ABSTIWTVMST Chapter 68

Happy Holidays!!

 

Special Chapter for Ko v1

 

 

In moments like these, you couldn’t help but notice how small the social circle really was. At this banquet, you could run into your former fiancée, your ex-girlfriend’s sister, and your ex-girlfriend’s ex-fiancé, all in the same room. The situation became even more awkward when the male lead brought a woman at the center of various rumors.

 

As Xu Chenghao sipped his red wine, eagerly anticipating how the male lead would navigate this complex and chaotic scenario, Ruan Chenxuan was mingling with others, shaking hands, and chatting as he made his way from the entrance into the banquet hall. Zhuo Meixue clung to his arm, leaning affectionately against him and occasionally smiling at those around her.

 

Zhuo Meixue had spent many years in the entertainment industry, and her beauty and charm were undeniable. Standing next to the male lead, they truly looked like a perfect couple. In terms of appearances, they were a good match. On the other hand, Zhou Qian was somewhat disadvantaged in terms of looks. The only thing she had going for her was her background—while Zhuo Meixue may have worked hard to marry into a wealthy family, Zhou Qian was born into one. Even though her current status was awkward as the male lead’s former fiancée, she had the upper hand in terms of social standing.

 

The female lead’s sister was also present at the event. If the plot was remembered correctly, she was the first supporting character to appear. Her mother was once the mistress who entered the main household, and she had endured a difficult upbringing for a long time, being called the illegitimate child and living a tough life. She envied and resented the female lead’s life. Therefore, she blamed all her hardships on the female lead, hoping to make her experience the same suffering she had endured in the past. After entering the main household, she did everything she could to make life difficult for the female lead and put pressure on her.

Not only that, she also envied the female lead being protected and taken care of by Xu Chenghao. She once tried to steal her fiancé, until she was sternly rejected by the Xu family and realized she had no chance. Because she didn’t want to lose to another woman in the realm of men, she set her sights on Ruan Chenxuan. But unexpectedly, Ruan Chenxuan ended up falling in love with An Rouyu.

 

So, she despised the female lead very much, believing that the female lead had taken everything from her. She saw the female lead’s existence as antagonistic to her own, making her a classic malicious supporting female character.

 

Now, I wonder if, now that the female lead has left, she has taken any measures to win over the male lead. After all, she always enjoys taking things away from the female lead and should be the person most willing to see the female lead in pain.

 

As Xu Chenghao sorted out the relationships between all the characters in his mind, he couldn’t help but regret that the female lead wasn’t here today. It would have been even more lively if she were here.

 

What a shame… Xu Chenghao raised his wine glass regretfully, ready to take a sip. Although his wrist was already raised, he suddenly stopped. Xu Chenghao lowered his gaze and looked at the reflection in the red wine, then slowly turned his head.

 

Behind him, a man dressed impeccably stood in the crowd, commanding attention with his tall stature and imposing presence. He had been watching Xu Chenghao all along, seemingly surprised and pleased that Xu Chenghao had noticed him so early. A faint smile appeared on his handsome face. “What a coincidence.”

Xu Chenghao: “…”

 

Coincidence, my foot!

 

This couldn’t be anything but intentional!

 

Xu Chenghao gave him a cold glance and didn’t want to talk to him.

 

Jing Yicheng took a few steps forward and looked down at him slightly. “Why do you look so unhappy to see me?”

 

Xu Chenghao replied coolly, “Oh, I’m just curious how the injuries on your face healed so quickly. You didn’t put on makeup, did you?”

 

Jing Yicheng’s face stiffened. “No, my injuries had already healed a long time ago.”

 

Xu Chenghao chuckled and couldn’t be bothered to talk to him.

Jing Yicheng tried to please him. “The seedlings in the little yellow duck are blooming. Is it heavy? I can hold them for you.”

 

“Go away!” Xu Chenghao sidestepped and frowned, warning, “If you accidentally damage a flower, I’ll have a falling out with you.”

 

Jing Yicheng had to retract his hand and tried a different approach. “These flowers seem to have grown bigger compared to before. They look nice.”

 

Xu Chenghao paused and lowered his head to take a closer look at the small white flowers. He was puzzled. “Is it bigger?”

 

Jing Yicheng affirmed: “Yes, and the height of the chili seedlings seems lower.”

 

Xu Chenghao put his wine glass down and carefully examined the little yellow duck flowerpot in his hands. He indeed noticed that the chili seedlings seemed significantly shorter. He hadn’t noticed this before. Could it be because of different seed varieties resulting in different growth patterns? That must be it.

 

Xu Chenghao valued chili seedlings the most. In an instant, all his attention was drawn away by Jing Yicheng’s few words, and he had basically forgotten about the fierce competition and any female companions.

Standing on the side, Zheng Yunyun’s smile gradually stiffened. She cleared her throat to actively show her presence, “President Jing, hello. I didn’t expect to see you at the banquet today.”

 

Jing Yicheng responded indifferently with a ‘hmm,’ his gaze still on Xu Chenghao and the little yellow duck.

 

Hmm, feeling awkward again… Zheng Yunyun held a glass of red wine, considering whether she should go talk to a few friends before coming back.

 

Fortunately, someone appeared to break the deadlock—Ruan Chenxuan came over with his female companion!

