"So... Xue Jinxu… What's up with your engagement?" Teng Man Rui started her questions. She was dying out of curiosity simply because she knew both parties involved.

"The man was despicable!" Xue Jinxu disclosed pa.s.sionately. She was scowling, even glaring at the empty s.p.a.ce in front of her. All her negative emotions were stirred up.

'I could not possibly tell her my relation to s.h.i.+ Fan Hai.' Teng Man Rui was looking down, worried. 'I think I don't have to tell her. After all, there's nothing between us now.'

"Hey Man Rui, what are you doing there? You seemed so absent-minded." Xue Jinxu was already a few steps ahead. She thought Man Rui was following close behind.

"Nothing, just lost in some thoughts. I'm coming!" She hurriedly followed. She grabbed Jinxu's arm and clung to it.

They were encircling the boutiques one by one. Soon enough their paper bags of new items increased in number. They decided to rest for a while in a coffee shop. They ordered some cold coffee and pastries.

"Say, Man Rui, do you have someone you like?" Jinxu giggled. She was actually thinking about herself and Chen Linyun. Some women are like that, they wanted to talk about themselves, to flaunt and to simply share to the world what good they're currently having. She's like that, however she could not do so. Therefore she's trying to be contented by asking other people of the same topic just to satiate her urge.

However to Man Rui, it had caused her distress. She did not expect that Jinxu would ask. She did not even think before of how to answer that question if ever she indeed asked.

"Yes, I do." Man Rui had always been a good person, a good girl. She's someone who's valuing her morals so highly. Therefore she did not even consider lying to her friend. She knew if she lied, it would have been exposed sooner or later. She did not want any further mess.

"But, we broke up." She gave out a sad smile. "We're not meant for each other."

Xue Jinxu did not expect her friend's answer either. She was actually not in the mood to hear sad stories. She also felt she should not pry anymore. Her friend might be hurting still.

"Sorry Man Rui. I did not know." She simply said. She took a sip from her cold caramel macchiato.

"It's alright. It's in the past. How about you?" She asked Xue Jinxu inquisitively.

The lady that had been asked gently laughed. She giggled. "Yes, there's someone special." She giggled again.

"That's good to hear. Is that why you're against the betrothal? So you're marrying this guy instead?"

"Uhh, hard to day, Man Rui. I hope so." Jinxu was still lovingly smiling at the thought of Chen Linyun.

"I envy you." There was only sadness in Man Rui's eyes.

After their short rest at the café, they sauntered for a bit more. Then they went back to their respective lodging to prepare for the party that night.

At night, the culmination of Man Rui's exhibit was scheduled to take place. It was a formal event. The venue was at Shangri-La Hotel, where Man Rui was also checked in. Jinxu was checked in a different hotel.

It was six in the evening. Man Rui was already at the venue welcoming the guests. After all, she was the host of the party. She was wearing an elegant off-shoulder black dress, and her hair was tied into a low neat bun across her nape.

After a while, at around seven in the evening, another G.o.ddess graced her presence.

Xue Jinxu awed the crowd with her off-rose peach V-neck and backless maxi-dress. It was lined with black uneven lacey patterns on the see-through illusion sleeves, and on the dress' waist. The cut and black lace lining accentuated her figure more. She simply let down her long jet black hair. She was gorgeous.

As usual, like in any parties she attended these past months, the gentlemen approached him one by one, and as usual, she responded with distant courtesy.

Man Rui moved towards her direction after welcoming all the guests. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the party. She took a small breather with Xue Jinxu.

"You're exhibit is a blast. You're such a talented young lady, my friend. I'm proud of you." Xue Jinxu praised her.

"Thank you. You should attend more often, your presence serves as an oasis for me, among the sea of guests." She sighed indicating that she was worn out with all the interactions and small talk.

Xue Jinxu laughed gently. "Sure, if I have the time."

Behind them, a dark figure was approaching. The two ladies were oblivious of it.

"Well, look what we have here." The dark figure said when he got near. "What a pleasant sight to behold!" It was s.h.i.+ Fan Hai, with his taunting gaudy smile.

'The past and the future, together. Interesting.' He added in his mind, amused.

The two ladies' faces both became sour, for their individual reasons unbeknownst to the other.

"Young Master s.h.i.+, I did not know you were coming." Man Rui spoke since this was her event.

"I was in the next function room. I heard about the event so I invited myself here. I hope you don't mind, Miss Teng." While he was staring at her, he grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it as courteous greeting. It was nothing but the usual greeting, however the way he did it was malicious.

He then planted himself beside Xue Jinxu. "I heard that my fiancé is here." He explained his presence. "If I don't make an appearance, she might get s.n.a.t.c.hed right before my eyes."

He also did the same greeting. He grabbed Xue Jinxu's hand and kissed the back of it. He was implying about all the other 'suitors' who were trying to woo the fiancé. He also made it a point that some people near them would hear his remark.

"You're both stunning tonight, ladies. My eyes feast on you both. It's not every day that I see such delightful sight." There certainly was meaning behind those words.

"Well, I better get going now, I don't want to disrupt the occasion." He sheepishly smiled and shortly he left.

Xue Jinxu lost her temper a little while back, but she was controlling herself for Man Rui and for her reputation's sake. However, a few minutes after s.h.i.+ Fan Hai left, she also bid farewell. Her anger never failed to flare whenever she sees that man.

Good thing, on the morrow it was already her scheduled flight back home.