After the divorce, the aloof CEO begged me not to withdraw my investment.

He could forgive her, but he couldn't forget those painful memories.

"Qingyi," Ye Feng's voice was low and hoarse, "I accept your apology."

He paused, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes.

"But I need time, I need to think it over carefully."

Liu Qingyi raised her head, looking at him with teary eyes.

"how long?"

Her voice carried a hint of despair.

Ye Feng avoided her gaze and looked at the flashing neon lights outside the window.

"I do not know."

His voice was soft, yet it struck Liu Qingyi's heart like a heavy hammer.

The café was filled with the bitter aroma of coffee, which mingled with Liu Qingyi's tears, creating an indescribable atmosphere of sorrow.

Ye Feng's heart was as bitter and heavy as this coffee.

He stood up, walked to Liu Qingyi, and gently stroked her hair.

"Qingyi, take care."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Liu Qingyi alone in the empty coffee shop, silently crying.

Ye Feng stepped out of the coffee shop, took a deep breath of the cool night air, and tried to dispel the gloom in his heart.

He looked up at the night sky, where countless stars twinkled, yet they could not illuminate the confusion in his heart.

He didn't know where to go or what the future held for him and Liu Qingyi.

All he knew was that he needed time to think things through, to think about their relationship, and to think about his future.

The magnificent invitation lay on the mahogany table, exuding a faint scent of ink.

Ye Feng lightly stroked the gold-embossed lettering with his fingertips, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

This charity gala, bringing together Beijing's elite, was an excellent opportunity to expand one's network. He could almost smell the opportunity in the air, and a sense of excitement spread through him.

"This banquet is not to be missed," Ye Feng muttered to himself, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness. He picked up the invitation, feeling the texture of the paper, as if he could already foresee the scene of clinking glasses and lively conversation at the banquet.

Outside the window, the bustling traffic and the clamor of the city filled his ears, yet they did not disturb him in the slightest. His mind was already racing, planning how to showcase his abilities at the banquet and attract more attention.

Just then, the pleasant ringtone of a cell phone broke the tranquility of the study. Ye Feng picked up the phone, and the screen displayed the name "Qi Xue".

"Ye Feng, I heard you're going to attend that charity gala?" Qi Xue's voice was clear and sweet, with a hint of anticipation.

Ye Feng smiled slightly: "That's right, you also received an invitation?"

"Of course!" Qi Xue's tone carried a hint of pride. "How could I miss such an important occasion? Besides..."

She paused deliberately, her tone becoming even softer, "I want to go with you."

Ye Feng could imagine Qi Xue's shy expression on the other end of the phone, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up: "Okay, let's go together. I'll pick you up then."

"No need, I'm already ready." Qi Xue's tone was filled with excitement. "I'm right downstairs from your house."

Ye Feng's heart stirred slightly. Looking down through the floor-to-ceiling window, he saw a familiar car parked there. Qi Xue's figure was reflected in the car window as she adjusted her makeup in front of the mirror.

After hanging up the phone, Ye Feng straightened his clothes and quickly walked out of the study. He could feel his heart beating slightly faster, and a strange sense of anticipation spread through his chest.

As soon as the door opened, Qi Xue was already standing there, her gorgeous evening gown making her even more radiant.

Ye Feng's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "You're so beautiful."

A shy blush rose on Qi Xue's face, and her eyes sparkled with joy. She twirled gently, her skirt blooming like a flower, revealing her perfect curves.

"Is it pretty?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with anticipation.

"It's very beautiful." Ye Feng exclaimed sincerely. He could smell a faint perfume scent in the air, fresh and charming.

Qi Xue's smile widened as she took Ye Feng's arm and the two walked together toward the elevator. The banquet lights seemed to be watching them from afar.

The light from the crystal chandelier cascaded down like a waterfall, illuminating the entire banquet hall. Elegant ladies mingled, glasses clinked, and the air was filled with the scent of expensive perfumes and the low murmur of conversation.

Ye Feng and Qi Xue stepped hand in hand into this dazzling galaxy, instantly becoming the focus of the entire event.

Qi Xue, dressed in a floor-length gown, resembled a blooming red rose, exquisitely beautiful. Holding Ye Feng's arm, her elegant gait and sparkling eyes radiated star power with every gesture.

Flashes of light and crisp clicks of shutters filled the air, as if composing a symphony for this stunning debut.

She could feel the gazes around her, some of them admiration, some of envy, and some of jealousy. These gazes intertwined with her, giving her a slight feeling of excitement and satisfaction.

Ye Feng was dressed in a black suit, his figure was upright, and his handsome features appeared even more profound under the lights.

He wore a faint smile, his eyes were calm and confident, and his every move exuded the charm of a mature man.

He felt Qi Xue's arm gently around him, the soft touch warming his heart. He could hear the surrounding whispers, clearly catching words like "Qi Xue," "Ye Feng," and "perfect match," which unconsciously deepened the smile on his lips.

"Mr. Ye, Ms. Qi, welcome."

A middle-aged man in a suit and tie came forward; he was one of the organizers of the charity gala.

His face was beaming with smiles, and his tone was warm and respectful, clearly showing how much he valued their arrival.

"Thank you." Ye Feng nodded slightly, his tone gentle and polite.

"Miss Qi, you look absolutely radiant tonight."

Another elegantly dressed woman walked over; she was a well-known producer in the entertainment industry.

Her eyes held a hint of appreciation and inquiry, as if she were assessing Qi Xue's commercial value.

"Thank you for your compliment." Qi Xue smiled gracefully, responding with ease. She was already used to compliments in such situations, but tonight, she felt particularly different. Perhaps it was Ye Feng's presence that made her more confident and composed.

The two walked side by side, weaving through the crowd. Ye Feng felt Qi Xue's arm tighten slightly; he knew she was a little nervous. He gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her.

"Don't be nervous, I'm here for you," he said softly, his tone gentle yet firm.

Qi Xue raised her head and met Ye Feng's deep gaze, feeling a strange sense of peace in her heart. She returned a sweet smile, as if to say, "I believe you."

The surrounding guests cast curious glances, whispering among themselves and speculating about the relationship between the two.

Some thought they were a couple, some thought they were business partners, and others thought they were just friends. Various speculations and discussions spread like ripples throughout the banquet hall, enveloping the two of them.