Heartthrob, Your Image is Crumbling!

Chapter 514: Jiang Xinyi's Targeting

Zhou Yuwen had been forced to drink quite a bit by Jiang Xinyi, leaving his head spinning. Naturally, Jiang Xinyi had not drank any less herself.Now, seeing Zhou Yuwen about to leave without even saying a single word of farewell...

Jiang Xinyi's eyes instantly reddened, and she chased after him without a second thought.

She simply could not understand how Zhou Yuwen could be so heartless.

When they were together, it was clearly his fault.

She was his girlfriend, yet he had openly flirted with Su Qing on stage right in front of her!

Besides, she had warned him back then that if he dared to act like that, she would break up with him!

No matter how you looked at it, the fault lay entirely with Zhou Yuwen!

Yet, in the end, he never even bothered to look for her to explain himself.

Now, four months had passed, and they were finally seeing each other again.

Did Zhou Yuwen really intend to treat her like a total stranger?

Anyone would find that hard to endure.

Watching Zhou Yuwen prepare to leave, Jiang Xinyi immediately threw a childish temper tantrum, stepping directly in his path. "Wait a moment!"

Zhou Yuwen looked at the woman standing before him and asked in confusion, "President Jiang, is there something else?"

Jiang Xinyi stared at Zhou Yuwen, her gaze filled with deep resentment. That title, "President Jiang," was clearly not what she wanted to hear. But since he addressed her that way, what could she do? She could only find a random excuse to continue pestering him relentlessly.

Instead, she let out a cold snort and challenged, "Are you leaving after just one glass of wine, President Zhou? I haven't even said we're done. Surely, a man like President Zhou wouldn't pale in comparison to a woman like me?"

Other guests were watching them from nearby. Those who knew that Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi were ex-lovers found the situation highly amusing, while others were completely clueless about their history.

They merely wondered in their hearts, 'What is wrong with this girl?'

'Why is she pestering Zhou Yuwen relentlessly and refusing to let him go?'

Zhou Yuwen also looked at Jiang Xinyi with a strange expression. He could not understand what she was trying to achieve.

Just as the two of them were locked in a stalemate, A group of people walked over, chatting and laughing. Leading the group were Liu Dongqiang and Zhang Tianze. Although today was not the day they were getting married, they still had to properly entertain the guests attending their engagement banquet, especially since the relatives of both the bride and groom were seated in this area.

When Liu Dongqiang and his group approached, everyone shifted their focus to him and Zhang Tianze. Smiling brightly, Liu Dongqiang took the initiative to greet Zhang Lihou and the others, warmly asking if everyone was enjoying the food.

Even though Liu Dongqiang was only two years younger than Zhang Lihou, he immediately addressed the older man as "Uncle."

Zhang Lihou actually felt quite awkward, but he still smiled and nodded, asking if the couple was exhausted from hosting so many people today.

Liu Dongqiang shook his head, declaring that today was a joyous occasion.

"Oh, right, Uncle, I haven't introduced you yet. This is Yuwen."

Completely oblivious to the tense and hostile atmosphere between Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi, Liu Dongqiang enthusiastically called Zhou Yuwen over to make the introduction.

However, Zhang Lihou indicated that he was already acquainted with Zhou Yuwen.

"You already know each other?" Liu Dongqiang asked, slightly surprised. Still, he added a few words of praise, mentioning how formidable Zhou Yuwen was for making a name for himself on Wall Street at the mere age of nineteen.

"When I was nineteen, I was just starting my sophomore year and running a restaurant at the gates of Renmin University," Liu Dongqiang remarked. While his words were meant to flatter Zhou Yuwen, they were also a subtle flex of his own achievements. After all, it was no small feat for a sophomore year student to open four restaurants near a university campus.

Speaking of this, Liu Dongqiang could not help recalling his past glorious years.

Older men always loved to talk about the past, especially someone like Liu Dongqiang, who was currently riding high on success. He was naturally even more inclined to reminisce.

This was largely fueled by the group of people constantly showering him with praise.

