People change

On entering the hall, they were immediately welcomed by a poised attendant who guided them to the table that was designated for the Royals which was already occupied by the esteemed Ye Shouyi, Huang Zhenjun, and several other high-ranking executives.

Qi Yan and Xiaorui could not help but marvel The vast, opulent space was adorned with an array of stunning decorations, each designed to immerse the guests in an atmosphere of sheer elegance and grandeur. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high, ornate ceilings, casting a warm, ethereal glow throughout the hall. The glistening light danced across the faces of the attendees, who were impeccably dressed in their evening best, adding a layer of sophistication to the already luxurious setting.

Soft classical music played in the background, creating a soothing ambiance that encouraged conversations and laughter. The mood in the hall was electric, as guests from various backgrounds and industries mingled, creating an air of anticipation and excitement.

The attendees not only admired the exquisite decor but also couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of Feng Tian. Her presence seemed to radiate an undeniable allure, catching the attention of everyone in the room. Those who didn't recognize her were immediately drawn to her, their curiosity piqued, and they whispered amongst themselves, eager to learn more about this captivating woman.

Meanwhile, for those who did recognize her, the mood shifted. Men felt a sense of insecurity, as if her strong presence threatened their superiority, while some women shot daggers at the back of her head, their partners left stupefied by her beauty. The grand hall transformed into an arena of subtle power plays and unspoken rivalries.

As the anticipation in the room swelled, the hostess ascended the stage with a warm smile, commanding the attention of the guests with her poise and charm.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice carrying through the hall. "Once again, I would like to welcome you to tonight's event. Now, it's finally the time you've been waiting for. Let me hear the sound of your cheering as we welcome the CEO of Paul&Paul, Mr. Samuel, to the stage for his speech."

The guests erupted into a round of enthusiastic applause and cheers. The anticipation for Samuel's speech was palpable, as all eyes turned to the stage.

to welcome the man who nodded towards the hostess before stepping on the stage to give his speech.

A wave of enthusiastic applause broke out as Samuel took the stage, and the crowd finally had a face to match with the legend. People had imagined the CEO of such a colossal conglomerate to be an elderly statesman, yet the man before them appeared no older than his forties.

Whispers filled the room as guests exchanged comments about Samuel, his legendary elusiveness, and his first-ever public appearance. Many were astonished that someone with his level of power and influence had managed to remain hidden from the media's gaze.

"T-this man is Samuel?" One of the directors who was sitting beside Ye Shouyi muttered as he stared in awe at the man on the stage, most people had envisioned him to be an old man but the man standing on the stage was no less than someone in his forties,

"How come nobody knew who he was, even the media."

"Actually, this event could also be considered as Samuel's first official appearance to the public, although he has hosted a few events and has even been spotted attending some a few times in the overseas, he has never made an official appearance. Besides, with how powerful he is, do you think the media has the gut to offend someone like him?" Ye Shouyi said to the director who nodded in agreement before they both turn their attention back to the stage.

Samuel's speech resonated with grace and charisma, bringing moments of inspiration to the audience. His enigmatic charm held the room captive, and his wisdom was evident in every word.

As Samuel concluded his speech, the hostess announced the official beginning of the grand party. The audience's initial surprise transformed into anticipation and excitement as they began to celebrate the extraordinary evening.

The room hummed with the buzz of conversation and laughter, and guests mingled, appreciating the opportunity to witness a historic moment.

Admist the festivities, Wang Hai who had finally managed to calm down scoffed on spotting Charlie who was about to enter the hall. Immediately moving to stand in his way, Wang Hai smirked.

Ah, look who graces us with his presence," Wang Hai began with a sneer. "Charlie, the superstar himself. Who would've thought that even the trash gets invited to this party? It's rather surprising that Royals would lower their standards to accommodate the likes of you. Are they that desperate?"

Charlie, unbothered, simply continued on his way, his shoulder brushing against Wang Hai's as if to dismiss him. He had no time for provocations.

