Only after stepping into the banquet hall on the eleventh floor did Xia Tian realize just how vast it was. No wonder the building had been designed in the shape of a mushroom—its structure was magnificent. The environment was extraordinary: everything around him was made of glass, though not of the ordinary kind. Even if an elephant walked across it, the glass would remain intact.
From this height, one could see the entire cityscape beyond, and the hall's location offered a clear, dazzling view of Jianghai City's prosperity. The hall itself was elegantly decorated, and standing at the front was his cousin, Ye Qingxue.
Ye Qingxue looked stunning that evening. Even Xia Tian, who was used to seeing her often, found himself captivated by her appearance.
His aunt was a beautiful woman—when Xia Tian was a child, he used to think she was the most beautiful woman in the world. But her beauty was one of grandeur and noble grace, while Ye Qingxue's beauty was ethereal, otherworldly—like that of a fairy.
Even the fairies in heaven could not compare.
"Why are you only arriving now?" Ye Qingxue asked with a soft smile as she walked toward Xia Tian. Her gesture startled everyone present. A moment ago, all the guests had approached her to offer congratulations, yet now she was the one walking toward a man at the entrance.
Even when Wang Nianlin and Huo Wen had arrived earlier, Ye Qingxue hadn't gone to greet them in person. But now she was personally welcoming this man.
It had to be said—Xia Tian's outfit today was the simplest in the room. Even Ye Qingxue's friends and classmates, regardless of wealth, were neatly dressed in their finest clothes. Yet Xia Tian's entire outfit was worth less than one hundred yuan.
Wang Nianlin's expression darkened. He felt a surge of jealousy and frustration. Although Ye Qingxue had never accepted his advances, she had always treated everyone else with equal coldness. But now, she was smiling so sweetly and walking toward another man.
"Something came up on the way," Xia Tian replied with a slight smile. At that moment, Bing Xin and Huo Wen also came over.
"You still have a conscience," Bing Xin muttered under her breath, glaring at Xia Tian. Her tone puzzled him, but he didn't respond. After all, he had been in the wrong—it was his fault for using his clairvoyance to peek at others and even admitting it aloud.
"Qingxue, who is this?" Huo Wen asked curiously. She noticed how familiar Xia Tian seemed with both Bing Xin and Ye Qingxue, and her question echoed what everyone else in the hall was wondering.
No one knew who this man was. His appearance had completely overshadowed Master Wang. Wang Nianlin now stood awkwardly in place, holding the bouquet he had given Ye Qingxue, unsure whether to stay or leave.
"He's my boyfriend. His name is Xia Tian," Ye Qingxue said softly.
Her words stunned everyone. The goddess Ye Qingxue had a boyfriend—this was explosive news.
To make matters worse, Wang Nianlin had just confessed to her. Now, in front of everyone, her "boyfriend" appeared. It was a public humiliation.
Wang Nianlin's face alternated between red and pale. His emotions were a storm—anger, disbelief, and shame all at once. He wished he could sink into the floor.
"Miss Ye, why didn't you tell us you had a boyfriend? We've all been wasting our time thinking we had a chance. I, Sun Fu, even tried pursuing you just now." One of the rich second-generation heirs, who had been courting Ye Qingxue earlier, spoke up, attempting to ease the tension. His words gave Wang Nianlin an out—if everyone liked Ye Qingxue, then Wang's rejection wouldn't seem as humiliating.
Wang Nianlin nodded slightly at Sun Fu, acknowledging the assist. Encouraged, Sun Fu continued, "Miss Ye, won't you introduce your boyfriend? What does he do? What business is his family in? Perhaps we know them."
His tone was polite, but the jab was obvious. Judging from Xia Tian's plain clothes, Sun Fu knew he wasn't wealthy. He deliberately steered the conversation toward the most sensitive topic.
Wang Nianlin looked satisfied. Others quickly joined in, eager to flatter him and mock Xia Tian.
"This doesn't concern any of you," Ye Qingxue said coldly. She could see right through their intentions. The only reason she had asked Xia Tian to pretend to be her boyfriend was to make these people back off—but now they were ganging up on him. No one knew Xia Tian better than she did.
