Among the attendees at the evening gala were either the top executives or their immediate deputies, along with a gathering of elegant socialites. Han Qian had always been puzzled by what exactly these "debutantes" did. He had once asked Wen Nuan, who merely shrugged and replied vaguely, saying she only knew they were attractive and well-received in high society.
Yan Qingqing was mingling warmly with acquaintances, her laughter bright and carefree. Han Qian, standing in a secluded corner, looked out of place. A few women approached to greet him, but upon learning that he wasn't even a basic-level manager, they soon excused themselves with polite smiles.
He was clearly not the type of prey they were seeking. Handsome men were plentiful, but the ones who combined wealth and looks were rare. Financial strength always came first—then came the face. A couple of them did, however, leave Han Qian their numbers with teasing smiles, suggesting a midnight supper.
Han Qian showed little interest; their flirtations were mere whimsy. His eyes scanned the room, seeking a different kind of opportunity, a different kind of target. Then, a figure appeared by his side: a woman in a flowing white gown, her stature graceful, holding two glasses of champagne.
"We work at the same company, Lin Zongheng and I. We can't let others think there's a rift between us, so we had no choice but to arrive in one car."
"Mm, I understand," Han Qian replied softly, taking a glass from her. That Wen Nuan had come to explain at all was already significant—such a gesture from a woman of her stature was rare. As Han Qian looked toward a few plainly dressed individuals now at the center of attention, he murmured,
"From the government?"
"The top brass," she replied.
Before Han Qian could say more, two familiar figures entered his view—elegant Lin Zongheng and fiery Yan Qingqing, arriving side by side. What were these two doing together? A thread of unease coiled in Han Qian's chest. As they drew closer, he realized they were bantering playfully along the way. Yan Qingqing joined Han Qian's side, while Lin Zongheng moved to stand beside Wen Nuan.
The four of them, striking in appearance, instantly captured the attention of the room. Some of the women who had earlier dismissed Han Qian now looked regretful. This man—how could someone with such a modest title draw the attention of CEOs from Changxiang and Rongyao?
Lin Zongheng scoffed under his breath.
"The threshold for entry is sinking fast."
Han Qian smiled, eyes narrowing.
"Indeed. Even sea turtles dine with men now."
Wen Nuan held back Lin Zongheng, who was about to react, while Yan Qingqing tugged lightly at Han Qian's sleeve, signaling him not to escalate matters. Based on what she knew of Han Qian, he was not a man who merely relied on his wit. Just then, one of the government officials waved at Lin Zongheng. Smiling faintly, he turned and said,
"Han Qian, don't tempt fate. Even if Wen Nuan tries to stop me, I'll still end you."
Han Qian paid no mind to the bluster, sipping his champagne as Lin Zongheng walked away. The corner didn't quiet down, though. Wen Nuan cast a cold glance at Yan Qingqing, deliberately straightening her back in a subtle challenge. Yan Qingqing caught the provocation, narrowed her eyes with a smirk, and said,
"How old are you, little sister? Read many books? Taken any tonics?"
"Not much. Read *The Campaign of King Wu Against Zhou* a few times. Flipped through *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio* here and there."
Oh?
Han Qian suddenly found his champagne glass uncomfortably sharp in hand. As he stepped forward to fetch another, two arms held him back, gently pressing him against the wall.
Yan Qingqing chuckled.
"Personally, I thought King Zhou wasn't all bad. He adored and doted on Daji. What does the rise or fall of empires have to do with us women? All we need is to serve our man well, don't you agree, little sister?"
"Heh. Then perhaps President Yan ought to get herself a boyfriend. Plenty of passing scholars out there. As for some people and things—if they're mine, then they're mine. You can't steal them, can't take them. Best you just admire from afar."
"I won't steal—just touch."
As she said this, her delicate fingers traced Han Qian's face, his expression frozen in disbelief. Yan Qingqing shot Wen Nuan a provocative look and added,
"Thanks for sending him to my company, sister."
Wen Nuan's eyes were blades, locked on Yan Qingqing's hand, but her lips curled into a sarcastic smile.
"Some things, once touched, are sullied. They'll need a good scrubbing—such stench."
Yan Qingqing was unfazed. Laughing coquettishly, she covered her chest with one hand.
"My steppe, my horse—I'll ride however I please."
With that, she turned her back on Wen Nuan's murderous glare and walked toward the government officials. It seemed the bidding process was about to begin. After taking a few steps, she glanced back and smiled again.
"Sister has many horses."
Yan Qingqing exited with her signature laugh.
Wen Nuan exploded. Ignoring the startled stares around them, she grabbed Han Qian by the collar and dragged him to the restroom. Han Qian felt utterly miserable—how could a pampered lady like Wen Nuan ever hope to contend with a vixen like Yan Qingqing?
She shoved him against the sink, rolled up her sleeves, and picked up a steel scrubber.
"I was going to buy you a cleansing mist. Now? Forget it. That fox's hands feel soft, huh? Enjoyable, weren't they? Let me give you a proper wash!"
Glancing between the scrubber and the detergent tossed before him, Han Qian scratched his head awkwardly.
"Isn't this a bit much...?"
"You want acid or my hands?"
"I'll wash!"
After scrubbing his face, Wen Nuan left to handle her affairs. Han Qian still felt like his face was coated in glue. Damn Yan Qingqing—she stirs the pot with Wen Nuan and *I* end up paying the price? Sighing, Han Qian stepped out for a smoke.
The bidding began. Government officials extolled how various corporations had helped develop the city, and how the government, in turn, had supported them—an emotional play to offload a political hot potato.
A few companies cautiously began naming prices. Suddenly, Yan Qingqing raised her hand.
"Four million."
Then, turning to Lin Zongheng beside her, she smiled.
"President Lin, returning from overseas—you must have grand ambitions, yes? If you offer even a single yuan more, I'll yield the land to you."
Lin Zongheng responded with a cold laugh.
"Ha. Don't assume others are fools just because you are. This land is perfect for you, President Yan. I should also congratulate Wen Nuan for securing it. Congrats! May Rongyao bleed."
"Tsk tsk, many thanks, President Lin. If I didn't know you and Han Qian were enemies, I might've suspected this was all part of his plan. But now, I'm at ease."
Yan Qingqing rose and approached the officials to discuss contract terms. Meanwhile, Lin Zongheng noticed Wen Nuan was gone. After a fruitless search, he called her. Over the line, he heard the unmistakable sound of a car door slamming.
She had gone home.
In the taxi, Han Qian sat in the front seat, Wen Nuan in the back.
"Han Qian, you must resign. That woman is dangerous."
"And you'll support me?"
"I will. Your debt? Consider it wiped."
"I'm just afraid you'll come after me with that steel scrubber again. Is that a rich lady thing?"
*Smack!*
Han Qian got slapped on the back of the head.