The elderly Mu couple turned in surprise at the familiar voice.
"Waiyuan?" Grandpa Mu blinked, hardly believing his eyes. "Why are you here?"
He had come to the opening purely at Li Jianfang's invitation, never expecting to see such distinguished guests. The sight of Shen Waiyuan—his own student from university days—left him both startled and curious about the scale of this banquet.
Shen Waiyuan smiled warmly and stepped forward with his wife. "Master, I came to Wuhan hoping to visit you. When I heard this restaurant was opening, I wished to be part of it. After all, I've already tasted the food made by it's owner once. I must say, I've become something of a fan."
Grandma Mu chuckled softly. "That doesn't surprise me. Once anyone tastes a dish from the Li family, they're bound to return again and again."
As she turned to share the moment with Han Jingxian, she faltered. Han Jingxian stood utterly still, gaze fixed on someone. Following her line of sight, Grandma Mu saw Li Ziqing. A knowing smile tugged at her lips, and she exchanged a glance with her husband. They could read the expression in Han Jingxian's eyes clearly—pure awe.
They had known Han Jingxian for years, a woman of calm composure and impeccable restraint. Rare jewels, great fortunes, even society's most dazzling events rarely stirred her. Yet now, before Li Ziqing, her expression betrayed astonishment, admiration… almost wonder.
Li Ziqing herself felt the weight of the gaze. Dressed in a soft blue evening gown that accentuated her slender figure without excess maturity, she stood with quiet elegance. The fabric shimmered gently under the lights, highlighting the delicate lines of her face and the calm poise in her bearing. Though she felt slightly self-conscious under such scrutiny, sensing no malice, she let it pass. Instead, she smiled faintly and addressed Grandpa Mu.
"Grandpa Mu," she said with gentle tact, "aren't you going to introduce your guests?"
Understanding her intention, Grandpa Mu brightened. "Of course. This is my former student, Shen Waiyuan, and his wife, Han Jingxian. They've come all the way from Hong Kong. And this—" he gestured toward the young people beside him, "—is Li Ziqing, the daughter of the hotel's owner Li Jianfang. Beside her, Li Jianfang's son, Li Zian, and her younger brother, Li Jianping."
Li Ziqing offered a graceful nod. "Mr. Shen, Mrs. Shen, so it's you. I've heard much about both of you. In fact, Wuhan has been buzzing with your names."
Shen Waiyuan, momentarily caught by the poise in her tone, returned the smile. "I only hope what you've heard was kind. The truth is, the honor was mine. I had the chance to taste your families cooking, and it was unforgettable. Your skill speaks louder than any reputation."
"You flatter us, Mr. Shen," Li Ziqing replied modestly. "But it's reassuring to know our food left such an impression. I hope tonight's event is to your liking."
At last, Han Jingxian seemed to stir from her daze. The thought of her own son's perpetually cold, indifferent face rose in her mind, and for the first time she wondered—if he were to meet this otherworldly girl, would his icy demeanor crack?
Her lips moved before reason could stop her. "How old are you? What class are you in? Do you… already have a boyfriend?"
The words tumbled out in quick succession, startling everyone.
A flush crept across Li Ziqing's cheeks. She lowered her gaze, embarrassed, while Shen Waiyuan's face darkened with mortification. "Jingxian!" he hissed softly, before forcing a strained smile at the others.
"My apologies," he said quickly, bowing slightly to the Mu couple. "Master, Madam, I'll come visit you properly tomorrow. Forgive us for taking our leave so suddenly."
Without waiting for further explanation, he gently but firmly took his wife by the arm and steered her out of the hall.
The Mu couple exchanged another glance, both amused and bemused, while Li Ziqing exhaled slowly, regaining her composure.
Once they were finally at a quiet distance, Shen Weiyuan's composure cracked. His brows furrowed, and his usually calm voice carried a trace of exasperation.
"What was wrong with you earlier? How could you ask such questions to a girl who doesn't even look fifteen?"
Han Jingxian pressed her lips together, her hand unconsciously brushing her temple as though trying to shake off the memory. Inside, she was berating herself—what on earth had gotten into her? Out loud, she admitted with a guilty sigh, "I… I don't know. I just couldn't think straight."
Shen Weiyuan turned to her with a look that all but said, are you serious? His tone was low, slightly incredulous.
"Lose your composure? You? Why? What's so special about that girl? She's pretty, yes, but surely that isn't enough to catch your eyes, is it?"
Han Jingxian's own eyes widened in disbelief at his words. She mirrored his look with exaggerated shock.
