Chapter 2 - Qingming College

The guests had mostly dispersed from the living room, with classmate groups mingling separately, while more influential circles of Hengjun City's society filled the space. Today was Zhao Qingshi's birthday party, but it also served as a political gathering for the Zhao family. Nearly all the notable figures from Hengjun City's elite had been invited. Among the elegantly dressed crowd, some stood out with their remarkable charm. Even from a distance, Zhao Qingshi was unmistakably the highlight. Despite the presence of many beautiful guests today, Zhao Qingshi remained the most captivating sight. Unlike her usual attire, Zhao Qingshi wore a dress that showcased her graceful figure, exuding an ethereal elegance akin to a celestial maiden. Her ensemble added an elusive allure that set her apart, and her exquisite features made her the focus of attention, capturing the gazes of not only male attendees but also drawing envious and admiring looks from the women. "Qingshi looks so beautiful today," remarked An Zhi, a classmate who usually appeared as an equal beside Zhao Qingshi. Apart from Zhao Qingshi, another person gathering attention was Zhao Shi, her father and the mayor of Hengjun City. The event wasn't just for Zhao Qingshi’s birthday but also served as a means for Zhao Shi to foster political connections. Zhao Shi had clearly consumed a fair amount of alcohol, as his appearance was slightly disheveled. Despite his slightly unkempt appearance with an unbuttoned collar and a crooked tie, he retained an aura of authority among the crowd surrounding him. At that moment, a group of young men gracefully approached Zhao Qingshi, one of them expressing, "Miss Zhao, you're truly stunning. May I have the honor of pursuing you?" This young man, from all appearances a second-generation elite, seemed very confident, suggesting a background not inferior to Zhao Qingshi's. Many expressed admiration for her beauty, but only this man had the self-assurance to directly articulate his intentions. I asked Luo Suohui, "Who is that young man?" Luo Suohui knew that I had a crush on Zhao Qingshi, so I inquired about the young man's identity. "He's from the city, known only to have the surname Wang," Luo Suohui replied. "Does Zhao Qingshi's family have connections in the Capital?" someone else wondered. "I'm not sure," Luo Suohui continued. "In politics, there's no such thing as acquaintances, only alliances. This event is essentially Zhao's family's search for alliances," Luo explained. "I've heard Zhao Shi plans to use this opportunity to connect with influential families from the Capital, thus inviting many young men to potentially choose an ideal partner for Zhao Qingshi." Despite understanding the unbridgeable gap between them, my heart still sank a bit, knowing that only someone of a higher status could match Zhao Qingshi. Luo Suohui, unaffected by such despondency, continued, "Our patriarch sent me to the Qingming Academy hoping I'd win over Zhao Qingshi, so we could join forces, dominating Hengjun City together. However, the Zhao family hardly acknowledges us, nor does Zhao Shi seem to find any young man here worthy of Zhao Qingshi. I wonder who they'll choose for her." Many guests presented gifts at the event, from classmates offering tokens valued from tens to thousands, to wealthy elites bringing lavish presents. Brand-name bags and shoes piled up like a small mountain, with Zhao Qingshi displaying her sweet smile to thank each one. While many men subtly expressed admiration, Mr. Wang from the Capital outright declared his intent to pursue her. Yet, to Zhao Shi, it seemed all but a mere transaction. Zhao Qingshi, the goddess in my heart, seemed like a boarding pass onto a ship of power. "Look who's here!" someone exclaimed as all eyes turned to the entrance. A young man holding a bouquet of roses entered, clad in a clearly custom-tailored suit, wearing gold-rimmed glasses that exuded an air of elegance. He appeared to be in his early twenties, radiating a natural grace that required no deliberate flaunting yet commanding an evident presence, as if accustomed to being in positions of authority. "Qi Hemei, even he's here," someone mused. "To think even the Qi family would attend this event, looks like the Zhao family is aiming high." Observing the scene, I asked Luo Suohui, "Who's this gentleman?" Luo Suohui, also taken aback, replied, "Qi Hemei, the young master of the Qi family, one of the four powerful clans. I didn't expect Zhao Shi to extend an invitation to