We left the room and entered the grand living room, where most guests had already arrived. Our class was grouped together, but the majority of the space was filled with high-society attendees from Hengjun City. Today was not just Zhao Qingshi's birthday party but also a political gathering for the Zhao family—almost every elite in Hengjun City had been invited. Countless strangers in elegant gowns shuttled about, many with striking figures that drew attention.
From afar, I spotted Zhao Qingshi. Unsurprisingly, despite the many beautiful guests, she was the brightest star. Unlike her usual attire, today she wore a white gown that highlighted her perfect curves, looking like a celestial fairy descending to earth. The soft fabric added an unexpected touch of charm to her usual purity. Her exquisite face made her the center of attention, captivating all male guests and even drawing mixed looks—envy and jealousy—from women.
"Shi'er looks stunning today," even An Zhishui, usually comparable to Zhao Qingshi as one of the class's two belles, couldn't help but sigh.
Yes, I silently agreed. How could such a beautiful girl exist? This thought always struck me whenever I saw her. I longed to walk over, take her hand like in the movies, pull her into my arms, and kiss her lips deeply amid envious stares. I took an involuntary step forward, then stopped. Though physically close, the gulf between us was wider than any chasm.
I wasn't the protagonist here—just a supporting character, no, a mere extra. In Zhao Qingshi's story, I didn't even deserve a fleeting cameo.
"Shi'er, come here, my dear," a booming voice sounded from the center of the living room.
The speaker was a portly middle-aged man. Though meeting him in person for the first time, I recognized him instantly from TV and news—Zhao Shi, Mayor of Hengjun City and Zhao Qingshi's father. Surrounded by a crowd, he was deep in political networking, already flushed from wine but still clinking glasses. His suit was slightly disheveled, top button undone, tie askew, yet his aura of authority remained undeniable.
Zhao Qingshi politely excused herself and glided toward her father. The crowd parted, allowing the pair of father and daughter to stand at the center.
Zhao Shi handed his glass to a servant and said, "Shi'er, let me introduce you to some promising young men. They've traveled all the way from Tiandu City for your birthday."
"This is the second son of Director Liu from the Ministry of Education, Liu Guangliang. His uncle is the vice mayor of XX City..."
"This is the nephew of Vice Minister Zhang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs..."
"And this one... ah, from the military, the third son of Chief of Staff Ma. My memory's terrible—I toasted with Chief Ma just last year. His alcohol tolerance is something else..."
I listened from a distance, initially attentive but soon fighting yawns. This wasn't introductions; it was a recital of family pedigrees. Each name was followed by a litany of illustrious relatives, with little mention of the individuals themselves. Zhao Qingshi deserves credit—she maintained a polite smile throughout, as if enchanted, clinking glasses and exchanging brief pleasantries after each introduction.
"Does the Zhao family have so many connections in Tiandu City?" I whispered to Luo Suohui.
"You don't get it—politics isn't about 'connections,' it's about alliances. This party is about the Zhaos seeking new partners," he paused, then added, "I heard Zhao Shi wants to climb higher. He's using his daughter to ingratiate himself with Tiandu's elite families, hence all these unmarried nobles here. He's picking a fiancé for Qingshi."
My heart sank. Of course, Zhao Qingshi's future husband would come from a family even more powerful than hers. I'd always known our gulf was unbridgeable, but facing it now, I hated my powerlessness.
Luo Suohui, oblivious to my distress, continued, "You think my dad sent me to Qingming College for education? He wants me to marry Qingshi and unite our families. But even we're beneath the Zhaos' notice. No man in Hengjun is good enough for Zhao Shi. I wonder which of these guys he'll choose."
I felt a sudden surge of pity for Zhao Qingshi. For all her perfection and hauteur, in her father's eyes, she was a bargaining chip. Every guest today had brought gifts—classmates gave tens to thousands, while wealthy heirs presented extravagant items: designer bags and shoes piled like a mountain. She smiled sweetly, thanking each politely. My goddess, so unattainable, was just a ticket to power.
Finally, only one man remained—standing beside Zhao Shi, clearly the most distinguished among the Tiandu guests.
"Uncle Zhao, no need to trouble yourself. Let me introduce myself to Shi'er," he said with confident smile.
"Wang Hongxi, Harvard graduate. I rebelled a bit, skipped politics for business. Founded a company that went public last year; market cap just hit 5 billion. Oh, and I was named one of this year's Top Ten Young Entrepreneur Leaders."
Not bad, I thought. Wang Hongxi was clearly from a powerful family, but unlike the others, he focused on his achievements, not pedigree—a cut above the rest.
