Naturally, this also woke up the company's general manager, Xie Ningbing, who had been staring in disbelief. "I'm the one who's been high-lighted as Guo Liang's girlfriend!" How could it be that today, Zhao Yayan, the specially invited guest from China's Second Group Corporation, had become Guo Liang's friend? It all happened so suddenly, yet so seamlessly. Xie Ningbing felt an invisible pressure. Though this was merely the closing act, the grandeur of Zhao Yayan's entrance was striking—red banners hung all around the hall, boldly proclaiming: "Guo Liang, I'm your girlfriend, Zhao Yayan!" Those words felt like a double-edged sword, cutting deeply into Xie Ningbing's heart. Watching Guo Liang and Zhao Yayan dance the elegant, internationally inspired tango—so tender and affectionate—especially as Zhao Yayan happily collapsed into Guo Liang's warm arms—left her deeply uncomfortable. With Dong Mengyao having left, Guo Liang had suddenly found himself with Zhao Yayan, and this Zhao Yayan was no ordinary guest—she was a major figure indeed. Yet, a crucial partner—one who couldn’t afford to offend. It seemed that Xie Ningbing had sensed something, perhaps the true purpose of Zhao Yuxian’s visit to the company. But how could she win over her rightfully-deserved, outstanding boyfriend, Gao Liang, and secure his complete allegiance to her side? As Xie Ningbing thought about this, she no longer had the heart to carry on with the company’s ten-year anniversary celebration. After giving a brief instruction to the planning and publicity team, she quietly departed from Zhongshan Yin Yuan Hotel. However, the scene didn’t settle down. In fact, the atmosphere grew even more vibrant, especially as the most exciting moment—the award ceremony—was about to unfold. With enthusiastic recommendations from both the host and the audience, Gao Liang and Zhao Yuxian each received a generous RMB 5,000 cash bonus. Though this sum, while modest, held little appeal for Zhao Yuxian, a young lady of considerable means, the surprise and delight she brought to the occasion were truly significant. And it was on stage with her admired Xiaolong, so she was especially delighted today—her joyful expression was truly captivating. Such a stunning beauty is truly something everyone envies. A male employee boldly shouted, "Yuyan, you're the snow lotus on the mountain peak—so admired by us! Make me your boyfriend, please!" The audience cheered, yet Yuyan maintained a cool, elegant demeanor, slightly turning her body to face the crowd, giving a quiet, dismissive huff, completely ignoring the bold employee. She exuded a sense of solitary grace and coolness—her unique charm made her seem even more unattainable. The male employee hung his head dejectedly. "You're just daydreaming, aren't you? This beauty is definitely within your reach. Don't you even look at yourself—do you think you're up to the standard? Can you match the excellence of our Gao Liang?" Someone in the crowd then addressed the employee with a firm tone. The facts have also confirmed his accuracy—everyone has noticed this. On stage, Zhao Yayan's gaze is solely fixed on our star, Gao Liang, and she looks affectionately only at him. Her warmth is fully reserved for Gao Liang alone. Yet, how does Gao Liang feel when he's facing a stunning beauty? His self-control isn't strong. Since Dong Mengyao left, he has felt deeply disappointed. Although he has Shé Níngbīng, a beautiful manager who is a friend, their friendship is primarily professional—emotionally, there hasn't been much progress. Especially when he feels particularly stressed or overwhelmed, he finds it difficult to confide in Shé Níngbīng. After all, she's the company's general manager! She's mature and composed, always prioritizing the company's interests. In her life, company matters occupy eighty percent, while only twenty percent is dedicated to her family—her grandmother and her so-called boyfriend. Yet, he feels deeply lost and has no one to comfort him. Of course, it's simply impossible to share these emotional matters with Xie Ningbing. Now, Zhao Yuanyan—this nine-year-old promise, it has truly come to life in my own life. How timely! Sister Yuanyan, you are more beautiful than any woman. Before you arrived, I always thought Dong Mengyao was the most beautiful, but