ACT 26

(Unedited)

As the question was asked, the atmosphere in the room turned strange as the woman completely disregarded the fact that Li Qiang even asked her.

The strange tension prevailed, fanning the entirety of the cold yet desolate room, turning the previous south pole into the heatwaves that radiated throughout the Sahara desert.

Everyone quivered, unknown of what is to come, oblivious of the numerous whirlwind of thoughts circulating in the mind of the man known as Li Qiang.

Despite the current situation, all the woman in question did was reveal a slight smirk, completely disregarding the command of the supposedly superior man facing her.

Despite the pressure, she calmly stared into the depths of the man's golden eyes, unafraid of being bitten by the ferocious beast that was upon her.

Not saying a single word, Li Qiang quickly realized that it was a fruitless confrontation, hence he unwillingly backed off, as she was most likely one of Yue XiFeng's underlings. However, what threw him off the most was the fact that he did not acknowledge ever seeing the confident female afront him.

Lost in his thoughts, the woman afront him shrugged, all before tentatively gesturing to speak.

"So, you're Li Qiang? The man rumored to be feared by all?"

Light as a breeze her voice echoed, successfully intercepting the man's strayed thoughts.

However, as it was in a mocking tone, he was quickly understood that it was a remark embued with sarcasm, not the usual admiration. Upon this, eerie laughter coupled with malicious intent was let out, projecting a sense of wariness all around.

With an eyebrow raised, the man haphazardly replied, the previous daunting atmosphere now nowhere in sight.

"Indeed, I am the man feared by all. All except two exceptions, I presume. That is- if my judgment was clouded."

Seemingly agitated by his answer,

Sparks came flying from in between the two as weapons disguised as glares were exchanged, mentally clashing with one another with ferocity on every blow made.

However, the clear loser of this childish exchange was the one caught between them, unwillingly forced to face the battle headfirst. She knew well of the man who beckoned her to come, as well as the numerous rumors that shrouded him in a dark mist. But what riddled her with questions was how they got to know each other in the first place.

Hence, acting on that impulsive thought, her lips created a distance from one another, an action accompanied by a pair of frail hands that quivered.

"Mr. Li Qiang, may I ask how you got to know my friend, Yue XiFeng? Well, if possible, along with the reason why you decided to summon me."

Lian Ji inquired, a soft tone ended with every word spoken, addressing the obvious question to a person in her position. Deathly silence proceeded to echo, letting her voice be heard by everyone present.

Not long after, a smile beamed on the face of the previously glaring man, his eyes turning to face the girl who nervously tottered.

Alongside the man's gaze, another smile was prevalent on a peculiar woman's face. A smile of innocence one might utter, if not another word could be said.

Yet that grin on her face quickly dispersed, as of course, the cause was something the man said.

"She is my fiance." He uttered, longing prevalent on his radiant golden eyes. "So, is that enough to explain the reason why I've summoned you?"

Lian Ji's pupils widened, gawking in absolute surprise.

She knew that something was up between the two, yet she was never in the know of what was truly going on.

'Fiance by birth?' How more outlandish could that sound?!

She knew her good friend even before she became poor, and yet never once was a fiance ever mentioned by her, her parents, or even her school.

A forced marriage? Impossible. The corporation that XiFeng's father managed was at the time far less inferior to Li Qiang's.

Possibly a promise between friends? Nope. None of the two parties had a relation of the sort with each other.

A secret agreement? There wasn't much of a reason for the two be to affiliated with one another as their companies specialized in different fields, therefore it was illogical to interfere with each other's business.

From this, it was obvious to her that what Li Qiang claimed was completely false as she believed to have known XiFeng more than anyone else in this world. Excluding her father, of course.

Feeling threatened, Lian Ji stopped trembling and unnecessary worries. Instead, she glared at the man in afront of her with eyes etched with disdain.

"Your fiance... I see. Then why is it that you are unable to recognize her from such a small distance away?"

Upon the revelation, Li Qiang halted his actions, proceeding to gaze intently at the woman clad in white who silently cleaned her mouth with a napkin.

"...Yue XiFeng?"

The napkin stretched itself on her face, wiping the thick yet beautifully done makeup she spent hours doing.

They say makeup enhances a beaut, yet the current situation has opposed those sayings. Now looking more beautiful than ever, she let out her classic demonic grin, placing her leg above the other in an elegant demeanor.

"Yo, nice to meet you, my dear fiance?"