"Just pretty? Weiyuan, did you even look at her properly? Her poise, her phoenix eyes—she's already stunning even at this age. Imagine her a few years later. Tell me, if Zeyan ever came across her, do you think he would remain this cold and detached?"
Shen Weiyuan fell silent. Almost despite himself, his gaze drifted back toward Li Ziqing. Earlier, his focus had been wholly on his Master, barely sparing the girl a passing glance. He had thought her beautiful, yes, adorable even, but nothing beyond that.
Now, really looking, he realized how wrong he had been.
Shen Weiyuan's gaze followed her more closely now. At first, it had been a casual glance, no different from the way one might idly observe the flow of the banquet. But the longer he looked, the more his attention tightened, the more his expression stilled.
Her steps were slow, unhurried, each one carrying a quiet rhythm that seemed to draw the air around her into harmony. She greeted every person she passed with a faint smile—warm, polite, never hurried—her slender hands moving gracefully, her posture flawless. It wasn't deliberate showmanship; it was natural, as though she had been born to move beneath the weight of countless eyes.
Then, just as she reached the foot of the stage, she stopped. Shen Weiyuan's eyes narrowed.
She turned to Director Zhou—the man who had welcomed them earlier—and leaned closer. And in that instant, something shifted. Though her face remained gentle, though her expression held a calm serenity, her phoenix eyes gleamed with a sharp, commanding light. The air around her changed, quiet elegance giving way to subtle authority. She was no longer simply a young woman at a banquet—she was a leader, issuing instructions with the assurance of one accustomed to being obeyed.
A flicker jolted through his chest.
Recognition.
Those eyes.
He had seen them before.
Back at the night market—when chaos had erupted, when people had shrunk back in fear of his presence—there had been a girl who looked at him without flinching. Those same unyielding eyes, that same composed grace. She had stood firm while others quailed.
Not only that. She was the one who had cut open the Imperial Green jade, who had unveiled the mythical rainbow-colored jade. He remembered vividly: the crowd's shock, the sensation that rippled through the entire market, and her face—calm, unshaken, as though none of it surprised her. As if she had already known what lay beneath the stone.
He had searched for her that night. Every path, every string he could pull… yet nothing. It was as though someone powerful had deliberately erased her traces, shielding her from sight. Eventually, he was forced to let go.
The thought sparked, sharp as lightning.
Could it be?
Was Li Ziqing the girl from that night?
He found himself staring, lost in thought.
Han Jingxian noticed immediately. She rolled her eyes and snapped softly, "Weiyuan!"
He blinked, returning to the present. Turning to his wife, his voice was quieter now, tinged with intrigue.
"You're right. That girl is indeed… different."
There was a subtle weight behind his words, something Han Jingxian didn't quite catch. She straightened proudly, her tone gloating.
"Didn't I tell you? My eyes never betray me. If I say she's special, she is."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned closer.
"Now, tell me honestly—don't you think our son would look good with her?"
Shen Weiyuan shot her a flat look that all but said, you can't be serious. Without another word, he muttered,
"I have something to take care of. Wait here—I'll be back shortly."
And with that, he turned and strode away, his tall frame cutting through the crowd.
Han Jingxian sighed and rolled her eyes at his retreating back. But when her gaze returned to Li Ziqing, admiration softened her expression once more. The girl stood there—composed, luminous, and far too extraordinary to ignore.
---
By now, Li Jianfang had finally completed the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the general manager of Prada. With the formalities done, the evening shifted seamlessly into networking.
She descended the stage with quiet elegance, Zhou Yichen following a respectful step behind. A slender champagne flute rested lightly in her hand as she moved toward the crowd, every motion composed and refined.
One by one, guests gravitated toward her. Some approached out of genuine admiration, eager to form ties, while others carried less pure intentions, their gazes betraying thoughts they dared not voice. Yet, whenever Li Jianfang spoke, her calm, measured words seemed to cool the air itself. The authority in her presence left even the most audacious guests faltering, their smiles softening into polite restraint.
After excusing herself from another cluster of well-wishers, she turned—and her eyes landed on a familiar pair, Fang Zhaotian and Song Yuerong. Walking just behind them was another man.
The moment Li Jianfang's eyes fell upon him, she understood. He carried no exaggerated airs, no loud display of wealth, but the weight of his presence eclipsed the bustling hall itself. Authority clung to him like a second skin. Even with her limited experience in this high society, Li Jianfang instantly knew—this man holds a high authority. Still, her expression betrayed nothing. Her smile remained warm, her eyes serene.
"Mr. Feng, Mrs. Feng," she greeted warmly, her smile radiant as she stepped forward. "Thank you so much for attending tonight's banquet. You were among our very first customers. Without your support, this evening would feel incomplete."
