Chapter 190: The Five Gather

Li Yan knew the chances were slim, but he hoped he might run into Yu Xiaodi here. He was looking forward to it. She had returned for several days now, and there hadn’t been a chance to meet. If he could encounter her here, it’d be a delightful occasion.

Even if he were to meet Yu Xiaodi, he wouldn’t feel awkward because everyone knew she was his girlfriend, even Yurong knew about them.

However, instead of seeing Yu Xiaodi and Li Jie, he encountered Qiao Huanxuan and Bai Jie, leaving him unsure of how to respond.

Regarding Qiao Huanxuan, he had called her in the afternoon saying he couldn’t accompany her, yet here he was with three beautiful women. He couldn’t possibly claim all three were his girlfriends, especially since she knew about Yu Xiaodi. If Qiao Huanxuan’s relationship with him was disclosed to Yurong, Wen Qianyi, and Hai Fu, it would be problematic; even if not fully revealed, they might have other thoughts based on observation.

Standing just a few meters away, Qiao Huanxuan’s feelings were also quite complicated.

In the afternoon, Li Yan said he couldn’t accompany her and promised to see her off tomorrow. She thought Li Yan was with Yu Xiaodi and kindly reminded him not to exhaust himself at night and struggle to wake up in the morning, assuring him he needn’t rise early just to see her off. After all, Yu Xiaodi was his girlfriend now, and she, who never truly had a first love, had no right to compete.

She let herself relax and called Bai Jie, inviting her to dinner and a shopping trip. Not long ago, they returned from downtown, with Bai Jie accompanying Qiao Huanxuan back to the hotel. They then came here together to join the countdown celebration.

Thus, they arrived late, similar to Li Yan’s group, ending up on the outermost ring. They hadn’t seen the final countdown or fireworks yet and naturally wanted to see the stars performing on stage. Qiao Huanxuan wasn’t particularly enthusiastic, but Bai Jie, now considering herself somewhat part of the film industry, was very excited.

Though late, Bai Jie was determined to find a better spot by weaving through the crowd, dragging Qiao Huanxuan along. Soon enough, they noticed a familiar figure, Li Yan—who stood out like a firefly in a summer night—with Hai Fu by his side trying to blend in, accompanied by two stunning beauties, making it impossible for him to go unnoticed. Upon admiring the beauties, one couldn’t help but notice him too.

While Bai Jie focused on finding a spot and watching the performances, it was actually Qiao Huanxuan who first saw Li Yan! She recognized him instantly, as if he were a shadow imprinted in her mind; even if he turned to dust, she’d know him. Back at the bustling airport, she could spot him, standing still and closer now, it was even easier.

Beside Li Yan were three beauties, and he was clearly holding things, looking like a male companion. However, upon closer examination, she didn’t see any trace of Yu Xiaodi.

This made her cheerful expression freeze immediately. Even if she confronted him, what good would it do? Would she reproach him for lying? He hadn’t lied; he merely said he couldn’t accompany her without mentioning with whom.

Suddenly, she lacked the courage to approach.

The rational side of her as an architect informed her that perhaps it was a misunderstanding; maybe Li Yan was just friends with them. Perhaps he hadn’t met Yu Xiaodi yet, and this was merely another social obligation. After calming down, she recognized Wen Qianyi, that alluring lady with a friendly smile seemed familiar, was she that colleague who returned with him on a business trip from the airport?

She had only seen Wen Qianyi once, when other classmates were present, and her intense emotions from seeing Li Yan after twelve years made her overlook everything, while feigning composure, allowing little attention for others. As for Wen Qianyi, she only held a faint impression, not very certain.

Soon after, her gaze fell on another person. That elegant woman exuding authority, slightly aloof yet carrying a hint of innocence, a beauty that was as fresh and unique as an Edelweiss in bustling crowds or calm dining halls—Zhang Yurong!

She remembered the name and the person, not just because she had seen her briefly compared to Wen Qianyi, but because their social dinner left a deep impression. She didn’t forget Yu Xiaodi introduced her as Li Yan’s company’s president. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Recognizing them, Qiao Huanxuan moved from initial confusion to relief. They were not only Li Yan’s colleagues but also knew of his girlfriend Yu Xiaodi, undoubtedly preventing any entanglements. Their presence likely indicated a colleague or partner gathering.

...

"Isn’t that Li Yan?" Bai Jie, finding a suitable spot, shifted her focus from the stage to tell Qiao Huanxuan they could stand here to watch. Following her gaze, she spotted Li Yan.

Feeling reassured, Qiao Huanxuan chose not to approach him, knowing it would only make Li Yan uncomfortable. Much like that night at the airport’s KFC with Wang Lin, whom she wanted Li Yan to send away, though as involved, she felt awkward and feared misunderstandings.