A Web of Entanglements

Seeing her in such a frenzied state, Madam Xi quickly led her into the lounge.

“Mom, he deliberately tried to humiliate me! He’s so malicious, utterly black-hearted!” Xi Yue shrieked, stamping her foot, her voice thick with tears and rage, the moment they entered the lounge.

Madam Xi sought to soothe her. “You weren’t disgraced, my dear. Young Master Huo the Third was just as grand; your family’s prestige was more than upheld.”

“No, it’s not the same at all. Completely different!”

Xi Yue had already subtly hinted to her friends that the richest man’s son would be attending today, and that he was coming specifically for her. How could the outcome possibly be the same now?

“I don’t care! Make him call Huo Siyi here! I want Huo Siyi, not Huo Siyuan!”

At this juncture, how could she possibly ask him to summon Huo Siyi? Even if it were possible to invite him, wouldn’t that be a blatant slap in Huo Siyuan’s face? Would Huo Siyuan simply let them off the hook?

Xi Yue understood this truth, yet she simply couldn’t accept it.

She had been so agonizingly close to the glory she craved, so why did Si Xi have to work against her?

For all these years, he had eaten their food, used their resources, and every bit of prestige he possessed came from their family. How could he refuse to even lend her this small favor?

He was nothing but an ungrateful ingrate, a white-eyed wolf.

Madam Xi harbored a degree of resentment towards Si Xi’s actions in her heart, yet she couldn’t find a single fault with them.

Young Master Huo the Third was a figure courted by countless powerful elites in Yanjing. With him gracing Xi Yue’s birthday party alongside his fiancée, the Xi Corporation’s stock was bound to surge tomorrow. Having gained such an immense advantage, how could she possibly find it in herself to blame Si Xi?

She could only suppress her inner displeasure, gently coaxing Xi Yue, “My dear, go wash your face and reapply your makeup. The party is about to begin.”

Xi Yue stamped her foot. “What’s the point of looking good again? That Tian Ran is so beautiful; she’s completely stolen my thunder!”

Tian Ran, impeccably dressed and adorned today, showed no intention of overshadowing the birthday girl. Yet, as a top celebrity who made her living from her looks, currently at the peak of her popularity, her vibrant aura enhanced her natural charm. The moment she stood there, her mere presence and aura utterly eclipsed Xi Yue.

Si Xi must have deliberately arranged for Young Master Huo the Third to bring his fiancée just to steal her limelight.

Xi Yue’s heart swelled with hatred, and once again, tears streamed down her face, betraying her will.

This Si Xi was simply born to be her bane.

“But you still need to greet the guests, don’t you? Come now, wipe your tears. I’ll have the makeup artist come in.”

As Madam Xi was speaking, about to push the door open to leave, she heard Xi Yue say viciously, “No, I can’t swallow this humiliation! Mom, has the Fourth Young Master of Guoyuan Group also come today?”

Guoyuan Group had started its fortune in fruit juice and had now grown into a leading enterprise in the beverage industry.

“He’s here, yes, but…” Madam Xi frowned. “You’re not thinking of introducing him to Si Xi, are you?”

“Why not? The Guoyuan family’s background is even better than our Xi family’s. Could it be that this Fourth Young Master wouldn’t be a suitable match for Si Xi?”

Madam Xi’s frown deepened. In terms of family background alone, he certainly wouldn’t be an unsuitable match, but that man…

Given that Madam Xi’s maiden family had some distant marital ties with the He family of Guoyuan Group, she was privy to some of the Fourth Young Master’s less savory actions, unknown to outsiders.

This Fourth Young Master had a penchant for attractive young boys and girls; numerous minor celebrities in the entertainment industry had been exploited by him. There were even rumors that he enjoyed sado-masochism, with someone once exposing their own whip marks and candle burns. Of course, these revelations were swiftly suppressed before they could fully surface.

He was truly not a suitable partner.

Yet, seeing her daughter’s almost deranged state, Madam Xi sighed.

“Never mind. It’s her birthday today; I’ll indulge her.”

