"…Thank you," Lian said quietly, finally breaking the magnetic gaze that held her captive.
But she barely had time to take a breath before a soft gasp escaped her lips, Yifan's hand had gently but firmly wrapped around her wrist.
"Excuse us," he said, voice cool and unreadable. He didn't wait for a reply.
Without explanation, without care for the curious stares around them, Zhao Yifan led her away through the glittering crowd, his grip warm and unyielding.
Watching this unfold, Yang Yufan's smirk slowly faded, his eyes narrowing just slightly. He took a sip of his wine, then, driven more by irritation than anything else, turned to find Meilin.
Meanwhile, the Wang siblings stood alone, now observing the dramatic exit of their friend and the ice prince.
"Big brooo," Yixi drawled, elbowing her brother.
"Mm?" Liwei replied absently, eyes still fixed on the direction the pair had vanished into.
"You better go take Lian away from Yifan before she melts," she muttered, a little too loudly, folding her arms in a huff.
Liwei turned his head to her, expression calm as always, but with a faint flicker of thought behind his eyes. Then, a sigh.
"Don't sigh at me," Yixi snapped. "I don't want any other sister-in-law. You're too lazy when it comes to emotions."
"…But Lian seems to like Yifan already, Yixi," he replied quietly, almost reluctantly.
"Then break them up!" Yixi exclaimed with no shame.
Liwei scoffed. "That's not how people work."
"you have not even tried"
He didn't answer her, only tilted his glass and stared into it, as if hoping it might hold answers better than emotions ever could.
Meanwhile.
Yifan's arms remained wrapped around her, his fingers resting cool and firm against the exposed skin of her lower back, sending shivers across her spine. The soft murmurs and clinking glasses of the banquet faded behind them. All that remained was the heat between them.
"You came," he said, voice deep, smooth, almost like a whisper against her lips.
"…Well, I was invited," Lian replied evenly, trying to stay composed despite the thunderous rhythm of her heartbeat.
Yifan's eyes squinted slightly, dark gaze narrowing as he leaned in, his breath brushing over her cheek. "Lian…" His voice was low, slow, velvet. "Can I kiss you?"
She didn't flinch. Didn't blush. She just stared into his eyes, something unreadable flashing in hers. "…Yes."
His breath caught for a second, just a flicker of surprise at her permission, but it was all he needed. His hand slid up her spine, firm and slow, fingers splaying gently across her bare back, pulling her closer until there was no space between them.
Then his lips captured hers.
It was nothing like the kiss the last time. This was slower, deeper, laced with a hunger he hadn't shown her before. His lips moved with a gentle dominance, tilting her head as his tongue brushed softly against hers, coaxing, tasting. One of his hands slid up, threading into her hair, angling her face as the kiss deepened. His other hand held her tight at the waist, not allowing distance.
Lian responded, softly at first, lips parting to match his rhythm, then melting into it, caught in the warmth and intensity of his touch. Her fingers curled into the lapel of his suit, grounding herself, a soft gasp slipping between their lips as he took the kiss a little deeper.
When he finally pulled away, lips barely brushing hers, his eyes searched hers.
"I'm not letting go of you again, Lian," Yifan said, his voice low, steady, etched with a promise he had never dared to make before.
Lian looked up at him, eyes glimmering with unshed emotions. Then softly, she leaned forward, resting her head on his chest. The scent of him, clean, expensive, familiar, filled her lungs. Her words came like a whisper. "…Make me happy this time."
For a moment, Yifan didn't move. He stood frozen, stunned by the vulnerability in her voice. Then slowly, almost reverently, his arms came around her, holding her close.
A wide smile stretched across his lips, rare and utterly genuine. "Sure," he said, barely above a whisper, his voice filled with warmth.
Then, like something out of a forgotten dream, he took a step back, never letting go of her hand. His other hand went to the small of her back, and he leaned down just a little.
"Can I have this dance?"
Lian looked up, eyes slightly wide, lips parted. She nodded.
The music in the banquet hall swelled, a soft classical melody floating through the air. Under the glittering chandeliers and the subtle hum of whispered gossip and clinking glasses, the crowd quietly made way as the ice-cold CEO Zhao Yifan took a woman into his arms and began to dance with the gentleness of a man holding the very thing he never thought he'd have again.
Everyone watched in stunned awe as the two danced. Zhao Yifan, the untouchable CEO of Zhaoyi Holdings, and a mystery woman no one could quite place, moving as if they were the only souls in the grand hall. There was something magnetic, something fragile and beautiful in the way they held each other, like years of pain had been momentarily lifted, replaced by the comfort of familiarity and silent forgiveness.
When the music faded, Yifan leaned in and whispered, "Wait here for me. I'll be back soon."
Li Lian gave a small nod, her eyes watching him, reluctant to break the moment, even if for a second.
He kissed her knuckles lightly before letting go and turned, walking toward the stage. The crowd instinctively parted for him, and the spotlight followed. He climbed the stairs to the platform with the grace and poise of someone born to command attention.
As he reached the center, the entire banquet hall quieted. The light bathed him in a cool glow, his tailored black suit sharp against the gold of the chandeliers. His face was unreadable, stoic, composed, but those closest to him saw it. His eyes flicked once, unmistakably, toward the far end of the hall, where she stood.
He took the mic, and the silence became expectant.
"Good evening, esteemed guests, partners, friends... and family."
His voice rang clear...cool, calm, powerful.
"Tonight isn't just a celebration of legacy. It's a turning point, a welcoming, not only into leadership but into responsibility. Zhaoyi Holdings stands today not because of one man, but because of many, my father, Zhao Jingyuan, whose vision shaped the foundation; my mother, Qin Lihua, whose wisdom sharpened it; and every employee and partner who contributed sweat and brilliance."
He paused, the crowd listening intently.
"I was born into this empire. But I do not take it for granted. I've made mistakes. I've lost... and I've learned. Taking the reins now is not about titles or privilege, it's about purpose."
Another pause.
"From today, I vow to steer this empire not with arrogance, but with clarity and intent. To preserve its legacy, but more importantly, to redefine it. To those who believe power is cold, distant, untouchable, watch me prove it can be human."
He glanced again, this time more boldly, at Lian.
"Thank you for believing in me. I promise not to let you down."
The hall erupted into applause. But for Zhao Yifan, the only thing that mattered was the look in her eyes, the quiet way she smiled, just barely, like she'd heard the part of the speech no one else did.