Chapter One: The Secret of the Banquet Hall

Inside the resplendent banquet hall of the Grand Yunmeng Palace, lights blazed brilliantly and every seat was filled with distinguished guests. At the center stage, Yun Qiuya, radiant in a crimson tailcoat gown, stood arm in arm with He Lingfeng, who was impeccably dressed in a suit. Both held glasses of fine wine, smiling graciously as they received congratulations from those gathered.

Yun Qiuya’s appearance that evening was especially dazzling. Her figure was accentuated perfectly by the form-fitting red gown—a striking contrast to her usual loose t-shirts. Tonight, her curves drew admiring glances from all around. The diamonds at her ears sparkled under the chandeliers, lending her an air of elegant nobility.

“Qiuya, you look absolutely stunning tonight!” Wen Wan’er exclaimed in admiration.

“That’s right, that’s right. Lingfeng, you lucky devil,” one of He Lingfeng’s friends chimed in, raising his glass and looking at Qiuya with genuine appreciation.

Those nearby echoed their praise, their murmured conversations filled with compliments for Yun Qiuya.

He Lingfeng, holding a microphone, stood by Yun Qiuya’s side. “Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to join our celebration. I hope you enjoy a wonderful evening,” he announced.

Though his face bore a smile, his eyes betrayed a hint of anxiety as he glanced around the room, searching for someone.

Then, as everyone raised their glasses in a toast, He Lingfeng’s hand trembled—the wine spilled across his shirt, leaving a dark stain.

Yun Qiuya immediately leaned in, her voice filled with concern. “Lingfeng, are you alright? Do you want to go change your shirt?”

He Lingfeng forced a relaxed tone. “It’s nothing, Qiuya. I’ll just go change. Wait here for me, alright?”

With that, he hurriedly left the banquet hall, glancing back repeatedly to see if anyone was watching him. Once he was certain he hadn’t been followed, he quickly made his way upstairs to one of the guest rooms.

Inside the room sat a woman in a golden tailcoat dress, her lips painted a vivid red. Waves of chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, and brilliant diamond earrings adorned her ears—her style echoed Yun Qiuya’s, yet exuded a different allure.

As He Lingfeng entered, the woman pouted, arching a brow in mock annoyance. “Why are you so late? I’ve been waiting forever.”

He Lingfeng stepped forward and embraced her tightly, his voice soft. “There are too many people in the hall. I couldn’t excuse myself too soon. Qiuya is still downstairs—I have to be careful.”

A gleam of jealousy flickered in the woman’s eyes. “So… what are we going to do?”

A ruthless light shone in He Lingfeng’s gaze. “Don’t worry. I already have a plan. Once Yun Qiuya is out of the way, nothing will stand between us.”

The woman trembled slightly at his words, but then clung to him even more fiercely. “Lingfeng, you’d better not be lying to me this time.”

He Lingfeng stroked her hair, his eyes softening. “Trust me. I’ll make sure you stand by my side soon. Yun Qiuya—I’ll deal with her.”

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Both He Lingfeng and the woman tensed, their eyes locked on the entrance. But the footsteps paused at the threshold and then faded away.

They exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief.

With deft fingers, the woman began unbuttoning He Lingfeng’s shirt, her hands gliding over his firm chest and slipping inside, her gaze turning languid and seductive as she smiled at him.

He Lingfeng shuddered, his eyes sharpening as he spoke, “Tonight isn't the right time, how about—”

But before he could finish, the woman pressed a finger to his lips and murmured playfully, “No, I won’t wait.” She slipped the shirt off his shoulders, wrapped her arms around his neck, and led him step by step toward the bed.

With a soft thud, the two tumbled onto the mattress.

“Yun Qiuya, tonight I’ll show you who the real star is,” the woman whispered in He Lingfeng’s ear, her breath warm and inviting.

He Lingfeng buried his head in her embrace, pressing her beneath him as a certain hunger was instantly awakened. “Alright, you little enchantress, I’ll give you exactly what you want,” he teased.

Outside, the banquet hall buzzed with laughter and conversation, oblivious to the passions igniting behind closed doors.

Half an hour later, He Lingfeng returned to the banquet hall, his shirt fresh and clean.