****

Huo Siyuan found himself surrounded by layers of guests, all vying to flatter him and offer toasts. Initially, some who had received invitations but looked down upon the Xi family and had no intention of attending, upon hearing that a figure of Huo Siyuan’s stature had actually arrived, quickly set aside their reservations and rushed to join the birthday party.

Thus, the Xi family had truly gained both prestige and practical benefits.

Had Xi Yue not fantasized about Huo Siyi and dreamed of instantly ascending to the highest echelons, this grand feast today would have been more than enough for her to hold her head high among the other young ladies of prominent families.

A person of Huo Siyuan’s standing naturally couldn’t stay until the party’s conclusion. He departed after Xi Yue had cut the cake and the dancing had begun.

Given Huo Siyuan’s immense popularity, Si Xi hadn’t had a chance to speak with him all evening. It was only when accompanying Huo Siyuan and Tian Ran out as they left that Si Xi genuinely expressed his gratitude: “Young Master Huo the Third, Miss Tian, thank you both for today.”

In Si Xi’s presence, Huo Siyuan immediately shed the aloof demeanor he had maintained while being fawned over by the crowd.

Knowing that others were still watching them, he put on a show of camaraderie, reaching out to sling an arm around Si Xi’s shoulder. “Si Xi, let me tell you,” he said, “if you keep being so formal with me, I’m going to get angry.”

Si Xi had once believed Huo Siyuan’s friendliness stemmed from his interest in Jing Chen, even considering him a rival in love for a period.

It was only when he learned Huo Siyuan had a fiancée that he realized his own narrow-mindedness.

He couldn’t fathom why Young Master Huo the Third held him in such high regard. Perhaps he was simply born with a natural magnetism for the Huo family.

‘How shameless of me,’ Si Xi thought to himself.

“It’s mainly because you’ve helped me out tremendously again, and I don’t know how to thank you.”

“No need for thanks. Just think of me as a knight-errant from a novel, one who enjoys championing the weak against the strong.”

Si Xi was speechless.

Huo Siyuan burst into laughter. “Alright, go on back. My wife finally has some free time, and we’re off to enjoy our time together.”

Tian Ran also smiled and waved at him. “Goodbye, little beauty! If you ever think about joining the entertainment industry, tell your big sister. I guarantee I’ll make you an instant sensation.”

Before Si Xi could even respond, Huo Siyuan interjected, feigning jealousy. “He’s a little beauty, so what am I?”

“You? You’re a big hunk!”

Huo Siyuan instantly beamed, like a large wolfdog delighted by praise.

Si Xi bid them farewell, watching them depart with laughter and light conversation, an inexplicable envy stirring within him.

He recalled that Tian Ran came from an ordinary background, yet someone of Huo Siyuan’s lineage could disregard the interests of family alliances and be with her. How wonderful that was.

If he possessed such a background, he too could freely be with Jing Chen.

Si Xi allowed the thought to linger for only a moment before suppressing it.

There was no point in fantasizing about the impossible.

****

Returning to the party, young men and women still danced merrily on the lawn, the atmosphere vibrant and joyful.

With a keen eye, Si Xi immediately spotted Xu Zhou, who had previously boasted about his connections to a collateral branch of the Huo family. Si Xi deliberately ambled over.

He approached Xu Zhou, saying with a mischievous smirk, “Weren’t you planning to give a gift to some Young Master Huo? My previous advice wasn’t quite good enough, so let me offer you a few more suggestions.”

At that moment, Si Xi perfectly embodied the phrase ‘a small man puffed up with success’.

Xu Zhou, however, was mortified by his taunts, wishing the ground would swallow him whole.

This generation of the Huo family all had the character ‘Si’ in their names, yet the Huo Qin he knew wasn’t even qualified to have it, clearly indicating how distantly related this collateral branch was.

The ones Si Xi associated with—those were the true Huo family members.

Recalling his own earlier arrogance, Xu Zhou felt both ashamed and enraged. He could only stammer, “No, thank you. I just remembered I have something else to attend to. I’ll be leaving now, bye-bye.”

