Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Wen Yinong found Mo Shaoshang's reasoning unbelievable.

The jadeite necklace felt as heavy as a ton around her neck. Unwilling to give up, she still wanted to refuse, her voice carrying a faint trace of panic: "Mr. Mo, you're too kind. Such a beautiful piece of jewelry is a treasure in itself; it would look good on anyone. I really can't accept it."

Mo Shaoshang lifted his gaze from the necklace to meet the girl's clear, stubborn eyes, and said, "Precisely because it's precious enough, it qualifies as tonight's token of gratitude."

Wen Yinong was momentarily stunned, rendered speechless by his almost sophistic reasoning.

Mo Shaoshang looked at her at leisure and continued, "You did me a favor, and I give you a gift in return—it's only natural. Or does Miss Wen think my gratitude isn't worth this necklace?"

"That's not what I meant!" Wen Yinong quickly denied, her cheeks flushing slightly with fluster. "It's just... this is far too valuable..."

She had only accompanied him to a banquet, playing the role of his date for a few hours—how could that match such a priceless gift? Wasn't this a bit over the top?

Wen Yinong parted her lips to say more, but just then, designer Linda returned, holding a shoebox.

Opening it, inside was a pair of satin high heels, matching the color of her cheongsam. The design was simple, the lines elegant, with no superfluous decorations, glowing with a soft, lustrous sheen under the light.

Linda walked up to Wen Yinong with a smile and said, "Miss Wen, please have a seat. Let's try on the shoes."

Unused to being attended to, Wen Yinong instinctively reached out to take the shoes, saying, "Thank you, I can do it myself."

"This dress is very form-fitting; bending over would be inconvenient for you," Linda said, and without giving her a chance to refuse, gently grasped her arm and guided her to sit on the sofa.

Wen Yinong had no choice but to comply.

The hem of the cheongsam was lifted on one side, revealing a pair of delicate, porcelain-white feet.

Linda was about to kneel down to help Wen Yinong try on the shoes when a man's voice came from above, calm yet carrying an intangible authority: "Faccio io."

Linda paused, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself and respectfully offered the high heels.

Mo Shaoshang, his expression calm, took the shoes, bent his long leg, and knelt on one knee.

Startled by this sudden move, Wen Yinong gasped, both confused and flustered. Seeing the man lean in, she hurriedly tried to pull her foot back: "No need, Mr. Mo, I can do it myself—"

But before she could finish, a cool sensation touched her ankle as a large, well-defined hand firmly grasped it.

His slightly calloused fingertips brushed the delicate, sensitive skin of her ankle, and Wen Yinong's face flushed crimson. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, almost bursting through her ribs.

Sweat dampened her tightly clenched palms.

Embarrassed, she couldn't help but protest in a low voice: "Mr. Mo, what... what are you doing?"

Mo Shaoshang's expression remained unchanged, not even looking up as he said, "Between a man and his female companion, some necessary physical contact is inevitable. Miss Wen needs to get used to it in advance."

It was a perfectly valid, undeniable reason.

All her refusals caught in her throat, and Wen Yinong fell silent.

His movements were not at all frivolous—they were gentlemanly and gentle. But the warmth of his palm transmitted through her skin to every nerve, still making her heart race like thunder.

Wen Yinong could only press her lips together, stiffen her body, and let him personally put the high heels on her feet.

A moment later, both shoes were on.

Mo Shaoshang stood up, reverting to his usual reserved and aloof demeanor.

Wen Yinong's cheeks were still red as she stood and took a few steps to test the shoes.

The soles were soft, and although the heels were nearly seven centimeters high, the design was clearly ergonomic, not tiring for the wearer.

She lowered her eyes and whispered, "Thank you."

Mo Shaoshang watched her faintly flushed cheek, and said nothing, but extended his right hand to her.

Palm up, it was an inviting gesture.

Wen Yinong understood, took a deep breath, and gently placed her hand into his.

Their fingertips met. She trembled uncontrollably.

The next moment, the man's long, powerful fingers suddenly closed, completely enveloping her cool, small hand. He took her hand and led her from the room.

As dusk settled, the black Rolls-Royce sped smoothly along the road, silent and elegant.

*

The car was exceptionally quiet inside.