him." "Is Qi Hemei that impressive?" I asked casually, though inwardly shocked. Even Luo Suohui, usually indifferent to power and politics, showed surprise concerning Qi Hemei, unlike his indifference to Mr. Wang from before, whom he only knew by surname. "Absolutely," Luo Suohui explained. "Put it this way, if Qi Hemei were to stomp his foot, it could shake Hengjun City." Comparing with Zhao Qingshi, Luo Suohui noted, "Zhao Qingshi is unrivaled here due to her father's status as a regional authority, but Qi Hemei often represents the Qi family's will, a family entrenched nationwide as one of the top four." With Qi Hemei's entrance, the other young men glanced with astonishment. Although they all hailed from distinguished backgrounds, there's still a hierarchy among elites, and many hoped to gain Zhao Qingshi or Zhao Shi's favor to elevate themselves. Even Mr. Wang from the Capital, who initially held the spotlight and received numerous accolades due to his notable family background, saw the focus shift to Qi Hemei upon his arrival. Zhao Shi, originally engaging with the crowd, swiftly approached Qi Hemei. Despite having been very composed and dignified, whether it was due to the drink or exhilaration, his steps appeared somewhat hurried. He jovially exclaimed, "Haha, Qi-san is here for my daughter's birthday celebration! What a rare honor." Facing the most influential man in Hengjun City, Qi Hemei exhibited no deference, replying with complete equality, "Uncle Zhao, I've known Qingshi for a long time, so I couldn't miss her birthday." "I see, Qingshi has a friend like Qi; it's a pleasant surprise indeed," Zhao Shi remarked with noticeable delight. At this juncture, Zhao Qingshi gracefully approached Qi Hemei with a gentle smile, lightly chiding, "You're finally here, Hemei." "Apologies, I got held up by something on the way," Qi Hemei replied, though there was no real remorse in his tone, as if his presence alone sufficed. Zhao Shi gently admonished his daughter, "You should've informed us earlier about inviting Qi so we could have prepared accordingly rather than appearing so unrefined." Despite speaking of inadequacy, his expression bore an unconcealed pride; after all, Hengjun City was among the nation's most affluent areas, rivaling even the capital in wealth. Zhao Qingshi beamed, explaining, "I met Hemei in the Capital before, thus extending a special invitation for him to join my celebration. However, Hemei has always been busy, so I wasn't sure if he'd make it." Qi Hemei handed Zhao Qingshi the roses with a charming smile, saying, "For your birthday, no matter the circumstances, I would attend. Happy birthday, may you remain forever beautiful." "Thank you," Zhao Qingshi replied, her smile sweet as she accepted the flowers. At that moment, Qi Hemei retrieved a box from the roses, carefully opening it to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. "What a magnificent diamond, it’s beautiful," An Zhi exclaimed. Though diamonds have always attracted women, this particular one stunned even An Zhi, suggesting Qi had put significant thought into it. Qi Hemei then knelt down, holding the ring box up to Zhao Qingshi, declaring with heartfelt enthusiasm, "Qingshi, I have always admired you, I hope you will accept my gesture." Zhao Qingshi gazed at the ring, her expression momentarily unreadable, before nodding solemnly, quietly saying, "Yes." Qi Hemei rose, helping Zhao Qingshi wear the ring and enveloping her in a proud embrace. Zhao Shi watched his daughter embraced by the Qi heir, her face genuinely radiant with joy, leading him to break into hearty laughter of satisfaction. The audience applauded with genuine applause, and I also applauded involuntarily, but my heart was extremely bitter. Just now, I actually had some sympathy for Zhao Qingshi in my heart. I felt that she was just a ticket for her father. But that notion now seemed ludicrous. Zhao Qingshi was far from trapped; she had crafted her destiny, achieving what she desired both personally and politically, while ensuring all outcomes were mutually beneficial. Zhao Qingshi leaned on Qi Hemei's arm, her plump breasts rubbed gently against it, perhaps intentionally or not. Watching my crush smile with genuine happiness, as opposed to the polite smile she gave to guests, my heart grew heavy. Indeed, the event had united the most notable girl and prestigious guest in a seemingly perfect union, yet from tomorrow onward, she and I would be nothing more than ordinary classmates, a fact that weighed me with undeniable sadness.