章節 83: Surprise Attack

All eyes were on her as she paraded the venue. She doesn't know whether they were checking her out or just simply amused with the number of sweets she managed to balance on her plate. Nonetheless, Hou Wei Yan didn't bother to find out what they were looking at and continued to walk gracefully until she reached their table.

Upon her arrival, her friends found themselves either shocked or about to laugh at her antics.

"Wei Wei!" Liu Shan called out in surprise while Xing Cuifen who was beside her chuckled at her elder sister's cute side.

Xu Dandan inspected her plate and felt her stomach churn at the number of sweets on her plate. "Isn't that too many sweets, Big Sister?"

They have known for a long time now that Hou Wei Yan is quite a fan of sweets but never to this extent.

She wasn't like this in the past, so what changed?

"I won't be the only one finishing it" Hou Wei Yan blurted out with a smile.

Actually, she could finish it but not under such a spotlight. Because she was spending a lot of time with her husband eating snacks and drinking tea, her inner sweet tooth was activated. She could gobble it all but she chose to push it forward to Cheng Ying's view.

Cheng Ying looked at the pile of sweets. She was already drooling but she still suppressed herself and looked at Xu Dandan like a puppy asking permission. Her best friend could only sigh and nod her head.

Hou Wei Yan who saw their small interaction can't help but chuckle. They used to fight like bulls but now look at their progress. "Come on, don't be shy, Xiao Ying"

"Thank you, Big Sis" Cheng Ying said as she took a bite of the éclairs. The butter sweet taste of the chocolate made her nearly melt. When they saw how cute she was while eating it, the older ones can't help but chuckle.

As Cheng Ying continues to eat the sweets Hou Wei Yan offered, Xie Zedong can't help but remark at Hou Wei Yan's sudden glow up. He remembered the fat Hou Wei Yan and quite miss her squishy cheeks. "You've grown beautiful, Wei Wei"

Upon hearing this, Hou Wei Yan can't help but chuckle. When did their cold CEO turn romantic? "Brother Zedong is getting good at his flattery"

"What Zedong said is true you know" Han Yu Shou suddenly blurted out when he heard their topic. He can't help but comment as well on how Hou Wei Yan changed drastically. "Your baby fats are gone, your prickles are gone, even your hair is gone"

"Gone?" she asked with a judgemental look on her face. [ Is he asking for death?! ]

"Yeah" Han Yu Shou nonchalantly answered. "Your brown hair is gone"

Xing Yun laughed at what he said. This weirdo is at it again. "Express it properly, Yu Shou"

"You might make others think I'm bald" Hou Wei Yan blurted out with a sigh. Han Yu Shou laughed at her expression, not a hint of shame nor remorse.

Wanting to lighten Hou Wei Yan's dampened mood, Xing Qiu smiled warmly her way. "Grandfather would be glad to see you again, Sister Yan"

At the mention of her grandfather, Xing Mingli, Hou Wei Yan can't help but turn melancholic. She was always close to her elders but no one could compare to how close she was to Grandfather Xing.

He was always kind and loving to her. He makes jokes and spends time with her whenever she felt down. He never forgets what she likes and never forgets to invite her for an adventure.

"It's been a long time since I saw Grandfather" she said with a warm smile. "I miss him"

"Everyone in the manor misses you as well. Why don't you pay them a visit?" Xing Yun blurted out as he ate a piece of macaroon from Hou Wei Yan's pile.

"I don't think I can soon" Hou Wei Yan replied with dejection. She would have gone a long time ago if she had some spare time. Knowing fully well how her family members behave, a day with them would never suffice. "There's been a lot of things going on in Yi Lan and I'm busy recruiting for my medical team"

"Well, I guess they can wait" Xing Qiu answered before he leaned closer to Hou Wei Yan's ears. "Besides, meeting them again would be better if you bring your husband along"

Hou Wei Yan felt flabbergasted by his sudden comment. When Xing Qiu leaned away and leisurely took a macaroon from his twin's hands, she suddenly felt weak at the thought of bringing her husband home.

