Chapter 48: Yaoyao, Aren’t You Coming with Me?

The delicate beauty’s long lashes trembled slightly, and her fair, jade-like ears turned pink.

The man’s icy gaze carried no warmth.

He was already tall, but with his overwhelming presence, his height seemed to approach two meters. The suffocating pressure surrounding him made it hard for anyone to breathe.

“I wasn’t aware that I needed to report to you when bringing someone home.”

His cold, phoenix-shaped eyes carried an oppressive and aggressive intensity. His thin lips parted slightly—

“Who do you think you are?”

Wei Rou’s expression stiffened.

She silently took a step back, leaning against Pei Linhai with an awkward smile.

“Linhai, look at him. I was just joking, but he’s taking it so seriously…”

Her voice was overly delicate, dripping with artificial sweetness.

Gu Jinling, finding it unbearable, quickly interjected—

“I didn’t bring a date tonight. If it’s inconvenient, why not let Yaoyao accompany me instead?”

Wei Rou gave an awkward laugh, hastily explaining, “That’s not what I meant. I was just saying this young lady is very beautiful—it was only a joke…”

“Yaoyao, right? You’re truly stunning, like a fairy descended to earth.”

“You must not be familiar with our home yet. Why don’t I show you around?”

Wei Rou covered her mouth as she laughed, acting like an older sister.

But for some reason, even though the girl before her looked obedient and demure, she exuded an inexplicable hostility toward her.

“No need, thank you, Auntie.”

The word “Auntie” made Wei Rou’s smile nearly crack.

She had maintained her youth well over the years, and people often flattered her by saying she looked like she was still in her early twenties, as if she had just graduated from university.

But this girl had the audacity to call her “Auntie”?!

“…Alright.”

She forced the word through gritted teeth. “Then, see you later.”

Yet her arrogant stepson didn’t even spare her a glance.

With his arm casually draped around the delicate beauty’s waist in a protective gesture, he led her away.

Wei Rou’s smile became stiff, and after a moment, she exhaled sharply.

“What ‘Mr. Pei’? He’s just a power-hungry madman. If she knew—”

Pei Linhai abruptly pinched her arm.

Wei Rou snapped back to her senses and shut her mouth.

—

The dazzling crystal chandeliers bathed the grand hall in golden light, making its opulence even more breathtaking. World-renowned gold artifacts, oil paintings, and sculptures were casually displayed in plain sight.

The Pei family had an illustrious background, their wealth almost overwhelming.

Even though Jiang Yaoyao had read about the Pei family’s status as a top-tier financial empire countless times, and she had mentally prepared herself, witnessing it firsthand still left her in awe.

Elegantly dressed guests moved through the hall, raising their glasses and engaging in lively conversations.

The extravagant, intoxicating atmosphere was almost dizzying.

Within just a few steps, she had already attracted countless gazes—some surprised, some curious, some scrutinizing…

But perhaps because Pei Heng was by her side, those glances were all subtly restrained, as if afraid of offending him.

Many people wanted to approach Pei Heng, their expressions earnest and respectful, eager to curry favor.

But the man beside her remained cold and indifferent, refusing to entertain even the politest of gestures.

If not for the scorching heat radiating from the large hand resting at her waist, Jiang Yaoyao might have believed that the man standing beside her was an actual ice sculpture.

“Pei-ge—”

The sound of hurried footsteps parted the crowd, revealing a familiar face before Jiang Yaoyao.

She recognized this person.

The night she first arrived in this world and attempted to assassinate Pei Heng, she had seen him in the hotel lobby.

Sure enough, the man also recognized her at first glance.

“Sister-in-law, hello!”

The petite beauty with jet-black hair and cloud-like locks blushed instantly at being called “sister-in-law.”

Gu Jinling chuckled as well. “Sheng Yujing, you little rascal—”

Pei Heng, however, didn’t refute it.

He lowered his gaze to the delicate girl nestled at his side. His sharp eyes softened with an undercurrent of warmth. When their eyes met, he gave her a reassuring glance.

The surrounding guests took in the scene, their minds racing with countless calculations. Their gazes once again landed on the petite figure.

But this time, the curiosity and surprise in their eyes were gone—replaced by pure respect and warmth, all waiting for the slightly bashful beauty to look their way.

Though the surrounding glances were subtle, they remained fervent.

Sheng Yujing lowered his voice to discuss business matters.

The man with an indifferent expression cast a brief glance toward the upper floor.

“Find a place to talk.”

The small beauty, whose cheeks had remained pink, finally lifted her delicate face. Her long, dark lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and her dewy eyes tilted slightly at the corners, as if meticulously sculpted by the hand of a divine artist.

Soft and sweet, she spoke,

“Mr. Pei, I’d like to wander around on my own.”

The strikingly handsome man leaned down slightly, his deep voice brushing against her ear.

“Yaoyao, aren’t you coming with me?”

Jiang Yaoyao blinked slowly, her dark lashes trembling.

Given her current relationship with Pei Heng, she had no reason to listen in on such confidential business discussions.

Besides, she couldn’t even understand the conversation—she found it utterly boring.

Certainly not as enticing as the exquisite rows of pastries across the hall.

The little beauty obediently shook her head.

The man’s eyelashes lowered slightly, the dark fringe casting soft shadows beneath his eyes. When he looked at her, there was an inexplicable gentleness.

“Alright, I’ll come find you soon, okay?”

The little beauty pursed her rosy lips and nodded.

Pei Heng straightened, his sharp gaze shifting sideways just as his assistant rushed over without delay.

“Take good care of Miss Jiang.”

He was always like this—handling everything with meticulous care, treating her as if she were an inexperienced child.

Jiang Yaoyao’s pink cheeks were tinged with a faint blush. She smiled at him, her bright eyes glistening.

“Mr. Pei, see you later!”

Pei Heng, along with two others, ascended the spiral staircase to the second-floor reception hall.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yaoyao picked up a carved tray in one hand and a gold-embellished pair of tongs in the other, carefully selecting a piece of velvet cake she had set her sights on.

As the crowd parted like a shifting tide, several elegantly dressed ladies seized the opportunity to approach her. Each wore a pleasant smile, eager to strike up a conversation.

Unnoticed by them, in a secluded corner, Wei Rou stood with a hand gently resting on her belly, her gaze fixed intently in their direction.

A faint smile curved her lips.