Wang Hai was undeterred and continued to taunt. "Hasn't your mother ever taught you to respect your elders? Well, what can one expect from a woman who couldn't even teach you to know your place?"

Charlie halted in his tracks, his patience tested. Slowly, he turned to face Wang Hai who smirked realizing his words hit a spot,

"Mr. Wang," Charlie began with a measured tone, "You seem to have misunderstood something."

Wang Hai smirked, relishing the opportunity to engage Charlie in a confrontation. He wanted to provoke him further.

"Mr Wang, if you say it like that, I'm going to get offended, it's only right that Charlie is here with me, after all, he's our biggest star." Feng Tian suddenly said as she moved to stand beside Charlie, her graceful and confident presence, diffusing the tension.

"If you don't mind, I would like to borrow him, he owes me a dance."

Noticing that a few people were already watching, Charlie immediately masked his expression with a passive one before walking off.

"People are watching." Feng Tian muttered as they both made their way towards the dance floor,

As they glided toward the dance floor, Charlie remained composed, his emotions concealed beneath a mask of indifference. Feng Tian leaned closer, her voice a comforting whisper.

"Charlie, you're a star, you have to stop letting him get under your skin."

Charlie sighed, "I know."

They both continue to sway to the sound of the music before Charlie finally spoke again,

"I didn't want to say anything but who is that fellow? He's been shooting daggers at my pretty head for a while now?" Charlie whispered as he shifted his eyes towards the man whose expression continue to harden as he stare at the both of them.

Feng Tian followed his gaze, landing it on Qi Yan.

"Wow, Miss Feng and Charlie really look good together." Xiaorui said.

"Who do you say he is?"

"Charlie, he's a famous celebrity under Royals." Xiaorui stated with an obvious look,

"S-senior, don't tell me you don't know who Charlie is?!"

"Don't care." Qi Yan muttered before standing to his feet,

"Where are you going?"

"To get a drink." Qi Yan replied before walking off.

As the party continued to pulse with life, the guests conversed and reveled in the grand celebration. Wang Hai's verbal duel with Samuel had captured the attention of many, fueling rumors and whispers throughout the room.

"I believe Samuel might be leaning toward YM."

"What makes you say that?"

"Have you noticed? Samuel has been in deep conversation with the CEO of YM all evening. He hasn't spared even a glance for Royals."

Cheng Rou Ling, engaged in animated conversations with fellow guests, smiled at the ongoing drama. Her prayers were for Wang Hai not to mess up, that way she will finally get what she wants.

She was about to head toward the bathroom direction when suddenly her eyes landed on Qi Yan.

"Fancy seeing you here, I didn't know you were interested in parties like this." Cheng Rou Ling said as she slowly proceeded to sit beside him.

"People change." Qi Yan answered. Even though Cheng Rou Ling was taken aback by his aloof attitude, she did not show it.

"How have you been?"

"Good." Qi Yan said before standing to take his leave, immediately, Cheng Rou Ling grab his arm,

"Wait!" Cheng Rou Ling urged, her voice earnest now, "I know you probably don't want to hear what I want to say, you must hate me a lot, but since last time, I've been thinking about what to say to you the next time I see you and…"

"I want us to start over, we should get back together."

Slowly turning to face her, Qi Yan snorted as he stared at the woman in front of him, he could not believe his ears, of all the things he expected to hear from Cheng Rou Ling, getting back together was not part of it.

He was about to cut her off when suddenly he felt eyes on him, slowly lifting his gaze away from Cheng Rou Ling, he connected eyes with Feng Tian whose eyes briefly landed on Cheng Rou Ling before turning her attention towards Samuel.

"Mr Samuel, here." Wang Hai said as he offered a glass of wine to Samuel,

"How about we make a toast to our future together,"

"Well, Mr Wang, I think it's still early for that." Samuel said as he collected the glass of wine, slowly raising it towards Feng Tian who smirked on noticing the bewildered look on Wang Hai's face before raising her glass up in acknowledgment.

Taking one last look at Qi Yan, she swiftly downed the content of the glass she was holding before gracefully making her way out of the hall.