Even his father-in-law, who was a mere two years his senior, had to nod continuously while listening to Liu Dongqiang speak.

Liu Dongqiang and Zhang Tianze had walked over holding red wine glasses. After taking a sip with everyone individually, he turned to offer a toast to Zhou Yuwen.

Zhou Yuwen did not decline. Liu Dongqiang then routinely asked if the food suited his tastes.

Zhou Yuwen nodded and replied that it was fine.

"If there's anything you fancy, just ask the kitchen to whip it up for you. I've booked the entire hotel today. And who might this be?"

Only as Liu Dongqiang drank with Zhou Yuwen did he finally notice Jiang Xinyi standing off to the side.

Jiang Xinyi was twenty-five this year and hailed from a wealthy family, so her elegant aura was naturally beyond reproach. Her outfit today, in particular, gave her the bearing of a worldly flower of wealth and elegance. Liu Dongqiang's eyes lit up, prompting him to ask about her.

Not wanting to appear inferior in front of Zhou Yuwen, Jiang Xinyi nodded at Liu Dongqiang and greeted him smoothly, "Hello, President Liu. I am Jiang Xinyi."

As she spoke, she handed her business card to Liu Dongqiang.

Glancing at the business card in his hand, Liu Dongqiang honestly did not recognize her family's company. However, his assistant had long since memorized the background information of every guest present today.

Taking merely a brief glance, the assistant leaned in and whispered a few words into Liu Dongqiang's ear.

Liu Dongqiang's attitude toward Jiang Xinyi shifted instantly. He flashed a highly affable smile and said warmly, "Ah, Miss Jiang. A pleasure to meet you."

"Is Miss Jiang currently working in real estate development?" Liu Dongqiang inquired.

Jiang Xinyi replied modestly, "It's just some minor ventures. I wouldn't dare compare myself to you, President Liu."

"Nonsense, Miss Jiang is also young and promising, just like my little brother here. Oh, right, allow me to introduce you two."

When it came to being young and promising, who could possibly surpass Zhou Yuwen?

This Liu Dongqiang truly called everyone he met his brother.

Draping an arm over Zhou Yuwen's shoulder, he enthusiastically attempted to introduce him to Jiang Xinyi.

To his surprise, Jiang Xinyi flatly stated, "President Liu, we already know each other."

"Ah!"

This made the enthusiastic Liu Dongqiang feel a bit awkward, but he quickly tried to make amends, chuckling as he reasoned, "That makes sense. Come to think of it, how could you not know each other? My little brother here is studying in Jinling, and you're a Jinling local. You two should definitely interact more often."

Liu Dongqiang laughed as he spoke, but neither of the people involved so much as cracked a smile.

Jiang Xinyi simply continued to stare fixedly at Zhou Yuwen, while he deliberately avoided looking at her altogether.

Liu Dongqiang offered a few more polite pleasantries.

Turning to Liu Dongqiang, Zhou Yuwen requested, "Brother Dong, I've had quite a bit to drink today. How about I head back first?"

"Leave? Why would you leave? I've arranged some rooms in the back. Why don't you have your friend help you over there to rest for a bit? There's still another banquet tonight. Don't go just yet!" Liu Dongqiang urged immediately.

Even though it was only an engagement banquet, he had booked the entire Shangri-La Hotel, ensuring every guest had access to a guest room to rest.

Zhou Yuwen truly wanted to leave.

However, Liu Dongqiang stubbornly refused to let him go, insisting that he join them for a private dinner at Zhang Tianze's house that evening.

Zhou Yuwen continued to politely decline.

Seeing Zhou Yuwen act this way, Jiang Xinyi suddenly interjected, "President Zhou, are you refusing to give President Liu face? Or do you simply look down on him?"

It was precisely these pointed words from Jiang Xinyi that truly put Liu Dongqiang in an awkward position.

Fortunately, Liu Dongqiang did not seem to mind. Letting out a hearty laugh, he playfully hammered his fist against Zhou Yuwen's chest and teased, "Exactly! Are you trying to deny your older brother some face?"