Would her family accept their marriage? She was sure none of them know her circumstances so if they find out she got married without their knowledge, they would certainly flip and burn both of them down for keeping it a secret. The mere thought of seeing her seething Grandfather with all the anger he can muster directed at her, she felt nervous and afraid.

[ Would we live through if that ever happens? ]

In the middle of her thought, the Emcee for the party took up the center stage again to announce the next segment of their party. The most awaited ball.

"For tonight's dance, we have prepared masks for everyone. Please choose anything to your liking and wear it as the lights turn off"

After announcing this, waiters and servers all came out carrying with them a tray filled with wonderfully designed masks in varying forms and sizes. Everyone watched in anticipation as they arrived one by one and offered everyone the mask they favor.

Three servers walked up to their table and offered them a different array of masks. "Master Amine specially made this for you, honorable guests"

"Thank you" Xu Dandan politely answered as he chose a black-colored mask decorated with golden fine crafts.

"Woah, Liu Jiayi's birthday is on another level" Tan Jia excitedly said as she grabbed a dark blue-colored mask that matches perfectly with her dress.

Cao Xiaolian glanced around as she grabbed a red-colored mask that compliments her hair well. "Was she the one who decided this masquerade dance?"

"I don't think so" Liu Shan replied, fully knowing that this wasn't part of the plan. As she grabbed a black mask from the array, she somehow felt annoyed.

[ What is this feeling? ]

Hou Wei Yan looked at Liu Shan in concern as her forehead began to crease in anxiousness. She was about to approach her when a servant arrived and offered her a green-colored mask. Hou Wei Yan picked it up politely but suddenly felt something was odd. Unlike the others, hers completely compliments her dress well. The details in the mask and the dress she's wearing are totally alike that she began feeling a cold shiver in her spines.

"It can't be" she softly mumbled as she began to look around for her husband.

As soon as she turned around, the lights immediately turned off forcing her to stop moving. She glanced aimlessly as the darkness engulfed the venue. Screams and shouts of surprise were heard and she too was about to join in their hysterical shouting and murmuring. But before she could do anything, a warm hand touched hers and slowly pulled her back to her seat.

Liu Shan knew Hou Wei Yan has quite a panic with darkness so she guided her back and even helped her tie the mask. She warmly smiled as she patted Hou Wei Yan's back despite the latter not saying anything at all. She comforted her silently the way she did in the past.

As the venue got filled with darkness and murmurs, two figures entered the venue and paraded on the red carpet. The woman clung tightly to the man's arms with no plan of letting go. She frowned as her brother didn't care at all and continued walking despite such darkness. "Brother, why did we come at such a time? Look, we're already this late"

"Changhai, be quite" Ji Li Zhao remarked as he continued guiding her inside.

Ji Li Zhao's tone had always been cold. He toughened himself at a young age and strictly conducted himself in front of people. Since he was handling quite a big company, his cold and business-like tone became natural to him.

Feeling wronged, Bei Changhai immediately pouted as she clung closer to him even more. "Why are you being so mysterious, Brother?"

"Tonight is a special occasion" Ji Li Zhao immediately replied without any more plans of explaining.

She knew her cousin was like this, but constantly getting such treatment made her quite annoyed.

"Urgh, whatever" she boldly mumbled with an obvious tint of irritation. Ji Li Zhao would have already flipped if someone did such a brazen manner in front of him, but he didn't react at all because it was his cousin. He can't bring himself to get angry at her over such matters.

"I only came because you promised you'd help me escape next week so I can travel with my friends. You also promised to sponsor the trip so how can I not come, right? Anyway, brother is so mean for doing such a thing. Can't you just help me unconditionally? I'm your cute little sister, how could you treat me like you're handling Han Yu Shou? Are you slowly comparing me to him? Let me tell you brother, never in this life will I be like him so stop thinking that we're the same. I would much rather get stuck in the manor than be a wild weirdo like him. Tch. Now that I remember - - - "

Upon hearing her continuous chatter, Ji Li Zhao can't help but sigh. "If you behave tonight I will do that"

As though pressing a pause button, Bei Changhai immediately stopped blabbering. She knows how her brother works. He keeps his promises but he can also break them when he gets annoyed or angry.

