Chapter Ten: About to Embarrass Himself

Very well, if not for the appearance of that man, she thought she would never have been able to face Xue Lizan’s betrayal with such composure. Since her first time had not been given to Xue Lizan, perhaps his betrayal could be taken more lightly in her heart?

How she longed for a lifetime together, two people growing old side by side. Yet now, she suddenly realized how painfully difficult that was to attain...

No one could ever understand the agony she felt when she saw those ambiguous photos before boarding the plane; even then, she had chosen to believe with the kindness remaining in her heart. Yet in Venice, when she beheld the man she had always revered as a god entwined so intimately with another woman, the icy chill that had already enveloped her body seemed to plunge her deeper into a frozen abyss...

She smiled faintly into the mirror, maintaining her composure. Good—keep it up! From this moment on, she would continue to hold her head high, astonishing all those who were waiting to see her fall.

The exhibition was not set to officially begin until half past five in the afternoon. That morning was mostly devoted to guiding honored guests on tours. Among them were even visitors from abroad, and the works of designers from several major jewelry companies were on display, promising a dazzling feast of luxury and brilliance.

Mai Xijun was one of the designers participating in this event, representing several jewelry houses. In truth, she did not wholly belong to any single company; she had only signed a one-year contract with the host, Lov. Within that year, she would collaborate with other designers to create a range of pieces, expanding and promoting the company’s jewelry. Of course, this included the current event: the auction prices achieved by her designs tonight would determine her standing in the jewelry world.

The true highlight of the evening began around seven or eight o’clock. Under the radiant exhibition lights, temptation shimmered; the opulent ceilings and intricate velvet carpets spoke of wealth and extravagance at every turn.

From afar, it seemed that every participant was accompanied by someone—everyone, that is, except her.

This event required each designer to present and interpret their own pieces, effectively serving as their own model. Had it not been for that unforeseen incident, Xue Lizan would have been at her side tonight, arm in arm. Yet now, he was escorting He Jingjing, looking as elegant and gentlemanly as ever...

He Jingjing spotted Mai Xijun at once. She walked over, eyeing Mai Xijun’s outfit critically. “Well, this dress isn’t bad—must’ve cost at least ten thousand, right?”

There was a trace of petty malice in He Jingjing’s words. Watching Xue Lizan approach them, Mai Xijun smiled slightly. “Excuse me,” she said, and stepped away.

He Jingjing’s face darkened. “Excuse me?” She said that here, in front of so many onlookers?

Mai Xijun knew He Jingjing came from a wealthy family—though just how wealthy, she was not certain. He Jingjing never wore anything under five thousand, believing anything less would diminish her worth. As for how they met, it had been pure chance.

She remembered that day, outside the office, when a man had been harassing He Jingjing. Mai Xijun recognized her as a fellow designer in the same department. Though they were not close at the time—Mai Xijun was still new to the company—out of both collegiality and her own distaste for the man’s boorishness and verbal abuse, she had stepped in to help.

From that day forward, the two had become acquainted through conflict. He Jingjing admired Mai Xijun’s skill and often pestered her to teach her a move or two.

Yet as time passed and days slipped by, the three who were once friends found themselves in their current predicament. In this drama, it was Mai Xijun who remained the most naive and sincere, still guarding her heart within her own fortress.

Images from the past flashed through her mind. Turning away, she felt a sudden weight in her step—only to realize she had inadvertently stepped on her own skirt. Her heart lurched in panic. Now, it seemed, making a fool of herself was inevitable...