After the Seminar

After the Seminar

Li Yi was in a good mood after the seminar.He had successfully subdued Zhang Feng's arrogance during the meeting,allowing the company's major project to be perfectly presented to the clients.Moreover,he had met Su Yao—an interesting and resilient girl—and learned about her heavy past.A sudden urge to protect her welled up inside him.Thinking of this,Li Yi's lips curled into a faint smile.He took out his phone and sent a message to Su Yao:"Su Yao,there's a social gathering tonight.It's filled with industry leaders and their families.It'll be great for you to expand your network and learn more about the industry.Let's go and relax a bit."

Seeing the message,Su Yao felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.The opportunity to get close to the upper echelons of the industry was undoubtedly a good chance to investigate her father's wrongful case.But thinking of the plain clothes in her closet,she felt out of place at such a high-end gathering.She might even embarrass Li Yi.After much hesitation,she replied,"Mr.Li,thank you for the invitation.I really want to go,but I don't have suitable clothes..."

Li Yi chuckled softly upon reading the reply,understanding Su Yao's concerns.He immediately responded,"That's not a problem.I'll take you shopping."However,shortly after,Su Yao sent another message:"Mr.Li,I've thought it over.It's probably not a good idea.You have fun."Frowning,Li Yi realized that Su Yao,with her strong self-esteem,was likely worried about causing trouble.Without replying,he drove straight to Su Yao's apartment.

As Li Yi's luxury car pulled up in front of Su Yao's building,she was sitting by the window,lost in thought about her father's case and her current situation,feeling somewhat down.Suddenly,her phone rang.It was Li Yi.She answered and heard him say,"Su Yao,come downstairs.I'm at your building."Surprised,she looked out the window and saw Li Yi leaning against the car,looking up at her.

Su Yao hurried downstairs and approached Li Yi,her face full of confusion."Mr.Li,why are you here?"Li Yi just smiled and walked to the back of the car,opening the trunk.Su Yao's eyes widened as she saw an exquisite evening gown and a set of dazzling,expensive jewelry inside.Li Yi held up the dress and gestured it against Su Yao,saying,"This dress is specially chosen for you.Do you like it?And this jewelry will match perfectly.I know what you're worried about,but you can't miss such a great opportunity just because of that.You have to come with me tonight."Su Yao,moved by the luxurious gifts,felt her eyes welling up."Mr.Li,this is too expensive.I..."Li Yi interrupted her,"Don't refuse.You deserve it.And I hope you can meet more people tonight.It might help you with your father's case."After a moment of hesitation,Su Yao finally nodded.Li Yi smiled,his eyes filled with relief."Go and change quickly.We don't have much time."

Su Yao rushed upstairs with the dress and jewelry,quickly changed,and put on the accessories.When she reappeared in front of Li Yi,he couldn't help but be impressed.Su Yao was wearing a white floor-length evening gown that perfectly accentuated her slender waist.The skirt was embroidered with delicate patterns,flowing gracefully as she walked.Diamonds adorned the neckline and sleeves of the dress,shining brightly alongside the expensive jewelry around her neck and wrists,making her skin look even fairer and her features more beautiful.Her originally lively eyes sparkled even more under the careful makeup.

Li Yi was dressed in a well-tailored black suit that accentuated his upright posture and elegant demeanor.The emerald tie clip on his chest,exuding a subtle yet luxurious glow,complemented Su Yao's jewelry perfectly.

The two walked into the luxurious mansion where the gathering was held,and all eyes were immediately drawn to them.The mansion was brightly lit,with various luxury cars parked outside.The garden,with its meticulously trimmed plants,looked like a scene from a fairy tale under the lights.The fountain danced to the rhythm of the music,and the air was filled with the faint scent of flowers and delicious food.

Inside the banquet hall,it was bustling with people.Men and women in elegant attire held champagne glasses,chatting softly or laughing heartily.Su Yao stayed close to Li Yi,trying to appear calm,but she couldn't help feeling nervous inside.