Gazing at the dazzling lights speeding backward outside the window, Wen Yinong clenched her fingers, her heart a mix of nerves and anticipation, saying nothing.

Beside her, Mo Shaoshang seemed to sense her unease, slightly turned his head, and spoke softly: "Miss Wen, don't be nervous. I've got everything handled."

For some reason, those few casual words, spoken by him, carried a strange power that was reassuring.

Wen Yinong's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and she smiled at him, nodding.

The banquet was held at the Dome Club in the city center.

*

Stepping into the venue felt like entering another world.

The soaring dome was hung with crystal chandeliers, their brilliant light scattering like golden dust. The air mingled scents of high-end perfume, cigar smoke, and fine wine. People from all walks of life mingled—men in suits and ties, exuding elegance, and women in gorgeous gowns and jewelry, radiant and dazzling. Every detail silently showcased the style and depth of high society.

Wen Yinong entered the venue on Mo Shaoshang's arm, and as soon as they appeared, they became the center of attention.

The Mo Family originated in the late 19th century, with its roots deeply embedded in the Eurasian continent. Its business empire spanned finance, energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing sectors. After four generations of stewardship, it had transcended ordinary business realms to become a colossus able to influence industry rules and international capital flows. The family had always kept a low profile, rarely appearing in public.

As the generation's only heir, Mo Shaoshang held not only a business empire but also the political and business connections and absolute authority accumulated over generations.

At this gathering of prominent figures, everyone knew one truth—there were many who follow the rules, but only one maker and overseer of the rules.

Thoughts varied among the crowd.

Meanwhile.

Originally, Wen Yinong's heart was pounding on the way there, but once she was actually in the midst of the social scene, she calmed down and came to a realization: these wealthy tycoons were from a completely different world than hers. She had no stake in their interests, didn't rely on them for a living—so why be nervous?

Except for the man beside her, she didn't have to answer to anyone.

Tonight, she only needed to play the role of "Mo Shaoshang's date" and take it in stride.

With that thought, the weight in her heart lifted. Wen Yinong suddenly felt enlightened, her back straightening unconsciously, and a composed, graceful smile appeared on her face.

In a short while, a few well-dressed men crowded around.

Among them were both Chinese and foreigners, smiling warmly as they eagerly chatted and greeted Mo Shaoshang.

Mo Shaoshang's attitude was indifferent. Wen Yinong stood quietly beside him, sipping the champagne in her hand while listening to their conversation.

From their conversation, Wen Yinong learned that these people were executives and researchers from a well-known domestic biopharmaceutical company. They had sought out Mo Shaoshang to discuss a cooperation project on a special serum.

Wen Yinong, eager to learn, concentrated on observing and listening.

Wen Yinong was already stunningly beautiful, and after being meticulously dressed, she was even more breathtakingly radiant. Many men present noticed her, their gazes lingering on her intentionally or unintentionally.

At this point, a man of Latin American descent among the group finally couldn't help but seize a gap in the conversation and ask, "Mr. Mo, forgive my boldness, but may I ask who this beautiful lady is...?"

Before Mo Shaoshang could respond, Wen Yinong smiled gracefully and introduced herself first, "Hello everyone, I am Wen Yinong, working in special education. I am a friend of Mr. Mo."

Since she was brought by Mo Shaoshang, regardless of her background or profession, the others naturally dared not show any neglect, and they all smiled and praised, "Miss Wen is truly young and promising."

The night outside grew darker.

Waves of people came to greet and toast Mo Shaoshang, one after another without end. Wen Yinong maintained a polite smile, standing by his side, with the illusion of taking an immersive social celebrity observation class.

Around nine o'clock in the evening, halfway through the banquet.

Suddenly, as if noticing something, Mo Shaoshang bent down slightly and leaned close to Wen Yinong's ear, saying, "Go ahead and get something to eat yourself. I'll excuse myself for a moment."

The distance was too close; the wisps of his breath reached her sensitive ear canal, tickling.

Wen Yinong's cheeks flushed slightly. She instinctively tilted her head away from him and nodded, "Mm, go ahead and take care of your business."

"Call me if anything comes up." "Okay."

Mo Shaoshang led Lin Ke and others to the lounge area on the other side of the banquet hall to discuss business.

