Ming Yutong's entire demeanor exuded a clean, refreshing presence that was genuinely appealing.
President Chen glanced at Jia Mingkai, thinking that this young man had indeed struck gold. Since President Chen had helped Jia Mingkai and knew his sordid habits, he considered using this opportunity to both pressure Ming Yutong and let Jia Mingkai have his way.
"Miss Ming, it's a rare pleasure to meet you here. We've been meaning to have dinner together, but it never worked out," President Chen said with a smile. "Since we've met by chance today, why not seize the opportunity? Let me propose a toast."
She could avoid Jia Mingkai's advances, but with President Chen, her business partner, Ming Yutong couldn't evade as easily.
"Mr. Chen, you know my drinking capacity is not great. In such a setting, please don't make me embarrass myself." Ming Yutong swirled her glass. "How about just half a glass?"
"Haha, of course, I wouldn't want to make things difficult for you. Half a glass is more than enough," Chen Zong laughed.
Ming Yutong smiled, lifting her glass. The transparent glass touched her soft red lips as the liquid inside neared her mouth. Jia Mingkai watched intently, as did Ming Silian, who was focused on the scene behind her parents.
Drink it! Hurry up and drink it!
Seeing Ming Silian's tense expression, Ming Yutong glanced at the liquid in her glass, then subtly looked behind her. Suddenly, she took a small step sideways.
A server passing by with a tray accidentally bumped into her. Ming Yutong's hand wobbled, spilling the wine, preventing her from drinking it. She let go of the glass, which shattered on the floor with a sharp "crack."
"Miss Ming!" The server, recognizing her, immediately apologized. "I'm so sorry."
Feeling guilty for using him, Ming Yutong shook her head, "It's okay."
The commotion naturally caught the attention of Ming Jingshui and Fang Qian'an, despite Ming Silian's attempt to divert them. They turned to see Ming Yutong, wondering why she hadn't greeted them upon arrival.
Walking over with Ming Silian, Ming Jingshui asked, "Yutong, what happened?"
Ming Yutong calmly explained, "I saw uncle and aunt and was about to greet you, but I ran into Mr. Chen halfway. Since our company is working with Mr. Chen, I stopped for a drink with him. It was my fault for not holding the glass steady."
Ming Jingshui understood, knowing his niece attracted unwanted attention from unsavory individuals. With him present, he doubted anyone would dare mistreat her.
In the chaos, no one noticed Jia Mingkai sneaking away. Fang Qian'an saw the wine stains on Ming Yutong's white shirt under her tailored suit.
"Yutong, go change your clothes in the guest room," Fang Qian'an suggested.
Ming Yutong nodded, and Ming Silian quickly offered, "Sister, let me accompany you."
Ming Yutong looked at Ming Silian and smiled.
For some reason, Ming Silian felt that Ming Yutong's smile carried a sense of understanding. Did she know something?
But Ming Yutong was no longer looking at her; under the lights, her flawless, fair skin was tinged with an unusual, faint red blush.
Ming Silian glanced down at the spilled wine on the floor, remembering how Ming Yutong had taken a small sip earlier to deal with Jia Mingkai.
Ming Silian had spiked that wine with a significant dose to ensure Ming Yutong would lose control.
Ming Yutong gripped Ming Silian's hand firmly, a sign she was struggling to stand steadily.
Ming Silian knew Ming Yutong needed her support to maintain her composure.
Ming Silian suppressed the glee bubbling up inside her. If all went as planned, Ming Yutong would cause a huge scandal tonight.
Supporting Ming Yutong, Ming Silian led her away from the brightly lit banquet hall into the hotel's quieter corridor. The soft carpet muffled their steps, and the dim lighting contrasted with the vibrant party atmosphere they left behind. Ming Silian guided Ming Yutong toward the room the Ming family had reserved.
Just as they neared the room, Ming Yutong suddenly stopped. Ming Silian turned back in confusion. "Sister, what's wrong?"
"What do you think is wrong?" Ming Yutong sneered, tightening her grip on Ming Silian's hand. "I can't believe how foolish you are."
"I don't understand what you're saying," Ming Silian's eyes flickered nervously.
Ming Yutong clutched Ming Silian's wrist and pointed towards the door. "If you don't understand, why don't you go inside and find out?"
Ming Silian's expression changed. How did Ming Yutong know? Seeing Ming Yutong's cold smile, Ming Silian's heart sank. She couldn't let Ming Yutong go back and report this to the family. Her carefully maintained image in the Ming family could not be ruined.
Biting her lip, Ming Silian tried to drag Ming Yutong forward. Though Ming Yutong had taken a sip of the spiked wine, she hadn't ingested much. The drug's effects were mild, and she could resist them. Narrowing her eyes, Ming Yutong prepared to confront Ming Silian.
As a woman, and an attractive one at that, Ming Yutong often dealt with men in business and social settings. To protect herself, she had secretly taken self-defense classes. Ming Silian's delicate appearance posed no real threat to her.
Just as Ming Yutong was about to trip Ming Silian, someone suddenly appeared behind Ming Silian.