Wei Hongmian carried herself in an elegant manner. She was a dignified and beautiful woman. As this was her home, she had the upper hand here. Evidently, she stood out from the crowd.

Previously, she was a well-known but cold beauty in the socialite circle. The other socialites noticed that she had humbled herself as she came over to speak with Shao Yibai. The man was perpetually courteous toward her. When the crowd saw that he never rejected her advances, they instantly felt hopeless.

Those two families would surely be joined soon!

Shao Yibai’s smile was bewitching. His excellent upbringing allowed him to remain polite and poised before Wei Hongmian.

However, Wei Hongmian could sense that Shao Yibai was keeping a distance between them.

The Wei Family’s wealth was impressive, but that was not the only thing that everyone envied. Wei Hongmian was also a charming individual in the Capital City’s social circles.

She was used to men who were madly infatuated with her as the young men of the aristocratic families were always pursuing her. When she saw Shao Yibai, she felt that she was wasting her talents on a person who could not appreciate them.

“Yibai, a banquet will be held tonight a little while after the event ends. Why don’t you stay and attend the banquet with me later? Coincidentally, my father said that he wanted to talk to you because he hasn’t seen you in a long time.”

As Shao Yibai’s attitude was remarkably indifferent and modest, Wei Hongmian had no choice but to take the initiative to get what she wanted.

She could not figure out what had happened. She had only seen him for several minutes, but her heart was suddenly filled with restlessness despite having been undisturbed for a long time. She abandoned her self-restraint and shyness. She used her father’s reputation because she wanted Shao Yibai to be closer to her.

An alluring smile appeared on Shao Yibai’s face. He shot a glance at Lady Jiao and Yang Fan who were nearby. When he remembered that those two women were always on the lookout for power, he realized that he had fallen into their trap today.

It would be fine if they were just going to have dinner.

Was the Wei Family going to chew him out if things did not work out as planned?

“Alright, thank you for giving me this special treatment. It’s true that I haven’t seen Uncle Wei in a long time. I was thinking of speaking to him too.”

Wei Hongmian openly sighed in relief. Her smile was still apparent when she spoke to Shao Yibai about her daily life.

Shao Yibai had studied in a military school and grew up in a military camp. Due to his circumstances, he was not used to striking up conversations with beautiful women.

However, an intelligent person like Wei Hongmian was unlike the average woman. A sociable woman like her could always find topics to overcome awkward situations. They spoke about the military because she was very knowledgeable about the subject. Although she had never enlisted in the army, she was well-versed in historical military affairs.

She had a melodious voice that was both gentle and resounding. Burning passion seeped through her gentle gaze when she spoke to Shao Yibai. The man had a whole new level of respect for her.

There were numerous beautiful women and no lack of intelligent ones. However, it was truly rare to find one who was both gorgeous and wise.

Most women discussed military affairs the same way they viewed soccer matches. In most situations, they ignored the skills and battle tactics as they were only concerned with looking at the handsome men…

Wei Hongmian was different because she had numerous unique opinions on military affairs. Perhaps she could not escape from her family’s influence.

There was no doubt that the people who chatted with her would feel extremely delighted.

…

Time passed in the blink of an eye. After they chatted for some time, the people from the auction house came over to briefly appraise the items. They announced the items that they had received while informing them of their estimated prices at the same time. Wei Hongmian went to greet the people who were in charge as she was one of the organizers.

The auction event would be held three days later. The Wei Family brought 28 valuable items to be auctioned off for charity this time. Aside from antique jade articles and other similar items, there were also several prized literary works, paintings, and some precious objects that the old chief’s ancestors had left behind. They were previously used to reward illustrious families for their military achievements.

The staff sorted the items while they briefly presented them to guests and informed them of their evaluations.

The guests who attended tonight’s banquet would contribute one or two valuable items. Obviously, as they were the organizers, the Wei Family would contribute the most items.

