Chapter 24: 024 Back View

Li Hanjiang had always cherished beauty, and with such a rare gem before him, he naturally would not fail to appreciate her kindness.

However, the beauty’s approach seemed to lack originality; many a socialite had played this scene before. But considering her exquisite features, he felt inclined to overlook these details.

For beauties, especially those who present themselves willingly, he always welcomed them with open arms.

Because he had the capital to do so, and he could afford the game.

Li Hanjiang leaned forward slightly, a trace of apology on his lips, "I am really sorry, Miss Zhao. Are you alright?"

Zhao Yiling’s heart nearly leapt out of her chest with excitement; she had not expected that a figure like Li Hanjiang would actually know her surname—a true honor indeed.

But she kept up the poise of a noble young lady, without revealing any flaw. She spoke with some surprise, "Sir, are you acquainted with me?"

Li Hanjiang laughed lazily and, without explaining, extended his right hand, "The ground is cold. Miss Zhao, please get up."

Zhao Yiling looked at the hand Li Hanjiang extended with a flattered expression before placing her own right hand into his, her jade-like fingers clasping his, and summoned an appropriate smile, "Thank you."

Li Hanjiang grasped Zhao Yiling’s hand and with a gentle pull, the beauty rose from the ground.

He leaned in slightly, his voice a bit husky, "To serve a beauty like Miss Zhao is an honor for me."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yiling’s cheeks instantly flushed, not having anticipated such smooth progress, and moreover, Li Hanjiang, in person, was even more handsome than the photos on the posters.

Such an outstanding man—she was determined to have him, not just in person but also his heart.

She never lacked confidence in her appearance.

However, for a tycoon like Li Hanjiang, who has seen all kinds of beauty, she must maintain not only her good looks but also her intelligence.

With this in mind, Zhao Yiling smoothly withdrew her hand, her voice tender, "To be called a beauty is too much. If Mr. Li doesn’t mind, you may call me by my name, Zhao Yiling."

Under the lighting, Li Hanjiang’s exceptionally handsome features appeared even more charming. She glanced at him inadvertently and noticed he was also looking at her.

Zhao Yiling felt her cheeks start to burn. Her heart, which she had just managed to calm, now pounded fiercely once more.

Li Hanjiang! The man whom countless young ladies in the Capital City pined after!

A myth in high society!

This perfect man was standing right before her, and his eyes were filled with only her.

A sense of superiority welled up inside her.

Just as Zhao Yiling was basking in her triumph, she noticed Li Hanjiang’s gaze drift past her.

He was looking at something—or someone—behind her.

And the corner of his mouth lifted in a subtle curve.

What was behind her?

Feeling puzzled, Zhao Yiling glanced over her shoulder to see a slender pink figure, most of her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she walked leisurely.

Upon reaching the spiral staircase, perhaps finding it too much trouble to walk down, she placed her hands on the banister and with a graceful leap, her hair tracing a perfect arc in the air, she disappeared from sight.

The whole action was done in one fluid motion, quite neat and even conveying a dynamic martial beauty from a distance.

Chu Jin herself was oblivious to the fact that her actions had been fully witnessed.

She simply found it fun and convenient. In her previous life, she had spent 28 years as a noble lady, never daring to reveal her true temperament for fear of gossip.

This lifetime, she would not care about anyone’s opinion. She would live for herself.

Li Hanjiang was looking behind her, at Chu Jin. He was looking at Chu Jin!

Zhao Yiling had gone to great lengths to catch Li Hanjiang’s attention. How could that simpleton attract his full attention with just her silhouette?

The smile on Zhao Yiling’s lips stiffened in an instant, her meticulously groomed nails digging into her palm.

But Zhao Yiling was still Zhao Yiling. She quickly regained her composed and gracious demeanor, turned her head, and gave Li Hanjiang an apologetic smile, "I apologize for my sister. She’s always been wild and cannot be tamed, which must be quite amusing to Mr. Li."

The event tonight was mostly attended by daughters of noble families, each of them demure and well-mannered. Someone like Chu Jin who jumped down the stairs was beyond their wildest dreams, simply too derogatory.

Zhao Yiling’s words were a veiled reminder to Li Hanjiang that the girl was nothing but an undisciplined tomboy.

Li Hanjiang withdrew his gaze, and upon looking at Zhao Yiling again, his initial interest had waned.

These daughters of affluent families, all so well-behaved, seemed carved from the same mold, lovely but completely soulless.

Li Hanjiang raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued once more, "Oh? You know her?"

Zhao Yiling tried to suppress her displeasure and nodded slightly, her eyes quickly flashing a sinister streak, "Yes, she’s Chu Jin, the only daughter of my aunt. Her father passed away early, and my aunt... well..."

Pausing, she sighed before continuing, "Given her background, my parents have always spoiled her since she was young. So my sister, she might be somewhat... unruly."

Unruly is an understatement.

Everyone knows that Chu family’s daughter of Capital City, Chu Jin, is a notorious simpleton, a useless person who can’t even recognize the 26 letters of the English alphabet!

Having said her piece, Zhao Yiling looked up at Li Hanjiang, filled with expectation.

She would have expected to see a look of disgust on his face.

Regrettably, it wasn’t there.

Nevertheless, seeing no emotion on his face was somewhat of a relief. After all, he had not yet seen Chu Jin’s face.

For now, it was important to grasp the man beside her firmly, not giving anyone else a chance. Li Hanjiang could only belong to her!

"Mr. Li," Zhao Yiling’s face once again bore an appropriate smile, "The banquet is about to begin, shall we head down?"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read