Zhou Yuwen cast a helpless glance at Jiang Xinyi, thinking to himself, 'She really is out to target me.'

But what could he do about it?

It was his own fault for provoking her in the first place.

The most pressing matter was simply to get as far away from her as possible.

Conceding, Zhou Yuwen finally agreed, "Alright then, Shiqi and I will head to the back to rest for a bit."

"Perfect. Little Wang, take them over," Liu Dongqiang instructed, turning to the assistant standing behind him.

The assistant nodded and prepared to lead Zhou Yuwen and Li Shiqi away.

Watching Zhou Yuwen leave, Jiang Xinyi's expression shifted once more. Without a second thought, she marched directly after them.

In truth, Liu Dongqiang had planned to exchange a few more pleasantries with Jiang Xinyi once Zhou Yuwen was settled.

After all, Jiang Xinyi's family held considerable influence in Jinling, and he was keen on strengthening his connections with them.

Yet, who could have expected that the moment he readied a polite smile and turned around, Jiang Xinyi would completely ignore him and bolt straight toward Zhou Yuwen?

This left Liu Dongqiang utterly bewildered.

His fiancée was standing right next to him, and Jiang Xinyi's blatant disregard gave him no face whatsoever. Left with no other choice, Liu Dongqiang masked his confusion with a joking tone, asking Zhang Tianze, "Do you know this Jiang Xinyi? Why is she in such a rush? Don't tell me she has her eyes on my brother?"

Even as the words left his mouth, Liu Dongqiang chuckled at his own absurdity.

After all, anyone with eyes could see that Jiang Xinyi was around twenty-five or twenty-six, while Zhou Yuwen was a mere nineteen.

It was practically impossible—just a lighthearted jest.

However, to everyone's surprise, Zhang Tianze gave him an odd look and asked, "Wait, you didn't know?"

"Know what?" Liu Dongqiang frowned in confusion.

Zhang Tianze calmly informed him, "The two of them used to be together."

"Which two?" Liu Dongqiang still did not catch her drift.

It was not until Zhang Tianze explicitly clarified that she meant Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi.

Liu Dongqiang's mind instantly short-circuited as he recalled Jiang Xinyi's bizarre attitude toward Zhou Yuwen just moments ago.

His bewilderment deepened, but soon gave way to an amused laugh. He shook his head and murmured, "This brother of mine truly leaves a trail of romance wherever he goes. Why does it feel like his ex-girlfriends are everywhere?"

Zhang Tianze chuckled softly in agreement. She still possessed the mindset of a little girl and thoroughly enjoyed watching drama unfold. Witnessing the confrontation between Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi had been highly entertaining, and she could easily tell that Jiang Xinyi still harbored deep feelings for him.

In truth, Zhou Yuwen's head had already been spinning when he was matching drinks with Jiang Xinyi earlier. As they rode the elevator upstairs, the delayed effects of the alcohol struck him with even greater force.

Fortunately, Li Shiqi was by his side to accompany him.

From start to finish, Li Shiqi had not uttered a single word. Even when they mentioned heading to a guest room, she did not overthink it. She simply stood there with perfect posture in her striking red dress.

Noticing that Zhou Yuwen seemed unwell, she proactively reached out her small hand to support his waist, softly asking, "Are you alright?"

Looking down into Li Shiqi's large, misty eyes, Zhou Yuwen shook his head and muttered that he was fine.

Perhaps Li Shiqi's gentleness provided him with a rare moment of relaxation, or perhaps he was simply too exhausted.

As she leaned closer to support him, Zhou Yuwen let his head rest heavily upon her shoulder.

Li Shiqi's body noticeably stiffened.

But she quickly relaxed and returned to normal.

Just like that, the two of them were guided into a private suite by the assistant.

The assistant politely asked if he needed to fetch some hangover medicine for Zhou Yuwen.

Zhou Yuwen shook his head, signaling that it was unnecessary.