Once these items were sold at the auction, the money that they earned would be donated to charity.

This was not a new idea. There were many other individuals in their group who needed to do such things to gain the prestige necessary to join the high-class ladies’ socialite circle.

Nonetheless, she had earnestly brought out 28 valuable items for this auction. There were a few treasures among them as well. These superior objects had been scattered overseas, and she had obtained them from her foreign friends while she was studying abroad. She had spent a lot of money to purchase these items in the past, but she was donating all of them now. Everyone truly admired Wei Hongmian’s patriotic sentiments.

Shao Yibai observed the exhibits in the display counter. There was an antique pistol that he really liked.

That item was used as an exhibit because it was a discarded weapon that could no longer be used. However, he could tell with a single look that the gun’s previous owner had loved it dearly.

The pistol’s grip was so worn down that it was clearly shining. It gave off a dull light. Shao Yibai could not resist things like this.

Once Wei Hongmian had finished speaking to the workers at the auction, she came over and stood beside Shao Yibai. She followed his gaze and noticed that he was staring blankly at an antique gun. Instantly, she understood his thoughts.

A little while later, the bodyguards in her house received an order to come over with a jewelry box. Wei Hongmian took it from them before she turned to the auction staff and quietly said, “I’m sorry, I accidentally brought the wrong item when we were preparing the inventory earlier. Please exchange this jade bracelet for that pistol.”

The Wei Family was the host of this event. Moreover, while the pistol was a valuable antique, its market value was clearly lower than the jade bracelet’s.

The staff evaluated the items again and recorded everything before he passed the pistol to Wei Hongmian.

When the banquet began, Wei Hongsheng took his bodyguards and servants to greet the guests who had arrived. Meanwhile, Wei Hongmian and her mother took Jiao Shuzhen and Shao Yibai to the back hall.

The Wei Family’s home was decorated in a simple but stylish manner. Their furniture and decorations were mainly crafted from mahogany. The charm of the past still lingered here. They reached the back hall once they had passed through the central room.

Wei Hongmian was the most important individual of today’s event. Chief Wei had yet to personally appear as he believed that his daughter was capable enough. Instead, he rested in the back hall.

Chief Wei had his first child when he was much younger. Later, he was injured during training while attempting to save someone else. Due to his disability, the government gave him special treatment. He was much older when he once again was blessed with children. Wei Hongmian and her brother were a pair of twins that were born to him when he was almost 40 years old. Naturally, he loved them even more.

Old Master Wei had retired, but his body was almost the same as when he was still actively serving in the military. He was lively and cheerful while his voice was sonorous. The Old Master was extremely pleased when he saw Shao Yibai.

His whole family was seated here. When the Old Master heard that Shao Yibai had encountered danger when he ambushed a group of drug dealers in Yun Nan, the old man could not help but praise the young man. “It’s the duty of brave men like you to protect your country. You’ll be a good husband once our families are joined in the future. I don’t have to worry about handing Hongmian over to you.”

Shao Yibai, “…”

When had he agreed to be with Hongmian?

Shao Yibai’s expression changed faintly. His gaze shifted toward Jiao Shuzhen, but the woman quickly shot him a glance that instructed him to keep quiet.

To the side, Wei Hongmian’s cheeks instantly reddened. Having spent so much time in the military camp, her father was an unceasingly blunt person.

Yang Fan hurriedly changed the subject when she heard that her husband had said these things without holding back. “We should let the children decide on their own matters. You shouldn’t pressure them!”

When he was younger, Chief Wei risked his life for his impressive military achievements. Once he had obtained a high position, he became used to giving orders. His heart grew upset when he noticed that his wife held a different opinion from him now.

“Strong men of character should always avoid beating around the bush. We should be direct when we have something to say. These are my children. Why should I refrain from voicing my opinions? I’m not holding a meeting with my political party.” The old chief glanced at Shao Yibai. Suddenly, he asked, “Yibai, I’m going to ask you something. What do you think of Hongmian?”