Feng Zhaotian's eyes lit up with genuine appreciation. He returned her handshake with a steady grip, smiling. "You flatter us, Madam Li—or perhaps I should say, President Li. Even without us, you would have soared. Your skill is your strength. We only count ourselves fortunate to have discovered you early enough to build a friendship."
Song Yuerong, standing elegantly at his side, added with a laugh, "President Li, I must say—everything tonight is immaculate. I can hardly imagine a venue like this existing here in Wuhan. Once your restaurant officially opens, I warn you, I'll be here so often I may trouble you daily."
Li Jianfang's lips curved into a graceful smile. "Mr. Feng, Mrs. Feng, please don't be so formal. Call me Jianfang. It would be my honor to strengthen our connection. And as for being troubled, Mrs. Feng—if you choose to come here often, then it means we've truly achieved our purpose: creating a place where our finest dishes keep drawing you back."
Song Yuerong's eyes softened, her tone light but sincere. "Then we'll set aside ceremony, Jianfang. You may call us by our names as well. Tonight isn't just business—it's the deepening of friendship."
She glanced at the man who had been standing quietly at their side, his presence commanding without a word spoken. Turning slightly, she gestured toward him with a smile.
"Allow me to make an introduction," she said warmly. "This is my cousin, Song Renshu. He's from Beijing."
At that moment, Li Jianfang understood. Zhou Yichen had briefed her earlier about the key figures attending tonight, and the name Song Renshu had been one of them. President of the Song Group, member of the Song family—one of the four great aristocratic families of Beijing.
She smiled gently and extended her hand.
"Welcome to Qianyan Pavilion, Mr. Song. I am Li Jianfang. I hope the evening has been pleasant for you so far."
For a moment, her eyes studied him. He looked about her age, perhaps slightly older, carrying a refined and scholarly aura. His features were handsome in a rugged way, his presence sharp and unyielding. Yet Li Jianfang's composure did not waver; she stood with elegance, her hand steady.
Song Renshu clasped it. The contact was brief, proper, yet in that instant, something strange stirred within him. His heart, long accustomed to calm, faltered for the first time in years. He quickly masked the moment, his voice even.
"Ms. Li," he said, his tone measured, "a pleasure to meet you. The evening has been… nothing short of perfect. In fact," his lips curved faintly, "I've already heard much about you. Now I find myself most curious about the food."
Li Jianfang withdrew her hand with a graceful motion, her smile warm but restrained.
"Then you won't have to wait much longer, Mr. Song. The tasting will begin very soon—I do hope it meets your expectations."
Their words exchanged like polished stones, smooth and without flaw. After a few more pleasantries, Li Jianfang inclined her head politely and excused herself, moving on to her next guests.
Song Renshu's gaze lingered on her retreating figure longer than he intended. For ten years, since the passing of his wife, his heart had been locked away—his life pared down to duty, his world stripped of desire. He had lived like a monk, devoted only to his children, untouched by the allure of women.
And yet, tonight, with a single handshake, something inside him stirred—a hollow space suddenly aware of its own emptiness. He drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to steady.
Admiration was one thing. Crossing the line was another. He would not allow himself that weakness.
Still, as he composed himself, his eyes betrayed him, trailing once more in the direction where Li Jianfang had disappeared.
---
Adrian Lim's voice was calm, but his words carried weight. "Mr. Shen, I think your guess is correct. The figure in this footage is blurred, but if you compare the features… the similarities are undeniable. In fact, the man with her that day should be him."
He pointed subtly with his champagne flute toward Li Jianping, who was still entertaining Old Couple Mu at the far end of the banquet hall.
"Her uncle," Adrian continued, lowering his voice. "I've already checked into him. He frequents the stone-gambling markets in the Southern District, and he's been spotted at the night market several times. The silhouette matches perfectly. I'd wager my reputation, the girl in the footage is none other than Li Ziqing."
Shen Weiyuan's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, his gaze narrowing on the young woman across the hall. So, it really is her.
Earlier, he had excused himself from his wife and gone straight to Adrian Lim, who was surrounded by a circle of businessmen eager to curry favor with him. Adrian rarely missed a detail; when Shen Weiyuan gave his orders, curiosity lit up in his sharp eyes. This was a trail Adrian had once lost, and now, the chance to close that chapter had returned.
In thirty-seven years of life, Adrian Lim had never failed a mission entrusted to him by Shen Weiyuan—except once. That failure had haunted him for days: the girl who had cut open the Imperial Green jade and rainbow-colored jade had vanished into thin air. Even when both Shen Weiyuan and Old Master Shen ordered him to cease the investigation, Adrian had carried the regret like a scar.
