The night of Yun Xiyan's coming-of-age banquet arrived, and the air seemed to buzz with anticipation. The grand hall of the Yun family mansion was transformed into a magnificent display of opulence, with sparkling chandeliers, golden accents, and an array of fine china that shimmered under the soft lighting. The space was filled with elegantly dressed guests, laughter, and the sound of clinking glasses as the most influential figures in high society mingled.
Yun Xiyan, dressed in the breathtaking red gown that her mother had commissioned, moved gracefully through the crowd. The gown hugged her figure perfectly, the daring slit showing off her long, slender legs with every step. Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, soft curls framing her face, and her makeup was flawless, highlighting her delicate features.
She was the picture of elegance, a vision of maturity that seemed to captivate everyone who laid eyes on her. Yet, her thoughts were elsewhere, on the one person she couldn't stop thinking about.
Li Mochen.
Yun Xiyan's coming-of-age banquet had become the talk of the town, a shimmering jewel in the social calendar of B Country's high society. The air around the Yun Family Mansion was thick with anticipation, as media outlets lined the gates, their cameras eager to capture even the slightest glimpse of the illustrious guests gracing the evening with their presence.
Inside, the guest list read like a who's who of B Country's most influential families. At the very top were the powerhouses—the Li, Xu, and Zhang families—whose legacies and wealth had defined the nation's elite for generations. Yet the Yun family, with their strategic alliances, had also extended invitations to a select circle of up-and-coming "new money" families, the rising stars whose wealth was quickly making its mark.
The evening unfolded like a carefully orchestrated symphony, with guests arriving in waves, their elegant entrances weaving seamlessly into the grand atmosphere of the event. The air was filled with the rustle of fine silks, the soft murmur of conversations, and the faint clinking of champagne glasses as the opulent banquet began in full swing.
Bei Xiaoyu, the young heiress of the up-and-coming Bei Family, was among the esteemed guests invited to the grand affair, her family having recently forged a lucrative business deal with the Yun Family. As they arrived at the imposing gates of the Yun Family Mansion, she could feel the weight of the moment settling over her, a symbol of her family's rise in status.
Heart pounding beneath layers of silk and poise, Bei Xiaoyu stepped forward, clutching the ornate invitation card like it was her passport to another world. The butler at the grand entrance took it with a dignified nod, his bow practiced and precise, before extending his arm to welcome the Bei family inside. As she crossed the threshold, Bei Xiaoyu felt her breath hitch. This was it, her debut into the world of the elite. The chandeliers, the polished marble, the whispers of legacy in the air—it was almost too much to take in. For the first time, she would stand among the daughters of the most powerful families in the region.
Bei Xiaoyu family new struck in wealth had been very lucky as what Father Bei calls it, making the right move at the right time, investing in a business that turned gold overnight. Since then, wealth had come to them like a rising tide. Although their status didn't come close to the mega-powerhouses like the Li, Yun, Xu, and Zhang families, the Bei family was slowly building a name for themselves. And tonight, Bei Xiaoyu intended to make her presence known.
Father Bei led his family into their designated seating area, his expression calm but firm. Before talking with the other family heads, he turned to his children with a quiet reminder, "Remember to behave and carry yourselves with maturity. Do nothing that could bring shame to the family name."
Bei Xiaoyu and her younger sister, Bei Xiaomei, nodded obediently, fully aware of the weight behind their father's words. With a final glance, Father Bei walked off alongside their mother, leaving the two sisters standing alone in the grand, glittering hall.
Taking a deep breath, Bei Xiaoyu glanced around and spotted a small group of young ladies—dressed elegantly, but with the same uncertain look in their eyes. Recognizing a shared nervousness, she gently took her sister's hand and walked over, determined to make a good impression.
The girls, also from newly wealthy families, looked visibly relieved to have someone break the ice. Their stiff postures quickly melted into warm smiles as they began to chat.
"My name is Wang Yaya, and this is Zhuang Lingling," said the girl with sleek black hair, gesturing to her friend. "We just arrived not too long ago."
Bei Xiaoyu instantly recognized the names, both the Wang and Zhuang families had recently entered into business dealings with her own. "Nice to meet you! I'm Bei Xiaoyu, and this is my younger sister, Bei Xiaomei," she replied with a polite smile.
The conversation soon flowed into casual small talk, gradually shifting toward the inevitable topic—the top four elite families.
"I still can't believe we're actually here," Wang Yaya said dreamily. "I'm so excited to see Young Master Xu. They say he's exceptionally handsome."
Zhuang Lingling giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Forget that! I'm dying to see Young Master Zhang. I've always had a soft spot for bad boys."
Wang Yaya rolled her eyes at her friend's dramatics, then turned to Bei Xiaoyu with a teasing smile. "And what about you, Xiaoyu? Who are you dying to see?"
Bei Xiaoyu suddenly felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "Oh, I—"
Before she could finish, a commanding voice rang out across the hall.
"Dear esteemed guests, please welcome the Xu Family, Zhang Family, and the Li Family."
The announcement echoed from the Yun Family's butler, his voice crisp, elegant, and commanding. Instantly, the grand hall fell into a hush, all conversations ceasing as every gaze turned toward the entrance.
Moments later, the Zhang family made their entrance. "The Zhang Family has arrived," someone murmured, and heads turned.
The Zhangs entered with bold confidence and a flair that couldn't be ignored. Clad in deep crimson and gold, their presence radiated energy and intensity.At the center of it all was Zhang Wei—the infamous rebel of the elite circle.
