Volume One, Chapter 28: Wild Abandon

The idle chatter of those nearby instantly caught the attention of the Gu family. Gu Zhiming and Yan Yan exchanged glances, both incredulous. How could it be possible? Ever since the bidding conference, Lu Wenzhou had vanished as if into thin air. Not only did he have no ties whatsoever to the Lin family, there had never been any prior contact. Even when the Gu family hosted banquets, at most, one might catch a glimpse of Gu Huaixu’s young aunt. The Lu family of the capital stood at the very pinnacle of the social pyramid. For the Lin family to invite the crown prince of the capital’s elite to grace their event? Utter fantasy. The couple silently concluded it was nothing but the Lin family’s publicity stunt—taking advantage of their recent acquisition of the prime land to stoke excitement and manufacture buzz.

The guests were abuzz, each with their own opinions, secretly waiting in anticipation. Yet amidst the crowd stood Jiang Wan. Though she had not gone out of her way to dress up, her natural beauty was impossible to ignore. Today, she wore a pale blue halter-neck gown. Her long, wavy hair was elegantly pinned up, revealing her defined shoulders and neck. Under the lights, the outer layer of tulle shimmered, making her skin appear snow-white and delicate. She resembled a mermaid from the depths of the sea—breathtakingly beautiful.

She was long accustomed to the attention of others, but the guests’ speculation made her want to withdraw. Others might not know of the connection between Lu Wenzhou and the Lin family, but she did. Most likely, he really would appear. At this thought, a nameless anger welled up in Jiang Wan’s heart. Every time she crossed paths with him, nothing good came of it. Her eyes lowered, her interest clearly waning.

“Husband, I’m going to get something to eat,” she whispered softly to Gu Huaixu, slipping her arm from his and moving aside. The buffet was already laid out with an array of delicacies. Jiang Wan took a plate, lingering indecisively at the dessert table. She was stalling for time, seizing the chance to escape the crowd.

But behind her, an acerbic female voice intruded uninvited. “Jiang Wan?” At the sound of Lin Luoyao’s voice, Jiang Wan immediately closed her eyes with irritation. Before coming to the banquet, she had already anticipated that Lin Luoyao would not let her off easily—another inevitable round of sparring.

“So, you shamelessly show up at the banquet, but don’t have the decency to agree, is that it?” Lin Luoyao’s tone shifted to one of smugness as she strode to Jiang Wan’s side. “Or is it that the Lin family’s big win was so deafening that it’s left you unable to hear anything at all?” Lin Luoyao appeared within her line of sight, her red gown dazzling and flamboyant, an air of arrogance boldly written across her face.

Seeing Jiang Wan ignore her, Lin Luoyao gave a mocking laugh, twirling the wine glass in her hand with relish. “You do realize you’re finished, don’t you?” she emphasized the word “you,” her expression brimming with glee at another’s misfortune. “One of you thought marrying into the Gu family would change her fate, only to bring disaster—no sooner had you entered the door than the Gu family lost out on such a golden opportunity. The other thought she could coast through life on her charms, but alas... My cousin has returned, and her good days are over.” With a meaningful look, Lin Luoyao took a sip from her glass. “I’m just waiting to see when both your families cast you out, and when you’re left on the streets, I might just take pity and toss you a few coins.”

The more she spoke, the more animated she became, her eyes shining as though she could already see their imminent downfall. Jiang Wan shot her a sideways glance, her beautiful eyes sharp and glinting with cold light. Her gaze swept over Lin Luoyao’s cheek. “Already forgotten the pain before the scar’s even healed?” Jiang Wan’s reminder was frosty and cutting, her aura so imposing that Lin Luoyao unconsciously faltered. Only when she realized she had retreated did Lin Luoyao grit her teeth and straighten her back, glaring at Jiang Wan.

“How dare you bring that up! It was all because of you!” Emboldened by the Lin family’s position as hosts tonight, Lin Luoyao’s arrogance was on full display. “If you dare disrespect me again, do you believe I won’t ruin your face?” She gestured threateningly with her wine glass, reminding Jiang Wan that it had once been a glass bottle that had cut her cheek.

Lin Luoyao was certain Jiang Wan would cower, that at least tonight she would be forced to keep her head down. But Jiang Wan took a step forward. “Very well.” She agreed, drawing close with a faint, meaningful smile on her lips. “Go ahead and try it.”

The vibrant beauty of her face, coupled with her unflinching tone, made Lin Luoyao flush with anger. “You think I won’t dare?” Lin Luoyao raised her hand, poised to teach this insolent woman a lesson.

But as soon as she moved, Jiang Wan did not shy away. Instead, she leaned into Lin Luoyao. As Lin Luoyao fell, the tablecloth was pulled down, sending pastries and dinnerware crashing to the floor. The chaotic scene and sudden clatter drew the attention of everyone in the banquet hall. Jiang Wan sat on the floor, her gown in complete disarray. Lin Luoyao stood frozen in shock.

Before she could react, Lin Hongguang’s stern voice rang out from the entrance. “Yaoyao, what are you doing?” Lin Luoyao followed the voice to see Lin Hongguang entering with Ji Jiali and Lin Zhi in tow. They had just arrived and witnessed the entire scene.

“I... you... she...” The suddenness of the event had left Lin Luoyao’s mind blank, rendering her unable to explain. “Dear!” Gu Huaixu pushed through the crowd and hurried to Jiang Wan, helping her up while rebuking Lin Luoyao with displeasure, “Lin Luoyao, what’s wrong with you? You’re old enough to know what’s appropriate and what isn’t, aren’t you?” As he spoke, he tried to brush the dirt from Jiang Wan’s gown.

“Husband, let it go…” Jiang Wan gently took his hand, lowering her gaze. “Miss Lin clearly has a grievance against me. If this helps ease her dissatisfaction, let her be.”

Gu Huaixu was about to reply when Lin Luoyao snapped out of her daze. “Jiang Wan, you did that on purpose!” she shouted, pointing accusingly at Jiang Wan, her voice shrill with agitation. “The thief cries ‘stop thief’! Trying to frame me? I never even touched you—how is your fall my fault?”

“Miss Lin is right,” Jiang Wan followed her lead, her tone still meek and gentle. “I fell on my own. It has nothing to do with Miss Lin.”

“You…” Lin Luoyao, unable to contain herself any longer, lunged for Jiang Wan in a fury. “Cut the act, you—!” But Gu Huaixu stepped in just in time, grabbing Lin Luoyao’s wrist. “Touch her again and see what happens.”

Not only did Gu Huaixu defend her, but Gu Zhiming and Yan Yan also came over. Even the gazes of the onlookers sided with Jiang Wan. Lin Luoyao was infamous for being spoiled and unreasonable. Everyone had seen her approach and provoke Jiang Wan just now. Her current belligerence stood in stark contrast to Jiang Wan’s gentle demeanor. Even Lin Hongguang’s eyes bore down on her, exerting silent pressure.

Lin Luoyao bit her lip in frustration, but in such a setting, she dared not cause more trouble. She could only withdraw her hand in displeasure, shooting Jiang Wan a venomous glare that promised retribution. With that, Lin Luoyao stormed off.

Only then did Gu Huaixu, struggling to contain his emotions, turn and politely greet Lin Hongguang and the others. “My apologies for spoiling everyone’s enjoyment,” Jiang Wan said, bowing her head in apology as she gathered up her soiled gown. “Please excuse me for a moment…”

Just as she was about to find a reason to leave, a slender, fair hand appeared before her. Lin Zhi handed her a room key card. “I have a spare gown in my lounge. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to change there.”