With that, he scurried away, still hearing Si Xi’s loud, mocking laughter echoing behind him.

He was absolutely fuming.

Si Xi, his mood bright, felt a pang of hunger and was about to go find something to eat when Xi Yue approached him, accompanied by someone.

“Second Brother, allow me to introduce you. This is the Fourth Young Master of Guoyuan, He Tianshun.”

Xi Yue had evidently composed herself, introducing them with a radiant smile.

He Tianshun was slightly corpulent, with a baby face so plump that his small eyes were almost swallowed by the surrounding flesh.

He squinted, his gaze sweeping Si Xi up and down like a big bad wolf eyeing its prey. He licked his lips, then flashed Si Xi a smile that narrowed his already tiny eyes to mere slits.

He Tianshun extended a hand. “Hello, it’s a great honor to meet you.”

Si Xi felt deeply uncomfortable under his gaze. In such a public setting, he had no choice but to extend his hand and briefly shake He Tianshun’s. “Hello,” he replied.

As He Tianshun’s hand withdrew, his fingertips scraped across Si Xi’s palm. “Second Young Master Xi is becoming more handsome by the day,” he purred. “Even Miss Tian Ran couldn’t compare to you just now.”

Si Xi was disgusted by the man’s intimate gesture. After retracting his hand, he suppressed the urge to wipe his palm on his clothes and said coldly, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.”

“Wait, Second Brother,” Xi Yue called out, stopping him. “Brother Tianshun has admired you for a long time. And conveniently, hasn’t your engagement with the Shao family been broken off? Give Brother Tianshun a chance.”

He Tianshun began to promote himself. “My family background is by no means inferior to the Shao family’s. Any prestige Shao Xun could offer you, I can provide as well. Being with me, you would absolutely never be wronged. Moreover, both the Xi and He families would gain immeasurable benefits from this marriage, elevating their businesses to new heights.”

“That’s wonderful!”

Xi Yue immediately chimed in, “Second Brother has always felt he owes our family. If an alliance with Brother Tianshun could bring such immense benefits to the Xi family, he surely wouldn’t refuse. Besides, Brother Tianshun, with your distinguished family background, for you to favor my brother, it’s truly my brother’s honor.”

He Tianshun smiled. “How could I not favor him? The first time I saw Si Xi, half a year ago, it was love at first sight. It’s just that he was engaged to Shao Xun then. But who would have thought fate would intervene? Shao Xun lacked discernment and was unworthy of you. I will cherish you dearly.”

Si Xi was utterly speechless.

While Si Xi had always maintained a neutral stance on arranged marriages, he wasn’t open to just anyone.

He Tianshun was so unctuous that he practically oozed; there was no way Si Xi could ever be interested in him.

Just as he was about to refuse, his aunt, Madam Xi, and his uncle, Xi Jin Nian, walked over. Seeing the three of them together, Xi Jin Nian asked with a smile, “What are you all chatting about? You seem so happy.”

“Dad,” Xi Yue said, linking her arm through his, “Brother Tianshun wants to form a marital alliance with Second Brother. What do you think?”

Xi Jin Nian had a favorable impression of He Tianshun. Moreover, his aesthetic sense found the man’s plump physique rather auspicious and quite endearing. He chuckled happily, “That’s excellent! Tianshun is a good boy; he and Si Xi should get along well.”

Si Xi knew that if he didn’t refuse now, he’d lose his chance. He quickly said, “Uncle, I haven’t quite recovered from the pain of my last relationship, so I’m not ready to talk about a new one yet.”

He Tianshun immediately interjected, “It’s perfectly fine! Starting a new relationship is the best medicine for healing. Besides, I’m not suggesting we get engaged right away. How about we just try dating first?”

Without waiting for Si Xi’s reply, He Tianshun solemnly vowed, “I have no unforgettable exes or ‘white moonlight’ loves. If I am granted this honor, I will treat you well and absolutely never betray your trust, or may I be struck by lightning.”