Seeing this, Wen Yinong quietly exhaled and began to wander around the venue, eating and drinking leisurely.

Turning her head, she saw that next to the champagne tower was a long table laden with all kinds of delicacies.

Wen Yinong picked up a plate and began selecting food with great interest.

Before long, footsteps approached from the distance and stopped beside her.

Wen Yinong turned her head.

She saw a tall and slender figure with deep, chiseled features and slightly curly, fluffy black hair—it was the Latin American man who had been talking with Mo Shaoshang earlier.

The man held a glass of red wine, looking at her with a smile in his eyes, his attitude warm and friendly: "Miss Wen, I was in a hurry earlier and forgot to introduce myself. My name is Sebastian Lopez."

"Ah, hello, Mr. Sebastian." Wen Yinong hadn't expected this man to come over specifically to chat with her. After a few seconds of surprise, she smiled and casually praised, "Your Mandarin is very standard."

Sebastian laughed heartily, his tone a bit mischievous: "I've been in China for eight years now. Besides Mandarin, I can also speak simple Cantonese phrases."

Upon hearing this, Wen Yinong clapped her hands and graciously praised, "Impressive."

Sebastian was very interested in the Chinese girl before him. His gaze wandered over her delicate and beautiful face, and he asked, "Miss Wen, are you from Jinghai originally?"

Wen Yinong nodded and politely returned the question, "And you? Where is your hometown?"

Sebastian: "My original nationality is French. However, I really like China and am currently applying for China's permanent residence ID." At this, he sighed playfully and said mournfully, "I have to say, your Chinese 'green card' is definitely the hardest in the world to obtain. The scrutiny is heartbreakingly strict."

Wen Yinong was amused by this humorous foreigner, her eyes curving into crescents: "Then I wish you success soon."

The violin piece in the air came to a stop.

The pianist gently closed his eyes, his fingers moving slightly as he began to play the soothing "Nuvole Bianche."

Not far away.

The business partner was still speaking seriously about something.

Mo Shaoshang toyed with the crystal champagne glass, his movements casual and nonchalant. Yet his blue-black gaze passed over the crowd and fell upon the two figures by the champagne tower, his thoughts unknown.

Sebastian was well-traveled and witty, and Wen Yinong found him quite congenial to talk to.

*

Before parting, he proactively proposed exchanging contact information to facilitate future exchanges on Chinese culture.

Wen Yinong felt there was no harm in having another friend and gladly agreed.

Ding—

WeChat friend added successfully.

Sebastian felt a hint of elation, then said reluctantly, "Well, I'll be going now. It was nice meeting you, Miss Wen. Goodbye."

Wen Yinong's alcohol tolerance was already low, and after a few glasses of champagne, her head was feeling dizzy. She curved her lips, waved with a flower-like smile, and said, "Bye-bye."

Sebastian left.

After seeing off her new friend, Wen Yinong rubbed her head, turned around dizzily, and intended to find a place to sit and rest. But then her heel twisted, she lost her balance, staggered, let out a soft cry, and fell straight into a cool, firm chest.

In the blink of an eye, a scent of cedar cold fragrance enveloped her. It was suffocatingly close, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Under the influence of alcohol, Wen Yinong's consciousness was already fuzzy, but her remaining rationality told her she must pull herself together. She shook her head, struggled to stand steady, and repeatedly said, "Sorry, sorry..."

Yet the next second, her chin was gripped by two long, strong fingers, gentle yet undeniable, lifting her face.

Her misty eyes met a pair of deep, unfathomable blue-black eyes.

"..." Wen Yinong was dazed, her eyelashes fluttering twice.

Above her, Mo Shaoshang lowered his gaze, staring intently at the girl who had crashed into his arms.

She was truly beautiful.

With her drunkenness, her cheeks flushed red, and her eyes were full of enchanting charm.

After several seconds of eye contact, she seemed to finally come to her senses, looked at him, tilted her head, and said in a tone of slightly playful inquiry, "Mr. Mo?"

Mo Shaoshang then lowered his head, leaned close to her earlobe, rosy from the alcohol, and said in a low voice only she could hear, "Latin men are very passionate. Aren't they, Wen Yinong?"