Chapter 13: Is that you?
Unconsciously drawn into her silhouette, the tight line of Kong Chengyi's lips gradually softened.
A long beam of bright headlights swept over, and Hua Lianxi turned her head, squinting. By the time she made out the license plate, Ke Jie had already gotten out of the car and was respectfully opening the door.
Slightly lifting her skirt, Hua Lianxi gracefully slipped into the car, surprised to see Kong Chengyi already seated inside, seemingly with his eyes closed in rest. Hua Lianxi subtly softened her breathing and chose to sit by the window, keeping a good distance from him.
The entire ride was silent, as if no one else was in the car.
As soon as the car pulled up at the entrance of the Ascend Hotel, reporters who had been waiting for a long time swarmed forward, snapping photos at the car windows relentlessly. Even sitting inside, Hua Lianxi could strongly feel the constant flashing of camera lights and the clamor of reporters jostling for position. The media frenzy was even more intense than after the birthday banquet.
Opening his eyes, Kong Chengyi's sharp gaze landed on Hua Lianxi. He didn't rush to get out, as if the commotion and surge outside had nothing to do with him.
Meeting Kong Chengyi's gaze, she paused for a few seconds, then extended her right hand, proactively placing her slender fingers in his large palm.
His thumb slowly stroked the back of her pale hand, his gaze still fixed on her, his cool features unreadable in the dim car.
Hua Lianxi couldn't decipher his current actions or thoughts, so she simply sat quietly.
The doorman opened the car door, and bright lights flooded the interior. Kong Chengyi got out first, then helped Hua Lianxi out on the same side. Escorted by bodyguards, they went directly into the banquet hall, not answering any of the reporters' questions.
Pulling Hua Lianxi close, sheltering her against his side, Kong Chengyi stepped into the banquet hall and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
A sudden warmth spread from her cool forehead, and Hua Lianxi's hand, which had been resting on his chest, instinctively clutched his shirt, a sudden shiver running through her.
"Hua Lianxi, for the media's cameras, we must look loving!" Clearly sensing her tremor and unease, Kong Chengyi's mood visibly brightened. He was quite pleased with her shyness, as if she had never been kissed by anyone else before.
Letting out a soft "hmm," Hua Lianxi slightly raised her head, pulling at her cheeks to reveal a sweet smile.
Knowing that they had to have intimate gestures, and having already been in close contact multiple times, why did she still feel so awkward, flustered, and even slightly tremble every time? Hua Lianxi silently questioned herself.
Inside the banquet hall, guests in elegant attire mingled, resembling a new product showcase for various brands. There were countless dresses with novel cuts and classic styles, and the jewelry sparkled brilliantly.
Kong Chengyi's appearance with Hua Lianxi suddenly captured everyone's attention. For a moment, it was as if time stopped, and only the two of them remained in the noisy world.
Hua Lianxi took in the shock and curiosity on the unfamiliar faces, and she simply needed to offer a graceful curve of her lips, giving a polite smile to the sea of strangers. Everything felt as if it didn't concern her.
His wide palm resting firmly on her thin dress, his arm gently around her slender waist, Kong Chengyi also nodded politely to the guests present and walked straight onto the stage.
"Thank you, esteemed guests, for attending our tenth-anniversary celebration. Ascend Group's long-term development relies on your support. Here, I sincerely thank you all for your years of cooperation, and I hope that with your strength, Ascend Group will have an even longer and broader future!" Standing tall and straight, Kong Chengyi spoke directly to the distinguished guests below without any notes.
Thunderous applause erupted, both for Ascend Group's thriving development and for Kong Chengyi's success in transforming it into the city's leading enterprise in just five short years since taking over.
"Thank you to all the employees who have worked diligently for Ascend Group. Tonight is also a night for Ascend people to celebrate. I announce that to commemorate Ascend's tenth anniversary and this year's 30% increase in performance, all Ascend employees will receive a 10% raise!" His sharp gaze swept over the guests present, searching for the faces of Ascend employees, as Kong Chengyi announced the decision that directly concerned his staff with a firm and forceful tone.
"Wow! Thank you, President! Wow..." The middle-level managers invited to the banquet exclaimed in surprise, completely unexpected a salary increase!
"Tonight, there will also be a raffle. I wish you all the best of luck in winning the grand prize!" Kong Chengyi finished his brief speech with a mysterious smile.
Standing quietly to the side, gazing at Kong Chengyi, whose brow was filled with confidence and composure, watching everyone's admiration for him, Hua Lianxi had a moment of absentmindedness. It was as if the Kong Chengyi at this moment was the real him, with a strong dedication to his career and a wise control, as well as a responsibility towards his employees, not the cruel and heartless person she sometimes perceived.
His sharply defined features instantly returned to their cool composure. Kong Chengyi turned around and saw Hua Lianxi looking at him softly, her beautiful phoenix eyes covered with a layer of shimmering light, rippling gently.
His large hand naturally curved around her slender waist, and Kong Chengyi leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead, his thin lips subtly curving upward, a smile in his eyes.