Li Yi led her through the crowd,greeting industry leaders and introducing Su Yao to them."This is Su Yao from our company's project department.She's a very promising young talent.Please take care of her in the future."Su Yao also tried her best to show her best side.Her insightful opinions and appropriate words earned her much admiration.

However,just as they were chatting happily,Zhang Feng suddenly appeared.He was still dressed in his neat suit,with a hypocritical smile on his face,but a hint of malice in his eyes.Seeing Su Yao and Li Yi together,he was taken aback for a moment,then quickly regained his composure and approached them with a fake smile,"Mr.Li,Su Yao,what a coincidence to run into you here."His tone was ingratiating,trying to hide his inner jealousy and frustration,knowing that Li Yi's position was very important in such a setting,and he dared not cause trouble easily.

Li Yi frowned slightly and replied indifferently,"Zhang Feng,quite a coincidence indeed."

Ignoring Li Yi's coldness,Zhang Feng continued,"Su Yao,you look truly radiant tonight.This dress must be expensive.But be careful not to dirty it;you might not be able to afford the damages."His tone was full of sarcasm.

Su Yao felt a pang in her heart but forced herself to stay calm,"Manager Zhang,that's none of your concern."

Seeing this,Li Yi stepped forward and stood in front of Su Yao,coldly saying,"Zhang Feng,if you have no business here,stop causing trouble."

Zhang Feng snorted coldly and was about to say something when an important industry veteran walked over.He was someone everyone wanted to flatter,and Zhang Feng quickly put on a fawning smile and greeted him,"Mr.Wang,long time no see.What big projects have you been working on lately?"

Mr.Wang merely nodded slightly,his gaze falling on Su Yao,"Who is this young lady?"

Li Yi quickly introduced her,"Mr.Wang,this is Su Yao,a capable member of our company.I brought her here today to broaden her horizons."

Mr.Wang's eyes flashed with appreciation,"Hmm,she looks extraordinary.This young person has great potential."With that,he began discussing industry trends with Li Yi,leaving Zhang Feng standing by awkwardly.

Watching Su Yao steal the spotlight in front of everyone,Zhang Feng's jealousy burned within him.He gritted his teeth,thinking,"This little girl is getting more and more favored,even hooking up with Li Yi.I definitely won't let her have an easy time."

Feeling thehostile lookfrom Zhang Feng,Su Yao was on high alert.She knew that this seemingly calm gathering was actually full of undercurrents.She had to be careful not to let Zhang Feng ruin everything.

Soon,melodious music began to play,and people on the dance floor started to take their partners and dance gracefully.Su Yao stood on the side,a hint of envy in her eyes.Growing up in a poor family,she rarely had the chance to learn dancing.Watching others dance elegantly,she couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

At that moment,several elegantly dressed socialites,holding champagne glasses and walking gracefully,approached.They glanced at Su Yao disdainfully.One of them curled her lips into a mocking smile and said in a low voice,"Oh,who is this?Never seen her before.She's dressed quite fancy,but maybe she's just putting on airs?"The other socialites burst into laughter.Su Yao's face turned bright red.She bit her lower lip and clutched the hem of her dress unconsciously,feeling extremely embarrassed.People around them,hearing the laughter,also started to look over,making Su Yao even more awkward.

What made it worse was that these socialites were all Li Yi's admirers.Used to being the center of attention with their family backgrounds and beauty,they were now jealous seeing Li Yi's care for Su Yao,bringing her to such a high-end gathering and dancing with her in the ballroom.Their jealousy was boiling over.

One of the socialites,wearing a red tight-fitting evening gown,was named Lin Wan'er.Her father was a major shareholder of a well-known company,and she was used to getting whatever she wanted in the social circle.She walked up with a cold snort,her eyes full of hostility,"So you're Su Yao?Just a newcomer,and yet you dare to show off here.Don't you know your place?"

Another socialite,Chen Yuwei,who was elegant in a purple silk evening gown,chimed in,"Exactly.Look at her petty demeanor.What makes her think she's a match for Li Yi.