Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

Ai stood beside a pillar at the back, not sure of what she should do. Nana had urged her to stay in the party but looking at the time, she knew she had to get back home or Jun would get worried.

She thought for a moment and decided it was best to leave. She turned when she suddenly froze.

It wasn't clear but from the corner of her right eye, she felt as if she saw Yating passing by. Instinctively, she took a step back into the darkness not wishing to meet him.

Then her brows crinkled.

Why would Yating be here? He cannot be.

Yating on his side, also felt Ai's presence for just a second. He stopped and craned his neck but didn't see her anywhere.

How would Ai be here? Must be my imagination.

He casually walked around the hall looking for Jun, but he didn't see him, neither heard any whispers about his presence.

"Yating."

He stiffened upon recognizing the voice.

Gu Rong stood before his son and narrowed his eyes. He folded his arms and stared at him. "So you finally got time to do something fitting for an heir? Or are you still playing around with books? Four years and you don't even say a word to your father now?"

His gaze went cold. Yating ignored him and started to walk away when he stopped him.

"Wait. When will you come back to handle the company? Isn't this enough already?"

He shot back. "I think it was clear that you wouldn't interfere in my career."

Gu Rong stared at him. "Yating, you are my only son. Who else would take care of it if not for you? Don't be so stubborn."

"Are we gonna have this conversation again? Because I don't want to. We will just go in circles."

He turned when Gu Rong spoke again, "Indeed, I shouldn't meddle with your career choice. But you haven't forgotten the deal between us, right? If you want to be a mere editor for your whole life and disregard your family business, then fine. Do what you want. But don't forget that in exchange, you promised that you won't meddle with my choice of bride for you."

Yating kept quiet.

"That's why I want you to meet someone."

He glared at him. "I don't have time for this, Dad. I didn't come here to find a wife for me. I have an important thing to do."

"You can't keep ignoring this, Yating," he sharply said.

"I will marry when I want, Dad. You can choose my bride but not when I am not ready to do this."

The air became tense between the father and son. Yating felt distasteful. Things were sour between them for a few years now ever since he declared he wanted to join a publishing firm. Gu Rong was forceful about him taking him over the company after his retirement, but Yating didn't wish to.

That caused strain in their relationship until it became too suffocating four years ago, and Yating left his house to pursue his career as an editor which he always wanted. He made the deal with him because that was the only way Gu Rong was ready to compromise. But Yating still felt salty about their fight.

As a father, he was supposed to support his son in doing what he liked, not force him against his wishes whether it was his career or his marriage.

Yating trembled. Annoyance and irritation filled his heart.

Even now, you just want me to get married to a woman who would be beneficial for your business, right? I am just a pawn to for your profit, nothing else!

Even after four years, you think nothing but your damn company!

He thought the four years of distance might have changed Gu Rong. His heart might have softened towards his son.

But Gu Rong was still the same. Stubborn and unyielding who would still want Yating to take over the business and marry the woman of his choice.

Heat rushed to his head. Afraid he would explode and create a scene, he rushed out of the banquet hall to calm down.

"Yating! Listen to-"

He was gone. Gu Rong clenched his fists, exasperated.

Stupid son!

—

Xing Bi peeked from behind a pillar to find Yunru. She adjusted her dress but stiffened.

Shit, don't touch this dress Bibi! If you ruin even a thread of it, you would be finished!

Turning back to thirty minutes ago, Nian said that he would help her get entry in the mansion. She guessed that Nian might bring her a maid's outfit to disguise as he was a servant himself. He could borrow it from some maid.

But to her utter shock, he brought some super luxurious dress that Xing Bi had only seen models wearing in fashion shows!

It was a beautiful and shimmering golden brown dress that fluttered until her knees. Xing Bi had seamlessly blended in the party as a guest herself. Nobody would doubt that she wasn't a socialite at all.

But she had other concerns.

Xinb Bi had never worn something so fancy before. She felt the weight and price of this dress dragging her down.

Why did he bring something so expensive!? How did he even get this in the first place!? If I ruin it, I don't even want to imagine the debt that would befall me!

From a distance, Nian stared up and down at her from all angles and grinned. "Perfect. It's like it's just made for her. I knew it. Uncle Jing would definitely have something worthwhile in his collection. He is China's Godly fashion designer, after all~"

He didn't think twice before shamelessly stealing one of his uncle's works.

Xing Bi let out a breath. "Forget it. I need to focus on President Chen. I will talk to him, dump this dress and get the hell out of here."

She found Yunru on the opposite side, seemingly talking to someone older than him seeing his body language.

Alright. Here we go.

—

"I found you!"

Ai gasped, startled with the enthusiastic loud voice and stopped. She was just about to leave the mansion. Suddenly a hand pulled her, and she saw that it was Liu Hai.

"Grandpa."

He beamed. "I was looking for you this whole time! Good that I found you."

"What is it?" Ai blinked.

"It is time to hit the dance floor. You know, for all the couples? Sooo…"

He dragged her someplace, put Ai's hand in Jin's and pushed them towards the center.

"Go and dance!"