And now, here she was.
Adrian's eyes lingered on Li Ziqing, but soon shifted to the man standing at her side. A knowing smile tugged at his lips. "Do you know who that man beside her is?"
Shen Weiyuan followed his gaze. Zhou Yichen stood there, tall and composed, exchanging polite words with a cluster of executives with Li Jianfang and Li Ziqing. Recognition flickered in Shen's eyes." Zhou Yichen. General Manager of Huiheng Group."
Adrian let out a low chuckle, swirling the pale gold champagne in his glass. "General Manager, yes… but you're underselling him, Mr. Shen." He leaned slightly closer, his tone almost conversational. "That man is the former CEO of Aurelius International Holdings in Singapore. Just a few months ago, Aurelius fell into chaos after a fierce conflict among the shareholders. Zhou Yichen walked away on his own terms."
Shen Weiyuan's brows lifted a fraction.
Adrian smirked at his reaction and went on smoothly, "And Aurelius—let's not forget—was nothing more than a mid-sized, stagnant company until Zhou Yichen took the helm. He was the one who pulled it onto the international stage. Without him, Aurelius would still be some obscure name buried in Singapore's corporate register."
He raised his glass and took a slow sip, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.
"He's a Harvard Business School graduate, with a doctorate from MIT. When he quit Aurelius, the business world went into a frenzy. Hundreds of corporations, across continents, tried to lure him in—including us. Our U.S. branch needed a leader strong enough to crack open that market. But he turned every offer down." Adrian's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Instead, he joined Huiheng Group."
Shen Weiyuan's expression darkened slightly. "A company that wasn't even registered at the time."
Adrian nodded, his voice dipping into intrigue. "Exactly. Which begs the question—why? A man of his caliber, his value, choosing a non-existent company… And do you know what's even more interesting?"
He paused deliberately, letting the suspense linger between them. Shen Weiyuan's smile deepened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Go on."
Adrian Lim's lips curved into a faint chuckle as he leaned closer to Shen Weiyuan, lowering his voice. "It wasn't Li Jianfang who convinced Zhou Yichen to stand behind Huiheng Group—it was Li Ziqing."
Shen Weiyuan raised a brow. "What?"
Adrian nodded slowly, eyes glinting with intrigue. "When Zhou Yichen returned to China, the first person he investigated wasn't Li Jianfang, but Li Ziqing. That alone says plenty. My guess? She approached him first. Think about it carefully—Zhou Yichen respects both mother and daughter equally. At a glance, it may seem like simple courtesy, but when you examine closely…" He let his words trail into silence, allowing the implication to sink in.
Shen Weiyuan's sharp eyes flickered with thought. He did not need the rest of the sentence spelled out.
"You're saying Huiheng Group's rise… is because of both mother and daughter?"
"Exactly," Adrian said softly, tilting his glass in agreement.
Shen Weiyuan's gaze deepened. He could accept Li Jianfang's capabilities. But Li Ziqing? A fourteen-year-old girl?
It was absurd—and yet, not entirely impossible. His own son had founded his company at twelve. Still, something about this girl unsettled him. Extraordinary was not the word—she was… compelling.
His wife's words suddenly echoed in his mind: if his cold as ice block of a son, one day met this girl, would he be moved? Would he melt for her?
The corner of his lips tugged into a faint smile, but he quickly hid it. He had no plans of matchmaking—at least not yet. What stirred within him was curiosity, not calculation. He wanted to know more about this girl and her family.
At last, he turned to Adrian, voice firm but measured.
"Don't tell Dad that we found the girl. Not a word."
Adrian raised his brows. "Oh? You want to keep it from him?"
Shen Weiyuan clasped his hands behind his back, his figure tall and steady as he began to walk away. "First, I'll establish a good relationship with the Li family. Only when the time is right will I speak to the girl. If she's willing to let Father take just one look at the jade… it will be enough."
With that, he strode off into the crowd, his silhouette disappearing into the swirl of the banquet.
Adrian watched him go, amusement flashing across his eyes. He had been in countless business halls and dealt with countless prodigies, yet rarely had he seen someone stir Shen Weiyuan's interest like this. The girl, Li Ziqing—she was only fourteen, and already she had men of such high status like Shen Weiyuan speaking her name in hushed tones.
He glanced around. People still waiting, eager to curry favor, but Adrian merely smiled faintly, dismissing them. With deliberate calm, he slipped into step behind Shen Weiyuan, curiosity tugging him forward, even he was now intruged to know more about this Li family.
---
Thank you so much Adele_Nkemanjong for comment and Power Stone.🤗❤️
And thanks Kulsum_Bano once again for power stone🤗❤️