I Only Want You chapter 53
On the eve of Christmas, Venus Jewelry’s annual exhibition arrived as scheduled.
That day, after class, Yan Lan was picked up by the driver and taken to the exhibition center, where Xie Yun Zhi was waiting for him.
As winter approached, Yan Lan, who was afraid of the cold, wished he could wear two sweaters. With a thick coat, woolen hat, and scarf, only his eyes were visible when he stood in front of Xie Yun Zhi.
Xie Yun Zhi found him amusingly dressed like that and didn’t let him take off his hat or scarf. Instead, he hugged him from behind, and the two strolled around the venue together.
The people at the exhibition and the security guards couldn’t help but notice them, especially Yan Lan who was fully covered. Xie Yun Zhi didn’t find it embarrassing; he just thought it was fun to walk around like this.
On the exhibition day, many people attended, and the on-site staff controlled the entry and exit times to maintain order. As one group finished viewing and left, the next group entered. It was well-organized.
Because of this, many people witnessed Xie Yun Zhi and Yan Lan, who seemed inseparable. Earlier, someone had seen them at Liuxian Lake, and the fireworks proposal had been captured and circulated online. In the eyes of outsiders, these two were a confirmed couple. Even those with discerning eyes could see that Xie Yun Zhi was deeply infatuated with Yan Lan. He stuck close to him everywhere, as if afraid he might disappear.
Before sunset, Yan Lan left the exhibition center with Xie Yun Zhi and went home to change clothes.
The Christmas ball in the evening required formal attire. Before this, Yan Lan had hardly worn a suit. After changing into the Tuxedo that Xie Yun Zhi had prepared for him, he felt uncomfortable adjusting the bowtie. The leather shoes on his feet felt strange even when he just stood there. It was challenging to get used to and adapt to the attire.
Xie Yun Zhi helped him put on rings and gemstone cufflinks, saying softly, “It won’t take long. If you really don’t like this kind of occasion, I’ll have Xiao Zhang send you home to rest.”
Yan Lan looked at him after he finished dressing up and withdrew his hand, saying, “It’s okay, I can find a place to sit and wait for you.”
Xie Yun Zhi smiled, “okay.”
The Christmas ball took place at the Golden Moon Hotel’s banquet hall, not far from the exhibition center. Many A-list actors and singers who had cooperated with Venus Jewelry during the day had already attended the exhibition. In the evening, their fans almost surrounded the hotel, similar to the situation at the Caisibin Hotel during Yao Jinni’s birthday.
Yan Lan hadn’t thought it would be a nerve-wracking event, but when he and Xie Yun Zhi took the elevator to the banquet hall, he heard the classical music coming from inside, and suddenly, he felt nervous.
He grabbed Xie Yun Zhi, who was about to walk in: “There seem to be many people inside.”
“There won’t be many. We didn’t invite too many people this time.”
Yan Lan didn’t show any unusual expressions on his face, but there was a hint of concealed unease in his eyes.
Xie Yun Zhi tightened his grip on his hand. “Don’t worry. Secretary Lin and Xiao Zhang are inside. Besides, wherever you are, I am there. You won’t be alone.”
Hearing this, Yan Lan instantly felt more at ease. He breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, and followed Xie Yun Zhi into the banquet hall. As they entered, the first sight that caught Yan Lan’s eyes was the luxurious crystal chandeliers and a giant Christmas tree.
The last time he saw such a big Christmas tree was last year when he and Yang Xiaole went to the mall to play. He still remembered that the mall had Christmas activities, and with any purchase over a hundred yuan, you could get a random Christmas gift. At that time, he got a pair of dark green socks, and Yang Xiaole got a notebook with Santa Claus and Christmas trees printed on it.
Afterward, they split the cost and bought a small cake to celebrate Christmas in the dormitory and, incidentally, welcome the upcoming New Year.
Thinking of those times, Yan Lan couldn’t help but smile. Xie Yun Zhi, seeing him seemingly happy, felt a bit relieved. He wanted to take him to the buffet area to grab something to eat, but several work friends noticed him and approached.
This was the first time they had seen Yan Lan in person. Seeing him wearing the pink diamond, their suspicions were confirmed. That night, the people attending were mostly sharp-minded, and upon seeing Yan Lan, they exchanged smiles, clinked glasses, and then chatted with Xie Yun Zhi about work.
Yan Lan also didn’t expect Xie Yun Zhi to be working everywhere. Even at this Christmas ball with a festive atmosphere, the conversation was still centered around work. Moreover, every person they talked to seemed to be interested in continuing the conversation.
Yan Lan felt thirsty but didn’t want to drink champagne. Xie Yun Zhi noticed him sipping only a couple of sips and replaced his champagne with a glass of peach juice. When the servers brought exquisite little cakes, he got another one for Yan Lan.
The small cakes, the size of a palm, were adorned with nuts and fruits. The cream was sweet but not overpowering, and the soft cake base underneath was fluffy.
