, he helped Xia Wan out. Her high heels made a crisp sound as they stepped on the red carpet.
As he took her hand and stepped onto the red carpet leading to the banquet hall, he instantly attracted a lot of attention. Jiang Yu was already a highly regarded young figure in Jinzhou's business community, and the elegant and beautiful stranger beside him naturally aroused everyone's curiosity and speculation. The sound of whispers could be heard faintly.
Xia Wan could feel the scrutiny, curiosity, and even probing gazes directed at her like a spotlight. She subconsciously straightened her back, tilted her chin slightly, and maintained a subtle, yet distant smile, looking calmly ahead. She told herself she couldn't be nervous, and she couldn't embarrass Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu's arms were strong and sturdy, supporting her steadily, his steps neither hurried nor slow. He tilted his head slightly and whispered in her ear, a voice only the two of them could hear: "It's beautiful, they're admiring you." His tone was filled with a subtle hint of pride.
Entering the ballroom, the interior is even more luxurious. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light, and the soothing sound of a live band creates an elegant atmosphere. Waiters carry champagne among the elegantly dressed guests.
Soon, people came forward to greet Jiang Yu.
"Boss Jiang, long time no see!"
"Mr. Jiang, who is this?" His eyes naturally fell on Xia Wan.
Jiang Yu responded calmly, and every time he introduced Xia Wan, his tone was natural and solemn: "This is Miss Xia Wan, an outstanding architect from Jinzhou Design Institute, currently in charge of the core project of the old city renovation." He did not use labels such as "my girlfriend", but directly pointed out her career and achievements, placing her in an independent and professional position.
This way of introducing herself made Xia Wan feel respected and more confident. When someone asked about the Old Town project, she responded concisely, using professional yet measured language, maintaining a balanced attitude.
Her behavior clearly surprised some people. They might have initially thought she was just a "vase" attached to Jiang Yu, but now they had to reassess this lady with good manners and excellent conversation.
During this time, he also ran into Jin Yanbin from Hongyuan Real Estate. Seeing Jiang Yu and Xia Wan standing side by side, his eyes fluttered for a moment, but he quickly put on a businesslike smile: "Mr. Jiang, Mr. Xia, you two are a perfect match." His tone didn't sound particularly sincere, but at least he was putting on a show.
Xia Wan nodded slightly without saying anything. Jiang Yu simply smiled faintly, clinked glasses with him, and then took Xia Wan away.
"Well done." Jiang Yu whispered in her ear as he walked towards his seat, his tone full of praise.
Xia Wan turned her head to look at him, and seeing the clear smile and encouragement in his eyes, her tense heartstrings finally relaxed a little, and she gave him a truly relaxed smile with a little pride in it.
The dinner included a charity auction. Jiang Yu bought a painting by a contemporary artist, the proceeds of which will support art education in remote areas. From the moment he raised his paddle to the moment the hammer dropped, he was calm and casual, as if completing a trivial task.
Xia Wan sat beside him, watching him navigate this bizarre world of fame and fortune with ease, calm, powerful, and effortless. He seemed different from the wounded and solemn him she had seen at the Jincheng cemetery, and from the him clumsily helping out in the apartment kitchen. Yet, they seemed strangely fused into the same person.
She suddenly realized that she was gradually entering his more real and more complex world. And this world did not seem as scary as she had imagined, because he was by her side.
Towards the end of the dinner, the dance floor opened up and soothing waltz music began to play.
Jiang Yu put down his wine glass, extended his hand to Xia Wan, made an invitation gesture, and looked at her gently and attentively: "Miss Xia, can I ask you to dance with me?"
The eyes around him gathered around him again vaguely.
Xia Wan's heart skipped a beat. Dancing? She'd only learned a little bit in a ballroom dance elective class in college, and she was already rusty.
Seeing her eyes widen and a hint of panic, Jiang Yu's smile deepened and he whispered, "Don't be afraid, just follow me."
He placed his hand gently on her waist, holding her hand with his other, and glided her onto the dance floor. His guidance was steady and powerful, his steps precise. Xia Wan was a little stiff at first, but under his silent guidance and encouragement, she gradually relaxed and tried to keep up with his rhythm.
The lights were soft, the music melodious. They spun slowly on the dance floor, the world shrinking to the mere presence of them. He lowered his head and could clearly see her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, and her cheeks flushed pink with nervousness or shyness.
"You are very different today." He whispered in her ear, his breath warm.
"What's the difference?" she asked in a low voice, not daring to look up at him.
"More confident, more dazzling." His voice was magnetic and alluring, "like a pearl that has finally been wiped clean of dust."
Xia Wan's heart softened at his words. She raised her head and looked into his deep eyes, where she was clearly reflected, only her.
At this moment, the gap in family background, the humble past, seemed to no longer matter. What mattered was the woman in his eyes and the reassuring warmth in his palm.
The dance ended, and polite applause rang out. Jiang Yu took her hand and walked out of the dance floor.
"Are you tired? Do you want to go to the rest area and sit for a while?" he asked considerately.
Xia Wan shook her head, her face flushed with the color of exercise and a radiant look: "Not bad."
She looked around, and the gazes that once made her feel pressured and unfamiliar no longer seemed so oppressive. She knew that this dinner was not just a public appearance, but also a time of inner growth and transformation. She began to learn how to peacefully coexist with his world, how to find her own place and light beside him.
By the time the dinner was over, it was already late at night. Sitting in the car on the way back, Xia Wan let go of all the tension, leaned back in her chair, and breathed a sigh of relief.
"How do you feel?" Jiang Yu turned his head to look at her and reached out to help her tidy up the scattered hair on her forehead.
Xia Wan turned her head and looked at him, her eyes appearing particularly bright in the light and shadow flowing outside the car: "Better than I expected..." She paused and added, "Thank you, Jiang Yu."
Thank you for your encouragement, thank you for your company, and thank you for showing me that I can stand in a place like that without feeling afraid.
Jiang Yu held her hand, interlocking their fingers. His voice was particularly low and gentle in the night: "You are good enough."
The car merged into the city traffic, heading home. Outside the window was a river of light, and inside, the two of them leaned on each other. A dinner party, like a small milestone, marked another steady step forward in their relationship.
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