ever since you came, I've come to believe you are the most beautiful person in the world. You are gentle and tender, full of passion and integrity, graceful and composed. Though you appear coldly elegant, strong, and unattainable, you reveal such warmth and tenderness before me. A few days ago, when we had a private conversation, you said to me, "Xiaolong, I really want you to meet my parents," with such a soft voice—so close to my ear, it made my heart flutter. At that very moment, I was utterly overwhelmed. I had never heard a girl speak to me so gently, so affectionately, so tenderly—so charmingly delicate. If we're not talking about work, I might just lose all control—I'd definitely wrap you up in my arms, just like the tango we danced today, instinctively drawing you close and kissing you a thousand, then ten thousand times. As High亮 was thinking this, a delicate, graceful hand gently took hold of his. Wow, how soft and warm! High亮 was astonished—it was Zhao Yuyan's hand, reaching out to grasp his firmly, with such a sweet, attentive demeanor, so endearing. This was exactly the kind of look High亮 cherished. Moreover, Zhao Yuyan's bright eyes were gazing up at him, gentle and full of deep affection—those expressive eyes seemed to be saying: High亮, from this moment on, I'm yours. This intimate gesture caught the attention of everyone in the audience, who burst into laughter and cheers, the atmosphere vibrant and lively! Finally, the company's decade-anniversary gala concluded with a collective performance of "Unyielding Through Storms and Sunshine." Gao Liang and Zhao Yuanyan, along with all the performers, took the stage to sing this beloved song. As they reached the line, "Holding fast to the countless hardships of yesterday, exchanging them for beauty and happiness toward tomorrow," Zhao Yuanyan gently pulled Gao Liang closer, her bright eyes conveying a deeper, more heartfelt gaze—as if to say that every ounce of effort and struggle we've made yesterday has now been rewarded with happiness today. With unwavering resolve, we will continue to strive with all our passion and determination right now, steadfastly and tirelessly, for the bright future ahead. This is our enduring love—through countless trials and tribulations, we have finally found our own happiness. Gao Liang, though also very fond of Zhao Yuyan, knew he had to pay attention to his image at the company. After all, their joint appearance at yesterday's celebration gala had already made quite a stir. Now, every single person in the company knew that Gao Liang's girlfriend was Zhao Yuyan, and that Zhao Yuyan's boyfriend was Gao Liang. Gao Liang couldn't help but feel frustrated and started to blame Zhao Yuyan, looking rather displeased: "Yuyan, please don't make me feel uncomfortable—this is at the company! You really need to keep your image in mind! With our personal matters now so well known, it's not exactly ideal." "Xiaolong, what's there to be afraid of? People have already known you're my girlfriend since yesterday! So from today on, I'll be with you twenty-four hours a day!" Yuyan performed a rather odd gesture and suddenly became playful. This left Hao Liang at a loss. At that moment, Xie Ningbing's secretary came over and invited Hao Liang to her office. Without hesitation, Hao Liang hurried over, only to find Xie Ningbing busy reviewing a pile of documents on her desk. "Xiao Long! You've arrived!" Xie Ningbing looked up, gave Hao Liang a gentle smile—such a graceful and elegant woman! Hao Liang was amazed in his heart. "Xiao Long, please sit down. I've been so busy with company matters lately that I've been unable to pay much attention to you—sorry about that," Xie Ningbing said warmly, which surprised and delighted Hao Liang. How kind and tender she had been today! "Xiao Long, do you have time after work tomorrow?" Her voice softened further as she gazed at Hao Liang with her bright eyes, speaking with deep affection. Hao Liang nodded. "Tomorrow is my grandmother's birthday. I'd like you to come to my home. My grandmother misses you so much—she keeps talking about you!" "Shall I come over to my place tomorrow?" Xie Ningbing's tone was exceptionally soft and gentle—completely at odds with the image of a corporate manager, leaving Gao Liang deeply moved. Yet