His soft lips touched her forehead, and the now familiar faint scent of smoke entered her nostrils. Hua Lianxi came back to her senses, looking up to meet his teasing smile.
"Our first dance, let's start the ball!" Kong Chengyi put his arm around her and led her towards the center of the floor.
Enthusiastic applause broke out, and soon after, melodious music began to play. The many guests naturally cleared a large space in the middle for them.
Kong Chengyi didn't let go of his hold around her waist. He placed his other hand on her shoulder, moving gently to the rhythm of the music, intimately drawing her whole being into his embrace, as if offering her endless protection.
One hand resting on Kong Chengyi's waist, the other placed on his broad shoulder, Hua Lianxi looked up and saw him also looking down, seemingly gazing at her. The hand on his waist unconsciously tightened, her fingers pressing into his firm muscles.
Warmth radiated from his broad chest. Leaning in his embrace felt like finding a strong support. She had never known an embrace could be so warm, and in that instant, she seemed fearless.
Feeling her fingernails dig into his muscle, Kong Chengyi lowered his head slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he asked in a low voice, "Hmm?"
Looking up distractedly, Hua Lianxi's soft lips directly brushed against his jawline. She instantly froze, her eyes wide with surprise.
Their soft lips touching, Kong Chengyi's initially clear eyes instantly deepened, his long arms tightening around her, pulling her even closer into his embrace.
Held tightly, her slender body nestled against his, the subtle warmth grew stronger, comforting her so much that she wished she could sink into it and never wake up. Her hands, which had been resting on his waist, unknowingly crept up to encircle his waist, silently giving him a natural response.
The melodious dance music seemed to fade away, and the amazed gazes of the crowd couldn't disturb the two who were lost in the moment.
Pressed against his chest, the sound of his strong and steady heartbeat echoed in her ears. Hua Lianxi's face flushed crimson, not daring to look around, even less courageous to meet Kong Chengyi's eyes.
"Xixi!" A sudden clear female voice broke in, shattering the either quiet or awkward atmosphere between the two.
"Lianxi? Is that really you?" Constantly refreshing the photos on various websites and repeatedly confirming the name, Cheng Yi couldn't believe that the woman causing a sensation throughout the city was her friend. Even at the moment of seeing her with her own eyes, she still couldn't quite believe that the woman Kong Chengyi had kissed was the Hua Lianxi she knew.
Lifting her head from his warm chest, Hua Lianxi quickly glanced at the newcomer. Recognizing her as her former good friend, she immediately looked away in a fluster, her lips moving as if to deny it, but she stopped.
"Lianxi? Is it you?" Holding a champagne glass in one hand and his other still in his pocket, Cheng Shaobai, wearing a dark gray suit and a plaid bow tie, finally spoke slowly. The last bit of hope in his heart vanished the moment he opened his mouth.
Freezing in Kong Chengyi's embrace, biting her lip lightly, Hua Lianxi turned around after a moment of silence, lifted her face, and offered a sweet smile. "Yes, it's me! Cheng Yi, Big Brother Cheng!"
The media's frantic pursuit and the headline-grabbing reports on major websites didn't make her think that people she once knew would never recognize her. It was just that she hadn't expected to run into her closest friends tonight.
How should she face Cheng Yi and Cheng Shaobai? At this moment, she had no answer.
"Xixi? How... how did you get married? Young Master Kong?" How could the low-profile and inconspicuous Hua Lianxi be connected to the city's famous diamond bachelor, even becoming his wife?
Ten thousand questions filled Cheng Yi's mind, wishing she could just split Hua Lianxi open to see what answers were floating in her head.
His large hand rested on her waist, Kong Chengyi maintained a calm expression, his handsome eyebrows slightly raised, his eyes smiling as he watched Hua Lianxi.
Her smile froze slightly. Hua Lianxi met his teasing gaze out of the corner of her eye and said lightly, "Yes, we're married!"
"Young Master Kong, hello!" His deep gaze lingered on Hua Lianxi. Cheng Shaobai was stunned by her beauty, but he couldn't ignore the man holding her tightly. A sharp pain surged in his chest, almost making it hard to breathe.
His sharp gaze swept over Cheng Shaobai, and Kong Chengyi politely clinked glasses with him. "Mr. Cheng and Lianxi are old acquaintances?"
"Of course, Lianxi was my best friend in college, and my brother is very familiar with her too!" Cheng Yi interjected quickly, disregarding her image as she playfully hit Hua Lianxi's arm. "Disappearing without a word, getting married without telling me, do you still consider me your best friend? Were all our days together just a waste?"
Offering a gentle smile, Kong Chengyi released Hua Lianxi and leaned down to kiss her cheek. "It's rare to meet good friends, you two chat!" With that, he turned and walked away to mingle with other guests.
Watching his retreating figure, Hua Lianxi silently breathed a sigh of relief, then turned and threw her arms around Cheng Yi, hugging her tightly. "Cheng Yi, I missed you, I really missed you!"