Shao Yibai, “…”

He wondered how he had stumbled into this dangerous situation…

“Uncle, Big Sister Hongmian is an outstanding individual. Ever since I was little, my mother has always referred to her as an example of an excellent person.”

Shao Yibai shot a glance at Jiao Shuzhen when he said this. Jiao Shuzhen had no idea what her son was going to say after this, but she was too afraid to interrupt when the old chief was here. In the past, their families had been extremely close, but this little brat was about to cause trouble and ruin everything.

She used her gaze to give her son a warning.

On the sidelines, Wei Hongmian was already feeling embarrassed and awkward. She turned to her father and whispered, “Father, you said that we were just going to have a simple meal. Why are you saying these things…”

The old chief smiled and briefly comforted his daughter. “It’s normal for me to be worried about you because you’re my only daughter. Neither of my two sons could compare to you.”

As he said this, he turned back and patted Shao Yibai’s shoulder. “Yibai, let me ask you something else. Since you think that Hongmian is a decent person, what would you think if I gave her to you in the future?”

Huh?

Was he really trying to force this?

Shao Yibai kept mum for some time. His handsome face showed no signs of emotions while his gaze was quiet but dark. The man raised his wine glass and gently said, “Uncle Wei, I’ll raise this glass to show my respect toward you.”

Upon saying this, Shao Yibai finished his drink first to show his respect.

Once he had drunk everything, he lifted his wine glass with both hands toward Chief Wei. The Old Master drained his glass in one gulp as well.

Shao Yibai could tell that the old chief was still in a good mood. He was worried that there would be more trouble in the future if he did not explain everything clearly.

The old chief was right. Honorable men should never beat around the bush.

“Uncle Wei, Hongmian is a wonderful girl, but I can’t accept your offer!” Shao Yibai glanced at Wei Hongmian when he finished speaking. The woman’s face had instantly turned pale and she seemed to be in low spirits.

Jiao Shuzhen was next to them. Her heart was filled with uneasiness when she heard this. She had warned the little brat beforehand, but he stubbornly refused to obey her. Jiao Shuzhen was about to speak before the old chief’s expression unexpectedly darkened. He waved his large hand and signalled her to remain seated.

“Yibai, please go on.” The old chief still seemed kind. He did not get angry simply because Shao Yibai told him the truth.

“I’m already in love with another woman!” Shao Yibai took a deep breath before he smiled. He quietly said, “I vowed to marry her during our risky expedition in Yun Nan. I told her that I loved her. I even stood under the starry sky and swore to the mountains and rivers that I’d be faithful to her to the end!”

When Jiao Shuzhen heard this, she was so angry that she nearly rolled her eyes. That foolish boy…

Wei Hongmian’s fingers trembled faintly when she placed them on her skirt. Her eyes were red, but she gently smiled and said, “Yibai, I bet that she’s very talented…”

The smile on the corners of Shao Yibai’s lips grew more apparent when he looked at Wei Hongmian. “She’s terrible at housework and she’s a hopeless orphan who doesn’t have a family. She has been suffering in the mountains ever since she was little because she never received any education. She’s rather stupid. She was kidnapped and sold by human traffickers twice because she’s too trusting!”

When he thought of that woman, he realized that she did not mean it when she insisted that she would not trust anyone ever again. Whenever someone in the army was nice to her, she would help them fold their blankets, wash their socks, buy food, and run errands for them. Shao Yibai nearly laughed when he recalled how she was always enthusiastic.

She was really stupid!

“Well… She must be very beautiful…” Wei Hongmian felt like she was going to suffocate. The woman that Shao Yibai described could not rival her in any sense. Why did he like her? What was so great about her?

“She’s very ugly. When she first entered the military camp, we couldn’t tell that she was actually a woman dressed as a man!” Shao Yibai laughed mischievously.

Su Qingcheng loudly sneezed several times in the nearby police academy.