Gao Liang didn't answer immediately. "Shall I?" Xie Ningbing even began to act coquettish. Wow! Today, Xie Ningbing had never been coquettish with Gao Liang before, even though she had done so in the past—this time, however, it truly counted for Gao Liang. "Yes! I'll definitely come over tomorrow!" Gao Liang was genuinely tickled by Xie Ningbing's charm. At that very moment, Zhao Yuanyan appeared confidently between Xie Ningbing and Gao Liang—oh no, she must have heard their conversation, and since Gao Liang remained silent, Zhao Yuanyan now spoke directly to Xie Ningbing, her tone equally soft and captivating: "Xiao Long, do you have time to finish work today? I'd like you to meet my parents!" Zhao Yuyan's voice was more delicate and melodious than Xie Ningbing's. It sounded like a heavenly harmony—ethereal and graceful, as if a young sparrow emerging from the valley or a young swallow returning to its nest. Fresh, bright, and radiant, she embodied her voice, and her voice embodied her person. Even Xie Ningbing was enchanted. How remarkable Zhao Yuyan had become in just 18 years! Could it be that the American diet was so excellent that it had transformed her beloved sister into a universally admired swan, a snow lotus? Gao Liang was truly enchanted and remained silent. "Brother Xiaolong, please! She's already your girlfriend—please promise her!" Zhao Yuyan no longer just pouted her adorable little lips; she now habitually extended her delicate hands, gently lifting Gao Liang's shoulders, showing such warmth and intimacy. This gesture, however, made Xie Ningbing feel rather uncomfortable. She now focused intently on Gao Liang's reactions, as if applying gentle pressure to him. How clever Huang Hao was! Zhao Yuyan was simply not mindful of her image at the company, and thus he woke up from his daze. Huang Hao gently pushed away Zhao Yuyan's delicate hand and said, "Zhao Yuyan, please stop being so dramatic. We're in the office—image matters. As for meeting your parents, I'm truly sorry, but I can't agree to that. Unless there's something else, I'll be leaving right now!" Upon hearing this, Yuyan stomped her feet and pouted fiercely, while Xiao Qiong lightly sniffed and said, "I know you're not easily agreeable right now, but I'll make sure you meet my parents." Then she stepped out, and with a wave of her hand, her bodyguards promptly escorted her away. Watching Yuyan's graceful figure depart, Huang Hao was deeply surprised. He thought: Yuyan hadn't been angry—only slightly displeased. Given her status and standing, this surely must have bothered her, and she would surely not be satisfied with a mere compromise. In fact, she might even make him suffer. Yet Yuyan had always been so gentle toward him, and even when she was annoyed, she This truly amazed Gao Liang in terms of Zhao Yuanyan's grace: she was a girl who was only kind and gentle toward herself. Just now, when he observed her interaction with Xie Ningbing, she had been cold and distant to everyone, showing remarkable reserve—yet only toward him had she been warm and attentive. It was the first time Gao Liang had encountered a woman like this, and he silently felt grateful. The next day, just as the workday was drawing to a close, Gao Liang was especially delighted, as he had promised to visit Xie Ningbing's grandmother. While humming a song and tidying up his desk, a Zhai Jijun courier burst into the sales and technology department office, breathless and shouting, "Who's Gao Liang? Come quickly—sign here and receive the package!" Gao Liang hesitated—whose delivery was this? Why so urgent? And why arriving at this time, just as the office was closing? He quickly stepped forward, took the courier's document, signed it promptly, and the courier then departed. Highlight curiously opened the letters inside, and there, right before his eyes, lay a pink envelope with neat, delicate handwriting: "Brother Xiaolong! Please forgive me for calling you so intimately—my name is Yuyan, your younger sister. Unfortunately, my childhood illness has suddenly flared up again, and now I'm critically ill at home. Please come to see me one last time when I'm near the end of my life. If you arrive even a little later, perhaps you'll no longer be able to see me! The signature, 'Yuyan, your younger sister,' was