"Brother" she sweetly called out with a smile. She knew Ji Li Zhao felt her sudden change of demeanor because he flinched when she called him out. "Changhai is good at behaving when she needs to"

Another sigh came from Ji Li Zhao when she started acting cute and well-behaved. They say Han Yu Shou is a hard person to handle, but honestly, an idiot like him is better than a sassy and blabber-mouthed person like Bei Changhai.

"Please put on your masks" the Emcee spoke again which everyone immediately obeyed.

Liu Shan immediately sighed when she heard this. She had already put on her mask so she had plenty of time to chatter her hatred away. Masked by the darkness, Liu Shan revealed her undignified side and began cursing Amine for troubling them in such a way. "Amine that jerk. Why did he even think of this?"

"Let him have his fun, Shannie" Xing Cuifen answered with a laugh. When she heard this, Hou Wei Yan can't help but shake her head in the darkness. Xing Cuifen is deliberately angering Liu Shan. "Besides, I reckon these masks took a long time to craft. Perhaps he wants to show it off"

"Huh? We're commercializing this for free?" Liu Shan immediately asked in anger. The thought of her helping Amine sell without receiving anything in return is angering her. "No way. Le Chartier must pay. I will make Amine pay me"

Hearing her sudden outburst, Xu Dandan tilted her head in confusion. "What do you even need the money for, Big Sister? You're already the successor of Ethereal"

"Every cent counts, Dandan" she replied without hesitation. That was clearly not the issue and everyone knows but they just brushed it aside and let Liu Shan justify her sudden outburst. "Every cent"

Cao Xiaolian sighed at her childish side. "Well, considering how big Ethereal is, you might indeed need every cent you can get to make it prosper"

Liu Shan nodded her head and as she did so, the light slowly returned and engulfed the venue. Everyone was already wearing a mask, including the two figures in the middle of the dance hall.

The beautiful maiden in red had a golden mask on her that compliments the fine golden patterns on her dress. Despite not seeing his face because of his full-faced white mask, the one opposite to her is obviously her father, Liu Enlai.

Liu Enlai clapped his hands and music began to play. He offered his hands to his youngest daughter and together they danced in a harmonious and enthralling way. Everyone can't help but stand in awe at how beautiful both of them looked.

As everyone stood there, hypnotized by their dancing, one man managed to shake off the effect and stand up in front of his beautiful maiden. Xie Zedong offered his hands with a bold smile on his face. "Shall we?"

Qiu Meixiu smiled at his actions. But when she looked around and felt their goofy smile, she decided to compose herself because a misunderstanding was brewing again. "Stop being a goofball, Zee"

Xie Zedong merely chuckled at her reaction. When she accepted his offer, he looked behind her and winked at their friends forcing the misunderstanding to grow even more.

After Xie Zedong left with his date and also took the center stage, different people began to offer their hands to the unguarded maiden. In front of such a huge crowd and because it was considered a noble social gathering, declining an offer is rude. At least having one dance is needed that's why when faced with such offers, one cannot simply decline.

Soon, everyone was taken and all that was left was the unnamed goddess sitting at the table.

Ji Li Zhao glanced at his wife and immediately handed his cousin to the man he had already acknowledged as a future brother-in-law. Bei Changhai felt betrayed when Ji Li Zhao handed him to a man but she immediately got flustered when she saw his cognac brown eyes.

"Wha---Qiu?"

Xing Qiu chuckled as he nodded at Ji Li Zhao. Taking this as a sign, he immediately left to dance with his wife before anyone else could.

"How did you know?" Xing Qiu asked as Ji Li Zhao left both of them.

"You're so obvious, you idiot" Bei Changhai remarked with a smile. "You arranged this with Brother?"

"Hm" he answered, not really answering her question. Slowly, he offered his hands towards her with mischief and affection swirling in his charming eyes. He smiled an adorable smile making Bei Changhai blush. "Now shall we dance?"

