The next time they met, Lin Ruoyan was already done with her makeup and waiting for her in the car.
She usually wore light makeup, so Xu Jingyi couldn't help but be stunned by her appearance. However, they had just experienced an unpleasant situation, so neither of them spoke.
Xu Jingyi's admiring gaze was hidden in the dimly lit car.
The black dress she wore made her exposed skin appear even more fair.
It was more eye-catching than her usual suits.
Even though she was angry, she had to admit that Lin Ruoyan was beautiful.
"Let's go," Lin Ruoyan said to the driver in a low voice as she sat down beside her.
Her voice sounded the same as usual, cold and indifferent, with no emotion.
The car started and they drove in silence.
When they arrived, Lin Ruoyan got out first, opened the door on the other side, and helped Xu Jingyi out.
A faint smile played on her face.
"Sister-in-law, let's go."
Xu Jingyi followed her arm and got out of the car, then instinctively linked her arm with Lin Ruoyan's.
It was a habitual action, but she immediately felt Lin Ruoyan's body stiffen at her touch.
A perfect smile graced her face as she pursed her lips and said, "Just bear with it."
Lin Ruoyan didn't say anything else and led Xu Jingyi into the hotel.
She knew what Xu Jingyi meant by "endure," having just had an unpleasant encounter.
Now, they had to pretend to be a harmonious pair.
But that wasn't quite it. She just wasn't used to physical contact with people.
The last time, when they were separated by clothing, it was fine. Today, though, she was wearing a gown.
Their skin was directly touching, which made her stiffen for a moment.
However, she understood that this was unavoidable, so she quickly composed herself.
Enduring was necessary, but what she needed to endure was different.
There was no need to explain further.
When they arrived, some people were already there.
After entering, waiters quickly approached with trays of drinks. The two women took glasses and blended into the crowd.
One in black, one in red, one cold, one passionate.
They possessed their own unique beauty, instantly becoming the most eye-catching presence at the party.
The business world was a complex network. Although Lin Ruoyan was Lin Ruofeng's sister, she hadn't appeared much before.
Therefore, the main purpose of this event was for her to get acquainted with the people present, with Xu Jingyi's assistance.
After Lin Ruofeng's accident, there had been no shortage of speculation about the relationship between the two women and the future of the Lin Family.
Many people believed that they would split the family assets. But their appearance, arm in arm, immediately shattered this rumor.
Someone came to greet them quickly. Xu Jingyi, while socializing, introduced Lin Ruoyan to others, occasionally teasing her.
At first glance, their relationship seemed very good.
Throughout the entire cocktail party, Xu Jingyi accompanied Lin Ruoyan, weaving through the crowd.
After downing glass after glass of alcohol, even though she had a good tolerance, and even though the drinks were only low-alcohol champagne, she started to feel a bit overwhelmed towards the end.
"Ruoyan, help me a little."
After playing the role of a good sister-in-law for the entire evening, she was now a bit muddled from the alcohol.
Her body felt weak, and she instinctively turned to Lin Ruoyan for help.
Lin Ruoyan's tolerance was slightly better
. Although she had also drunk a lot, she was in much better shape than Xu Jingyi.
Hearing Xu Jingyi's words, she changed from hooking Xu Jingyi's arm to supporting her from behind, her entire palm pressed against Xu Jingyi's waist.
"Is this okay?" she asked.
The air conditioning in the venue was strong, making the air cold.
But the temperature of Lin Ruoyan's hand, which looked cold, was unusually high.
Just a few seconds of contact against her back, and Xu Jingyi got goosebumps all over.
"Support me from the side."
She took a moment to regain her composure, ignoring the stimulation Lin Ruoyan was bringing.
Supporting her from behind wasn't very comfortable. She reached one hand behind her, pulling Lin Ruoyan's hand to her own side waist.
"Like this, support me."
Lin Ruoyan did as instructed, almost embracing Xu Jingyi completely.
Her waist is so small, she thought, a stray part of her mind wandering.
They stayed for another half hour, two more drinks consumed.
The alcohol completely conquered her body
. She managed to say goodbye, agreeing to meet again, but as soon as the person left, Xu Jingyi collapsed into Lin Ruoyan's arms.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her head rested on Lin Ruoyan's shoulder, her brow furrowed slightly in discomfort.
The party was almost over.
She had met almost everyone she needed to.
Lin Ruoyan put down their wine glasses, and as she helped Xu Jingyi out, she said, "I'll help you get back."
She herself had drunk a lot, and she was also holding someone who was almost unconscious. So they walked very slowly.
The friction of their bodies through the thin dresses made Lin Ruoyan a little restless.
Finally, they reached the parking lot, and fine beads of sweat had already formed on her forehead.
The driver was waiting for them at the elevator. As soon as he saw them, he went forward to help Xu Jingyi, "Miss, let me help?"
Lin Ruoyan looked at the driver's outstretched hands, her brow unconsciously furrowing.
She pulled Xu Jingyi closer to her and said, "No need, just go open the door."
The driver's hands hung awkwardly in the air for half a second. He quickly retracted them and hurried to open the door, muttering to ease his embarrassment, "Okay, miss, okay, miss."
Lin Ruoyan regretted her words. With the driver's help, it would have been much faster, and she wouldn't have to struggle so much.
But she had refused because of an uncomfortable feeling that had suddenly surfaced.
As for why she felt uneasy, she didn't have the energy to delve into it at the moment. She just wanted to get the person into the car quickly.