The man seated in the wheelchair was strikingly handsome, but now he had shed his usual stern demeanor, staring intently at Yu Tingwan for a long while before speaking, "Why didn't you wear that dress?"
His voice was melodious, tinged with a hint of youthful clarity. His gaze fixed downward, unashamedly revealing a burning desire that traced the outline of Yu Tingwan.
"Wasn't that dress for you?"
"It was your size."
Before Yu Tingwan could respond, Si Yanchen pushed the wheelchair closer and asked softly, "Why did you leave without a word—do you no longer need me?"
The atmosphere grew heavy, their gazes locked, an undercurrent of tension simmering between them.
After a brief standoff, Yu Tingwan suddenly smiled, slowly approaching him, her finger brushing against his cheek, meeting those shimmering eyes, "Let's forget about the dress for now—why have you been limping lately? I don't want someone who limps."
Si Yanchen stared at her for a few seconds, then a curve gradually formed on his lips. He used his legs to stand up, pressing his hands against the armrests, slowly rising.
He was slender and tall, towering over Yu Tingwan by a head, his tone soft, "It was just an act."
Saying this, he sat back down in the wheelchair, "If I hadn't pretended to be lame, they wouldn't have let me come back."
Yu Tingwan raised an eyebrow.
The enigmatic and ruthless Fourth Young Master of the Si family, supposedly disabled, with no one daring to question it. So, all of this was a ruse?
Three years ago, on a night in a small county town, she met Si Yanchen outside a bar.
At that time, he was cornered by a few thugs, spewing vile words, even attempting to make a move.
She glanced casually and found herself ensnared by those shimmering eyes.
Perhaps his eyes were too captivating, igniting a lustful spark in the already vain Yu Tingwan.
She easily felled the thugs and dragged Si Yanchen away by the hand.
From that day on, Si Yanchen became inseparable from her.
He was obedient, handsome, and exceptionally well-built.
A perfect man.
He claimed to be alone, homeless, and in gratitude for her saving him, he vowed to follow her.
Over time, their relationship grew closer, and Yu Tingwan decided to keep him, while Si Yanchen proved to be very compliant, understanding her thoughts.
This arrangement lasted for three years.
Until last week, when her biological parents found her.
With several crucial herbs needed in Yunjing, she seized the opportunity to return to the Yu family.
Before leaving, she sought out Si Yanchen.
After a wild night, while he was still groggy, she left behind a severance agreement and a check for millions, slipping away quietly.
She thought her past with Si Yanchen was merely a minor detour in life.
Never did she expect.
The person she abandoned would now appear before her, brimming with sorrowful eyes, and under a new identity.
"Fourth Young Master of the Si Family?"
Yu Tingwan murmured his name softly, her eyes devoid of warmth, her tone rising slightly, "Si Yanchen?"
Si Yanchen looked at her with a smile, his voice playful, "What's wrong, are you angry?" He gently grasped her hand, "Are you upset because I didn't tell you the truth?"
Hearing this, Yu Tingwan scoffed, "Didn't you say you were homeless?"
She looked down at Si Yanchen in the wheelchair, who was much shorter than her.
Si Yanchen pressed his lips together, his voice flat: 'He truly is a homeless person.'
The Si family feared him, always worried he might go mad, so they used the excuse of recovering from illness to send him out of Yunjing City, effectively exiling him, fearing he might one day kill them all in a fit of rage.
Yu Tingwan spoke calmly, 'Then why did you come back?'
Si Yanchen's eyes were deep, gently rubbing Yu Tingwan's fingers.
The warmth in her palm made Yu Tingwan frown, wanting to pull her hand away but was held tightly by him: 'Because—'
Just as Yu Tingwan was about to speak, she suddenly heard an impatient voice from the other side, 'Where is Yu Tingwan? She said she went to the restroom, but she hasn't returned for so long. What if she gets into trouble with the wrong people?'
It was Yu Tingyan.
Yu Tingwan's eyes turned cold, casually pushing Si Yanchen aside into the stairwell. Seeing Si Yanchen's instantly icy gaze, she coldly said, 'I'm leaving, no time to play with you.'
Si Yanchen clenched his fists, staring intently at Yu Tingwan's retreating figure, a hint of malice unconsciously appearing on his face before quickly vanishing.