Not wanting her boyfriend to get cocky, she looked away to hide her blush and accept his offer. "If you step on me, I will kill you"

He was used to this and he fell in love with her because of this. If he was to define Bei Changhai, she was the cute and famous tsundere that everyone adores.

"Suit yourself" he said with a chuckle as he guided Bei Changhai to the dance floor. He placed his hands on her hips and Bei Changhai placed her hands on his neck without hesitation. Both of them looked at one another before a smile formed on their lips. There was nothing more to say but a thousand emotions to feel.

As soon as he sent off his cousin, Ji Li Zhao immediately made his way to Hou Wei Yan's chair. A man was also approaching so Ji Li Zhao strode faster than he planned.

"Excuse me" he called out before Hou Wei Yan could notice the other competition.

But her abrupt turn flustered Ji Li Zhao. He wasn't prepared.

He wasn't prepared at all to face his stunning wife. Her eyes were dancing as she faced the man calling out to her. When she faced who it was, her eyes rounded in surprise for the mask he was wearing was the same one her husband favored.

"You---"

"May I have this dance, wife?" he immediately offered, his statement unconstrained for both of them are the only ones remaining in their seat.

"You really came" Hou Wei Yan said sweetly as she accepted his hands with a smile. "I'm glad"

As soon as the two began dancing, her friends immediately felt flabbergasted. Hou Wei Yan never dances with anyone. During social gatherings, she either has her little brother or her cousins dance with her so seeing her dancing with another man made them extremely anxious and curious.

"Wei Wei is dancing?" Xing Cuifen mumbled as her eyes stared at them without constrain.

Her partner felt curious and can't help but ask. "Wei Wei?"

"Ah, no one" she immediately replied as she smiled him a democratic smile. Both of them continued dancing but Xing Cuifen's eyes never left the two dancing couple who looked loving to be disturbed.

When Qiu Meixiu saw Hou Wei Yan dancing alongside a very familiar man, she can't help but chuckle at his creativity. He never ceases to impress. "So this was his idea"

"Hmm? Who are you referring to, Xiu?" Xie Zedong asked when he noticed her sweet smile directed at somebody else.

"No one" noticing his sudden change, Qiu Meixiu immediately shook her head. They had always been like this. Xie Zedong was like a protective older brother whenever someone catches her attention. She continued their dance and made sure Xie Zedong forgets whatever he heard.

"So it was him after all" Cao Xiaolian commented as she took a quick peek at the couple. She then danced away with a smile on her face.

How fast she commented was the opposite of how Yue Xiaoli and her partner reacted. "That brat"

"That jerk" Han Yu Shou also remarked after Yue Xiaoli. He knew he was in love but doing this is too much. Clearly too much for a single person like him. "How could he make everyone wear masks to cater a dance with his wife"

"What a lunatic" Xiaoli mumbled as she rolled her eyes.

Feeling her stare directed at him, Han Yu Shou can't help but glare at her. "Are you talking to me?"

"Both of you actually" she replied without constraining or any hint of shame. She never really cared what Han Yu Shou thinks or feels. Sure they are friends, but she never went as far as considering him her best friend to consider his feelings.

Han Yu Shou felt offended but he only smiled evilly at her. "Hey, Li'Er , if you don't change how you speak, you won't get a boyfriend"

"I don't need to change how I speak" Yue Xiaoli answered without care. She then wickedly smiles to fight back his devious one. "You see, my body can do the talking for me"

Yue Xiaoli's body can only be described as destructive. One look and most men would die to get her on the bed. Knowing fully well what gift she has, Yue Xiaoli utilizes this well to make them bend at her command and do the favors she wants.

She knew her body well and she was proud of it. She was both confident and shameless that even if women attack her, she would just flaunt her beauty and anger them to death.

That's why discussing getting a boyfriend is something as easy as breathing to her.

"Aiyo" Han Yu Shou began with a look of disappointment. "Don't be too confident, Li'Er"

"There are men who cannot be brought by that body" he added with a smirk on his face. He knew what could trigger a proud beauty like her.

