Chapter 100: Go to Hell 5
Xia Chenge had already quietly entered the hall and found a corner where no one was paying attention, watching the protagonist of today, Ling Hanmu, make his appearance.
A perfectly tailored black handmade suit stripped him of his youthful aura, making him steady and charming, making it hard to imagine that the distinguished young master with an extraordinary temperament before them would be the Little Bully of Haicheng who would resort to violence at the slightest disagreement.
Even someone like her, who wasn’t particularly interested in handsome men, couldn’t help but look at him a few more times, marveling inwardly.
The young ladies from various families were even more smitten, their eyes full of admiration, wishing they were the light that would catch Ling Hanmu’s attention.
Ling Hanmu was like a king on high, casually surveying the surroundings, causing those young ladies to almost scream with excitement.
No one knew who Ling Hanmu’s gaze was searching for.
Xu Jingyun’s heart pounded, and she became increasingly nervous.
She longed for the Ling family to announce the marriage contract, yet feared her dream would be shattered. This feeling of anxious uncertainty was something few could understand.
Xia Minglan noticed her nervousness, quietly held her hand, and whispered, “Darling, don’t worry, everything will be as you wish.”
“Mm,” Xu Jingyun replied, looking at the distinguished and imposing Ling Hanmu, her admiration for him undisguised.
Soon, she would have the identity of Ling Hanmu’s fiancée, and from then on, this handsome man would be hers.
As Ling Hanmu and the Ling family arrived in the hall, the Master of Ceremonies began to host. The guests put down their wine glasses and other items, focusing their attention forward, waiting for Ling Hanmu’s father, Ling Zhongjing, to speak.
Xia Chenge wasn’t fond of such scenes; she wouldn’t have come if it weren’t to avenge the original owner.
For her, the food at the banquet was more appealing than the host’s speech.
While others were listening, she quietly ate, paying no mind to what was being said.
“Thank you all for gracing my humble abode today and attending my son’s eighteenth birthday banquet…” Ling Zhongjing’s deep, resonant voice made Xia Chenge look up slightly.
Ling Zhongjing was currently the Chairman of Tiansheng Group and could wield considerable influence in Country A. He was usually low-key and rarely appeared in the media, so this was Xia Chenge’s first time seeing Ling Zhongjing.
“So parents can be this good-looking. No wonder Ling Hanmu has such a face that can bring down nations,” Xia Chenge muttered. “He’s truly favored by heaven, having everything he desires.”
Ling Zhongjing was over forty years old, but he still looked handsome, possessing the charm of a mature man.
“Today, besides announcing Ling Hanmu as the successor to Tiansheng Group, there is another more important matter to announce, which is also a joyous occasion for our Ling family.” Xia Chenge, who had been spacing out, suddenly heard this and looked up sharply at Ling Zhongjing again.
At this moment, the hall erupted in an uproar, countless girlish hearts shattered. As if by unspoken agreement, everyone made way for Xu Jingyun to step forward.
Xu Jingyun was overcome with emotion, a mixture of joy and nervousness, her heart beating so fast it felt like it would leap out of her chest.
Everyone’s mood was complex. Honestly, which prominent family wouldn’t want a strong alliance with the Ling family? They educated their daughters with the best to hope that one day they would be noticed by the Ling family, elevating their entire clan.
But who would have thought they would be outmaneuvered by the unremarkable Xu family? And to put it bluntly, none of the young ladies from Haicheng could compare to Xu Jingyun. How could anyone be content with someone like her becoming Ling Hanmu’s fiancée? However, since the matter was settled, they could only offer their insincere congratulations.
“Director Ling, are you going to announce Young Master Ling’s marriage?”
“The marriage between the Ling family and the Xu family is a strong alliance; it will lead to even greater economic development in our Country A.”
“Director Ling, President Xu, congratulations in advance!”
…
Some people, eager to curry favor, couldn’t wait to offer their congratulations before Ling Zhongjing could even announce it. This made Xu Jingyi beam with joy, and he repeatedly acknowledged them.
Xu Jingyi walked to Xu Jingyun’s side. Xu Jingyun, understanding, linked her arm with his and, under the envious gazes of the crowd, swaggered forward.
Xu Jingyi was also confident that this matter was settled. After all, he had privately spoken to Ling Zhongjing, mentioning that Xu Jingyun had saved Ling Hanmu. Ling Zhongjing had been shocked and grateful at the time, and was pleased with the prospect of Ling Hanmu and Xu Jingyun’s engagement.
Xia Chenge stared intently at the shameless father and daughter, a cold smile deepening in her eyes: “So impatient. They must snatch things that don’t belong to them from others. Do they really think everything in this world can be had or taken just because they want it?”
“Is there some misunderstanding?” At this moment, Ling Zhongjing’s astonished voice rang out.
The guests were taken aback.
Xu Jingyi and Xu Jingyun’s steps also halted, their smiles freezing on their faces.
Xia Chenge, who was about to speak, also froze at the sound.
“The rumors outside are not to be believed; everyone need not take them to heart,” Ling Zhongjing continued. “However, as you have all guessed, we are indeed announcing my son’s marriage. This engagement was arranged by his grandfather, to be revealed after he came of age.”
Xu Jingyi and his daughter breathed a sigh of relief, mistaking Ling Zhongjing’s mention of a misunderstanding to be about the cooperation between the two families.
“Director Ling, please don’t keep us in suspense. We all want to know which young lady is in love with Young Master Ling.”
“At this point, Director Ling is still playing coy?”
“Announce it quickly. Perhaps Young Master Ling has also been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
…
Xu Jingyun lowered her head slightly, secretly delighted.
She had indeed waited for this moment for a long time, and soon she would be able to step on Xia Chenge.
Xia Chenge, you will ultimately only be my stepping stone. What right do you have to compare yourself to me or fight me?
“Xiao Mu, go and invite your fiancée up,” Ling Zhongjing said, ignoring the guests’ urging and handing the initiative to Ling Hanmu.
Ling Hanmu’s stern face instantly softened, his eyes filled with a smile.
He strode forward, heading directly towards Xu Jingyun.
Xu Jingyun and her father became the focus of attention and the objects of envy.
Xu Jingyi was beaming, his back straight, anticipating the peak of his life.
Xu Jingyun, on the other hand, looked shy and demure, timidly waiting for Ling Hanmu to take her hand. She thought, Ling Hanmu’s hands must be so big and warm.
Ling Hanmu soon reached Xu Jingyun. Xu Jingyun took a deep breath, looked up, and extended her hands towards Ling Hanmu, waiting for him to take them.
However, Ling Hanmu, still smiling, walked straight past her as if he hadn’t seen her.
Xu Jingyun’s hands froze in mid-air, her face flushing as if on fire. Her enthusiasm was doused by a bucket of cold water, chilling her to the bone. Her mind went blank, and she was utterly stunned.
Seeing this, the guests stared blankly in the direction Ling Hanmu was walking. For a moment, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Wasn’t Young Master Ling’s fiancée Xu Jingyun? Why was he walking towards the corner?
Wait, isn’t Xia Chenge the only one over there?
The guests were immediately shocked by the thought that flashed through their minds: Was Xia Chenge Ling Hanmu’s fiancée?
Xia Chenge, who was secretly eating and immersed in her world of delicious food, finally sensed that something was amiss. She instinctively looked up and met Ling Hanmu’s intense gaze.
I’ll try to update another chapter later, muah, won’t you give me some recommendation votes?