‘Who is talking about me behind my back?’

The woman rubbed her nose while her pitch-black eyes watered. She realized that Shao Yibai had not visited her in a long time. She really missed him…

Chief Wei remained silent throughout. When he noticed that the rims of his daughter’s eyes had turned redder, he knew that the proud girl had already developed feelings for this man. The old chief sighed. “What do you like about this girl?”

Shao Yibai was dumbfounded. What did he like about Su Qingcheng?

Who knew?

She would frequently jump on his back and act like a spoiled, shameless child without feeling embarrassed at all.

Snot would drip down her nose when she cried and called him a devil during their training sessions. However, he never found her annoying for that.

She would get so exhausted that her legs quivered and felt numb while her back hurt. Nonetheless, she was still adorable when she insisted on helping him with the chores when they returned to the military camp.

She looked dazed but endearing when they laid on the sloping fields and she said, “There aren’t any stars.” She unintentionally made him repeat his promise because she was worried that it would not come true. She was truly silly but cute…

Her outlook on life and her inherent qualities were extremely naive, but she did not know how stupid she appeared. Sometimes, she was terribly pleased with herself when she played clever tricks…

“Uncle Wei, I love her, and I believe that we’re destined to be together. I know that she has no redeeming qualities, but what will happen to her in the future if I don’t marry her? I’ve already promised that I would take care of her for her entire life!”

Shao Yibai spoke earnestly. He turned to Wei Hongmian and quietly said, “Hongmian is different. She’s extremely talented and highly educated. Moreover, she comes from a good family and she’s gorgeous. It seems like she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Even if she doesn’t end up with me, she’ll still be the most sought after individual in all the social circles of the Capital City.”

Chief Wei sighed when he heard this. In a deep voice, he said, “A gentleman and a man of character must never take his promises lightly. Young man, I liked you and I thought that it would be wonderful if we could be in-laws. Unfortunately, fate had other plans for us. Hongmian, Yibai is right. Life has many other choices in store for you. You shouldn’t fight about this. You should just continue treating each other like siblings in the future.”

Wei Hongmian looked terribly pale.

She had always vied for first place ever since she was young. Regardless of the circumstances, she would never settle for second best. She had never failed to get what she wanted.

This was a significant event in her life. It was the first time that she had fallen in love with a man at first sight. Unfortunately, the other party told her that he was in love with another woman. One who was her exact opposite. In spite of that, he still liked that woman…

This was ridiculous!

Wei Hongmian took a deep breath and steadied her nerves. Smiling, she said, “Don’t worry, father. I know what to do.”

To the side, Yang Fan had grown incredibly upset much earlier. However, she kept mum to avoid hurting other people’s feelings. When she noticed her daughter’s stance on the matter, she knew deep in her heart that the girl would not just let this matter go. Perhaps initially, she was only slightly interested in Shao Yibai, but she was certainly determined to win him over now.

A family feud had occurred!

Dinner turned into an unhappy event. After the meal, Jiao Shuzhen lowered her head defeatedly. She was about to leave with her son, but Wei Hongmian unexpectedly appeared and caught up to them.

“Aunty, you can leave first. I have something to say to Yibai.” Wei Hongmian dismissed Jiao Shuzhen.

Jiao Shuzhen thought to herself, ‘If my son lets such a perfect girl go just so he can marry a second-rate harlot, I’m going to break his legs!’

Shao Yibai noticed the threatening look in his mother’s eyes. He smiled but remained silent.

When Jiao Shuzhen left, Wei Hongmian glanced at Shao Yibai. The man’s handsome face was faintly tinged with a sinister aura. However, this was incredibly dazzling to her.

Wei Hongmian took the antique gun out of her bag and gave it to Shao Yibai. The woman’s voice was clear and there was a faint smile on her face. “Yibai, this is for you.”

Shao Yibai was stunned, but he did not hide his delight. He accepted the gift without holding himself back. “Thank you.”