As I slowly descended the spiral staircase in my haute couture gown,

I saw the stunned gazes of the crowd, and among them, Zeng Yicheng and Ning Kexin.

Of course, a banquet requires a female companion, and Zeng Yicheng bringing Ning Kexin to a social event spoke volumes.

I shook my head slightly and walked to the spot where all eyes were fixed.

After my appearance, I began to follow my father, meeting his friends. Socializing was exhausting, but accumulating connections one by one brought a unique sense of security.

Finally, a moment to rest. The instant I stepped into my private lounge, a hand suddenly wrapped around my waist.

The sudden closeness of his warm body made me bite back a scream.

Before, every intimate touch with Zeng Yicheng would send shivers down my spine, but this time, it was only shock.

He looked at me confidently, as if certain I’d fall for his tricks.

I looked up at the man I once knew so intimately: “Zeng Yicheng, this isn’t where you should be.”

The smile on his face suddenly faltered. A hint of crimson spread through his eyes, and he asked, almost grinding his teeth, “Xiaoxiao, why didn’t you tell me anything?”

I reached out, poked his chest, and then pushed him away from me with sudden force.

He stumbled back, caught off guard, a wounded expression on his face.

I lowered my gaze: “Before, I didn’t think it was necessary. Now, it’s even less so. Zeng Yicheng, don’t forget we’ve already broken up.”

Zeng Yicheng stared at me, then said softly, “Don’t be angry, Xiaoxiao. You love me so much, how could you leave me?”

Love him so much?

Yes, I once thought I’d love him forever.

But with this rebirth, we’re separated by a chasm of life and death. I won’t go back.

I looked at him and said, word by word, “Just consider me foolish before. From now on, I, Ling Xiaoxiao, have nothing to do with you.”

Zeng Yicheng’s face suddenly changed, and he stumbled back as if struck. Just then, the lounge door opened.

My mom looked at Zeng Yicheng and me, confronting each other, her face showing no unusual expression. She just said softly, “Uncle Chu’s son is here. You haven’t been in a good mood lately; let him take you out to clear your head.”

Before I could speak, an exaggerated roar of a motorcycle came from outside.

Through the window, I saw a tall, handsome man dismount from a flashy motorcycle, casually tossing his helmet to a doorman.

Under everyone’s gaze, Chu Ge walked up to me, seemingly oblivious.

He extended his hand, a wild, unrestrained smile on his face: “Xiaoxiao, welcome back.”

Behind Chu Ge, Zeng Yicheng’s face turned ashen, inch by inch.

As I walked slowly down the spiral staircase in my haute couture gown, I saw the amazed looks of the crowd, as well as Zeng Yicheng and Ning Kexin standing among them.

A banquet naturally requires a partner. For Zeng Yicheng to bring Ning Kexin to such a social event, the implication was self-evident.

I shook my head slightly and walked to the center of attention.

After the introduction, I began to follow my father to meet his friends. Socializing is exhausting, but the accumulation of connections is incredibly reassuring.

Finally, when I had a moment to rest and had just stepped into my private lounge, an arm suddenly wrapped around my waist.

The sudden proximity of his scorching body heat almost made me scream, though I managed to hold it back.

In the past, every intimate contact with Zeng Yicheng would make me tremble, but this time, there was only shock.

He looked at me confidently, as if certain that I would fall for his charm.

I looked up at the man I once knew so well: “Zeng Yicheng, this isn’t the place for you.”

The smile on his face suddenly faltered. A hint of crimson flooded his eyes, and he asked through gritted teeth, “Xiaoxiao, why didn’t you tell me anything?”

I reached out and pressed against his chest, pushing him away from me with a sudden force.

He stumbled back, caught off guard, a look of hurt on his face.

I lowered my eyes: “I didn’t think it was necessary before, and it’s even less necessary now. Zeng Yicheng, don’t forget that we’ve already broken up.”

Zeng Yicheng stared at me and said softly, “Stop throwing a tantrum, Xiaoxiao. You love me so much, how could you possibly leave me?”

Did I love him that much?

Yes, I once thought I would love him forever.

But after this rebirth, we were separated by the chasm of life and death. I would never walk down that path again.

I looked at him and said word for word: “Just consider me a fool in the past. From now on, Ling Xiaoxiao has nothing to do with you.”

Zeng Yicheng’s expression changed drastically; he staggered back as if he had been dealt a heavy blow. Just then, the lounge door opened.

My mother looked at me and Zeng Yicheng in our standoff. Her face showed no sign of anything unusual, but she said gently, “Uncle Chu’s son is here. You’ve been in a bad mood lately, let him take you out to clear your head.”

Before I could speak, an exaggerated roar of a motorcycle engine came from outside.

Through the window, I saw a tall, handsome man get off a flashy motorcycle and toss his helmet to the valet with a flourish.

Under everyone’s gaze, Chu Ge walked straight up to me, ignoring everyone else.

He reached out his hand, smiling with unbridled flair: “Xiaoxiao, welcome back.”

Behind Chu Ge, Zeng Yicheng’s face turned ashen, inch by inch.