C5 She Would Lose All Her Face

A conversation left Wanxing feeling deeply ashamed. "Dad, I've been too narrow-minded."

It seemed her love for Yichen wasn't as sincere or pure as it should be. And why hadn't she thought about leaving her father with some memories if she were gone? Her heart ached for Mu Sheng. He had just lost his wife, and now he might have to watch his daughter pass away too.

"Of course, I'm just sharing my thoughts with you. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide, Wanxing," Mu Sheng said, his expression a mix of kindness and sadness.

Wanxing realized he was right. "Dad, I've made up my mind. I'll keep my promise."

Mu Sheng's eyes softened, though his voice was still filled with frustration. "Call Yichen over. I need to have a word with him about how he's treating my precious daughter..."

"Dad, it's okay. I'll handle it myself," Wanxing insisted, not wanting her father to worry while he was unwell.

Mu Sheng then asked about the company's situation and said, "There's an important event tomorrow. I can't attend, so you and Yichen will have to go in my place."

"Dad..." Wanxing hesitated.

"I know you don't like these gatherings, but the host is influential in our circle. If we don't attend, it could be seen as disrespectful and affect Muse's future operations," Mu Sheng explained.

When it came down to it, Mu Wanxing had no choice but to agree, though she had little hope that Soong Yichen would join her. That evening, she didn't mention it to Yichen and went to work as usual the next day.

The following afternoon, Yichen made a rare appearance at Muse. Wanxing had just finished a meeting for Mu Sheng and was leaving the conference room.

"Director, it seems like things are going well between you and Mr. Soong after the wedding. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here to pick you up after work," Lee said, genuinely happy for Wanxing.

Wanxing couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Since she returned to the country, Yichen hadn't set foot in Muse, so today was truly...

"My dad called and asked me to attend the banquet with you. Can you leave now?" Yichen asked coldly from a distance in the hallway.

Lee was taken aback; it seemed his assumption was off.

"I still have a few documents to sign," Wanxing replied softly. She was already content that Yichen was willing to go with her.

"It's either we don't go, or we leave now! It takes time to get ready. Are you planning to attend the banquet in your current work outfit? I can't afford to be embarrassed like that," Yichen said, frowning at Wanxing's formal work attire.

Employees passing by gave Soong Yichen and Mu Wanxing curious glances before moving on. Worried that arguing further would only make things worse, Wanxing quickly left the company with Yichen.

Yichen didn't show Wanxing any kindness during the entire trip. He took her straight to a boutique, instructing the staff to style her according to his specifications, even choosing a gown for her.

"This one won't do. I need something with long sleeves," Wanxing said, shaking her head at the sleeveless dress. She didn't want to argue with Yichen, but the dress wouldn't cover the growing dark mark on her arm.

"Whatever you want!" Yichen snapped, losing patience and turning away to play on his phone.

Wanxing sat quietly at the makeup mirror, her eyes lowered, hoping the stylist wouldn't notice the tears threatening to spill over. Despite his irritation, when Yichen saw Wanxing after her makeover, his eyes lit up.

Her hair was elegantly styled, revealing her swan-like neck. The blue, off-the-shoulder gown hugged her curves perfectly, the color complementing her fair skin beautifully. Yichen had never seen her dressed so elegantly before, and he swallowed hard, his voice softening unconsciously. "Let's go."

As Yichen, in a white suit, and Wanxing, in her blue gown, walked arm in arm into the banquet hall, they immediately became the center of attention.

The companies behind both individuals were industry leaders, attracting many to engage in conversation, offering compliments to Soong Yichen about Mu Wanxing's beauty, and praising them as a "perfect match" with a "blissful marriage." In public, Yichen managed to regain some of his former composure, expressing gratitude and returning compliments with the ease of a social expert.

Mu Wanxing felt a brief sense of comfort; regardless of their private issues, he still maintained her dignity in public settings. However, this peace was short-lived.

Kin Qier suddenly entered the room, laughing with a socialite. Her striking red gown caught everyone's attention, causing a stir. People glanced between Qier and Wanxing, whispering among themselves.

The moment Wanxing saw her, her heart began to race, anxiety creeping in as she looked at Yichen. He was in conversation but caught wind of the commotion and quickly noticed Qier. Ending his conversation, he started to move.

Wanxing grabbed Yichen's arm, her eyes pleading, "Don't go."

Yichen pulled his lips into a tight line, forcefully prying Wanxing's hand away, and walked toward Qier without looking back. Wanxing's face turned pale as she bit her lip, watching Yichen eagerly approach Qier. Qier glanced at Wanxing with a triumphant look before turning her full attention to Yichen, her smile radiant.

The surrounding chatter suddenly intensified. Two women approached, feigning innocence with their teasing:

"Mrs. Soong, who's that over there? Why did Director Soong just leave you like that?"

"Mrs. Soong, aren't you going to check on Director Soong?"

The recent news had spread everywhere, and she had been criticized harshly. These onlookers didn't even bother to hide their amusement.

Mu Wanxing had no words to respond. She picked up a glass and took a sip. With all eyes on her, she could only use the glass as a shield, like an ostrich hiding its head.

What else could she do? Go over and cause a scene with Soong Yichen and Kin Qier? That would only make her lose more face.

She realized now that Soong Yichen only maintained appearances for her when Kin Qier wasn't around. Mu Wanxing didn't have the courage to look at Soong Yichen and Kin Qier, fearing it would only make her feel worse. She kept drinking, her gaze unfocused.

Even though she wanted to hide, others weren't ready to let her off the hook. Kin Qier and Soong Yichen, oblivious to everyone else, chatted intimately for a while. Then, she hooked her arm through his, saying, "Oh, Wanxing is here too. Yichen, can I go over and say hi to her?"

"Why bother saying hi to her?" Soong Yichen's disdain was clear, his voice loud enough for those nearby to hear.

As soon as Kin Qier appeared, the room, already quiet, grew even more silent, with everyone eager to see what would happen next.

"Isn't she supposed to donate her heart to me? Maybe if I get to know her better, the heart will have less chance of being rejected once it's inside me."

Kin Qier spoke casually, as if borrowing someone's heart was no different from borrowing a piece of clothing.