Shen Ximan looked at the graceful woman in front of her and sneered inwardly.
Truly, sparrows were vying to fly onto the branches and become phoenixes.
She couldn't even pick a proper evening dress. Instead, she'd chosen the cheapest one.
"How do I look in this? I spent ages picking it from the wardrobe!"
Shen Shiyu twisted and turned to show off, as if the dress were her own.
"You look beautiful. It suits you better than me. It matches your temperament."
"Right? I think so too!"
After saying that, she thought it might be inappropriate and added with an awkward laugh, "I mean, this dress is a bit too big for you. It might look baggy on you. I've gained weight recently, and it fits me perfectly! Of course, Ruirui still has a better air about her."
After not seeing her for a week, Shen Shiyu seemed much shrewder in her speech and demeanor than before. She no longer had that silly air about her.
Shen Ximan could tell at a glance.
She must be suspicious of the relationship between her and Bo Siming.
If Bo Jingyu hadn't told her about the improper relationship between Shen Shiyu and Zhu Kai, she wouldn't have gone to so much trouble.
But now that she knew this, as a "good sister", she should take care of it. Otherwise, it would be a waste of the act she'd put on.
"You can wear any of my dresses. If you like something, just tell me. I'll pick out some nice ones and give them to you," Shen Ximan said gently.
Shen Shiyu's eyes lit up. "Really! Ruirui, you're so kind!"
She grabbed her arm and said as they walked, "It's a bit cold outside. Let's go in quickly. The rescue team members are waiting inside."
The venue was very grandly decorated.
There was a catwalk show of A Hairui's new clothing line, delicious food, and even some celebrities who were usually only seen on TV, chatting and laughing with the male rescue team members.
"Your seat is at the first table over there," Shen Ximan pointed into the distance. "I still have to greet the other guests, so I won't chat with you for long."
Shen Shiyu spotted Zhu Kai at once. He was wearing a suit that was ironed without a single wrinkle today, and his muscular lines were faintly visible.
"Ah, okay. You go and do your work. Don't worry about me."
She swallowed hard, her eyes almost popping out.
Shen Ximan sneered contemptuously and then left.
"Hey, handsome. Care for a toast?"
Zhu Kai looked up and showed his white teeth with a glint in his eyes. "What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me in advance? I could've come to pick you up!"
"If I'd told you, it wouldn't have been a surprise!" Shen Shiyu said coyly.
She took out a card from her bag and secretly slipped it into his hand.
"Here. For you. Spend it sparingly."
Zhu Kai was stunned. "Why are you giving me money?"
"If it weren't for Ruirui inviting me today, I wouldn't have known you'd be here. I originally planned to celebrate your birthday alone with you. Since these two things have coincided, I haven't been able to prepare properly."
Shen Shiyu winked at him. "Just make do. Buy whatever you like. You can use this card. Consider it my compensation for you."
He was both excited and pained.
"I have hands and feet. I can earn my own money! You keep this for yourself. Compensation... I'll take your body instead. I don't ask for much."
There was a burning desire in Zhu Kai's eyes. His hoarse voice whispered in Shen Shiyu's ear, making her tingle inside.
"You're so naughty!"
"Let me kiss you. I've missed you so much these past few days."
She pushed him away and looked around warily. After making sure no one was watching them, she quickly kissed his lips.
"Okay! Stop fooling around. We're in public."
Standing backstage, Hao Zhibin and Shen Ximan watched them chatting and flirting coldly and silently.
"Ms. Shen, what should we do next?"
"The voice recorders and cameras are on that table. Their every move is being monitored. We just need to watch."
Hao Zhibin had concerns. "There's something I need to ask you about in advance."
"Go ahead."
"Zhu Kai is my childhood friend. Could you spare his life? In this scheme, he's just a victim. He poses no threat to you."
Shen Ximan glanced at him. "What if he falls head - over - heels in love and does something extreme? Am I supposed to be merciful?"
"If that really happens, I'll stop him!"
Hao Zhibin looked at her earnestly. "In the meantime, please don't do anything to him. This is the only request I have in return for what I can do for you and the second young master."
"He's your friend, not mine. If he ruins my plan, I won't show any mercy. Go and take care of things."
With that, she went on stage to host.
He looked at this aloof and cold - hearted woman in front of him, and an inescapable feeling welled up in his heart.
It was as if he'd fallen into the cage Shen Ximan had designed. There was no way out but to follow her arrangements and instructions.
She was dangerous!
The less he had to do with her, the better. He didn't want to get trapped and unable to save himself!
Hao Zhibin rushed to the kitchen and wheeled out the cake that had been prepared earlier. He slowly approached the first table.
"Damn it. You're here too? Did you guys plan this?"
Zhu Kai looked at him and then at Shen Shiyu beside him.
"Sure did. We've put in a lot of effort to celebrate your birthday."
Hao Zhibin grinned. "Hurry up and cut the cake. There are some great surprises Miss Shen has prepared for you inside."
Shen Shiyu was completely confused. She hadn't prepared any surprises at all.
"Baby, you're so good to me!"
Zhu Kai held her hand and gently kissed the back of it.
Everyone present started cheering and whistling.
Shen Ximan was also drawn over and looked at them curiously.
"Is it the captain's birthday today? I didn't even prepare anything. Shiyu, did you know about this? You should've told me in advance."
Shen Shiyu was so ashamed that she wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
Originally, only Hao Zhibin knew about her relationship with Zhu Kai. Now, everyone present knew, especially Wen Jinrui!
She knew about her relationship with Bo Siming.
This Hao Zhibin hadn't even told Shen Shiyu about the cake. This was completely different from what they'd discussed before!
Zhu Kai cut the cake, and there were two matching rings hidden inside.
Tears welled up in his moved eyes. After cleaning the cream off the rings, he knelt on one knee and said affectionately,
"Shiyu, there's something I've practiced in my heart many times but never had the courage to say! Today, with this opportunity and so many people here to support me, I'm going to be brave!"
"Will you be my wife?"
Seeing her standing there in a daze, Hao Zhibin clapped his hands and cheered.
"Say yes! Say yes!"
Everyone present was caught up in the atmosphere and clapped their hands and shouted.
"Say yes!"
Shen Shiyu's heart was about to shatter from this farce.
If she refused now, it would be over between her and Zhu Kai!