I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.

A few hours later.

The jewelry exhibition had concluded. Hong Yu and the others did not attend the auction, as Wang Qi kept insisting on leaving, which dampened everyone’s interest.

For Wang Qi, there was no other choice. He had originally intended to use this occasion to show off; if not to win Lin Shuyu’s heart, then at least to ruin Hong Yu once and for all. Instead, a series of inexplicable events had occurred. Not only did he fail to take the spotlight, but he had also been humiliated. He had tried to act cool, only to end up being the one played for a fool.

Damn it! Who exactly is this Hong Yu? No! I cannot just accept this defeat!

The more Wang Qi thought about it, the angrier he became. He was accustomed to being flattered and pampered his entire life; this was the first time he had ever been treated like this.

Chen Yingying wore a smile, but seeing Wang Qi’s furious expression, she reined it in and tucked the jewelry box she had been fiddling with back into her bag. After all, she had known Wang Qi for a long time, and after sobering up a bit, she realized that Liang Jiajie would never be interested in her. Securing a diamond necklace was likely her limit; she probably wouldn't even get another chance to see him, let alone woo him. Earlier, she had pestered Liang Jiajie for several minutes, but he wouldn't even give her his WeChat or phone number. Thick-skinned as she was, even she dared not speak up again under Lin Shuyu’s stern reprimand.

Moreover, she now felt a bit of resentment toward Lin Shuyu and Hong Yu. Seeing how attentive Liang Jiajie had been, she felt that if they had just played along, she wouldn't have come away empty-handed. She felt Lin Shuyu lacked any sense of being a sister, and as for Hong Yu, she had never considered acknowledging him as her brother-in-law. In her eyes, Wang Qi was the only suitable candidate.

After pondering for a long while, Chen Yingying whispered, "Wang Qi, are you really just going to let it go like this?"

Wang Qi was about to answer when he noticed Lin Shuyu walking out of the exhibition hall.

"Where is Hong Yu?" Chen Yingying asked curiously. "Why didn't he come out with you?"

"I think he has some business to discuss, so I came out first," Lin Shuyu replied with a smile.

Chen Yingying sneered. "Hmph! What kind of serious business could he possibly have? I don't know what kind of dumb luck he had to get to know President Liang."

"Actually, I think we were all wrong," Wang Qi suddenly interjected.

"Did you all see Zhang Huaiyi? Do you understand why the son of the richest man in the city kept hovering around?"

Chen Yingying exclaimed, "Oh, that's right! I saw him too. I even tried to strike up a conversation with him earlier, but the jerk just told me to get lost!"

Wang Qi laughed. "He was busy with official business, so naturally, he was a bit impatient."

Lin Shuyu was confused, not knowing how to respond. Chen Yingying asked directly, "What kind of business? It looked like he was constantly watching Hong Yu."

"Of course he was watching him. Hong Yu is his pawn!" Wang Qi said with a confident smile. "The son of the wealthiest man in Huaizhou loves playing these kinds of games. I’ve heard before that he specifically picks someone to 'look after' just to see how others treat that person, and based on that, he decides whether or not to deepen his own friendship with them."

Chen Yingying gasped, "Is that true? Rich kids really know how to play!"

Wang Qi smiled smugly. "Actually, I do that sometimes too. There's no help for it; too many people want to take advantage of us second-generation rich kids. One really has to be on guard."

Wang Qi almost believed his own lie, feeling quite pleased with himself. Only Lin Shuyu frowned, knowing full well that what Wang Qi was saying was absolute nonsense.

"Hey! Brother Qi, what are you doing here?"

"Hahaha, what a coincidence, what a huge coincidence!" Suddenly, a young man in a suit ran over and greeted Wang Qi enthusiastically.

Wang Qi froze; he didn't seem to recognize the man. However, since the other party was so warm, and he desperately needed to reclaim some face, he hurriedly shook his hand. "Well... I've been quite busy lately, so for a moment, I didn't quite recall..."

"I understand, I understand! You're a busy man, Brother Qi! I’m Zhang Yi from Jinding Financial. Last time, it was all thanks to you putting in a word for me; otherwise, I don't know where I'd be working now."

Zhang Yi looked full of gratitude; it seemed Wang Qi really had done him a huge favor. Wang Qi recalled a little bit and waved his hand dismissively. "It’s nothing. Wasn't it just a word? Helping others is the foundation of happiness."

"No, for you it might be a small matter, but for me, it was a life-changing event! In short, no amount of words could express my gratitude!" Zhang Yi flattered him. Seeing Lin Shuyu nearby, his eyes lit up. "Oh, is this your sister-in-law? Truly beautiful! A hero like you, Brother Qi, is only matched by such a beauty!"

Lin Shuyu quickly said, "Don't misunderstand, I'm really not..."

Chen Yingying interrupted with a smile, "Wang Qi, is this an employee from your company? Tsk tsk, he certainly knows how to speak. I also think only my sister is worthy of you."

Wang Qi wiped away his earlier gloom and beamed. "He's a manager at one of the financial firms under my company. He made a small error with some data last time, and I just happened to be nearby and said a word for him. Actually, I just couldn't stand by and watch, but I didn't expect the executives to give me so much face."

Zhang Yi quickly added, "Brother Qi, you're too modest. Who would dare not give you face? Even the general manager of our firm, he'd listen to you with just one word."

Wang Qi smiled and said nothing, beginning to put on airs. Zhang Yi, a veteran of the workplace, immediately realized Wang Qi wanted to show off in front of Lin Shuyu. After a moment of thought, he enthusiastically suggested, "I've never found a chance to thank you for last time! This is a rare opportunity—you and your lady must do me the honor of letting me treat you to a meal!"

Zhang Yi was so persistent that Wang Qi, wanting to continue his act in front of Lin Shuyu, did not refuse. Lin Shuyu, feeling helpless and urged several times by Wang Qi and Chen Yingying, glanced back at the exhibition center. Thinking Hong Yu wouldn't be finished anytime soon, she reluctantly agreed to go along.

Unfamiliar with Huaizhou, Lin Shuyu followed them to Pengzhan Restaurant. It was a massive, luxuriously decorated establishment—the likes of which Lin Shuyu had never seen in Fengzhou.

"So, you're from Fengzhou? I visited once, but the environment wasn't great, and they don't have restaurants this grand, right?" Zhang Yi remarked. "Sister-in-law, there's really nothing in Fengzhou for you. You should hurry up and marry Brother Qi so you can move to Huaizhou."

Lin Shuyu frowned, while Chen Yingying laughed, "Of course, marriage is only a matter of time."

Wang Qi smiled. "If your words come true, I'll let you join my inner circle."

Zhang Yi was overjoyed. One wouldn't usually invite just any friend to be a "brother" unless they were exceptionally close or family. Zhang Yi knew that his promotion and raise would likely depend on this very opportunity.