 

Ruan Chenxuan smiled with a wine glass in hand, “President Xu, long time no see.”

Xu Chenghao snapped back from the changes in the chili seedlings, politely picked up the red wine glass, and clinked glasses, “Long time no see.”

 

Zhuo Meixue also smiled at Zheng Yunyun, raising her glass for a toast.

 

Both sides engaged in very hypocritical pleasantries. Ruan Chenxuan seemed to ignore the presence of Jing Yicheng, his gaze fixed on Xu Chenghao. He spoke warmly, “These days have been too busy, causing the dinner appointment with President Xu a few days ago to be postponed continuously. I hope President Xu doesn’t mind.”

 

Xu Chenghao could sense that the other party was deliberately targeting Jing Yicheng, so he smiled and glanced at Jing Yicheng, saying, “It’s okay. President Jing has had time recently, and he has been accompanying me.”

 

Jing Yicheng controlled the upward curve of his mouth, pretending to look perfectly normal. However, his eyes provocatively and smugly looked at Ruan Chenxuan: See that? This is the difference between friends and strangers! Xu Chenghao will stand up for me!

 

Although Ruan Chenxuan anticipated this scenario, he couldn’t help but frown at Jing Yicheng’s deliberately annoying demeanor, “It seems President Jing has plenty of time.”

 

Jing Yicheng calmly retorted, “It’s about being attentive, not on how much time one has.”

 

Ruan Chenxuan: “It seems President Jing is dedicated to nothing but eating.”

 

Jing Yicheng: “That’s still better than President Ruan, who seems dedicated to poaching.”

 

Ruan Chenxuan argued, “Being poached only means that the person being guarded isn’t dedicated enough.”

 

Jing Yicheng:  “Considering your current unsuccessful position, don’t you think what you’re saying is a joke?”

 

Ruan Chenxuan sneered, “Whether it’s a joke or not isn’t something President Jing can decide.”

Jing Yicheng also sneered, “That’s not necessarily true.”

 

Every time the two confronted each other, it was like they entered a PK (Player Killing) arena, immersed in a world where they wished they could kill each other with their eyes. Xu Chenghao had grown accustomed to witnessing such scenes, his internal energy undisturbed, and he even felt like having a drink.

 

On the contrary, Zhuo Meixue and Zheng Yunyun seemed a bit nervous, very concerned that they might start fighting—after all, the states and auras of the two were quite terrifying.

 

Moreover, with this commotion, they instantly became the hottest topic at the banquet center, with everyone looking in their direction, their eyes quickly filled with enthusiastic gossip. Are they going to fight? Is it going to happen? Charge! I’m betting on Ruan Chenxuan!!

 

As more and more people not only watched from a distance but also began to gather around, Xu Chenghao felt that he couldn’t stay any longer. He placed the wine glass on the table, signaling Zheng Yunyun to follow him.

 

Zheng Yunyun breathed a sigh of relief and followed Xu Chenghao out of the crowd, thinking, “Luckily, Xu Chenghao remembered that he has a female companion; otherwise, it would be even more awkward to stand there alone.”

 

As soon as Xu Chenghao left, Jing Yicheng instantly regained his composure and gave Ruan Chenxuan a warning glance before turning and following.

 

Ruan Chenxuan stood in place in silence for two seconds, his eyes coldly sweeping the surroundings. He pushed back all the onlookers and, standing in place, emptied the red wine in his hand in one gulp!

 

Originally, he wanted to use this banquet as an opportunity to connect with Xu Chenghao and gradually mend the previous estrangement. Unexpectedly, Jing Yicheng, this persistent follower of Xu Chenghao, stuck to him like glue, leaving him no room to maneuver.

 

It was truly infuriating!

With a stern face, Ruan Chenxuan suddenly turned to look at Zhuo Meixue, “Do me a favor.”

 

Zhuo Meixue widened her eyes slightly, “President Ruan?”

 

“You want to marry into a wealthy family, right?” Ruan Chenxuan didn’t have the patience to listen to anything else. He directly said, “Jing Yicheng is a rising power, and I can only tell you that his influence is deep and not easily revealed. If you manage to get close to him, it will undoubtedly secure your life of luxury and worry-free living in a wealthy family.”

 

Zhuo Meixue bit her lip and said, “I’ve earned enough money on my own. The reason I pursue President Ruan is simply because I like you, not because I want to marry into a wealthy family.”

 

Ruan Chenxuan’s eyes mocked, but his expression remained calm as he said, “Alright, now is the time for you to prove how much you love me.”

 

…

 

In a corner, Xu Chenghao sat on the sofa, taking a break. Zheng Yunyun awkwardly sat on his left, while Jing Yicheng sat on his right. The three of them maintained this position until the center of the banquet, the protagonist, came out to cut the cake and make a wish.

 

After a while, Zheng Yunyun hesitated and whispered, “President Xu, my sister is here. You have to come with me.”

 

Xu Chenghao nodded, “Sure.”

 

As the two were about to get up and leave, Jing Yicheng immediately stood up too. Xu Chenghao halted, and Jing Yicheng halted as well. Xu Chenghao turned to look at him, but Jing Yicheng remained calm, seemingly unaware of anything amiss.

 

Xu Chenghao sighed, “President Jing, are you here at the banquet just to keep an eye on me?”