Chapter 10: Such a Treacherous Banquet

With no other choice, she scowled and snapped, “Damn it!”

Seeing her give in, Qin Ze immediately broke into a triumphant grin, as if he had just won a battle.

He stepped back a pace, looking at her huffing in frustration, and smiled, “That’s more like it. I knew you’d agree. Don’t worry, it’s just to accompany me for a bit, not a big deal.”

Song Xixi shot him a fierce glare. “President Qin, you’re really despicable, threatening me with something like this. What kind of skill is that?”

She genuinely didn’t want the Song family to find out about her relationship with Qin Ze over these years—just to avoid those toads making her life miserable.

Qin Ze shrugged carelessly. “Darling, as long as you behave, I won’t make things difficult for you.”

“Qin Ze, don’t call me that!” Song Xixi retorted immediately.

“Tsk, my darling’s temper has gotten worse! It’s fine, I can take it,” Qin Ze teased with a playful grin.

He then headed toward the Aston Martin, glancing back at her and signaling for her to follow.

Song Xixi’s anger practically smoked from her ears. She shot back, “Yeah, you’re so magnanimous!”

She disliked that nickname because every time she heard those words, it reminded her of the happiest moments they once shared.

Now, those words felt like thorns piercing her heart.

Though reluctant, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and follow him, cursing him silently as they walked.

Qin Ze gave an awkward laugh and casually said, “What a pity—there’s only a wild cat barely surviving in the sea.”

The words were light, as if spoken more to himself than to her.

Once inside the car, the atmosphere turned somewhat heavy.

Song Xixi turned to look out the window, unwilling to engage with him.

Qin Ze, however, was in high spirits, driving while occasionally stealing glances at her.

Seeing her sulking, he found her utterly adorable and couldn’t resist teasing, “Your temper really is something else.”

Song Xixi retorted coldly, “President Qin, even a cornered rabbit will bite. Once this is over, we’ll go our separate ways—you take your path of glory, and I’ll take my precarious bridge.”

This man likely couldn’t tolerate being challenged by anyone else.

Otherwise, why would he bother clinging to a pet as dispensable as her?

Perhaps he wanted to regain some face.

Qin Ze frowned slightly, his smile fading.

Could it be that he was so unwelcome in Song Xixi’s heart?

Before long, the car stopped in front of a high-end shopping mall.

Qin Ze got out first, then crossed over to open the door for Song Xixi.

Seeing her still reluctant face, he said, “Get out. Let’s pick out something suitable to wear. You can’t just show up at the luncheon like this.”

Song Xixi raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest, following him into the mall.

The mall was filled with luxurious brand stores.

Qin Ze led her straight to a high-fashion boutique.

The sales assistant, noticing their attire, immediately greeted them warmly.

“Sir, madam, welcome. How may I assist you today?”

Qin Ze nodded slightly. “Pick out a few outfits that suit her. The best styles you have.”

The assistant quickly complied, turning to select items from the store.

Soon, several exquisite evening gowns were brought out.

Qin Ze’s gaze swept over the dresses and finally settled on a pale blue gown.

He held it up to her and gestured, “Try this one on. I think it’ll look great on you.”

Song Xixi glanced at the dress and obediently took it away.

After changing, she came out, and Qin Ze’s eyes lit up instantly.

The pale blue gown made her fair skin even more captivating.

He stepped forward, circling her admiringly, “Really beautiful. I guess my taste isn’t bad after all. This it is.”

Looking at herself in the mirror, Song Xixi was momentarily stunned.

But she quickly snapped out of it. “It’s just a dress. Nothing to make a fuss about.”

Qin Ze wasn’t bothered by her cold response.

He had the assistant pair it with matching heels and delicate jewelry before settling the bill.

—

The private room door was gently pushed open.

Song Xixi, heart pounding with unease, glanced up.

Her gaze froze instantly—three people were already seated inside.

Two middle-aged women sat gracefully, exuding mature elegance with every gesture.

On the other side, there was a young girl.

Song Xixi’s heart skipped a beat as realization dawned.

This was a matchmaking banquet!

It seemed this was yet another carefully orchestrated scheme by Qin’s mother.

The revelation nearly dislocated her jaw.

This wasn’t in the story!

Why on earth would Qin Ze bring her to a matchmaking banquet?

After a moment, she regained her composure and whispered sharply, “Qin Ze, you actually want me to accompany you to a matchmaking event?! What’s going on? Is this appropriate?”

Qin Ze, acting as if nothing was amiss, lifted a roguish smile.

His eyebrows arched lightly as he leisurely replied, “It’s quite fitting, actually. Just going through the motions, you’re just here to keep me company.”

He intended to use Song Xixi’s presence to make his mother clearly understand that he had no interest in other women.

That way, she’d stop endlessly worrying about his love life.

Qin’s mother had been chatting and laughing with others, but when she caught sight of Qin Ze with a girl, her expression immediately darkened.

This prodigal son, sent to a matchmaking event, yet bringing a woman along!

Clearly, he was here to cause trouble.

The mother of the socialite was also taken aback, her smile vanishing without a trace, replaced by displeasure.

What was going on?

The matchmaking banquet had been planned well in advance; how did this intruder suddenly appear?

The girl in the white fitted dress stiffened her smile.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the private room grew tense and awkward.

Song Xixi felt her face flush with heat, glaring furiously at Qin Ze.

“Qin Ze, what are you really up to? I don’t want to be made a joke here. If I had known this was some kind of trap, I’d rather die than come!”

Qin Ze seemed completely unfazed by her complaints, calmly reaching out his hand.

He took hers firmly and walked toward the others.

As he walked, he lifted his smiling face and spoke lightly, “Mom, Mrs. Li, so sorry. We ran into a little trouble on the way and got held up. Sorry for being late.”

At the same time, he subtly squeezed Song Xixi’s hand, signaling her to behave and cooperate.

Song Xixi, both angry and anxious, tried instinctively to pull her hand away.

But Qin Ze’s grip was like iron clamps—tight and unyielding.

She could only sulk as he dragged her forward.

Their small interaction was far from unnoticed by the two elders, accustomed as they were to such scenes.

Li Mengyan pursed her lips slightly, a flood of complex emotions washing over her.

She had just graduated and returned home; did Qin Ze really have a girlfriend?

Then why had he agreed to attend this matchmaking banquet?

Her eyes were clouded with sadness, fixed on their intertwined hands, unable to look away.