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Yuan Ming was an illegitimate child of his asshole father, Yuan Fu. Although he'd been raised in the Yuan home since birth, he'd always been subject to the contempt and hatred of the 'real' Yuan family. Of course, blame couldn't be laid at his father's lecherous feet – dallying around with his young secretary once Madam Yuan got too old and busy to bother with was just par for the course in his mind.

Nope, the innocent child who had no choice over his birth had to suffer from the wrath of his two older siblings and Madam Yuan.

As soon as his real mother gave birth to him, she took the large sum of money offered and ran for the hills. Yuan Ming would never admit it out loud, but he had always dreamed of a happy family: a father's strong arms that offered protection and guidance and a mother's gentle touch of comfort and serenity.

The hell of his early years slowly transformed into the battlefield of school and work. With a shining pillar like Li Qian around, it was impossible for Yuan Ming to escape his shadow, even though his father demanded he do so. What son didn't want the recognition of his father? Even one so disappointing as Yuan Fu. And yet Yuan Ming still worked like a dog to keep Li Qian in his sights.

As if his thoughts had made the man himself materialize, the crowd in front of Yuan Ming and Ling Xue parted.

"Eh," Yuan Ming reached out to poke Ling Xue on the shoulder, nearly causing her to drop her half-empty champagne glass. "Dreamboat dead ahead."

"Yuan Ming, you...," she started angrily, then, "Wait, where?" Ling Xue straightened up and looked around frantically, trying to catch a glimpse of Li Qian.

Her eyes zeroed in on the tall figure conversing with the artist Mr. Kang had introduced and a few other guests.

Yuan Ming stepped beside her and leaned down to speak in her ear, "He seems to be quite familiar with that artist – Jing Mei, was it?"

Ling Xue didn't care about her; it was the little slut in lavender that she was really looking for. Relieved that she didn't see her anywhere near Li Qian, she began striding towards the group, with Yuan Ming following behind.

The closer they got to the group, her perspective shifted to see a small figure tucked in between Li Qian and the artist. This bitch again? The flicker of jealousy within Ling Xue's eyes was unmistakable, and her red lips curved into a cold, tight smile that masked her inner turmoil.

With Yuan Ming closely following behind her, she'd look an absolute fool if she turned back now to regroup, especially since Mr. Kang spotted her as they approached.

"Ah, Miss Ling and Young Master Yuan are here!" He greeted them both jovially and moved to the side so they could join the group.

Ling Xue briefly fiddled with her earring before dropping her hand to clutch the champagne glass she still held.

"Li Qian, long time no see," she greeted demurely, but her words fell flat as he looked coldly across the room and took a sip from his glass.

Yuan Ming stepped forward and said, "Here, let me get you a fresh one." He seemed to sympathize with her, and as he removed the glass from her hold, she took a moment to collect herself.

Ling Xue smiled gracefully with an internal shake and said, "Hello again, Mr. Kang. Ling Manor received your invitation, but my father couldn't make it tonight." She explained apologetically, "He asked me to take his place. I hope you're not too disappointed."

Mr. Kang scoffed, "Of course, it's my pleasure to host you, Miss Ling. I recently heard about Ling Group's contribution to BrightSmart – that must have been your doing?"