Volume One, Chapter 10: Irony

Everyone around was stunned. Xiao Li hadn’t expected Ye Zhaoying to make such a decision. Usually, it was Qin Lulu who accompanied the boss to social events, since she had the closest relationship with him.

Qin Lulu naturally reacted the strongest, immediately asking with some agitation, “Boss, why is that? Usually, I’m the one who goes with you…”

Ye Zhaoying acted very naturally. “You’ve been working too hard lately. Just take a good rest. Xiao Li will come with me instead.”

Qin Lulu wanted to argue further, but Ye Zhaoying’s tone was final. “Enough. That’s settled. Everyone, go focus on your own work.”

Qin Lulu’s delicate brows furrowed, and a barely concealed hatred flickered in her eyes.

Ye Zhaoying took Xiao Li along. The young girl was excited to be going out alone with Ye Zhaoying for the first time.

By the time they arrived, Ye Qianyao had already gotten there.

At this moment, she stood outside the venue, being interviewed by a group of reporters.

“Miss Ye! We’ve heard that during university, you were praised by your professors as a ‘genius designer.’ You must be very confident about today’s project competition, right?”

Ye Qianyao wore a pink Chanel-style suit set, her makeup exquisite. Smiling with a springtime pride, she modestly replied, “The title ‘genius designer’ is an overpraise from Professor Chen. I’m not worthy of it. This competition is full of talented people; everyone has a chance.”

“Miss Lin, you’re too humble. Not only did you design many priceless pieces during university, but you also graduated with honors from A University and were admitted to Y Country for further studies. The winner of this project competition must be you!”

Amidst the praise, Ye Qianyao smiled confidently. Suddenly, her gaze caught Ye Zhaoying passing by, and her smile grew even more brazen.

“This competition has no entry barriers, so many people can shine. My sister’s Morning Light Studio is also participating. I hope she does well and achieves great results!”

Hearing Ye Qianyao’s words, the reporters followed her gaze and saw Ye Zhaoying about to enter the venue.

“This… is Ye Qianyao’s sister? I’ve never heard of her before!”

“I’ve heard of her, but her design skills are really poor—she’s not even a tenth as good as Ye Qianyao!”

“Tsk tsk, they’re sisters but with such a huge gap!”

“She dares to join the DL Company project competition with such low skills?”

“She’s quite pretty, though. Maybe she got in just because of her looks.”

“Probably just here to ride on her sister’s fame…”

Xiao Li, Ye Zhaoying’s assistant, couldn’t stand it anymore and said anxiously, “Boss, how can they say that about you?!”

Ye Zhaoying glanced over at Ye Qianyao, who was not far off, looking smug, and sneered, “Don’t pay them any mind. We just need to focus on ourselves.”

“All right.” Xiao Li was resentful and shot a glare at the group.

“Ye Qianyao’s sister is all show but no substance—so arrogant!”

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“Exactly. Compared to Ye Qianyao’s down-to-earth manner, it’s a shame Ye Qianyao even cheered for her on camera, yet she didn’t even greet her sister when passing by. Not only is she incompetent, but she’s also rude…”

The reporters quickly snapped photos of Ye Zhaoying and Xiao Li’s cold expressions. This was perfect material for contrast!

Two sisters, one shining in the sky, the other underground—quite a spectacle!

Xiao Li was furious. “Boss, they’re really bullying you!”

Ye Zhaoying put an arm around her shoulder, trying to shield her from the cameras. “Ignore them. Let’s hurry inside.”

Inside the venue, reporters from various media outlets had already set up their positions, ready to start filming.

Ye Zhaoying walked briskly forward to find her seat.

Their seats were assigned in the last row, at the very corner—a clear sign of how little importance was placed on her.

“Zhaoying, you really came?”

Just as Ye Zhaoying was about to sit down, she heard a familiar voice. Looking up, she saw Fu Mingchi approaching.

He was dressed in a suit, exuding confidence, followed by four or five people from their company’s design department.

Surprisingly, Qin Lulu was also there, standing next to him, dressed flamboyantly, her eyes slightly red as if she had been crying, looking aggrieved but with a barely concealed provocation in her gaze toward Ye Zhaoying.

Since university, Qin Lulu had always gone bare-faced and looked childish with no trace of femininity.

How had she suddenly transformed so completely, with refined makeup and a changed style of dress?

A strong sense of crisis welled up inside Ye Zhaoying, especially seeing Fu Mingchi’s obviously impressed look. Qin Lulu’s hostility intensified!

Ye Zhaoying spoke coolly, “I have an invitation. Why shouldn’t I come?”

Fu Mingchi was momentarily stunned. He felt disappointed by Ye Zhaoying’s arrogant willfulness but, thinking of the current tension between them, chose not to press the issue and spoke patiently.

“Baby, I never said you can’t come. I’m just worried you’ll be embarrassed later. Although this event has no entry barrier, do you know which companies are here? Not to mention your sister’s Yuanhui Company.”

“Her abilities are well recognized. You know you can’t compete with her. If you lose, I’m afraid you’ll be upset and might not take it well.”

Ye Zhaoying looked steadily at him and said, “So you don’t believe I can win, do you?”

“Baby, it’s not about belief. The facts are right in front of us. We have to face reality, not deceive ourselves, right?”

Seeing the clear distrust in Fu Mingchi’s eyes, Ye Zhaoying deeply realized that he had never truly trusted her—he was just good at disguising and deceiving.

Their three years of relationship, those beautiful moments woven delicately like a dazzling garment, shattered with a single tug.

Fu Mingchi had once said, “No matter what, my Zhaoying is the best. I believe anything you want to do will succeed!”

But now, it all seemed like a complete lie.

What was once so beautiful had become bitterly ironic.

Ye Zhaoying clenched her fists tightly, struggling to suppress the storm of emotions within.

“Boss, don’t be angry. Mingchi only wants what’s best for you.” Qin Lulu, still ignored, interjected at the right moment.

Fu Mingchi’s expression softened slightly, thinking to himself that Lulu was considerate and sensible.

“Mingchi…” the way she said it sounded quite affectionate.

Ye Zhaoying glanced sideways at her, her voice cool and devoid of warmth. “Why did you come with him?”

“I…” Qin Lulu hesitated, as if deeply wronged, looking pitifully at Fu Mingchi.

Naturally, Fu Mingchi softened. He defended Qin Lulu. “Don’t you know? Usually, when you go out for social events, you bring Lulu along. This time you didn’t, so she thought you were upset with her and hid away crying. I saw it and brought her here with me.”

Ye Zhaoying sneered, “What a coincidence…”

Perhaps sensing guilt, Fu Mingchi’s expression shifted.

Ye Zhaoying’s tone was indifferent as she glanced at Qin Lulu. “It’s because you usually go with her, so this time I gave her a break to rest. What’s the problem with that?”

Qin Lulu’s face changed, looking even more aggrieved.

Fu Mingchi was about to say more when suddenly a commotion arose at the entrance, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Click click click…”

The previously quiet venue was suddenly filled with the rapid shutter clicks of cameras. Reporters who had been lukewarm before were now ecstatic, their faces alight with excitement.

“It’s Mr. Lu from Lu Venture Capital!”

“Oh my god, how did he come?”

“Yes! This is the right time! Didn’t expect to get a shot of Mr. Lu! Front page material!”

“Exactly! The previous exclusive financial interview with Mr. Lu went viral!”

Through the crowd, Ye Zhaoying caught sight of Lu Jingchen’s cold profile and was also surprised.

Why was Lu Jingchen here?