However, the Goddess of Fate has a unique sense of humor, always disrupting patterns at the most unexpected moments.

At a bustling banquet, the paths of Zhong Jiang and Wei Zhao crossed for the first time. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Wei Zhao's gaze was drawn to Huang Yingying's friend, Yan Lili, which led him to seek out Zhong Jiang as a "bridge."

At the same time, the Liu family's company was in charge of a small project that Zhong Jiang was about to take over. Wei Zhao had no particular demands; he only hoped to win Yan Lili's favor. Coinciding with an invitation from the Li and Liu families for a banquet, Wei Zhao took the opportunity to extend his own, plotting to make his move on Yan Lili that very night. Huang Yingying, as Yan Lili's best friend, was an active participant and eagerly invited Yan Lili to attend.

Although Yan Lili was not interested in such gatherings, she agreed to come after her best friend's persistent persuasion. She shook her head in the washroom, trying to dispel her dizziness, before returning to the banquet hall. Her gaze wandered through the crowd, finally settling on a corner. Like a swift swallow, Yan Lili moved with grace, spreading her delicate arms and alighting feather-light upon a man.

"Uh!"

Chen Zheng was stunned by the sudden occurrence, feeling a strange sensation on his neck, like a breeze rippling across a still lake and stirring his heart. He caught a whiff of a fragrance, one completely different from Li Yitong's familiar scent.

"Brother!" A familiar voice boomed like spring thunder, echoing in the quiet air.

"Lily!"

Awakened from his astonishment by the voice, Chen Zheng's memories flooded his mind like a breached dam.

"Brother, I didn't expect to meet you here!" Joy blossomed on Yan Lili's face, and like a flower in full bloom, she sat down beside Chen Zheng.

"Neither did I," Chen Zheng responded with a smile, his heart filled with surprise and warmth. "Jiu'er, why didn't you come home for New Year's? When I visited your parents, only they were there."

Chen Zheng looked puzzled. Yan Lili, the little cousin who once clung to him, was now a grown woman. Yet, she had been absent during the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Chen Zheng recalled visiting his aunt with Liu Qianqian last year, only to find she wasn't home. He didn't ask any questions at the time, merely feeling a sense of regret. The little girl who used to follow him everywhere had become so independent.

"Well… I actually wanted to come home…" Yan Lili's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "But the Spring Festival travel rush was too hectic, and I couldn't get a train ticket. Taking a plane seemed too extravagant."

Yan Lili was now a graduate of a renowned finance college in Magic Capital and had already found a job. Although the salary wasn't high, she enjoyed her work.

Chen Zheng listened to her words and nodded slightly, looking at her quietly for a moment.

Suddenly, Yan Lili looked up, her eyes shimmering with anticipation. "Brother, Mom told me you've made a fortune recently. At first, I didn't believe it, but seeing you at a banquet like this, I know she was telling the truth. Can you help me out?"

After speaking, she clung tightly to Chen Zheng's arm, her face full of hope. Chen Zheng felt the warmth on his arm, a faint bitterness filling his heart.

He looked at Yan Lili and said softly, "You're a grown woman now. You can't keep relying on me like a little girl. Otherwise, what would your future husband think? He'd probably want to kill me."

A blush spread across Yan Lili's face, but she didn't let go of his arm. Instead, she snuggled even closer and replied directly, "I just want to be with you. You're my only brother."

"Brother, please take me with you!" she pleaded.

"So, do you want to go to Magic Capital, or perhaps Yun City?" Chen Zheng asked. "I can find you a high-paying job in either place, or if you have any entrepreneurial ideas, I can invest in you."

When it came to his family, Chen Zheng was always generous.

"Wow, brother, you're that amazing now? You have connections in both cities?" Yan Lili said in surprise. "But I don't want to start a business. I want to go back to Yun City, since it's closer to my parents. Thank you, brother!"

"Don't mention it. Quit your job in a few days, and we'll go back to Yun City," Chen Zheng said.

"Okay, brother!" Yan Lili agreed, then leaned her head against Chen Zheng's shoulder. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but her cheeks were flushed, and she exuded a strong scent of liquor.

"You little minx…" A look of helpless concern appeared in Chen Zheng's eyes.

He then activated the True Qi within his body. It flowed like a clear stream through winding valleys, traveling down his arm and into Yan Lili's body. Under the influence of the True Qi, the alcohol dissipated like a startled swan taking flight.

"Huh? I don't feel so dizzy anymore," Yan Lili said, surprised to find that her lightheadedness had vanished like mist in the wind.

At that moment, however, a voice as sharp as a knife shattered the tranquil atmosphere. "Who are you? Let go of Lily, you shameless scoundrel!"

Huang Yingying's voice was filled with anger and misunderstanding.

Yan Lili hurriedly explained, "Yingying, you've got it wrong! He's my brother!"

Huang Yingying froze, scrutinizing Chen Zheng. This man, who she had written off as a mere freeloader, was Lily's brother?

Chen Zheng smiled slightly and greeted her. "Hello."

"Yes, he's my brother!" Yan Lili's voice echoed with certainty.

However, Huang Yingying shot Yan Lili an odd look and then said softly, "Sorry, Lily, I didn't know. We should hurry over; Young Master Wei is waiting for us." Her words were full of urgency.

But Yan Lili shook her head firmly. "Yingying, I'm not going. I'm leaving with my brother. You guys have fun!"

Huang Yingying was taken aback. How can this be? If she doesn't go, the project will fall through!

After a moment of thought, she said, "Lily, how can you do this? Haven't you noticed? Young Master Wei has taken a liking to you!" She leaned in closer. "Lily, I know your family's situation isn't great. This is a golden opportunity; you can't miss it!"

Yan Lili, however, remained resolute. "Yingying, we both know what kind of person Wei Zhao is. He's way out of my league. I'm not going!"

"Jiu'er, you must go!" Huang Yingying suddenly insisted.

"Yingying, what are you doing?" Confusion and helplessness filled Yan Lili's face.

Chen Zheng, who had been observing from the side, frowned. It feels like my cousin has walked into a trap. This woman, Yingying, seems more complicated than she appears.

Ding! Congratulations, Host, on successfully triggering a choice mission.

Option One: Stop Huang Yingying and receive the following reward: one Evidence Collection Card.

Option Two: Stand by silently and receive the following reward: the "You're a Real Coward" title.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.