C20 The Most Miserable Thing in the World!

Wang Han is Wang Changyu's father. While Wang Changyu might pass for a privileged heir, Wang Han epitomized the image of a nouveau riche.

He was consciously trying to shed his nouveau riche demeanor, yet occasionally, his old habits would inadvertently surface.

"I want to thank everyone for gracing this party with your presence. It just so happens that the Wang family is celebrating another joyous occasion—we've officially become investors in the Strong Dragon Group. From now on, we're proud to be part of their ranks," Wang Han declared with gravity.

His statement elicited involuntary laughter from some guests; it was indeed a novelty to hear someone so gleefully liken themselves to underlings.

Yet, the Strong Dragon Group's decision to include Wang Han was unexpected. Typically, they wouldn't associate with someone of his nouveau riche background.

Chen Yaru didn't join in the laughter. She was pondering the implications of this development and, moreover, her attention was fixed on the young man standing next to Wang Han.

"Now, allow me to introduce a special guest. This is the son of the Strong Dragon Group's chairman, Mr. Xu Shaoning. I am deeply thankful that Mr. Xu has made the journey from A Country to be here today. There's a saying for this occasion, what is it?" Wang Han racked his brain but ultimately resigned himself to not remembering, "Never mind, let's have Mr. Xu share a few words."

Xu Shaoning stepped forward, his white suit lending him an air of effortless elegance and charisma. His mere presence was enough to captivate the majority of those in attendance.

"I share in the joy of the Strong Dragon Group's partnership with CEO Wang. However, I must apologize, as my attendance today isn't solely due to this collaboration," Xu Shaoning paused, his gaze tender as if it could melt someone's heart, and looked in a specific direction, "I'm here because of someone. Two years ago, I left because of her, and now I've returned to clear up a misunderstanding that occurred back then."

The crowd murmured among themselves, with many following Xu Shaoning's gaze.

Zhang Xiaolong had an inkling and also looked in the same direction. Indeed, there was Chen Yaru, looking as if she'd been caught in the glare of a spotlight, utterly stunned.

"Eh, this young lady doesn't seem too pleased," he thought, somewhat puzzled.

Xu Shaoning, in any girl's eyes, would be the quintessential knight in shining armor. Yet, Zhang Xiaolong observed that Chen Yaru, lost in thought, was far from being spellbound by him. Her complexion was a touch pale, suggesting a hint of resistance and even fear.

"Oh, that's Chen Yaru from Distant Vast. Looks like Xu Shao has his sights set on her."

"You're out of the loop, aren't you? Chen Yaru is one of the most stunning beauties in Qingyang City. Xu Shao has been after her for two years now."

"What? With Xu Shaoning's fortune and looks, there's actually a woman he can't win over?"

"Didn't you catch what Xu Shaoning said? Something happened back then, so it didn't work out. I bet, well, you know how it is with men..."

"I see. So this time, she won't be able to slip through Xu Shaoning's fingers. I've heard once he makes a move, he doesn't give up until he gets what he wants."

The hall was relatively quiet, but in a corner, a few people were whispering about Xu Shaoning and Chen Yaru.

Their voices were barely audible, meant only for their ears, but Zhang Xiaolong heard every word.

As Xu Shaoning finished speaking, he made his way over. People cleared a path for him as if he were royalty, encircling him as he approached Chen Yaru.

Chen Yaru's panic grew. Her eyes darted around nervously, looking for an escape, but her feet were rooted to the spot.

"Do you need help?" A gentle voice broke through the tension.

Chen Yaru, grasping at this lifeline, spun around and lunged into his embrace, clinging tightly to his waist.

"Hey, don't you think you're overdoing it a bit..." Zhang Xiaolong was taken aback as she pressed her ample body against him, an awkward sensation washing over him.

For someone who had scarcely interacted with girls, this was overwhelmingly intense.

"Zhang Xiaolong, please, just hold me..." Chen Yaru's voice carried a desperate plea.

Zhang Xiaolong was taken aback. He could distinctly sense that her fear was genuine, as her body trembled slightly.

Reflecting on the earlier conversation, he frowned. Xu Shaoning, despite his polished appearance, clearly wasn't a good man.

Chen Yaru had mentioned someone bothering her, someone she couldn't afford to offend, likely referring to Wang Changyu. However, Wang Changyu didn't seem as untouchable as Chen Yaru had suggested.

In contrast, Xu Shaoning was an unexpected factor tonight. He was probably the person Chen Yaru truly feared crossing.

With this in mind, Zhang Xiaolong extended his arm and gently embraced Chen Yaru, whispering, "Don't be afraid."

"Mm..." Chen Yaru relaxed slightly in Zhang Xiaolong's arms, her complexion regaining some of its natural color.

To an onlooker, they appeared to be a couple in a tender embrace, their good looks complementing each other in a harmonious display that seemed too intimate to interrupt.

While they found solace in each other, Xu Shaoning was rooted to the spot, his face betraying a flash of anger. He had invested considerable effort into this reunion, convinced that Chen Yaru would ultimately be unable to elude him.

Yet, he hadn't anticipated such a twist. It was as if he had spent six months planning a lavish wedding, only to discover at the last moment that the bride had run off with someone else.

Who wouldn't be driven to the brink of madness by such a debacle?

"Yaru," Xu Shaoning steadied himself, once again assuming a genteel demeanor. He approached them slowly, and upon noticing his presence, they reluctantly disentangled themselves. He offered a contrite smile, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

"Young Master Xu." Chen Yaru's voice trembled ever so slightly upon hearing that voice.

Just then, she felt an unexpected warmth from Zhang Xiaolong's palm, as though a mysterious energy was coursing through her body, steadying her nerves almost instantly. She couldn't help but glance at him, a mix of astonishment and curiosity in her eyes.

"When did we grow so distant?" Xu Shaoning sighed.