Chương 16: Taking Advantage
Bo Qiang and Lina sat in silence as the car glided through the streets, each lost in their own thoughts. The atmosphere between them was thick with unspoken words, but neither made any attempt to break it. When they finally arrived at the venue, Bo Qiang was the first to step out. He walked around to Lina's side of the car and, like a gentleman, opened the door for her, offering his hand. Lina glanced up at him, smiling softly, and took his hand as she stepped out. She moved gracefully, but Bo Qiang could tell from the slight tension in her grip that she was nervous.
He leaned in close, his lips almost brushing her ear as he whispered, "Are you nervous?"
Lina turned her head instinctively, her lips unintentionally grazing his nose as she answered, "A little." Her voice was soft, but steady. She was so caught up in the moment, she didn't even realize what had happened. Bo Qiang, on the other hand, felt a jolt from the accidental touch. His heart skipped a beat, thudding harder in his chest, but he masked his reaction, pretending nothing was amiss.
As they approached the entrance of the party, a staff member stood before them, offering an array of elegant masks. Lina hesitated, unsure of which one to choose. She turned to Bo Qiang, her brow slightly furrowed, and asked, "Which one do you think would look best?"
Bo Qiang scanned the masks briefly, but his gaze quickly shifted back to her. "We don't need those," he said casually. "Only certain people will be wearing them." Without another word, he wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her towards the entrance, pulling her closer than necessary.
Lina followed him, somewhat bewildered but trusting. What she didn't realize was that the masks were more than just an accessory for the evening. They were a discreet signal—most of the women wearing them were the mistresses of wealthy businessmen attending the event. Bo Qiang wasn't about to let Lina be mistaken for one of them.
As soon as they stepped inside, all eyes seemed to fall on them. Bo Qiang was, after all, one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. His presence always drew attention, and tonight was no different. People whispered and stared, trying to gauge who Lina was and what her relationship with him might be.
Among the crowd, Mrs. Xiuying noticed their arrival. She wasted no time approaching them, her expression both welcoming and calculating. "Bo Qiang, welcome," she said in a smooth tone, her eyes flickering with recognition as she looked him up and down. But her gaze hardened the moment it landed on Lina, who stood confidently at his side without a mask. Mrs. Xiuying's distaste was evident as she asked, "And who is this accompanying you?"
Inside, she fumed. "Who is this girl with Bo Qiang, my future son-in-law?" she thought bitterly.
Bo Qiang's demeanor shifted the moment Mrs. Xiuying addressed them. The relaxed, almost playful man Lina had just been with moments ago became someone colder, more distant. His expression hardened as he greeted Mrs. Xiuying with a formal nod. "Hello, Mrs. Xiuying. This is Lina," he said simply, his tone neutral.
He didn't introduce Lina as his sister, and he wasn't quite sure why. The words just didn't seem to fit.
Lina, however, didn't seem bothered by it. They weren't really siblings, after all, and she didn't need the title to define their relationship. Still, she couldn't help but notice the judgment in Mrs. Xiuying's eyes and thought, "What's her problem?"
Mrs. Xiuying's smile faltered, clearly displeased by Bo Qiang's lack of formality, but she recovered quickly. "My daughter, Fen Chu, has been waiting for you," she said, her tone laced with subtle provocation as her gaze darted once more to Lina.
Lina caught the pointed look and, for a brief second, a smirk played at the corner of her lips. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. "Now I get it," she thought. She had changed so much over the past two years, no longer the shy, timid girl she once was. There was a certain thrill in this new confidence she carried.
Taking advantage of Bo Qiang's choice not to introduce her as his sister, Lina slid her hand into his, holding it gently but firmly. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she looked up at him and said in a sweet, almost innocent voice, "Bo Qiang, I'm hungry. Can we go to the buffet?"
Bo Qiang blinked, slightly surprised by her sudden display of affection. The feeling of her small hand in his sent another wave of warmth through him, and without a second thought, he nodded, his voice softening as he replied, "Let's go."
He turned away from Mrs. Xiuying without so much as a glance, focusing solely on Lina. Together, they walked away, leaving Mrs. Xiuying standing there, speechless. Lina threw her a mocking smile over her shoulder, savoring the look of disbelief on her face as they made their way into the heart of the party.
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