Yue Xiaoli believes every man would bow down to her beauty. The extent of her confidence is beyond comprehension. She maxed it out too much it began to be terrifying.

"I haven't met such a man" Yue Xiaoli answered with a smile on her smile. She bit her lower lip and drew closer to Han Yu Shou despite the music's need for distance. Han Yu Shou remained calm as Yue Xiaoli began taking seductive measures on him.

"I don't think you're that kind of man, either" she whispered in his ears. Without any hint of shame or warning, Yue Xiaoli nibbled on his ears before allowing her hand to crawl on his back and down to his buttocks. "You know, those men who cannot be brought by my body"

"Li'Er" Han Yu Shou called out, his voice neither surprised nor panicked. Yue Xiaoli immediately halted from her seduction and looked up to him only to see his smile looking as devious as ever.

"You can't seduce me" Han Yu Shou blurted out beside her ear. He dare not nibble on her ears the same way she did but the way his voice rang in her ears sent lightning bolts in her body. He sounded so mature and so masculine that she nearly forgot his idiotic personality. "No matter what you do, you can't make me stand"

"You play for the other team?" Yue Xiaoli asked as soon as he pulled away and twirled her.

Han Yu Shou looked at her seriously without saying anything to confirm or deny her claim. Both of them stared at one another, gazing into their souls and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. After a short time, Han Yu Shou laughed his idiotic laugh. "Do I?"

Upon hearing his laughter, Yue Xiaoli can't help but sigh. "As I thought, Palisade members are not people I can easily deal with"

"Try harder next time, Li'Er" he remarked with a goofy smile on his face. This however allowed an opening for Yue Xiaoli.

"You're a virgin" she commented without shame. "If I try harder, you might not make it the next day"

Upon hearing her truthful comment, Han Yu Shou blushed and Xiaoli smiled her seductive smile again. She drew closer and looked as though she was deeply concerned for her. "Auntie Han wouldn't want that. If they know you fell ill because of my shamelessness, Auntie would pass out in an instant"

Han Yu Shou smiled her way before twirling her again. The two continued their banter and slowly their talk became vulgar and lascivious. Everyone who managed to hear them can't help but look at them in shock but because of the power they possess they can only look away and forget whatever they heard.

Even the dancing couple, Xing Qiu and Bei Changhai can't help but blush and dance away as well.

To avoid and forget such profane words that reached their ears, Bei Changhai decided to turn back on the lady dancing with her big brother.

"That woman with Brother...I think I've seen her somewhere before" she blurted out causing Xing Qiu to look in Hou Wei Yan's way as well. "Did he come here just to have a dance with her?"

"Who knows" he nonchalantly answered before gazing lovingly at her. He smiled sweetly her way and without hesitation confessed something. "Though you should know, I came here just to meet you again"

Bei Changhai felt her heart flutter at this but she sighed after what he said. She knew the consequence of their past date. "You got reprimanded, weren't you?"

When Xing Qiu remained silent, she immediately knew what she said was the truth. "Qiu, if you continue to oppose your elders, it won't end well for the both of us"

"Don't worry about it" Xing Qiu answered with determination. "I'm nearly at the finish line. Grandfather will soon approve of us"

Their Grandfather holds quite a grudge against the Bei Family that's why he greatly opposes their relationship. But his actions weren't enough to separate the couple.

"Don't you dare use the same tactic your twin used. I won't forgive you" Bei Changhai warned not wanting to hear any news of her boyfriend attempting suicide to threaten his family into accepting her and their relationship.

"I promise, I won't" he immediately replied with assurance as he drew closer to her.

Bei Changhai drew in closer to him as well, trying to savor their time together because she knew it would take them a long time to see each other again.

As she turned her head, she saw the woman again and her eyes immediately shot wide when she remembered where they met.