slightly wobbly, as if written with weak strength, deeply touching Highlight. He felt a surge of sorrow and urgency. At that moment, he no longer had the heart to go to Xie Ningshi's home to celebrate his grandmother's birthday. Holding the detailed address provided in the letter, he quickly descended the stairs. As he was coming down, he happened to meet Xie Ningshi, who had just spotted him. But he didn't have time to greet her—he hurried straight to the street, hailed a taxi, and rushed off toward Yuzhan's home. Upon arriving at Zhao Yuanyan's home, the "Heaven and Earth" villa, Gao Liang was utterly amazed: the villa was truly magnificent, exuding an elegant blend of water and feng shui, natural and refined—simple yet sophisticated, natural, relaxed, and down-to-earth. Seamlessly integrated with the courtyard's water platform, swimming pool, and covered walkways, it conveyed a distinct American countryside lifestyle. The harmony between Chinese and Western architectural elements was seamless—Chinese foundations enriched by Western architectural forms and details, creating not only aesthetic pleasure but also a comfortable, nature-intimate living experience. The external spatial layout evoked the sense of enclosure typical of traditional Chinese residences, embodying the advantage of being compact and refined. This elegant, countryside-style villa stood nestled among lush trees, offering a serene, tranquil escape from urban bustle, where a deep sense of peace and remoteness stirred the soul. This kind of villa has a regal air—quite distinct from both Xie Ningbing's home, Tian Wai Tian Villa, and Zhao Yuanyan's, Tian Shang Ren Jian Villa, which is noticeably inferior. This indeed confirms that Zhao Yuanyan's parents are truly well-connected and prominent figures. Yet today, Yuanyan cannot enjoy such splendid surroundings—this is truly unfortunate. Let's go and take a look first; once we see her, it will become clear. After a moment's thought, Gao Liang simply walked in. The gatekeeper at the entrance greeted him warmly with a friendly smile and didn't stop him. From the main entrance all the way to the grand hall entrance, no one questioned or obstructed him—this was quite unexpected. The grand hall was magnificent, and as Gao Liang stood there, he didn't know what to do. Then he noticed several servants busily wiping the polished tables and floors. He asked, "Is Zhao Yuanyan here?" The servants replied that she was. Gao Liang then mentioned that she was unwell, isn't that right? The servant said nothing, merely staring at him with eyes full of surprise, as if speaking something profound. This made Gao Liang uncomfortable, so he began to turn to leave, taking a step forward. Unexpectedly, a girl in an elegant dress descended from the upper floor with graceful, measured steps. Gao Liang looked up—by gosh, it was Zhao Yuanyan! She looked perfectly well! For a moment, his irritation surged, and he turned around to head back. Sorry, don't be angry—never again! Just come, just sit here a while! Don't leave so quickly! Please, please!" Zhao Yuyan's voice grew softer and sweeter, and her coquettish demeanor became increasingly endearing. Gao Liang's ears tingled with delight, his heart pounding wildly, while his legs felt as though rooted to the spot, unable to move an inch. Zhao Yuyan was indeed a celestial beauty from the orchid pavilion. As she descended the stairs and approached Gao Liang, she gently took his arm, her gaze as gentle and heartfelt as flowing water, deeply stirring his heart—especially when she revealed the two full, firm hills of her chest, the deep valley between them beautifully defined and incredibly alluring. He longed to reach out and gently caress them. At that moment, a tall, distinguished middle-aged man stepped down from the stairs. Zhao Yuyan quickly pulled Gao Liang aside and said, "This is my father, Xiao Long brother!" Meanwhile, she turned to her father, Zhao Wei, and said, "Dad, this is the brother I've been looking for!" Zhao Wei glanced at Gao Huang casually, displaying an air of arrogance. "Good morning, Uncle! Pardon the interruption!" Gao Huang greeted him politely. Zhao Wei remained indifferent. Zhao Yuxian then invited Gao Huang to sit down on the luxurious leather sofa imported from the United States.