He is Stepping Out of Line

In a high class western cuisine restaurant. 

Xia Yanxi had a change of clothing and proceeded to take over another pianist. 

Xia Yanxi was a third-year student in an art-stream school. Half a year ago, when Mumu had fallen sick, Xia Yanxi had always found herself taking odd jobs trying to earn a little more on the side. Unfortunately, since she was without a wide enough network of people, she was unable to pick up prestigious jobs, like playing a part in a movie or even a commercial gig. She was able to play the piano in this fancy restaurant where the requirement was rather high because she had been playing the piano since she was young. She had mastered the piano enough to qualify for this bid. 

She took the seat, adjusted its height, and before her nimble fingers touched the board of whites and blacks, she smiled gracefully and started creating a melodious, pleasant tune. 

***

The door of the restaurant slid open and two distinctively different men entered. 

One of them was clad in white, had an above average composure and appearance, a shroud of regal elegance, and an aura that resembled the cold tundra. 

The other that came with him was that of an incubus, a man that had a strong sense of attraction for the ladies, and a pair of seductive eyes. His smile even, revealed nothing but malice and ill-intent. 

The one that exuded seduction said, "You're not being forced to marry now are you? Calm down then! The woman I'm introducing to you is a fine one!" 

The one that exuded dignified elegance replied, "Just remember not to reveal who I am!" 

"I know, I know… Sheesh. How about I introduce you as the Assistant CEO?" the seductive man said as his eyes scanned across the restaurant tables. There, sitting at a table with empty seats, was a beautiful woman in a white evening gown. She was pretty, easy on the eyes even, and the demeanor of a noble. His eyes locked onto hers, and he nodded. The seductive man locked his arms around the elegant man and dragged him across the dining floor. 

Chu Muzhi forcefully pushed Qiao Yanli to sit and quickly, with a certain warm welcome, introduced the young woman.

Miss He glanced at the silent Qiao Yanli as she quietly and subtly scanned through his entire being. 

Judging from his appearance, the man looked rather attractive, be it his appearance or demeanor. His face was the epitome of exquisiteness. His eyes, as dark as ink could get, had an abyssal like attraction to it. His nose was sharp, perfectly shaped, the kind that emphasized the supple lips of his… 

Unfortunately… the man was just a lowly assistant.

She was from a wealthy background and if she wanted to find a partner, he should at least have an equal or higher financial status. Even as an assistant CEO, he was far below her standards, even if he was truly attractive. 

"My apologies. The husband I want should have a limited edition sports car, a mansion of his own, a private jet, and at least tens of millions as his assets. Mr. Qiao, you are… I must confess, as attractive as any man could be. If you would agree to be my lover instead… I would be more than happy to pay you…" 

Miss He smacked her lips and smiled. She was confident that the man would agree with her condition. 

Most men, women even, especially the attractive ones, were extremely materialistic. 

Qiao Yanli remained as emotionless as he had always been. Even after hearing her demands, he remained quiet. Chu Muzhi, on the other hand, spat out red wine which he had gulped down hastily. 

Miss He was a good representation of how materialistic a person could be. 

Not only did she degrade the other for not being wealthy enough, she had even proposed for the man to be her lover…

Fortunately, Chu Muzhi had not revealed Qiao Yanli's true identity. If he did, Miss He would not have revealed her true nature! 

To be fair, even if she was from a multi-millionaire family, or perhaps even a billionaire, the poised Prince Qiao would never bat an eye. 

"Have you thought about it, Mr. Qiao?" Miss He said, seeking an answer blatantly, as if she had not noticed the glint in his abyssal dark eyes. 

A tiny, almost indiscernible smile arched from the corner of his lips. 

"Miss He, it's best if you go home and have a good look in the mirror. With your current looks… I'm afraid, you're but polluting my eyes."

Miss He, upon hearing such an insult, was frozen stiff.