Chapter 21: She Belongs to Him

The figure standing with their back to her, bathed in sunlight, remained cold and distant. Suddenly, a thought stirred deep within her heart. She swiftly slipped into the shadows, unexpectedly finding her timing perfect. She was treated to a fine spectacle, adding much color to her journey. Yet, she seemed to have forgotten that the lines between performance and reality blurred—they were one and the same—and she could not escape it.

“Master Chen, it is truly an honor to have you here!” Rong Zhenlin leaned against the sofa, gently swirling his glass of red wine, feigning casual elegance, a mysterious gleam flickering in his eyes.

“You're too kind,” Xie Chenjing gave him a cool glance. If not for what had happened that night, he would never have agreed to meet this man. Hah, his hands were far too long—long enough to make one want to cut them off to ease the hatred in one's heart. Lost in thought, a new voice entered the room.

“Brother!” The girl who appeared by Rong Zhenlin’s side was fashionably dressed and exquisitely made up. Her gaze casually swept across the person opposite them. Upon recognizing him, she showed a hint of surprise before quickly composing herself and lowering her eyes. When had her brother ever treated her so well?

“Where have you been sneaking off to again?” Rong Zhenlin lightly tapped her forehead with affection, revealing a harmonious sibling bond.

Rong Xi, letting go of her doubts, clung to his arm, pouting: “Brother, I was just out shopping with friends, not sneaking around!”

“Alright, alright, I can’t argue with you. Perfect timing—let me introduce someone!” He looked up at the man opposite with a bright smile. “This is Master Chen, president of Qincheng Group!”

“Qincheng Group?” Everyone in Linghai City knew of Qincheng Group. It almost monopolized the luxury goods market, producing only top-tier products that any lover of luxury could not resist. She was no exception.

As for its president, he was a legendary figure, shrouded in mystery. He never appeared in newspapers or magazines, and few had ever seen him. All they knew was that he was an unignorable talent in the business world. Seeing him today confirmed the stories. However, her brother’s motives were worth pondering, though that would not stop her from seeking her own advantage.

Rong Zhenlin glanced at her, then fixed his gaze on Xie Chenjing opposite them. “Master Chen, this is my sister, Rong Xi, twenty years old.”

Xie Chenjing lifted his eyes briefly and nodded slightly, acknowledging the introduction, then turned his full attention back to his meal. Hidden in the shadows, Chu Yitong couldn’t help but chuckle softly. The situation seemed unfavorable for him—facing two at once, especially when they were prepared!

Unexpectedly, such a subtle laugh reached his ears. His normally indifferent eyes rippled with faint waves. Setting down his cutlery, disregarding the surprise on the faces before him, he softly called toward the empty shadows behind him, “Yiyi, come out now, don’t be naughty!”

Caught in her amusement, she froze, stunned for a long moment. He was not impatient, calling only once more before falling silent. As she hesitated, the world darkened suddenly. Looking up sharply, she found him standing before her, his head slightly bowed as he gazed at her. His eyes sparkled like stars, and the curve of his mouth betrayed his current mood.

“You…” Before she could form a word, he took her hand and led her toward the seat by the window.

After seating her, Xie Chenjing turned to the Rong siblings, a crack appearing in his usually cold expression. With a tone tinged with helplessness, he said, “Sorry, my fiancée is a bit mischievous.”

The words stunned not only the siblings but also the very person in question. Chu Yitong stared wide-eyed at him, wondering when she had become his fiancée. She didn’t even know about it. Just because she had memories of him didn’t mean she belonged to him!