While Zhang Wei chilled, leaning against the window and taking in the cityscape, a knock on the door stirred his attention.
He spared a deliberate glance towards the closed bathroom door, checking if Xiong i was still imrsed in her bath.
Satisfied, he moved with a certain nonchalance to open the door.
The identity of the person standing on the other side brought an smile to Zhang Wei's face.
_____
"Ms. Ning, haha, missing already after the last attempt at hypnosis?" Zhang Wei laughed, swinging the door open with an air of confidence.
Hu Ning stood there, frozen in a mont of startled realization, feeling goosebumps ripple across her body as she locked eyes with Zhang Wei. She shook her head, trying to shake off the eerie feeling, and finally managed to stamr, "How do you know about ?"
Zhang Wei grinned, "Just as I know you're holding an invitation card behind your back." Swift as a predator, he extended his hand, effortlessly snatching it away from her.
Examining it with amusent, he chuckled, "I guess it's addressed to ." The laughter echoed, revealing tickets to today's concert, a subtle gift from Zhou Jiajia.
Hu Ning stood slightly taken aback before offering a cautious warning, "After the concert, there's engagent of Miss Jia's cousin in the hotel. You're free to join, but don't get too close to her, or the news will find its way to her father's ears."
Zhang Wei nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the elaborate decorations that hinted at the impending celebration. "So, that's why there are so many decorations..."
His suspicion was evident as he turned his gaze back to Hu Ning, questioning her presence, "Why are you delivering the invitation and not her?"
Caught off guard, Hu Ning montarily flinched, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she swiftly adopted a poker face. "Zara doesn't have ti to personally deliver invitations," she replied with a touch of annoyance, making a hurried exit.
Her departing steps betrayed a subtle hint of panic.
Beyond the presidential suite's entrance, a formidable line of bodyguards stood in stoic formation...
Inside, Zhou Jiajia lounged on a couch, engrossed in her phone. Another man, in his late twenties, exuded a slightly handso aura, though a small frown on his forehead hinted at an undercurrent of tension.
"Jiajia, why hasn't Ning co yet?" His impatience was evident, a subtle urgency coloring his words.
Around his neck, a delicately crafted locket showcased a golden dragon, its intricate details catching the light. At first glance, it seed an ordinary accessory, but a faint spiritual aura emanated from it, hinting at its deeper significance.
By his side stood a formidable figure, a man of imposing stature at 6'9". Every inch of him exuded power, the initial stages of the spirit-tempering realm evident in the subtle glow around him.
Wei Jun!
Ranked 92nd on the Sky List!
A massive scar, like a fierce battle's signature, marred his face. It was a stark reminder of his last opponent, who succumbed to his sheer might and was torn apart in a brutal confrontation.
Wei Jun served as the personal bodyguard for Sun Qiang, son of Sun Tao, a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Tourism.
While the other bodyguards stationed outside were comprised of either low-level cultivators or warriors, Wei Jun's presence signaled a different league altogether.
Surprisingly, Sun Qiang focus wasn't fixed on Zhou Jiajia but on Hu Ning.
Long Sun Qiang's desire for Hu Ning had lingered for an extended period, but her ability to gracefully evade his advances remained unchanged.
Even upon discovering his presence, she executed a swift escape, cleverly using the excuse of delivering an invitation to Zhang Wei.
Hu Ning had clung to the notion of refraining from marriage until the age of 30.
However, the validity of this excuse was waning. The agency that purportedly provided her freedom had beco nothing more than an glorified cage, a creation of Sun Qiang to keep a vigilant eye on her, ensuring that the bird wouldn't unfurl its wings and soar away.
The Golden Dragon Hotel chain, once in the possession of the relatively unknown Long family, now adorned Sun Qiang's empire as a lavish gift.
This explained the choice of both Zhou Jiajia and Hu Ning to stay at this particular establishnt.
Seemingly carefree, Zhou Jiajia imrsed herself in playing video gas on her phone, displaying minimal concern for Sun Qiang's looming presence.
Historically, Zhou Jiajia found herself nestled in the protective embrace of her father's company, Solaris Industries, flourishing under the favorable gaze of Sun Industries.
Sun Tao, regarding her as a daughter, further shielded her from undue interference.
This dynamic left Zhou Minghao, her own father, with limited say over her wishes, constrained by the debt of gratitude owed to Sun Industries.
Sun Qiang, considering Zhou Jiajia as a sister in na, directed his focused attention toward Hu Ning.
Even if he entertained any thoughts about Zhou Jiajia, the mountainous obstacle of the influential Zhang Family from the capital stood in his way, given that Zhou Jiajia's mother hailed from that prestigious lineage.
Zhou Jiajia embodied the epito of a life adorned with a silver spoon.
Unbeknownst to Zhang Wei, his choice to transform her into a lover rather than an adversary had inadvertently shielded him from a lengthy list of potential enemies.
"If you're so impatient, go look for her yourself," Zhou Jiajia retorted, her lips twitching as Zhang Wei's voice disrupted her ga, leading to her defeat.
Sun Qiang's expression darkened. "If I look for her, do you think I would be able to find her?"
Zhou Jiajia responded with a slight pout. "Since you already know that Sister Ning is avoiding you, why bother? Why don't you do sothing about your face first? That might solve the problem."
Sun Qiang, "..."
Wei Jun, "..."
Silence fell over the room.
Sun Qiang turned to his trusted bodyguard, Wei Jun. "Is there sothing wrong with my face?"
Wei Jun responded with unwavering loyalty, "Young master Sun is handso as the sun!"
Sun Qiang nodded in agreent, but Zhou Jiajia interjected sharply , "As handso as a potato."
!!
Sun Qiang's lips twisted in a smile, a wry acknowledgnt of Zhou Jiajia's annoyance.
Suddenly, Zhou Jiajia sprang to her feet, waving him away. "Shoo already, I have to change my clothes."
Sun Qiang sighed good-naturedly, standing up and exiting with his entourage.
A few monts later, Hu Ning cautiously reentered the room. "He left?" she asked, releasing a sigh of relief.
Zhou Jiajia, contemplating the future, spoke, "Hu Ning, it's been over a year. Next year, you'll hit thirty. How will you avoid him then?"
Hu Ning frowned, firing back, "Miss Jia, you should worry about your own affairs first. How are you going to handle your hidden boyfriend?"
Zhou Jiajia pursed her lips in mock offense. "He isn't hidden, unlike you!" With that, she escaped back to her room.
"..."
Hu Ning, caught in the complex web of her past, stood silent.
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