Chapter 2: First Meeting

As the two were about to collide, the man remained silent, and the group behind him fell completely still as well.

With a “bang,” Jin Yue accidentally bumped into the man. Just as she was about to fall, he quickly reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her into his arms.

Jin Yue looked up and saw a handsome face, perfectly matching her aesthetic tastes. But why did he look at her like that?

Realizing she was still in his arms, her face suddenly turned red. She quickly pushed the man away and awkwardly smiled. “Sorry, I didn’t see you.”

Qi Bei’s gaze was deep, and after a while, he said, “It’s okay, just watch where you’re going next time.”

Anyone would feel awkward being stared at by a handsome man, right? Did they know each other? Was he someone from her debt?

Impossible, Jin Yue thought. She couldn’t remember this person at all. Since she couldn’t figure it out, she decided not to think about it anymore. She smiled at Qi Bei again and quickly left the scene.

Qi Bei watched the woman hurry away from him, a hint of interest and determination in his eyes.

After a moment, he couldn’t help but smile, thinking she had no reaction to him at all.

“Chen Zuo, find out who she is. I want her information by tomorrow.”

Qi Bei withdrew his gaze and looked at the man beside him.

Jin Yue, who appeared calm, was actually quite nervous, as evidenced by the way her steps faltered.

Shopping was exhausting. Jin Yue collapsed on the big bed, not wanting to move.

Her long hair, which had been styled in red waves, was now a chestnut brown with subtle curls that better suited her appearance.

If the female antagonist’s crazy behavior had caused many obstacles between the man and woman, what if she got married early?

This would surely remove any emotional threat to the man and woman, right?

Without the female antagonist’s interference, wouldn’t the couple quickly find happiness? And maybe 003 could leave this world?

Thinking this, Jin Yue decided that in order to escape the plot as soon as possible, she needed to find a handsome man and marry him quickly.

Then, the story would no longer concern her, and she could live her life peacefully.

A screeching sound of brakes came from the courtyard. It seemed her cheap dad had returned.

Jin Yue got up and went downstairs, feeling a little nervous.

Just as she reached the corner, she saw a chubby man sitting on the sofa. He wore a black suit, and his face showed some fatigue.

“Dad,” Jin Yue called out. Her father turned around and saw his beloved daughter standing at the top of the stairs, looking at him.

He smiled indulgently. “My good daughter, why did you change your style again? What did you do today?”

Jin Yue quickly ran to the sofa and playfully tugged at her father’s clothes. “I suddenly wanted to change my style, so I went shopping for clothes today.”

“Dad, you look tired. Did something happen at work?” Jin Yue asked, her eyes filled with concern.

“Don’t worry, my dear. Nothing serious at work. I’ve just been busy with a project. If it goes well, I might be able to collaborate with Qi Group,” her father said, patting her head gently.

“Qi Group? Isn’t that the man’s company?” Jin Yue thought. It seemed like the plot was starting, but in this life, she wouldn’t be involved with the man anymore. Her father’s company should be safe.

After dinner, Jin Yue’s father suddenly said, “Dear, don’t forget to go with me to the Qi family’s banquet tomorrow afternoon at 6. Remember to choose a dress early. I’ll pick you up to go together.”

Tomorrow was the Qi family patriarch’s 70th birthday banquet. Jin Yue’s father had bought an invitation at a high price because he hoped to collaborate with Qi Group on the project.

“Dad, I have something tomorrow. Can I skip it?” Jin Yue cautiously tested.

“No, the banquet tomorrow will definitely have a lot of people, and you’re already 23. It’s good for you to meet more people. I can’t always accompany you.”

Although Jin Yue’s father spoiled her greatly, once he made up his mind about something, no amount of her whining would change it. So, Jin Yue could only give in.

The next day, Jin Yue woke up naturally and realized it was already 1 p.m. She had slept deeply.

After freshening up, she went downstairs for a late breakfast and then played some games on the couch. When she looked at the time again, it was already 2:30 p.m. Only then did she get up, go upstairs, change clothes, and prepare to go out for a styling session.

Since her father, Jin Ge, had said he would pick her up for the banquet later, Jin Yue decided not to drive herself.

At home, there were two drivers. One was her father, Jin Ge, and the other usually handled family affairs.

However, the family driver was on leave recently, so Jin Yue had no choice but to take a taxi.

When she arrived at the Z Styling Studio, she let the stylist choose a gown and style her hair. By the time everything was done, it was already 4 p.m.

Ding ding ding, the phone rang. Jin Yue picked up.

“Hello, Dad, I’m already here. Please come pick me up from Z Styling Studio.”

After hanging up, Jin Yue glanced at herself in the mirror.

Unlike her usual heavy makeup, this time the stylist had applied only light makeup, but it looked surprisingly good.

“Miss Jin, this style suits you very well,” the stylist praised.

“Thank you, you did a great job with my makeup,” Jin Yue said with a sweet smile, lifting her face to thank the stylist.

The stylist seemed flattered and was waiting for her to say something more, but before she could, Jin Ge arrived. Jin Yue quickly bid farewell to the stylist, went to her father, and got in the car to head to the banquet.

“Miss Jin has changed so much; I almost want to pinch her face,” the stylist muttered to herself.

The banquet was held at a famous hotel in City A, which, of course, was part of the Qi Group.

Speaking of the Qi Group, as a Fortune 500 listed company, it originally focused on hotels, catering, and real estate. After the young Qi Bei took over, the company expanded further, upgrading its industries and incorporating new emerging tech sectors. The Qi family firmly secured the top position among southern families.

The car quickly reached the Qi Group hotel, where luxury cars were already parked outside.

Jin Yue adjusted the hem of her dress and linked her arm with Jin Ge’s as they entered the hotel.

As soon as they entered, Jin Ge ran into several business partners. After exchanging pleasantries, Jin Yue told her father she wanted to eat something and quickly slipped away.

She decided to stay quietly in a corner and nibble on some desserts. After all, her father wouldn’t be watching her all night.

The dessert area was in the southwest corner of the banquet hall, with two large terraces nearby and sofas where guests could rest.

This spot was perfect for her to relax.

Jin Yue decided that she would stay here the whole night—this way, she wouldn’t run into the male lead.

She picked out a few desserts and sat down on the nearby sofa, eating them in small bites while occasionally glancing around to observe her surroundings.

The desserts were quite delicious. She wondered where she could buy them.

Jin Yue didn’t dare eat too much. She was wearing a wine-red form-fitting gown, which was strapless and had no special decorations. But it suited her well for now. She just wanted to stay quietly in the corner and didn’t want to stand out.

“Is it delicious?” A low, magnetic male voice suddenly sounded nearby. Jin Yue felt the sofa sink beside her as someone sat down.

A familiar woody fragrance reached her, and when she turned her head, she was surprised to see the handsome man she had bumped into at the mall yesterday.