C49 Wang Ziwen's Thoughts

Clearly, Wang Ziwen was the undisputed leader within this elite group of peers, given his formidable background as the sole heir to a prominent figure in the Wang Family.

"Here you go, Qimo." Wang Ziwen's movements were practiced and graceful as he poured a third of a glass of wine and handed it to Zhang Qimo.

"Thank you," Zhang Qimo responded politely, accepting the glass. Her face, however, betrayed her discomfort as she stole a glance at Lin Yin, who remained unfazed.

Pouring another glass, Wang Ziwen turned his attention to Lin Yin and inquired, "And who might this be? I don't believe we've been introduced."

"He's Qimo's assistant director at Zhang's Group, helping her out with various tasks," Zhang Hongyu interjected on Lin Yin's behalf.

"An assistant?" Wang Ziwen mused with interest. "Well, since you're Qimo's assistant, why not join us for a drink?"

"Sorry, I don't drink," Lin Yin replied with a serene tone.

"How dare you! Who do you think you are? Brother Wang is offering you a drink as a courtesy. Are you really going to refuse?" Qin Fei challenged him.

"This assistant probably doesn't even know how to appreciate a fine wine like this," Wu Chuyu boasted arrogantly. "He likely won't get another chance to taste such quality in his lifetime."

Lin Yin simply shook his head and smiled, choosing to remain silent.

"Let's not let him dampen our spirits. We'll enjoy the drink ourselves," Wang Ziwen said dismissively, casting a disdainful glance at Lin Yin.

With that, the group raised their glasses and took a sip.

"Qimo, you youngsters can stay here and chat. I have another engagement to attend to, so I'll be off for a bit," Zhang Hongyu spoke with a note of formality after finishing her drink. "Ziwen, Qimo is new to Mingbao House, so please make sure you look after her, understood?"

Wang Ziwen replied with a smile, "Aunt, rest assured, with me here, no one will dare to cross her. Since Qimo is a niece from the Zhang Family, that makes her my cousin, doesn't it?"

"Just make sure you know what you're doing," Zhang Hongyu advised before turning to leave for another area of Mingbao House.

After Zhang Hongyu had departed, Wang Ziwen regarded Zhang Qimo with a smile, a hint of barely perceptible greed flickering in his gaze.

Zhang Qimo was dressed in a simple, pale white dress that day, her skin a flawless porcelain white, with delicate features and a tall, yet curvaceous figure. Without any elaborate attire or makeup, her natural elegance shone through, her eyes particularly lively. She was the epitome of an unadorned beauty, capable of bringing nations to their knees.

"A beauty of rare grace," Wang Ziwen mused to himself, unable to help but swallow hard.

Known for his playboy ways, he had first heard of Zhang Qimo, Qingyun City's renowned beauty, two years prior. More recently, her success in the jewelry industry had brought her fame full circle back into the elite circles.

Having caught a glimpse of Qimo's dazzling presence at the Jewelry Exhibition through a media report a couple of days earlier, Ziwen had been captivated.

Ziwen, a seasoned connoisseur of women, had a particular fondness for such beauties, each with their own unique allure and temperament. Skilled in the art of seduction and known for his lavish spending, he had a knack for understanding women, which often led to his success. And with the Wang Family's wealth at his disposal, he was never short on resources.

It was serendipitous when Aunt Zhang Hongyu approached him with the idea of introducing him to Zhang Qimo. He had immediately agreed to the arrangement and set up a meeting at Mingbao House.

Upon meeting Zhang Qimo in person, Ziwen found her even more breathtaking than he had imagined, solidifying the plans he had been concocting in his mind. He was determined to make her his.

After all, why else would he casually present two bottles of wine worth hundreds of thousands at their first encounter if not to impress?

To Ziwen, Zhang Qimo was in a league of her own, far surpassing any of the women he had previously encountered. No expense was too great in his pursuit.

As the daughter of the Zhang Family, a beauty of celestial proportions, and a record-setter in Qingyun City's jewelry industry with designs auctioned for astronomical sums, Zhang Qimo was a prize to be won. Securing her affections would not only be a personal triumph but would also provide him with endless bragging rights within the circles of high society for years to come.

Regarding Aunt Zhang Hongyu's comments about marital connections, she really thinks she can marry into the Wang Family's wealth? Once Ziwen tires of Zhang Qimo, he'll just cast her aside. If she's content to be his kept woman, he'll happily finance her lifestyle.

Wang Ziwen was fantasizing wildly about conquering Zhang Qimo, his eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger.

"By the way, I haven't had the chance to ask for the assistant director's name," Wang Ziwen said, glancing at Lin Yin, sensing an obstacle. He spoke with a dismissive air.

"Lin Yin," came the unruffled response.

"Oh, Assistant Lin," Wang Ziwen acknowledged with a slight nod, his gaze flickering. "Why does your name sound so familiar?"

"Brother Wang, it's come back to me. He's the infamous do-nothing son-in-law from the Zhang Family, Lin Yin!" Qin Fei laughed heartily, his expression one of utter contempt.

"He's the Zhang Family's son-in-law?" Wu Chuyu covered her mouth, barely holding back her snickers.

"We were just discussing him, and lo and behold, the notorious weakling is right here in front of us. He's such a pushover; we talk about him, and he doesn't even dare respond," Shen Hao added, smirking.

"So, you're that Lin Yin!" Wang Ziwen mocked. "My apologies, my apologies. Chuyu mentioned earlier that you were useless... but I disagree. You're not just useless; you're an epic failure."

"Why else would a grown man be following his wife around as an assistant?" Wang Ziwen shook his head, as if imparting wisdom.

Lin Yin gave Wang Ziwen a measured look, choosing to remain silent. He'd encountered many like him before.

"Young Master Wang, shouldn't we be a bit more courteous in our conversation?" Zhang Qimo interjected, her tone slightly uneasy.

Lin Yin was pleasantly surprised; Zhang Qimo had actually spoken up for him.

Wang Ziwen's face broke into a polite smile. "I apologize, Qimo. I lost my temper and failed to consider your feelings. Seeing Lin Yin in person just infuriated me—I was simply defending your honor!"

"Yeah, Qimo, Brother Wang is just standing up for you," Qin Fei chimed in.

"Seriously, Qimo, if I were in your shoes, I'd have booted that guy out a long time ago. How can you keep him around as an assistant, living off you?" Wu Chuyu scoffed. "Look at yourself, not a single luxury item. No jewelry, not even a wedding ring. How much more can you take?"

"It's infuriating just to think about it. Lin Yin is a disgrace to all of us men," Shen Hao declared with conviction. "Qimo, if you want him gone, just say the word. I'll take care of it for you. I'll make sure he doesn't utter a peep, and he won't dare to overstay his welcome with the Zhang Family. He'll be out of there in no time!"

"Let's all drop it, please. This is my personal issue," Zhang Qimo said, her face betraying her distress.

"Everyone, let's respect that this is Qimo's private matter," Wang Ziwen interjected gracefully, giving Zhang Qimo a reassuring smile. "Qimo, if there's anything you need, just call me. Believe me, I, Wang Ziwen, have some influence in Qingyun City."

With a snap of his fingers, Wang Ziwen signaled.

"Qin Fei, head to my private storage room and fetch the gift I've prepared for Qimo."