"Ah!" she exclaimed. "I remember now. It's that airplane doctor, Hou Wei Yan"

"How---"

"It's obvious" she answered proudly before smiling at their loving figure. "Besides, she's the only woman that drew Brother's attention. I can't possibly forget"

As she stared at them, the others did as well causing Ji Li Zhao to feel threatened. He immediately turned to Hou Wei Yan to ask for advice.

"I feel like a lot of gazes are directed at me. What should I do, wife?" he asked as he looked around once more to confirm their gazes.

Hou Wei Yan looked around as well and immediately chuckled when she felt their burning gazes directed at them. "My friends are just curious"

When she turned back her attention to him, she can't help but reach her hand out to touch his mask and marvel at his eyes. It was a beautiful shade of dark blue, as enchanting as the oceans she adored as a child. "Is that your original eye color?"

"No" Ji Li Zhao answered without hesitation or lie. "If I reveal my eyes to you, you would immediately know who I am"

His eye color wasn't entirely rare but considering Hou Wei Yan's ability to memorize things in an instant, he cannot help but protect his identity.

"Hmmm" she mumbled, convinced by what he said. "I will wait patiently for the day you reveal yourself to me"

"I won't disappoint you" he confidently answered though not as confident as Yue Xiaoli with regards to her appearance.

He was told ever since he was young that he was attractive so he must be attractive. The young Hou Wei Yan complimented his looks as well so he can't be that bad.

After a short while, Hou Wei Yan decided it was time to ask permission with regard to Liu Shan's invitation. "By the way, my friends want to have an after-party gimmick. May I join them?"

"By friends, does that include Han Yu Shou, Xie Zedong, Xing Qiu, and Xing Yun?" he asked, quite concerned. He trusts the others but Han Yu Shou is a different issue. Unlike others, Han Yu Shou gets especially tactless when he gets drunk or when he gets swept by the moment.

He can't allow that idiot to ruin all of his plans. He will blabber and that's not ideal.

"I don't think so" Hou Wei Yan answered truthfully. Her friends never really liked drinking with Han Yu Shou because he gets extremely annoying. They would try their best to avoid drinking with him so she expects Liu Shan to do the same this time again. "Shannie wants to have a sleepover with the girls. The boys will probably hang out somewhere else"

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head with a smile. "Alright. As long as Han Yu Shou isn't there, then you may join them"

"Thank you" Hou Wei Yan beamed with gratitude. Ji Li Zhao wanted to hug her that instant but he restrained himself and looked away to avoid arousing something in him.

"I'll post some guards around so you can rest easy"

Upon hearing this, Hou Wei Yan felt her heart flutter at his consideration and admirable protection. "You're truly kind"

"How're our little babies recently?" Ji Li Zhao asked all of a sudden taking Hou Wei Yan by surprise. His question was out of the blue and outright odd.

[ Did he ask the question to the wrong woman? ]

"Little babies?" she asked to confirm the suspicion rising in her.

Ji Li Zhao nodded his head with a smile on his face. "When I went home yesterday, I heard you talking to them and referring to them as little babies"

When she heard this, Hou Wei Yan felt relieved. "Ah. You mean the puppies?"

When Ji Li Zhao merely nodded his head, Hou Wei Yan nearly had a heart attack at his actions. He looked like a child and she wants to pet him repeatedly. [ Cute ]

"They are doing great. They're well trained and they eat well. Cafe and Chocolat are rapidly growing" she answered with a huge smile on her face. When she saw him listening to him intently, Hou Wei Yan can't help but chuckle at his cuteness. "I got surprised when you said our little babies"

"But aren't they 'our' little babies?" Ji Li Zhao asked without considering Hou Wei Yan's current heart rate. She nearly had a nosebleed and lost all the blood in her system because of what he said.

[ He's so darn cute! ]

"I guess they are, aren't they?" she answered after a long pause. "With the sleepover happening, I guess you'll have to sleep alone tonight"

"Hmm" Ji Li Zhao replied with a sad tone. "That's right. Maybe I shouldn't let you attend the sleepover"

"Sleeping without you beside me is quite depressing" he added as he seek comfort in Hou Wei Yan's hands gently gripped in his hands.