With tousled dark brown hair, a slightly rebellious smirk playing on his lips, and his crimson suit worn with an effortless cool, Zhang Wei looked like he'd just stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine—and knew it.
"Now that's a bad boy," Zhuang Lingling whispered with a grin, nudging Wang Yaya, who could only sigh in amusement.
As he sauntered in, hands casually tucked in his pockets, his eyes scanned the room like he was already bored of it. But even that lazy glance had several girls clutching their pearls.
"I heard he got into a fight at an overseas gala last year," someone whispered.
"Really?" another gasped. "He doesn't look dangerous—he looks perfect."
Just as the whispers over Zhang Wei began to settle, another stir rippled through the crowd.
"The Xu Family," someone whispered, almost reverently.
At the forefront walked Xu Yanfei, the heir of the Xu Family—widely known as the nation's sweetheart, the golden boy with a flawless reputation. With dark, neatly styled hair, warm eyes that seemed to glow under the crystal lights, and a gentle smile that could melt even the iciest of hearts, he looked every bit the prince in a fairytale.
The moment he stepped into view, a soft chorus of gasps and dreamy sighs swept through the crowd of young ladies.
"Oh my god, it's really him…" one girl whispered, clutching her hands to her chest.
"He's even more handsome than the magazines!" another breathed.
"Look at that smile—I think I'm going to faint," a third one swooned, fanning herself dramatically.
Just as Xu Yanfei's reaction begin to simmer down, the butler's voice rang out once more.
"Please welcome the Li Family."
The grand hall seemed to still, as though the very walls recognized the weight of the name. All eyes turned to the entrance as the Li Family stepped into view, their presence commanding yet refined. Dressed in shades of deep royal blue trimmed with subtle gold, they moved like a portrait come to life—elegance etched into every stride.
At their center was Li Mochen, the prince of the Li Family.
With jet-black hair swept neatly back and sharp, sculpted features, he looked both regal and untouchable. His tailored suit, a rich royal blue that matched his father's, framed his tall figure with precision. He didn't smile. He didn't need to. His mere presence was enough to make hearts skip.
Gasps and hushed whispers broke out among the young ladies.
"It's really him…"
"Look at how calm he is—like nothing phases him."
"Gosh, he looks like a cold prince straight out of a drama."
Some girls fanned themselves, others straightened their posture as if hoping he'd glance their way. But Li Mochen didn't waver—his gaze swept across the room once, distant and unreadable, before settling into place beside his family with a quiet grace that only made him more alluring.
It was a rare appearance from a family that rarely stepped into the spotlight—and for many in the room, it felt like witnessing a legend walk into reality.
Moments later, the butler stepped forward once again, his white-gloved hand lifting ever so slightly as his voice rang through the grand hall with smooth precision.
"Please welcome our host—The Yun Family."
A hush swept through the crowd like a velvet curtain falling. The atmosphere shifted, charged with anticipation and curiosity. Every gaze turned toward the top of the grand staircase, where golden light pooled like liquid sunlight.
Descending gracefully was Mother Yun, regal and composed in a floor-length gown of inky black silk, embroidered with intricate cranes and drifting clouds—symbols of longevity and elegance. Her every step exuded quiet authority, commanding the room without uttering a word. At her side, Father Yun offered a dignified nod and a brief smile to the gathered guests, his presence solid and steady.
But it was the trio following behind who truly stole the attention.
At the center was the star of the evening—Yun Xiyan, the only daughter of the prestigious Yun Family. Clad in a stunning red gown that hugged her figure like it was made for her alone, she was the image of a fallen angel: alluring, powerful, untouchable. Her walk was graceful, each step measured yet effortless, her chin held high with quiet confidence.
To her right, her eldest brother, Yun Shenyue, was the picture of refined power. His tailored black suit was accented with subtle red and gold embroidery, echoing the Yun crest. His expression was composed, his aura serious—every inch the heir of a corporate empire.
On her left, Yun Zhenhao, the second brother, walked with a more relaxed stride. Though dressed similarly to Shenyue, his top button remained undone, and his posture was looser—still elegant, but exuding a more casual charm that set him apart from his elder sibling's stern presence.
Whispers rippled like waves through the hall;
"The Yun family genes are unreal…"
"That's Young Master Yun, CEO of Yun Corporation!"
"Look at Yun Xiyan's dress… she looks absolutely divine."
The siblings reached the heart of the ballroom, and in that moment, it was as if the entire event had been paused just to welcome them. All eyes were on the Yun family, and rightfully so—for tonight, they were the royalty of the room.
Yun Xiyan's gaze swept across the glittering hall, her expression calm yet searching—until her eyes found him.
Li Mochen.
There he stood, composed and statuesque among the sea of elite guests, yet somehow set apart—like a shadow that refused to blend with the light. And at that moment, their eyes locked.
"He's here…"
"I wonder what he thinks of my gown."
The thought flickered through her mind as it made its way to Li Mochen.
Beneath his stoic, unreadable facade, something shifted. His cold gaze, always sharp and distant, began to soften as it lingered on her. "What do I think of your gown Xiyan?" He thought, his question tracing back to her thought. He had almost wanted to rip it out of her body, an almost posessive desire to hug her waist was unimaginable.
His eyes traced her silhouette—from the delicate slope of her shoulders to the bold, flowing lines of her red gown. The way it cinched at her waist, the gentle sway of the fabric as she moved. Li Mochen… was losing his grip on restraint.
His throat tightened.
His jaw clenched.
There was no denying it—she was dangerously beautiful.
Not because she tried to be… but because she didn't have to try at all.