Xi Yue added, “That’s right, Second Brother! Brother Tianshun has harbored a crush on you for ages. Look at how sincere he is; just give him a chance to try. If it doesn’t work out, Dad won’t force you, right, Dad?”

Xi Jin Nian nodded with a gentle smile.

Si Xi bit his lip tightly. “Uncle, I truly don’t have the heart for this right now.”

Seeing that Si Xi was genuinely unwilling, Xi Jin Nian was about to say that if he truly didn’t want to, then it was fine, as such matters couldn’t be forced.

Before he could speak, Xi Yue, sensing his thoughts, immediately interjected, “Then just be friends! At least add each other on WeChat to get to know each other, alright?”

Madam Xi, who had remained silent until now, also smiled and said, “Yes, just start as friends. We’re not forcing you to get together immediately. Think of it as gaining another friend, another path.”

Xi Jin Nian nodded, finding their words quite reasonable.

This wasn’t some feudal society where parents dictated marriages; adding someone on WeChat to get acquainted was perfectly acceptable.

With the conversation having reached this point, any further objection from Si Xi would be futile. He could only take out his phone and add He Tianshun on WeChat.

****

Huo Siyi had gone to Jiangcheng to visit his great-grandfather during the National Day holiday, but by the fourth day, he couldn’t resist flying back to Yanjing. He tried to arrange to play ball with Si Xi, using it as an excuse, but couldn’t make it happen, leaving him utterly dejected.

‘It’s so hard to pursue my senior,’ he thought.

Unable to meet his senior, Huo Siyi was bored to tears. He decided to grace a certain unscrupulous friend’s invitation and went to a billiard club to play. This club was close to Si Xi’s rented apartment; perhaps he might run into him.

His friend’s car was stuck in traffic, arriving even later than Huo Siyi. Huo Siyi walked into the club feeling rather displeased and waited for him in the lobby.

It was his first time at this club, so the staff didn’t recognize him, but seeing his distinguished demeanor, they respectfully led him to the VIP lounge to wait.

Huo Siyi had just sat down when he heard people chatting.

“Brother Shun, why is your touch so good today? Did you secretly visit a temple to burn incense and touch a Buddha’s hand?”

“You don’t understand. Brother Shun is experiencing ‘good spirits from a happy occasion’; naturally, his touch is excellent.”

“What happy occasion? Tell me so I can share in the good fortune.”

“Hehe, you don’t know, do you? Brother Shun has managed to get Yanjing’s number one beauty!”

“Wow, the Xi family’s one? Really? That’s a top-tier beauty! Brother Shun is truly blessed with good fortune.”

“Hmph, it’s not even a sure thing yet, so let’s not talk about it, let’s not talk about it.”

“How can that be? He couldn’t possibly find a better marriage partner than you, Brother Shun. With your family background, how many people in Yanjing can compare? And those who can aren’t around his age. I think your engagement with this Si Xi is as good as set in stone.”

Huo Siyi, who had been casually looking at his phone, suddenly sat bolt upright.

He looked at the group of people about to leave, then stood up abruptly and quickly walked in front of them, grabbing the collar of the person who had just spoken. He asked, enunciating each word, “The name you mentioned—was it Si Xi? The one studying at Yanda?”

The man jumped in fright. Perhaps Huo Siyi’s gaze was too intimidating, for he honestly replied, “Yes, yes, that’s right.”

Huo Siyi: “He needs to enter an arranged marriage?”

“Yes, he does! Wait, who are you, buddy?”

Huo Siyi shoved him away. On his face, which had been frighteningly cold moments before, a smile slowly began to emerge.

He had tried all sorts of methods to pursue Si Xi, even fabricating a tragic childhood story, hoping to take the circuitous route of first becoming a close brother and then a lover. Yet, he still couldn’t breach the beauty’s defenses in the slightest.

He never expected that what he sought high and low was right under his nose; the solution was so simple.

When it came to marriage alliances, who could compare to the richest man’s son!