She can't help but smile when he addressed his concern. "It's only been a few days since we began sleeping together and it's already depressing?"

"Not having you beside me, is depressing" he answered without hesitation much to Hou Wei Yan's surprise. The heart that she managed to calm earlier began to beat loudly again and the culprit is one and the same.

To hide the obvious thumping in her heart, Hou Wei Yan masked it with her sweet chuckle. "I have a panda in the room, why don't you use it tonight in my place?"

When he heard her suggestion, Ji Li Zhao immediately pouted like a child causing both Hou Wei Yan and Bei Changhai who were observing them to nearly trip. Luckily, both their men managed to catch them and twirl them around before steadying them in their embrace.

"But that panda can't give me a goodnight kiss" he suddenly blurted out after he managed to steadily dance with Hou Wei Yan again.

Seeing the dejected aura surrounding him made Hou Wei Yan feel sad. Although a bit shy, she mustered all the courage she could get and be shameless this time around. "If you want one, I'll give it to you later"

Finally hearing the words he's been waiting for, Ji Li Zhao immediately drew close to her ear. The coldness of his breath brushing in her ears and the thought of his lips near it sent a shiver to her spines. She was never lascivious but somehow, her husband has the power to make her senses go haywire.

"When the lights turn off, I'll claim my prize" he whispered his voice a seduction to her ears. Her heart thumped ever louder than ever as he drew away and stared lovingly at her. The emotions in his eye were clearly written.

It was filled with affection and nothing but affection resulting in Hou Wei Yan's heartbeat intensifying. Before something more could brew, the music came to an end causing Ji Li Zhao to hasten his pace. He delved back to her ears and whisper his honest confession.

"I love you" as these sweet words drifted in her ears like melodious music filled with nothing but love, Hou Wei Yan felt even more bashful. She stared deeply at his eyes and saw honesty and devotion. She felt sucked in it but sadly, he had to leave.

She looked at his retreating back before she got pulled back to reality by Liu Shan.

"Wei Wei" Liu Shan immediately called out as the others searched for the man who managed to dance with Hou Wei Yan without their permission. "Do you know that man?"

"Hmmm" she softly mumbled before chuckling away. "He's a phantom"

"Big Sister knows a ghost!?" Liu Jiayi excitedly asked when she heard her words. Her sudden appearance caused the others to nearly have a heart attack.

The only one who was not affected by her sudden scare was Tan Jia who looked at her in disbelief. "Jiayi, are you serious?"

"What?" Liu Jiayi asked, her eyes ready to prove her belief. "Ghosts are real!"

Tan Jia sighed before she decided to reduce her belief to ashes. "No, they aren't!"

"Yes, they are!"

"No!"

Although liking a fight, seeing the two younger ones quarrel is not making her happy at all. Yue Xiaoli decided to stay in between the two and stop them from brewing any more trouble. "Okay, you two better back off"

The two looked in her way before pouting and obeying what she said. They can both quarrel but fighting Yue Xiaoli is out of their league.

"Wei Wei, let's go finish the deserts you brought" Qiu Meixiu immediately said to change the topic. She gently held Hou Wei Yan's hands and guided her away from the center and causing the others to follow suit.

When they got slightly ahead of the others, Hou Wei Yan leaned on Qiu Meixiu's ears and expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Sister Qiu"

"Your husband is really something" Qiu Meixiu remarked with a smile. "I'm glad he can take care of you"

As soon as they took their seat, the masked Emcee returned to his place. A wide smile was plastered on his face for he knew everyone would be delighted after hearing his announcement. At his queue, the lights turned off again as his voice began to boom all over the place. "Please remove your masks and be at ease, for what you're wearing is what you get as a trophy of this party"

Series of grasp resonated across the room. The masks were created by Le Chartier making them extremely valuable and especially rare. For them to suddenly be generous, everyone guessed their relationship with the Lius is indeed stronger than anything else.