"Mr. Wang is truly outstanding," Zhao Qingshi said with her standard polite smile.
Wang Hongxi's smile flickered awkwardly but recovered quickly. Her praise was perfunctory, just social nicety. His Harvard degree and "5 billion company" meant nothing to her.
Zhao Shi interjected, "I hear you'll stay in Hengjun for a while, Hongxi. If you're free, let Shi'er show you around as our guest. You're both young—sure to have common ground."
"Wonderful! I'm always free. Just hope I don't bother Shi'er," Wang Hongxi beamed.
Everyone knew what "common ground" meant—romance.
"Who is this Wang guy?" I asked Luo Suohui.
"From Tiandu, influential family. His dad's in customs, but I don't know the specifics."
So Wang Hongxi was the protagonist today. Soon, he'd be Zhao Qingshi's boyfriend, then husband, and Zhao Shi's political ally. But would she love him? He was capable, but did he deserve her? Zhao Qingshi needed someone truly extraordinary, a king among men.
"Look, who's that?" a sudden commotion rippled through the crowd.
All eyes turned to the entrance, where a young man entered with a massive bouquet of roses, wearing a bespoke tuxedo that screamed nobility. Gold-rimmed glasses added a refined air. He looked around my age, yet his poised demeanor betrayed an ancient family's lineage.
"Qi Hemei? Even he's here?"
"The Qi family came? The Zhaos are making a major alliance."
"Mayor Zhao managed to invite Qi Hemei? No one knew!"
Puzzled, I turned to Luo Suohui, who looked equally shocked. "Qi Hemei, heir of the Qi family, one of the Four Great Families. I can't believe Zhao Shi got him here."
"Is he a big deal?" I asked, feigning nonchalance.
"Massive. A single move from him shakes Hengjun City."
"Compared to Zhao Qingshi's father?"
"Not directly. Qi Hemei's young, but he speaks for the Qi family in Hengjun. The Qi are one of the country's top families."
At Qi Hemei's arrival, the room erupted in whispers. Even Wang Hongxi's eyes flickered with envy. Moments ago, he'd been the star, but now all attention shifted. Zhao Shi pushed through the crowd, nearly tripping in his haste—whether from wine or excitement—to greet him.
"Haha, Young Master Qi graces my daughter's party! What an honor!"
Qi Hemei met Zhao Shi's gaze as an equal. "Uncle Zhao, I've known Qingshi for years. How could I miss her birthday?"
"Really? I had no idea my daughter had such an esteemed friend. She's grown up," Zhao Shi chided, though his tone brimmed with pride.
Zhao Qingshi joined them, smiling softly at Qi Hemei. "Hemei, why are you so late?"
"Apologies, something delayed me," he said, tone casual—his presence alone was apology enough.
Zhao Shi turned to his daughter. "You should've told me you invited Young Master Qi! I could've prepared better. Don't let him see us looking shabby."
Zhao Qingshi giggled. "We met in Tiandu when I visited. I invited him, but he's so busy, I wasn't sure he'd come. I didn't dare tell you."
Qi Hemei handed her the roses, smiling charmingly. "For you, Qingshi. Nothing would keep me away. Happy birthday—may your beauty never fade."
"Thank you." She accepted the flowers with a radiant smile.
Then, from the bouquet, he produced a box. Inside lay a dazzling diamond ring.
"Wow! Look at that diamond!" An Zhishui exclaimed.
Even a socialite like her was impressed—this was no ordinary gem. Qi Hemei had spared no expense. He knelt, presenting the ring. "Qingshi, I've loved you for ages. Please accept my heart."
Her cheeks flushed scarlet; then she nodded solemnly. "Yes."
He stood, slipped the ring on her finger, and pulled her into a gentle embrace. Zhao Shi laughed heartily, thrilled to see his daughter in the arms of a Qi heir, happiness genuine on both their faces.
The room erupted in applause. I clapped mechanically, heart aching.
Earlier, I'd pitied her as a pawn, but how foolish. Zhao Qingshi was no victim—she'd orchestrated this. Both she and her father had gotten what they wanted. A Four Great Families heir was indeed worthy of her.
As she leaned on Qi Hemei's arm, her full bosom brushed his sleeve, whether intentional or not. Her smile now was real, not the practiced one for guests.
The room's most dazzling girl and its most exalted) guest had united—a perfect match in this materialistic world.
From now on, I'd be nothing to her but a classmate. I looked at her, close yet worlds apart, and turned away, heart heavy.