Xinyi had dealt with difficult clients before, but something about Shengxi instantly irritated her. Maybe it was the way he spoke with quiet authority, as if he expected the world to bend to his will. Maybe it was the smirk that suggested he found this whole wedding business amusing.
Or maybe… it was the way he looked at her. Like he was trying to figure her out.
"If you don't trust people, Mr. Shengxi, why pay for a wedding planner?" she asked coolly.
His smirk didn't fade. "My sister insisted."
Ah. Of course. The charming, innocent bride-to-be, completely unaware that her older brother was the type to micromanage everything.
"Well, your sister made the right choice," Xinyi said, keeping her tone professional. "I handle everything, so you don't have to worry."
"Oh? But I like worrying." Shengxi slid his hands into his pockets. "Especially when millions are involved."
Xinyi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Then let me put your mind at ease. The wedding will be flawless."
"We'll see."
His gaze lingered on her for a second longer before he walked away, his presence leaving an unmistakable tension in the air.
"Arrogant much?" Meiling muttered as she walked up beside Xinyi.
Xinyi exhaled sharply. "You have no idea."
Meiling wiggled her eyebrows. "But he's hot, though."
"Not my type."
Meiling laughed. "Your type is 'no one' at this point. You keep dodging romance like it's a lawsuit."
Xinyi stiffened at the mention of lawsuits, but she masked it quickly. "I don't have time for distractions."
Meiling groaned. "Workaholic. Okay, fine. But if that man keeps showing up, don't be surprised if sparks fly."
Xinyi was double-checking the wedding venue's final details when her phone rang.
Unknown Number.
She hesitated, then picked up. "Hello?"
A deep voice answered. "You should check your contract."
Xinyi's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"The venue," Shengxi said. "LX Group owns it. And I don't recall approving some of these arrangements."
Xinyi clenched her jaw. "With all due respect, Mr. Shengxi, your sister and I already confirmed every detail."
"And with all due respect, Miss Xinyi, this is still my property. So unless you want problems, meet me at my office. Tonight."
Xinyi pulled the phone away and stared at it. Was this man serious?
She considered telling him to deal with it himself. But she wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
"Fine. I'll be there."
This was just business. Nothing else.
At least, that's what she told herself.