Because of their gasp and excitement, Hou Wei Yan's surprise when someone touched her hands was masked. Ji Li Zhao leaned forward and whispered in her ears. "I'm here"

Hou Wei Yan reached out her hands and cupped his face despite the darkness. She felt nervous but excited as well. Slowly, she leaned forward and closed the gap between them. Hou Wei Yan was supposed to give him a goodnight kiss, a simple peck on the lips, but Ji Li Zhao's hands sneaked into the back of her head which immediately drove Hou Wei Yan to take action alongside him.

Ji Li Zhao's hands gently pulled him closer to her to deepen the kiss. Hou Wei Yan opened her mouth allowing her husband to delve deeper into her sweet intoxicating lips.

It wasn't supposed to be a steamy kiss, but because of her husband's fervent urge, Hou Wei Yan can't help but surrender to him and enjoy the kiss just as how much as he was enjoying it.

Before it could turn into an even more passionate and sensual kiss, Ji Li Zhao decided to part breathlessly in fear of endangering both of their identity. As their lips parted, Hou Wei Yan felt their connection suddenly dissipate but she smiled nonetheless. "Goodnight, husband"

Ji Li Zhao felt himself losing his senses again, after such a kiss he can't help but yearn for more but he knew better than to pursue such a dream. He pulled her close to him and landed a calming kiss on her hair before he immediately left like a phantom.

As soon as the light turned on, everyone at the table looked at Hou Wei Yan in concern when they saw her flustered look.

"Wei Wei?" Cao Xiaolian called out worriedly. "What's wrong, you're turning red"

"Are you sick?" Qiu Meixiu asked as she slowly stood up to check on her. But before she could make her move, Hou Wei Yan immediately denied their claims and smiled sweetly at them.

"I'm okay"

Cao Xiaolian didn't buy her answer at all. "You sure?"

"Yeah" Hou Wei Yan mumbled before warmly smiling as she looked ahead. Her gaze was not particularly directed at someone but they know, in her head, there was someone standing in there. "I'm more than okay"

Once out of the daze, Hou Wei Yan turned around and saw that one of them wasn't back yet. "Where's Shannie?"

"Oh, she went to the comfort room" Xing Cuifen answered before popping a red velvet cake truffle in her mouth.

Hou Wei Yan felt the need to check her appearance and calm herself down because of the earlier events. She slowly stood up to head out to the bathroom. "Excuse me for a moment. I need to go to the comfort room as well"

"Take your time"Cao Xiaolian remarked, fully knowing the capability of the hotel's security.

Hou Wei Yan immediately headed toward the bathroom. Unaware that the small talk he had with Yao Zhongnan caused a volcano to erupt.

"Hou Wei Yan, you bitch!" Xiong Suchun softly mumbled before she excused herself and followed Hou Wei Yan to the bathroom.

Once inside, Xiong Suchun immediately locked the main door and looked for the Bellegarde Diamond Shoes Yao Zhongnan was talking about earlier.

When she saw the glittery show sticking out in the small space of the cubicle, a wicked smile immediately crossed her face. "Finally"

After confirming the location of her target, Xiong Suchun wasted no time and immediately grabbed the garbage in the first cubicle. Although disgusting, Xiong Suchun placed it in the lavatory and filled it with water.

The trash can was filled with foul things. It was a mixture of toilet papers, used napkins, and used wipes so when water was added, it became a disgusting mixture with a foul stench on it. Xiong Suchun entered the first cubicle, stepped on the toilet bowl, and poured the foul and nose-killing mixture on the lady with an evil smile plastered on her face.

"Ahhh!" the woman shouted in both surprise and disgust. As soon as she heard this, Xiong Suchun felt victorious.

Now, Hou Wei Yan won't be able to leave the bathroom in shame of her appearance and stench. With this thought filling her mind, Xiong Suchun dawdles in the bathroom instead of sneaking away.

"That's what you get bitch!" she shouted with laughter. As soon as her laughter resonated across the bathroom, the door opened up taking her by surprise.

There stood, covered in shit and all sorts of gross toiletries, the black-hearted lioness everyone wanted to avoid provoking. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"