C34 Long Tianqi Is Late

"Yi Rui'er is as exquisite as a doll in a display window," Feng Yingshu said with a smile.

Hearing this, Yi Rui'er bashfully lowered her head, her sweet smile making her look as adorable as the girl next door.

Yi Lanyou slightly arched an eyebrow. It seemed Yi Rui'er could no longer hold back; otherwise, she wouldn't have come down despite the pain. Yi Haoen hadn't exerted much force, but Yi Rui'er had still bled from the hit. Now, seeing Yi Rui'er draped in a shawl over her gown, Yi Lanyou understood that the bruise had not yet faded.

"President Yi is truly fortunate!" Long Hanmo said to Yi Haoen with a chuckle.

"You're too kind," Yi Haoen replied with a cordial smile.

"Last time, I didn't arrange for you to meet Long Tianqi. This time, I called him well in advance. He should be arriving shortly," Feng Yingshu told Yi Lanyou, patting her hand. "If Long Tianqi dares to mistreat you, you just tell your auntie."

Yi Lanyou remained silent, simply bowing her head to reveal a timid smile.

"This time, if Long Tianqi is late, he owes you an apology," Feng Yingshu said with mock sternness.

"Auntie, there's no need for such formality," Yi Lanyou responded.

"Exactly, we're all family now, so let's not be so formal with each other," Long Hanmo added with a smile.

Yi Haoen's mood improved even further.

The Yi family understood the implications of Feng Yingshu's words, but the others were initially puzzled. As it dawned on them, they turned to Yi Lanyou with expressions of astonishment. Yi Lanyou, after being away for so long, was now set to be engaged to the Loong family upon her return? And to the Loong family's eldest grandson, no less—the future heir to the Loong Financial Group?

All those present were from influential families in Z City, each with their own agendas, and their faces reflected a variety of emotions.

The ones whose expressions turned particularly sour were the daughters from wealthy families who had previously challenged Yi Lanyou, especially the cunning Qian Ning. Qian Ning was shocked that Yi Lanyou could secure a connection with the Loong family and was frightened by her own prior behavior. But above all, she was filled with jealousy and resentment.

Yi Lanyou seemed to have an uncanny knack for reincarnation compared to Qian Ning. What made Yi Lanyou so fortunate?

In stark contrast to Qian Ning was Fang Lian, who wore a smile with a combative gleam in her eyes. She had little regard for the typical young heiresses, but Yi Lanyou was evidently an exception. Fang Lian eagerly anticipated the day she would see Yi Lanyou groveling at her feet, pleading for mercy. When that day came, Fang Lian intended to craft a special blackwood vine whip just for Yi Lanyou.

"What does Long Tianqi look like? I've never heard Sister Lanyou mention him," Yi Rui'er inquired, her large eyes blinking innocently, though her mind raced with assumptions. She imagined Long Tianqi as an unsightly man marred with pockmarks. However, considering Long Hanmo and Feng Yingshu were quite attractive, Yi Rui'er hoped against hope that Long Tianqi was a despicable man, indulging in vices and domestic abuse, ultimately tormenting Yi Lanyou to her demise.

"You'll see Long Tianqi when he arrives," Feng Yingshu said with a smile.

Yi Rui'er nodded, her smile masking the curses she had just mentally hurled at Yi Lanyou, which somehow made her feel much better.

Yi Lanyou was well aware of Yi Rui'er's thoughts and suspected she would be disappointed yet again.

"Just as we were discussing Long Tianqi, here he comes," Feng Yingshu remarked, her gaze following the figure approaching from a distance, a fleeting shadow of darkness crossing her eyes.

Everyone turned to see a young man in a deep blue suit approaching—Long Tianqi himself. At around eighteen, he boasted a perfect physique that drew the gaze of every woman present. As he neared, his features became clear: sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, a straight nose, and healthy pink lips curved in a subtle, enigmatic smile. His limbs were long and well-built without being overly muscular. He was, in a word, impeccable.

"Tianqi, come over and say hello to everyone," Long Hanmo called to his son.

As Long Tianqi approached, the crowd naturally parted, creating a clear path for him. Reaching where Long Hanmo stood, he acknowledged Yi Haoen and Fang Fang with a nod.

Yi Rui'er was mesmerized as Long Tianqi stopped before her. How could someone be so strikingly handsome? He surpassed even the idols on television.

"Long Tianqi is truly a man of distinction," Yi Haoen exclaimed, glancing between Long Tianqi and Yi Lanyou with a nod of approval.

"They are a perfect pair," the crowd chimed in. "Such a handsome couple!"

Amidst the chorus of flattery, Yi Lanyou struggled to muster even a semblance of a smile.

Long Tianqi had a naturally cheerful demeanor, always appearing to smile at everyone. However, Yi Lanyou, having known him in her past life, understood that his true feelings were revealed in his eyes, not his smile. At this moment, his eyes betrayed a simmering rage.

It made sense. Long Tianqi, known for his pride, was being pushed into arranged dates by his family, a situation that would infuriate anyone.

Yi Lanyou held Long Tianqi in high regard, owing him her life. In her darkest times, he had been her savior, allowing her to seek vengeance. She vowed to repay him when the opportunity arose.

As the banquet wound down, guests began to depart, expressing hopes of future collaborations with Yi Haoen.

After exchanging pleasantries with his business associates, Yi Haoen, along with Fang Fang, bid farewell to the departing guests.

With the room nearly empty, Long Tianqi spoke up in a hushed tone, his voice firm and resonant, "I've attended the banquet today. Now it's time for you to keep your word. Release Vera!"

"Why the rush?" Feng Yingshu's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Vera and I have been acquainted for years; we're simply catching up. Why are you so tense?"

Yi Lanyou felt a knot form in her stomach as she listened to their exchange. It appeared that Long Tianqi's attendance at the banquet was not by choice. Feng Yingshu had managed to leverage someone important to him. Yi Lanyou, however, couldn't identify who this person was, though the name suggested it might be a woman.

"What are you really after?" Long Tianqi's gaze was laden with lethal intent.

"I merely wish for you to let go of your distractions and sincerely pursue a relationship with Yi Lanyou," Feng Yingshu said, her face breaking into a warm, gracious smile once more.