Chapter Two: The Evening Banquet

What else can I do now that things have come to this? Leaving the company is my only way out. Indeed, having lost everything, what meaning remains for me to stay here?

That day, I sat before the computer, typing my resignation letter. Faced with all that had transpired, I had become numb, feeling nothing at all.

Suddenly, a notification popped up on the screen: "Tonight, the company will host a welcome banquet for important clients of the group. All department leaders and employees are requested to attend in formal attire."

I stared blankly at the message...

Then, I exhaled deeply. Very well, let this be my farewell feast. I will prepare my gown—tonight, I will dazzle everyone. This will be my final curtain call!

"Sister, you look absolutely stunning!" the makeup artist exclaimed as she admired me in the mirror. "Paired with the red, low-cut evening dress from our store, you’ll undoubtedly be the center of attention at tonight’s banquet!"

Looking at myself in the mirror, transformed after two hours under the makeup artist’s hands, I was indeed more radiant. It had been a long time since I had dressed up for myself. Yet, I sat there expressionless, and as these thoughts crossed my mind, the light in my eyes dimmed once more.

I forced a faint smile. "Bring me that evening dress you mentioned. I want to try it on."

Once my makeup and styling were complete, I gazed at my reflection.

There was a beautiful face, skin smooth and flawless like polished jade. My gently arched brows resembled a new moon, while my bright eyes shimmered with enchanting light. My lips, like a blooming flower, curled slightly upward, revealing a faint smile.

The red evening gown, studded with diamonds, clung to my figure perfectly, accentuating my slender waist like a willow branch. Carefully matched with diamond-studded heels, my every step was light and graceful, utterly captivating.

Alright, tonight will be my perfect finale, I told myself.

Soon, I arrived at the banquet hall. As expected, all eyes turned to me. Former clients I had worked with gathered around.

"President Yang looks so beautiful tonight!"

"Truly the star of Xingye Company—elegant, charming, and radiant. No wonder so many firms want to collaborate with her!"

They showered me with compliments, and I greeted them with a smile. Glasses clinked endlessly amid the lively atmosphere. Through the crowd, I glimpsed a familiar figure—Lin Ping. And nearby stood the new young woman, looking displeased, her face full of resentment as she seemingly complained to him.

How wonderful. Tonight is such a joyous night. I suppose I’ve won this time after all.

Unnoticed, the banquet neared its end. I had drunk quite a lot. For some reason, the thought of leaving this place brought a sense of relief; this was perhaps the happiest night I had experienced since everything began to unravel.

It was time to end it.

Having had too much to drink, a rosy flush warmed my cheeks, my gaze grew hazy, and my steps faltered slightly. After bidding farewell to everyone, I slipped on a white fur jacket, grabbed my bag, and prepared to leave.

At the door, Lin Ping followed and steadied me with a hand. "Are you alright? Let me take you home," he said.

A surge of hatred welled up inside me. Who was it that caused me to lose everything?

Without a word, I stared into his eyes with an unreadable expression. Then I turned and hailed a taxi. "Drive to the mountaintop," I told the driver.

Watching him grow smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror as he stood frozen in place, I murmured softly to myself four words:

Never see you again.