The Tianhe Hotel was one of the most renowned establishments in Jianghai City. Anyone wishing to hold a banquet or cocktail party there needed to make a reservation at least a month in advance—securing a table was nearly impossible. Ye Qingxue had managed to reserve one in the revolving restaurant on the eleventh floor.
The entire eleventh floor was constructed of glass. From the outside, the colorful lights and crystal-clear decorations shimmered like a massive crystal palace. The building's design resembled a giant mushroom—the lower floors forming the stem, and the glass structure above spreading out like a gleaming cap.
Each floor had its own distinct décor, and the higher the floor, the higher the social status it symbolized. Although the Tianhe Hotel was technically open to the public, ordinary people couldn't book rooms on the eleventh floor—the cost alone made it inaccessible.
The hotel's layout was quite intriguing. The first three floors consisted of lounges, elegantly decorated and offering free drinks and coffee. Many wealthy patrons enjoyed spending time there, reading magazines or newspapers, while others came specifically to build connections.
The fourth floor housed a banquet hall—the most "ordinary" one in the hotel—but even that was luxuriously decorated.
The fifth through ninth floors were guest rooms, priced between 998 and 9,998 yuan per night. Each level offered a different environment and comprehensive services.
The tenth floor was a gym, which was usually quite lively.
Xia Tian's casual outfit stood in stark contrast to the rest of the guests, who were all dressed in formal or elegant attire. His clothes looked simple and worn, drawing curious glances.
Though the security guards and waiters were surprised by Xia Tian's appearance, they didn't stop him. Entry to the upper floors required payment, and only the fourth and eleventh floors were open without strict conditions. Even so, there were plenty of guards stationed there, and anyone found to be uninvited would be promptly escorted out.
Ye Qingxue was in an excellent mood that day—it was her twentieth birthday. Her mother had booked the entire eleventh floor of the Tianhe Hotel for the celebration, inviting her close friends as well as the children of her mother's business partners, many of whom she didn't know well.
"Qingxue, this is Chanel perfume—happy birthday!"
"An LV bag—happy birthday!"
"CL high heels—happy birthday, darling!"
One by one, her friends presented their gifts. Some were lavish, others modest. Among the guests were also her classmates, most of whom couldn't afford expensive presents. Their gifts, often worth only a few dozen or a few hundred yuan, were still accepted by Ye Qingxue with genuine gratitude.
She was wearing a white dress that day, looking like a celestial maiden—pure, elegant, and otherworldly. Every man present was captivated by her, while the women looked on with mixed feelings—admiration, envy, and a touch of jealousy.
As more people arrived and handed her gifts, Ye Qingxue continued to thank them gracefully. Yet she seemed distracted. Since the party began, dozens of men had confessed their feelings to her, but her mind was elsewhere—she was waiting for someone.
"Miss Ye, you look stunning. Could you give me a chance to pursue you?" asked a well-dressed young heir, speaking with deliberate charm.
Compared to his direct approach, most others could only look on with envy.
"She's so beautiful… I'd give up ten years of my life just to have her as my girlfriend."
"Dream on. Look around—everyone competing for her is from a powerful family. We don't stand a chance."
"Wait—look who just walked in."
All eyes turned toward the entrance. A handsome young man in a suit strode in, carrying a large bouquet of roses. A murmur swept through the room.
"That's Wang Nianlin—one of the Four Young Masters of Jianghai. A junior at Jianghai University and vice president of the Student Union."
"It's really him? He's been chasing Ye Qingxue ever since she entered Jianghai University."
"I wonder what he's planning this time."
Even the other rich and well-connected heirs looked uneasy. Wang Nianlin wasn't just another rich kid—his father owned a listed company, and the family's influence in Jianghai was immense. With a single word, he could make others scramble to please him.
Wang Nianlin walked confidently, exuding authority—until a woman in casual clothes entered behind him, immediately drawing everyone's attention. Though her outfit was plain, her beauty rivaled Ye Qingxue's. Ye Qingxue had the delicate grace of a fairy, while this woman possessed a natural, unadorned allure.
"Qingxue, looks like I'm not late. Here's a brush I got from my old man," the woman said bluntly, striding past Wang Nianlin in a few quick steps.
Though Wang Nianlin was visibly irritated, he could do nothing about her.
"Wow, I can't believe it—both of Jianghai University's most beautiful girls are here!"
"Ye Qingxue ranks fourth, and she's right behind her at fifth. Honestly, if she weren't so intimidating, she'd probably rank higher."
"It's her—Huo Wen, president of the Jianghai University Student Union. I've never met anyone with the surname Huo before."
The crowd buzzed with excitement. Huo Wen and Ye Qingxue were close friends at university, so it was natural that she'd attend the birthday party. Everyone knew Ye Qingxue loved calligraphy and was the best in school, so Huo Wen's gift—a brush—was a thoughtful one.
"It's from the Qing Dynasty! Cousin, you didn't steal it, did you?" Ye Qingxue said in surprise, recognizing the brush's extraordinary craftsmanship.
What a gift—a genuine cultural relic.
Wang Nianlin's expression darkened. He had planned to impress Ye Qingxue with his present, but Huo Wen's gift completely outshone his.
"Don't worry. My old man's things are mine too," Huo Wen said with a playful smile, linking her arm with Ye Qingxue's.
"Thank you, Sister Huo." Though Ye Qingxue appreciated everyone's gifts, this one felt truly special—like a devoted fan receiving an autographed jersey from Kobe Bryant himself.
Even though Huo Wen had stolen some of his thunder, Wang Nianlin still approached Ye Qingxue. After all, Huo Wen was just another woman.
The bouquet of roses in his hands carried its own meaning.
The other rich heirs tactfully stepped aside after seeing Wang Nianlin. Though some came from wealthy families, none could compare to the Wangs.
Bing Xin glanced at the doorway, then shook her head at Ye Qingxue—still no sign of the person Ye Qingxue was waiting for.
Huo Wen noticed Bing Xin's look but said nothing. All attention returned to Wang Nianlin as he stopped in front of Ye Qingxue and knelt on one knee.
"Qingxue, happy birthday," he said solemnly.
"Thank you." Ye Qingxue smiled politely and accepted the roses. She couldn't refuse him without appearing rude.
Then, Wang Nianlin opened the bouquet to reveal a small box hidden among the flowers. Everyone leaned forward in anticipation. Inside was a sparkling diamond ring. The crowd gasped—so this was his real move. The flowers were just a cover for the ring.
If he had offered the ring outright, Ye Qingxue would have refused immediately. But now that she had accepted the bouquet, it symbolically meant she had accepted the ring as well—and with it, his confession.
"Qingxue, I've always liked you. I hope you'll accept my feelings," Wang Nianlin said as he placed the ring back inside the flowers.
"Master Wang never disappoints—his charm is unmatched."
"Looks like we're all out of luck. Once Master Wang takes the stage, no one else stands a chance."
"Let's side with him. Making friends with someone like Wang Nianlin can only help us."
The second-generation elites whispered among themselves. If Wang Nianlin hadn't appeared, they might still have had a chance. But now, all competition was meaningless. His presence made them feel insignificant.
"Sorry I'm late, Qingxue—happy birthday."
The voice came from the banquet hall entrance, immediately silencing the room.
Ye Qingxue's eyes lit up with joy. Bing Xin, though slightly annoyed, also looked relieved. Seeing their reactions, Huo Wen turned toward the doorway, curious to see who had arrived.