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

The crisp clinking of champagne, the melodious music, and the whispers of the guests created a unique symphony for the dinner.

Ye Feng and Qi Xue were undoubtedly the most dazzling notes in this symphony. They strolled hand in hand, like a perfect couple, becoming a beautiful sight at the banquet.

The crystal chandelier cast its light onto the gleaming marble floor, reflecting a mesmerizing glow. Melodious waltz music filled the banquet hall, the aroma of champagne mingling with the fragrance of exquisite dishes, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

The crystal chandelier illuminated the banquet hall as if it were daytime. The air was filled with the fragrance of expensive perfumes and the low murmur of conversation, creating a symphony of extravagance.

Ye Feng felt Qi Xue's arm gently around him, and the soft touch warmed his heart.

The delicate bubbles of champagne danced on the tongue, bringing a pleasant, slightly tipsy sensation. Ye Feng was talking quietly with a business partner when he caught a glimpse of a vibrant red figure walking towards them out of the corner of his eye.

She is Sophie, a popular actress known for her sharp words and arrogant demeanor.

Sophie walked up to Qi Xue, a hint of contempt in her eyes, and a mocking smile curved her red lips.

"Miss Qi, your dress tonight is really beautiful. Where did you buy it? It's not... a high-quality replica, is it?" She deliberately lowered the last three words, but it was enough for the people around her to hear.

Qi Xue's face turned pale instantly, and she subconsciously clenched the champagne glass in her hand until her knuckles turned white.

She had carefully chosen this dress, designed by a renowned designer, but now Sophie had humiliated her so much, making her feel incredibly ashamed.

The clamor in the banquet hall seemed to be amplified infinitely at this moment, turning into sharp mockery that pierced her eardrums.

She could feel the gazes around her no longer filled with amazement and envy, but with curiosity and whispers.

Ye Feng noticed Qi Xue's unusual behavior and turned slightly to block Su Fei's aggressive gaze.

He picked up a glass of champagne, swirled it gently, and the golden liquid shimmered with a captivating luster under the light.

“Miss Su has always had a discerning eye, and I imagine she has done in-depth research on high-quality counterfeits. Why don’t you explain to us how to distinguish between genuine and fake?” His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

Sophie's expression changed slightly; she hadn't expected Ye Feng to retaliate like this. She had only intended to humiliate Qi Xue, but she hadn't anticipated becoming the target of everyone's criticism.

She chuckled awkwardly, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Mr. Ye, you're joking. I don't know anything about those things. I was just... asking casually."

Ye Feng smirked and handed the champagne to Qi Xue. "Take a sip and calm your nerves."

His gaze was gentle yet firm, as if telling her: Don't be afraid, I'm here.

Qi Xue took the champagne, took a small sip, and the cool liquid slid down her throat, calming her nerves a little.

She looked at Ye Feng gratefully, her eyes filled with trust and reliance.

Ye Feng turned his head, his gaze falling on Su Fei again, his eyes sharp as knives. "Miss Su, being too curious is not a good thing. Knowing too much about some things can only make you look bad."

His tone was low, carrying a hint of warning.

Sophie's face flushed red and then turned pale. She felt all eyes on her, which made her feel uneasy, as if they were being pricked by needles.

She bit her lip, ultimately said nothing, turned and hurriedly left, her back view looking utterly disheveled.

Seeing this, the surrounding guests began to whisper among themselves. Some praised Ye Feng's wit and domineering manner, while others gloated over Sophie's self-inflicted embarrassment.

Ye Feng gently patted Qi Xue's hand and said softly, "It's alright."

He could feel Qi Xue's hands were still trembling slightly; he knew she needed time to process what had just happened.

Qi Xue took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She looked up and met Ye Feng's deep gaze, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

She knew that tonight, she had found a shoulder to lean on.

The noise from the banquet hall returned, but this time, she no longer felt nervous or uneasy; instead, she felt an unprecedented sense of security.

She held Ye Feng's arm even tighter, as if trying to hold onto this warmth firmly.

The melodious waltz echoed through the banquet hall, and the light from the crystal chandelier spilled like shattered diamonds, illuminating the men and women twirling in the center of the dance floor. As the music played, Ye Feng extended his hand, palm up, his gaze gently falling on Qi Xue.

"May I have this dance?" His voice was deep and magnetic, with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

Qi Xue's heart raced slightly as she gently placed her hand on Ye Feng's, feeling the warmth of his palm.

"It's my honor." Her voice was soft, yet it carried an undisguised joy.

Ye Feng gently put his arm around Qi Xue's waist, and the two danced gracefully to the music. Qi Xue's gown billowed as she twirled, like a blooming flower. Her gaze met Ye Feng's, and their images were reflected in each other's eyes.

The music flowed like water, and their dance steps became increasingly synchronized. Qi Xue could feel the warmth of Ye Feng's palm and his strong heartbeat. She felt as if she were in a dream, everything around her blurred, only Ye Feng's presence was so clear and real.

A faint scent of champagne mingled with Ye Feng's crisp aroma, lingering around Qi Xue's nose and giving her a slightly tipsy feeling. She could feel Ye Feng's gaze fixed on her, gentle and focused, as if the whole world had shrunk to just the two of them.

"You danced beautifully," Ye Feng's voice rang in her ear, tinged with admiration.

Qi Xue's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you."

Just then, a waiter carrying a tray hurried across the dance floor and accidentally bumped into Qi Xue. Qi Xue cried out in surprise, lost her balance, and lurched forward.

Ye Feng reacted quickly, grabbing her waist and pulling her back into his arms.

The accident happened so fast that neither of them had time to react. Qi Xue's forehead collided with Ye Feng's chest, making a dull thud. Immediately afterward, their cheeks pressed together, and their lips lightly touched.

Time seems to stand still at this moment.

The surrounding music and conversations became distant and indistinct. Qi Xue's mind went blank, leaving only the soft touch on her lips and the faint fragrance of Ye Feng.

Her heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of her chest. Her cheeks instantly turned bright red, like a ripe apple.

Ye Feng was also stunned. He felt Qi Xue's soft lips and warm breath, and a strange feeling spread through his heart.