“Do you want to try something else? Blueberry pancakes, brownies, strawberry mousse… I’ll get you a bit of everything.” Xie Yun Zhi picked up the white porcelain plate at the end of the dining table, selected one of each delicate cake, piled them on the plate, and handed a cake fork to Yan Lan. “I’ll hold the plate for you, take your time eating.”
Yan Lan glanced around the banquet hall, sensing some subtle gazes directed towards them. Hesitant, he reached out to grab the plate himself, but Xie Yun Zhi held onto it tightly, not allowing him to take it.
“The plate is heavy. I’ll hold it for you, making it easier for you to eat. Try the desserts; there are also steaks and ham slices over there. If you can’t finish, I’ll help you.”
A small smile appeared on Yan Lan’s lips, and he nodded, starting to eat the cake.
Xie Yun Zhi also took a cake fork and ate with him. The two shared the same plate, creating an atmosphere that discouraged anyone who wanted to approach and disturb them.
Suddenly, Secretary Lin walked over from the corner, leaned close to Xie Yun Zhi’s ear, and spoke a few words. After hearing it, Xie Yun Zhi raised an eyebrow slightly. “Alright, I understand. You stay here with Yan, and I’ll be right back.”
Curious, Yan Lan watched as Xie Yun Zhi handed the plate to Secretary Lin and then walked towards a man in a black evening suit. The man had a handsome and familiar face.
Seeing this, Secretary Lin explained, “That’s Mr. Han Shen.”
Yan Lan suddenly realized, no wonder he found him familiar; he must have seen him in a TV drama.
Yan Lan observed as Xie Yun Zhi talked with Han Shen for a while. Xie Yun Zhi even patted his arm, an encouraging gesture, before turning and walking back.
Secretary Lin returned the plate to Xie Yun Zhi and then left.
Yan Lan looked at Xie Yun Zhi with a curious and questioning gaze.
Xie Yun Zhi smiled, “He wants to propose on this occasion today.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Lan’s eyes widened slightly.
“You’ll know soon. Do you want some ham slices?”
Yan Lan was more interested in Han Shen’s proposal? Whom was he proposing to?
However, Xie Yun Zhi didn’t intend to explain further.
Absent-mindedly, Yan Lan scanned the banquet hall, trying to identify the lady about to be proposed to. Unexpectedly, he spotted Yao Jinni in a luxurious long gown, standing alone in another corner.
So, she was here too.
Yan Lan silently observed her for a few seconds, intending to withdraw his gaze. Unexpectedly, when Yao Jinni, who had her head lowered, suddenly lifted her face, the two locked eyes the next moment.
Even though there were people passing by, neither of them moved away first. They silently and calmly gazed at each other.
In the end, it was Yao Jinni who turned away first because someone came up to her, knelt down on one knee, and opened a ring box. It was Han Shen.
This scene elicited a subtle gasp from the surrounding people. Xie Yun Zhi and Yan Lan were also watching.
At this distance, they couldn’t quite hear what Han Shen said while kneeling, but they could see that Yao Jinni seemed very moved, and her eyes became teary.
Finally, Yao Jinni nodded, and suddenly, there was an eruption of warm cheers and applause. Han Shen stood up from the ground and embraced Yao Jinni, whose eyes were red but still dazzling.
Only at this moment did Yan Lan remember to breathe. He stared at the hugging couple, and Xie Yun Zhi, seeing him in a daze, cupped his face and turned him to face himself.
“Do you like the proposal on one knee?”
Yan Lan furrowed his brows in confusion and slowly shook his head.
“Then why were you watching so intently?”
After a moment of thought, Yan Lan replied, “Don’t you find it surprising? These two people.”
Xie Yun Zhi glanced at the embracing couple and said, “A bit. But they match well.”
Yan Lan also turned to look at them and then withdrew his gaze, asking Xie Yun Zhi, “Did you invite her?”
“Not exactly. She was already on the guest list, and I just signed my name.” After a pause, Xie Yun Zhi added, “I’ve investigated the previous incidents. She has no connection with them. The one who secretly took pictures of us outside the amusement park and posted them online was from Bafei Jewelry.”
Yan Lan was somewhat surprised. He had heard Xie Yun Zhi mention Bafei Jewelry before. Once, he had to go on a business trip because the CEO of Bafei Jewelry wanted to snatch a Nordic jewelry designer whose contract with Venus Jewelry was about to expire. He was cyberbullied because of that incident, a turbulent time that coincided with the events surrounding Xie Yun Zhi.
But later, the situation escalated further, even going out of control.
During the times when Yan Lan’s mind was in turmoil, he had his suspicions about her at some point. It turns out it wasn’t her. He would need to apologize properly.
Feeling guilty, he looked at Yao Jinni and saw her leaning on Han Shen’s chest as they walked to an outdoor balcony of the banquet hall. Shortly afterward, Han Shen returned alone, seemingly to fetch champagne.
Seeing this, Yan Lan grabbed Xie Yun Zhi’s hand and walked quickly toward the outdoor balcony. He asked Xie Yun Zhi to wait there while he went alone to the balcony.
Yao Jinni heard footsteps and turned around. Her eyes were still somewhat red. She looked at Yan Lan and slightly furrowed her brows.