"Qingxue, may I ask where Brother Xia came from? And why he's dressed so casually for your birthday?" Wang Nianlin's hostility grew sharper. He prided himself on his wealth and refinement. He had even hidden a diamond ring in a rose bouquet—a romantic gesture he thought would win her heart.
But all his plans had been ruined by this unassuming boy. Not only had Ye Qingxue rejected his advances, but she had publicly declared this boy her boyfriend. It was a crushing blow.
For as long as he could remember, women had always admired him. Even celebrities and society ladies treated him with respect. Businessmen and officials greeted him with courtesy.
He was tall, handsome, dressed in luxury brands, and came from a powerful family. Compared to Xia Tian—a poor student in cheap clothes—he seemed superior in every way. And yet, Ye Qingxue had chosen Xia Tian.
"Yes, Qingxue, he's being disrespectful. Showing up dressed like that—how embarrassing."
"That's right, he's nothing compared to Master Wang."
"Everyone here tonight is better than him. He's just some pretty boy living off women."
Justice, as always, leaned toward the powerful. To them, Wang Nianlin was the strong one—wealthy, influential, and refined—while Xia Tian was nothing but a poor nobody. Their words were meant to please Wang Nianlin, hoping that befriending him might someday benefit their families.
Then, amidst their mocking voices, Huo Wen finally lost her temper.
"Shut up, all of you! He can wear whatever he likes—what's it to you? I'm dressed casually too. Anyone got a problem with that?" Her fierce tone silenced the room. Her gaze swept across the crowd, and one by one, the guests lowered their heads, not daring to meet her eyes.
Even Wang Nianlin, one of Jianghai's "Four Young Masters," merely gave a cold snort and said nothing.
"Alright, everyone's here now—let's begin the banquet," Bing Xin said quickly, pulling Huo Wen aside to smooth things over.
"Wait, Qingxue—these are your flowers." Wang Nianlin had placed the diamond ring back inside the bouquet and now approached Ye Qingxue. Everyone could see what he was doing.
If Ye Qingxue accepted the bouquet, it would imply she accepted his pursuit. Yet refusing it now would embarrass him publicly—and he might retaliate.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Xia Tian stepped forward, took Ye Qingxue's hand, and smiled faintly.
"Sorry, but my girlfriend only accepts roses from me."
"You?" Wang Nianlin sneered. "Then what gift did you prepare for her?" He looked Xia Tian up and down, clearly mocking him. Judging by Xia Tian's clothes, he hadn't brought anything—he didn't even have pockets big enough to hide a gift. And no flowers either.
Though Ye Qingxue had claimed he was her boyfriend, he hadn't given her anything for her birthday, which made their relationship look suspicious to everyone present.
"He already gave me his gift earlier," Ye Qingxue said quickly. "And I like it very much." She knew Xia Tian didn't have money, and any gift he brought would likely invite ridicule. She didn't want him to be humiliated because of her.
"Oh? What gift?" Wang Nianlin sneered. "Today's her birthday—no flowers, no ring? Surely you didn't come empty-handed?" His sarcasm dripped with contempt.
"Of course I brought a gift," Xia Tian said calmly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bracelet. It looked simple—cheap, even—as though it came from a two-yuan street stall.
Laughter erupted across the hall, especially from those trying to curry favor with Wang Nianlin.
"Hahaha! I can't believe this! He's actually presenting that junk as a birthday gift? It's not even worth a bouquet of flowers!"
Wang Nianlin burst into derisive laughter. The man claiming to be Ye Qingxue's boyfriend had produced something so worthless—it was laughable.
Ye Qingxue, worried he might be embarrassed, hurriedly said, "I like it. No matter what it is, as long as it's from you, I like it."
Ignoring the crowd's ridicule, Xia Tian smiled faintly. He fastened the bracelet onto Ye Qingxue's wrist, then bit his fingertip. A drop of rose-colored blood fell onto the bracelet. Instantly, the blood scattered into countless tiny particles, which were absorbed by the metal until the red molecules faded completely into the air.