Chapter 9: Come Play with Us

Gritting her teeth with a low growl, she said, "I'm leaving."

"Sweetheart, the party is only halfway through, and you want to leave already?" Zhao Yi quickly pulled her into the backyard to find out what was going on.

"This is too boring. I don’t want to stay here," she replied. She’d rather be at the hotel, soaking in a bath and having a good sleep.

"Alright, your opinion matters most. I’ll send someone to escort you back to the hotel." The whole purpose of hosting this banquet was to expose her identity, letting everyone in Jinse City know that Tong Xiaoman was under Zhao Yi’s protection. From now on, she could walk through this place with confidence.

"No need. The hotel isn’t far; I can go back on my own." After a round of toasts, though she hadn’t drunk much, her tolerance was low, and she was already feeling a bit dizzy. A walk would help clear her head.

"You’re a little drunk. How can I trust you to go back alone?" Zhao Yi frowned.

Tong Xiaoman sneered, casting him a sideways glance. "Cousin, do you think I’m a three-year-old kid? Worried I might get kidnapped?"

"Exactly. I’m very worried about the person who tries to kidnap you," Zhao Yi teased, raising his handsome eyebrows.

She was the classic spoiled girl—anyone who dared to bully her would be the one to suffer.

"If that’s the case, then you needn’t worry. I’m leaving; you can go back and enjoy your cozy little paradise." Tong Xiaoman tossed her wine glass toward him, swung her small purse, and left with an air of nonchalance.

Zhao Yi caught the glass deftly, snapped his fingers, and immediately two bodyguards stepped forward.

"Follow Miss Tong and escort her back to the hotel. But don’t let her notice. Don’t take action unless absolutely necessary."

The playful smirk vanished from Zhao Yi’s face, replaced by a cold, authoritative expression.

"Yes, Young Master," the two bodyguards promptly obeyed.

Zhao Yi’s long fingers lightly caressed the smooth, translucent wine glass. A trace of amusement flickered across his handsome face.

— — — —

Sometimes you don’t want trouble, but trouble has a way of finding you.

As soon as Tong Xiaoman rounded the backyard garden, she was blocked by two wealthy young men.

Her memory was sharp. She recognized them from earlier—they were Qing Rao, heir to the G family, and Zhou Ming, heir to the J family.

She put a hand to her face, sighing weakly, "Being pretty is such a hassle."

Qing Rao, decked out in designer brands, let his eyes roam shamelessly over her. "Tong Xiaoman, Xiaoman, your name is really interesting."

"Well, my mom just picked it randomly." Rumor had it that even before she was born, she was a handful, driving her mother to near exhaustion. In revenge, her mother had given her this wild name. She had originally hoped to be a refined lady, but fate had other plans. All her mother’s fault—this name was the root of all mischief.

Zhou Ming squinted at her with a lascivious gaze. "Xiaoman, you’re beautiful. You’re the most beautiful woman here tonight."

"Not really, I just look like this," Tong Xiaoman flashed a bright, proud smile, tinged with intoxication. Under the hazy moonlight, she seemed even more alluring.

"Xiaoman, come play with us. We like you," Zhou Ming stepped forward, a teasing grin on his face.

"Play together? Wow, you guys are so wild. Planning a threesome?" Tong Xiaoman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.

"Foreign girls know how to have fun. Come party with us," Qing Rao laughed, reaching out to grab her wrist.