I had assumed I would have enough time to talk and get to know Kasi, but things didn't go as planned. The only time I saw her was during the first sports day, and that was it. She had glowed under the sun, standing on the track field, her beauty striking. When she smiled, her perfectly aligned teeth contrasted beautifully with her full lips and radiant skin. Something about her hit me-my heart raced, but I quickly composed myself.
Li Qiang, however, was an unexpected encounter. His presence at Mingde was bewildering. The Li family was influential in Beijing, and Li Qiang was the illegitimate son of Mr. Li, born from a night with a hostess. Although his father never recognized Li's mother, he couldn't leave his own flesh and blood to fend for himself, so he brought Li Qiang into the family home. However, the elders, his siblings from the main wife, and his cousins despised him, shunning him at every turn.
It was in this environment that Li Qiang honed his craft. While others saw him as a waste, I saw him differently. Li Qiang was cunning, like a fox. The disdain he endured from childhood sharpened his skills, making him an unstoppable force. His family never considered him for inheritance, but he didn't need it. He had already built an underground business empire, a force the Li family couldn't touch, though he kept his tracks well-covered.
Despite his success, Li Qiang had a weakness: his father. He obeyed him unconditionally, desperate for the affection he had been denied by the rest of the family. He didn't want to appear as a "white-eyed wolf," someone who would betray his father's trust or disrupt the Li family empire.
Li Qiang and I had attended the same high school, and we knew each other casually. We'd even practiced basketball together occasionally, though those were distant memories now. The information I had about him came from a report Lina had brought me when I took over the Tang business. In my line of work, it was essential to know the underground players to avoid collisions and trouble. For every successful business, one had to know their competitors, no matter how small they seemed.
When I saw Li Qiang holding Kasi after students collided with her, alarm bells rang in my head. I rushed over, subtly contributing to their separation. When Kasi mentioned that Li got along well with the teachers, my mind immediately went to the look he had given her when he held her. I was a man, and I knew that look all too well.
But I wasn't worried. I trusted my charm. I wasn't trying to be narcissistic, but I knew I was handsome-people told me so often. I was in shape, and strangers sometimes took pictures of me in public. Though I had never dated before, now that I had met someone who captivated me, I was determined to use my charm to win her over. Yes, I wasn't afraid to admit it: I was going to seduce Kasi until she was mine.
The problem was, how could I use my charm when I couldn't even see her? It had been almost a week, and I hadn't caught so much as a glimpse of her shadow. I needed a plan.
I decided to visit Principal Yi's office on Thursday. "Mr. Tang, have a cup of tea," Yi Ren said, pouring the tea himself.
"Don't call me Mr. Tang. Just Tang is fine. You're older than me; drop the formalities," I said, taking a sip.
"I wanted to ask about something. Is the sports week ending tomorrow?" I inquired.
"Ah, yes! We'll close it off tomorrow. After that, students will resume their studies, and in two weeks, they'll sit for exams," Yi Ren explained.
"Hm. It seems the teachers and students will be busy. How about a small party tomorrow? The teachers can enjoy some beef and drinks to unwind. Don't worry-I'll cover the costs," I suggested.
"Oh, that's a great idea to motivate the tired teachers. Tang, you're truly visionary," Yi Ren grinned, immediately calling someone to pass on the orders.
"Make sure all the teachers attend," I reminded him.
"Of course!" Yi Ren said, already on the phone. After catching up with him about various topics-my father, his mentor, school funding, and so on-I left his office feeling content. I was impatient, eager to see Kasi again.
On the day of the party, I finally saw her, and my focus was entirely on her. Her figure was perfectly accentuated by her attire. The dress hugged her hips, highlighting her shape elegantly. Though her dress was long and modest, it didn't stop me from appreciating her beauty. My mind wandered, imagining what it would feel like to hold her waist.
I know it might sound like I was being a pervert, but I wasn't. It was just an observation.
I made sure to sit at her table, even though Li Qiang was already there. It didn't bother me. I was just happy to be near her, to see the person I had been longing for.
When the investors introduced themselves, my mind wasn't on any of them. All I wanted was to be alone with Kasi, but it was difficult. I could tell she wasn't as interested in me as I was in her, but I wasn't ready to give up.
I noticed her looking at me when Siuyan was introducing herself. While I liked her gaze, Siuyan-or Mrs. Tia-wasn't a pleasant person. She had been a top hostess at a club in Beijing, where she met Mr. Tia, a renowned businessman in his 50s. He was smitten with her, giving her the status of a mistress, building her a high-end villa, and setting her up for life.
But that wasn't the end of her story. I had unpleasant encounters with her. Once, she faked being drunk and "somehow" ended up in my car. I didn't engage with her and told the driver to take her home. Another time, she "fell" into my arms as I was leaving a business meeting. Even if I were dense, I could tell what her actions meant. I immediately contacted Lina and instructed her to conduct extensive research on every place I visited. I didn't want to be entangled with someone like her.
When it was my turn to introduce myself, my intentions might have been noticed by Kasi which startled her, She quickly left the table after my deliberate smile and words. I realized I needed to tone it down. When she returned, I acted composed and normal to make her feel comfortable.
However, the calm atmosphere didn't last long. As I had expected, Siuyan tried to taunt and humiliate my person! I couldn't tolerate her behavior, so I subtly reminded her of her past and her status. I wasn't usually petty, but I drew a line when it came to what was mine. I then texted Mr. Tia, suggesting he pick her up because she might be tired from the day's activities. He eagerly agreed, and I smirked as I turned my attention back to the stage.
Kasi was singing, her voice light and joyful, different from the first time I had heard her. She seemed happy, and I was relieved. Her energy was captivating, and I wished she could stay in this mood forever. Mr. Tia's bodyguard arrived quickly to take Siuyan away. She looked at me, waiting for me to say something, but I had no words for her. I just wanted her gone.
"You're so cruel! I hope you meet someone who treats you the way you treat me!" she shouted as she stomped out, following the bodyguard.
Li and Ci Xing seemed startled by her outburst, but I paid her no mind. Kasi hit a high note, and the room erupted in cheers. People, including Ci Xing, stood up and danced to the beat. Kasi was dazzling, and I wondered if she knew just how captivating she was. The person I liked was extraordinary, and I was determined to win her heart, one step at a time.
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