In an instant, he had reverted to the unpredictable and indifferent Fourth Young Master of the Si family.
—
Yu Tingwan had barely walked away when she ran into Yu Tingyan.
Seeing Yu Tingwan, Yu Tingyan's eyes grew even colder, 'Yu Tingwan, didn't I tell you not to wander off? Come back with me now!'
Yu Tingwan glanced at Yu Tingyan indifferently, shrugged, 'Alright.'
Song Yun spotted Yu Tingwan's carefree demeanor from afar.
Her heart tightened, and she immediately approached, somewhat displeased, 'Wanwan, how can you be so casual? Be serious and dignified, learn from Mingyu!'
Yu Tingwan casually glanced over, noticing Yu Mingyu sitting upright on a chair, graceful in posture, but the belly band around her waist was more noticeable.
And she was clearly posing deliberately, looking particularly ridiculous.
Seeing Yu Tingwan look at her, Yu Mingyu smiled gracefully, 'Sister, don't bring your country bumpkin habits to such a high-class party, or you'll be considered uncouth.'
Her voice was soft, but it was clear she was mocking Yu Tingwan for being low-class.
Yu Tingwan smiled, full of charm, 'Of course, nothing compared to your noble lady grace.'
Punching air.
Yu Mingyu had intended to mock her, but Yu Tingwan seemed completely unfazed. Relying on her looks to put up a front, but deep down, she was still that country girl!
Yu Mingyu felt increasingly annoyed, but then saw Si Yanchen, who had just left, returning. He seemed to be talking to someone near the fountain in the ballroom.
Yu Mingyu immediately stood up, adjusted her posture and makeup, and walked towards Si Yanchen.
Excitement filled her heart.
She cooed, 'Fourth Young Master, I am Yu Mingyu from the Yu family. I love the dress you gave me.'
The atmosphere grew tense, the air seeming to freeze at her words. All the guests' gazes turned to Yu Mingyu, some scrutinizing, others surprised, and many envious, speculating which wealthy young lady dared to associate with Si Yanchen.
Hearing this, Si Yanchen actually gave her a dress? Could it be...
For a moment, everyone's eyes became ambiguous, mixed with disdain and envy.
Si Yanchen's cold gaze fell upon Yu Mingyu, as icy and solid as if it could cut through steel, heightening the tension in the room. Shortly after, his brows furrowed slightly before he regained composure, withdrawing his gaze and ignoring Yu Mingyu completely.
The wheelchair rolled forward, and for a fleeting moment, Si Yanchen's eyes seemed to veer towards the Yu family, but it was so quick, barely half a second, that no one could catch it.
As Si Yanchen departed, Yu Mingyu's face turned pale, left standing alone in the spot.
Whispers began to circulate around her, with gazes turning towards Yu Mingyu.
Despite being ignored by Si Yanchen, he did not deny her thanks, suggesting that the dress indeed came from him.
Could she really have some ambiguous relationship with Si Yanchen?
Suddenly, the looks directed at Yu Mingyu carried an air of scrutiny and caution.
Yu Mingyu's complexion was far from good; she had never doubted that Si Yanchen had given her the dress.
But why did he ignore her now?
He had even sent such an expensive gift and prepared invitation letters for the entire family!
Was it because of everyone's presence that he couldn't reveal their relationship? Yes, it must be so.
Yu Mingyu quickly adjusted herself, regaining her usual composure.
Beside her, Yu Tingyan sighed in relief, feeling a cold sweat on his back.
This Fourth Master of the Si family had an overwhelming presence!
Coupled with his reputation for being mysterious and stern, Yu Tingyan dared not make any unnecessary moves in front of him.
But why ignore Mingyu? Forget it, since he gave such an expensive dress, there must be some fondness for her.
For someone of Si Yanchen's status, it was normal that he was hard to read.
Yu Tingyan thought to himself, feeling somewhat relieved.
The welcoming banquet continued.
Although Si Yanchen, the central figure, merely made a token appearance, no one dared say much.
It was already a great honor that Si Yanchen showed up!
Someone approached Yu Tingyan to chat.
Yu Tingyan, feeling honored, responded cautiously.
To Yu Tingwan, everything at the banquet felt like a grand drama. If it weren't for important matters today, she would definitely stay to see how it unfolds.
Glancing down at her phone, Yu Tingwan frowned slightly.
Time was up.