A Night Of Elegance & a Reunion Of Fate

The Gala – A Dance of Power and Jealousy

The grand ballroom of the Imperial Orchid Hotel was bathed in golden light, its crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow over the sea of elites in their finest attire. The air buzzed with conversation, business deals whispered between champagne toasts, and the silent yet palpable undercurrent of power struggles.

Joshua strode into the venue, exuding effortless confidence in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. At his side was Bai Lian Hua, the elegant heiress of the Bai Conglomerate, draped in a stunning white off-shoulder gown that accentuated her porcelain-like complexion.

All eyes naturally gravitated toward them—the pairing of Chairman Lim and Bai Lian Hua was too dazzling to ignore. However, not everyone was pleased with the sight.

From across the room, Lu Zhenfeng, heir of the Lu Conglomerate, gritted his teeth as he watched Joshua and Bai Lian Hua together. His grip tightened around his wine glass, the veins on his hand subtly bulging.

Joshua, ever perceptive, smirked as he met Lu Zhenfeng's glare head-on. Instead of being rattled, he leaned in closer to Bai Lian Hua, whispering just loud enough for Lu Zhenfeng to overhear.

"You look breathtaking tonight, Lian Hua." His voice was smooth, deliberate.

Bai Lian Hua's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure. "Flattery, Chairman Lim? Are you trying to charm me?"

Joshua chuckled, his tone teasing. "Would it be working if I was?"

Lu Zhenfeng's jaw clenched. Unable to hold back, he approached them with a cold sneer. "Bai Lian Hua, I didn't expect you to lower your standards and bring someone like him as your escort."

Joshua turned slightly, unfazed, the corner of his lips curving into a smirk. "Lu Zhenfeng, still obsessed with me? Should I be flattered?"

Bai Lian Hua let out an amused chuckle, but Lu Zhenfeng's expression darkened further.

Joshua continued, his tone effortlessly mocking yet controlled. "It must be frustrating, huh? Watching me take the spotlight again and again while you remain… just another face in the crowd."

Lu Zhenfeng's nostrils flared, but before he could retort, Bai Lian Hua placed her hand gently on Joshua's arm. "Let's not waste time here, Joshua. We have a dance floor waiting for us."

Joshua flashed a lazy smirk at Lu Zhenfeng before escorting Bai Lian Hua onto the polished marble floor.

An Elegant Dance That Stole the Night

The orchestra played a mesmerizing waltz, and as Joshua led Bai Lian Hua into the dance, the room seemed to slow. His movements were fluid, confident, commanding attention with every step.

Bai Lian Hua, one of the most sought-after women in high society, found herself drawn to his presence. Joshua wasn't just skilled in business—his charisma extended even to the dance floor.

"You're surprisingly good at this," Bai Lian Hua admitted, matching his rhythm perfectly.

Joshua smirked. "Surprised? I thought you already knew I excel at everything."

She scoffed, but the small smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.

As they twirled gracefully across the floor, whispers circulated.

"Look at them… they look like a power couple."

"They're practically radiating chemistry."

Lu Zhenfeng, watching from the sidelines, felt his pride burn.

[System Notification]

Bai Lian Hua's Favorability +5 → (Total: 65)

Her heart beat a little faster, but she quickly shook the feeling off.

The High School Reunion – Where the Past & Future Collide

The next evening, Joshua arrived at the Sapphire Grand Hotel, dressed in a sleek but casual black designer suit. Unlike the gala, this event was more personal—his high school reunion.

As he stepped into the lavish banquet hall, murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Isn't that Joshua Lim?"

"Wait… why does he look so different? Wasn't he a nobody back in high school?"

"No way. He must've gotten lucky."

At a nearby table, a group of former classmates, including their self-proclaimed leader, Chen An, sneered at Joshua's presence.

Chen An, dressed in a suit that screamed new money, was the CEO of a small startup. He had always been one of the more arrogant students back then, and it seemed nothing had changed.

Seeing Joshua, he smirked and walked over with feigned enthusiasm. "Joshua! It's been years! I heard you were still struggling to find work. If you need a job, I can offer you one as a junior manager at my company. I pay well, about 5,000 yen a month."

His tone was filled with mockery, and laughter erupted from the classmates nearby.

Joshua, completely unfazed, merely smiled. "That's generous of you, Chen An. But I'll have to pass. I prefer to be my own boss."

Chen An scoffed. "Still as delusional as ever."

Before Joshua could reply, a soft, melodic voice interrupted.

"Joshua?"

Joshua turned and found himself looking at Xin Er—the high school beauty.

She was breathtaking, dressed in a delicate blue evening gown. Her long, dark blue hair shimmered under the chandelier light, and her piercing yet gentle eyes reflected a mix of curiosity and nostalgia.

[System Notification]

New Key Heroine Identified: Xin Er

Current Favorability: 0

Chen An's eyes widened. Xin Er was the most admired girl in their year, elegant, reserved, yet possessing an adorable shyness when she opened up.

Joshua smiled warmly. "Xin Er. It's been a long time."

She tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "You look… different."

"Different good, I hope." Joshua chuckled.

She smiled softly. "Different intriguing."

As they talked, Xin Er found herself drawn to his presence. Unlike Chen An, whose confidence came from arrogance, Joshua's confidence was genuine, effortless.

During dinner, she deliberately sat next to him, listening intently as Joshua casually shared insights about business, music, and life.

[System Notification]

Xin Er Favorability +10 → (Total: 10)

The Reveal – The True Identity of Chairman Lim

As the reunion wrapped up, Joshua was about to leave when the hotel manager suddenly approached him.

"Chairman Lim! I didn't know you were attending tonight. Why didn't you inform us? We would have prepared a VIP section for you."

A dead silence filled the room.

Chen An froze. "C-Chairman Lim?"

The manager smiled. "Yes, Mr. Joshua Lim is the owner of Sapphire Grand Hotel and the chairman of the Lim Group."

A pin drop could be heard as realization dawned upon everyone.

Before anyone could react, a valet rushed over, handing Joshua the keys to his Bugatti.

Joshua turned to Xin Er, smirking. "Mind if I drop you off?"

Xin Er, still processing everything, smiled. "I'd like that."

As they drove off, she looked at him with newfound admiration.

"So, Chairman Lim, do you still play the piano like you did in high school?" she teased.

Joshua chuckled. "Would you like a private performance?"

She laughed, the sound delicate yet genuine.

As the city lights blurred past, Xin Er's favorability rose once more.

[System Notification]

Xin Er Favorability +15 → (Total: 25)