With that, the assistant backed out of the room and thoughtfully pulled the door shut behind him.

Upon entering the suite, Zhou Yuwen collapsed straight onto the bed.

The mattress of the five-star hotel was exceptionally plush. The moment his body hit the sheets, his accumulated fatigue seemingly vanished, replaced by an overwhelming urge to succumb to sleeping.

His mind was already hazy, and upon closing his eyes, it only took a few moments.

He actually fell fast asleep.

Li Shiqi stood quietly, gazing at Zhou Yuwen as he lay soundly asleep on the bed.

It was just around one o'clock in the afternoon. The slightly westward sun was perfectly positioned, streaming gently through the window and illuminating a corner of the room.

The room's decor was incredibly luxurious, leaning toward a classic European style.

Zhou Yuwen lay there motionless, his sharp and well-defined features looking remarkably peaceful and serene in slumber.

Li Shiqi's roommates had always gushed about how handsome Zhou Yuwen was.

Truthfully, Li Shiqi had never paid much attention to his looks. Perhaps because they had known each other since high school, she was simply too familiar with him to notice how much he had changed over the years.

It was not until today that she finally realized just how attractive he truly was. The proportions of his facial features were practically flawless.

Even while deeply asleep, he exuded an irresistible charm that made one want to lean in and steal a kiss.

Struck by this sudden intrusive thought, Li Shiqi froze in place.

Her cheeks instantly flushed a burning, fiery red.

'What on earth...'

'...am I thinking?!'

She was deeply mortified by her own imagination.

Shaking her head vigorously, she forcefully tossed those unrealistic fantasies out of her mind.

She felt she ought to do something useful. At the very least, she could not let him sleep without taking off his shoes.

After a moment of hesitation, she bent down and carefully tugged off his shoes, then attempted to wrestle his jacket off him.

Zhou Yuwen was not fat, but the dead weight of an adult male still proved challenging for her. Exerting every ounce of her strength, she finally managed to yank the heavy jacket off his shoulders.

The exertion left her panting heavily, and she ended up collapsing halfway onto the mattress beside him.

She stared at the man who was still slumbering completely undisturbed.

A gentle, amused smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she thought, 'If you can't handle your liquor, you shouldn't have drunk so much.'

'You always act so tough and capable. Who would have thought that when you're drunk, you're no different from anyone else?'

Lying prone right next to her, Zhou Yuwen kept his eyes shut tight. His handsome lips were parted ever so slightly as he drew slow, steady breaths.

A sudden thought crossed Li Shiqi's mind: so many girls would only ever experience being this close to Zhou Yuwen in a dream, yet here she was, effortlessly sharing this intimate space with him.

Perhaps she would never get an opportunity like this again.

'He really is handsome...'

Gazing intensely at his striking visage, She debated internally, 'It shouldn't hurt to just touch him a little, right?'

Two conflicting voices began warring inside her head.

One argued enthusiastically: 'This is a rare opportunity! Li Shiqi, you've lived this long and never even been in a relationship.'

'Besides, haven't you always harbored a secret crush on Zhou Yuwen?'

'Shouldn't you seize this perfect chance to feel his face?'

The opposing voice scolded harshly: 'Li Shiqi, what are you thinking?! Are you completely shameless?!'

'What kind of decent little girl takes advantage of a sleeping man to cop a feel?'

The two inner voices clashed fiercely, battling back and forth.

Ultimately, however, emotion triumphed over reason.

'A single touch won't hurt,' she justified to herself.

Gathering her courage, she decided she just wanted to give his cheek a tiny pinch, just to satisfy her curiosity about how it felt.

She extended a trembling hand, inching closer with utmost caution.

Finally, her fingertips brushed against his skin.

A giddy smile instantly broke out on her face. Yet, before she could even process the sensation, a sudden, frantic series of knocks erupted against the door.

"Zhou Yuwen! I know you're in there! Open the door! What? Did you think pretending not to know me would be the end of it? If you have the guts, open this door!"