Suddenly, everyone at the venue took a sharp intake of breath, stunned as they gazed at the cold and elegant figure of Pei Yimo, holding the ordinary-looking woman in his arms.
What could possibly attract him to this woman?
Pei Yimo's illustrious background was beyond reproach; the Pei family held significant sway in Asia and even worldwide. With a face and physique that could rival international celebrities and models, he was the epitome of perfection in the eyes of women. Yet, hardly anyone had ever seen him involved with any woman. Handsome, wealthy, and virtuous, he was considered the ideal lover by all women. However, he had just publicly admitted that Li Qianyou was his woman, a shocking revelation that left men astonished and women heartbroken.
Pei Yimo's emotionally detached tone and his eyes as cold as ice turned towards the woman who had just pushed Li Qianyou, as he coolly remarked, "I didn't know that Miss Lin from the Lin family has taken on the role of the Pei family's gatekeeper." His words were a thinly veiled mockery of Miss Lin's audacity to act as a watchdog for the Pei family.
Pei Yimo's emotionless voice and his eyes as piercing as ice chips left Lin Rumeng frozen in place, her eyes beginning to well up with tears. Beside her, Zhu Qingya glared angrily at Li Qianyou in Pei Yimo's embrace, but restrained herself from any rash actions due to Pei Yimo's presence.
Sensing the accusatory glares directed at her, Li Qianyou lifted her head, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes upon her, filled with either anger or curiosity.
Feeling Li Qianyou trembling in his arms, Pei Yimo lowered his head, softening his gaze, and a surge of endless tenderness erupted within him. He urgently asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Do you have a headache? Do you need to see a doctor?"
A series of concerned questions echoed in her ears, and as Li Qianyou met his gaze, she felt a wave of bitterness wash over her nose.
Seeing Li Qianyou remain silent with teary eyes, Pei Yimo's heart seemed to ache with every beat. Gripping her hand tightly, he said, "Let's go, we'll see a doctor."
As he was about to take a step forward, he felt Li Qianyou's hand go limp in his grasp, and he turned to her, puzzled.
Li Qianyou slowly raised her head, the whispers of the crowd echoing in her ears. She withdrew her hand from his tight grasp, not missing the fleeting disappointment in his dark eyes.
She whispered softly, "I'm fine. I just want to go home."
The crowd didn't understand her words, but Pei Yimo knew the meaning behind them. His eyes darkened, and he asserted dominantly, "No, you're not leaving. From now on, this is your home!"
Li Qianyou shook her head, stepping back. "No, it's not. CEO, I'm sorry, please let me go home."
She wanted to escape from this place, but Pei Yimo wouldn't allow it. Grabbing her shoulders firmly, he finally couldn't hold back his low growl, "Li Qianyou, what are you afraid of? Are you afraid that I'll hurt you or abandon you? Is my affection so terrifying to you? Or do you not believe in me, in my feelings for you? Fine, today, in front of all these people, I'll tell you clearly!"
With a voice deep and resonant, suffused with a mesmerizing magnetism, Pei Yimo declared, "Li Qianyou, I love you!"
The deep, sonorous voice, filled with sincere earnestness, silenced the entire venue, even the crystalline piano music seemed to pause for his declaration. All around, people were shocked, staring in disbelief at the scene before them, while Zhu Qingya suddenly burst into tears.
But before anyone could recover from the shock, a sharp female voice rang out, "No! I don't want your love!"
With all her might, Li Qianyou pushed away the man in front of her and ran out of the venue.
Pei Yimo staggered backward two steps from the force of her push, his tall figure standing straight, his hair gently cascading, and no one could discern his expression at that moment. Yet, strangely, as they watched his retreating figure, the onlookers couldn't help but feel a twinge of heartache and sorrow.