The Billionaire's Hidden Affection-Chapter 420 - 417 Suddenly Fallen into a Deadlock 2_1

Zhou Ting arrived in a new Chanel suit and a golden pearl necklace, without any other adornments—incredibly simple, yet exceedingly elegant. Brother Kun hadn’t introduced her, but all the gentlemen present looked in her direction. After the lecture ended, during the networking tea reception, she was surrounded by a group of attentive men.

Out of politeness, Huang Xiaojue greeted her. She was very courteous and casually asked, "Mr. Huang, regarding the recent rise in US stock indices, is it a rebound from the QE withdrawal or an indication that the economy will continue to worsen?"

Huang Xiaojue hadn’t expected her to be so focused on major economic trends, so they began to discuss the matter. Zhou Ting, a Harvard University graduate, was naturally knowledgeable and worldly, and her conversation was quite extraordinary. She, in turn, found herself looking at Huang Xiaojue with new appreciation. Upon closer interaction, she perceived him as fundamentally different from the privileged heirs of officials and wealthy families she had encountered before. He was neither frivolous nor slick, but rather remarkably down-to-earth and wise.

The more they chatted, the more they found common ground. Each time their views aligned, they would both laugh heartily and, without realizing it, clinked glasses several times.

Later, she suddenly lowered her voice. "Mr. Huang, it seems we share a common enemy."

"Miss Zhou, why do you say that?"

"Wan Donglin backed out of our wedding at the last minute, humiliating me. If it weren’t for family pressure, I would never have given a womanizer like him a second glance. Relying on his family’s influence, he does as he pleases and has a terrible reputation in our circles."

Huang Xiaojue was taken aback by her sudden mention of Wan Donglin, not sure how to respond.

She was furious, wondering what game the Wan Family was playing. The last time she had asked Wan Donglin for help, he hadn’t given a definite answer. And then, right after, Liu Daqing had withdrawn his investment. Wasn’t this a clear indication that they were betting against the Zhou Family at a critical moment? No wonder her father was so enraged.

Canceling the wedding, withdrawing the investment... it was truly new hatred piled upon old grievances. She sighed heavily. "To be honest, I was depressed for a while, feeling like I had become a victim of a marriage alliance for the family. Strangely enough, after he canceled our wedding, I was absolutely thrilled, as if I had escaped a cage. Mr. Huang, you won’t laugh at me, will you?"

Her candor and straightforwardness completely dispelled any reservations Huang Xiaojue had harbored towards her. He found himself feeling both sympathy and admiration: daring to love, daring to hate—what a remarkable woman!

"Well, such a person isn’t worth entrusting your life to. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise? Miss Zhou, don’t you agree?"

"I was presumptuous. I shouldn’t have said those things, but I felt such an instant connection with you, Mr. Huang, that I couldn’t help myself. I apologize."

Huang Xiaojue genuinely said, "Thank you for your trust."

Zhou Ting gave a charming smile and swiftly changed the topic.

Perhaps it was her powerful charisma. Soon, more people gathered around them, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.

「At that time, Yan Xixi and Xu Xiaoya were wandering outside the club’s entrance.」

Xu Xiaoya muttered, "What on earth is Zhou Xiaoxuan planning? Why did she insist we both come here?"

Before Yan Xixi could respond, Zhou Xiaoxuan had already come out to welcome them, her attitude exceptionally warm. "Ah, I’ve been waiting for so long! You two are finally here. Please, come in."

Xu Xiaoya exclaimed, "Hold on, Little Xuanyuan! Didn’t you say your husband beat you?"

Yan Xixi also sensed something wasn’t quite right. She and Xu Xiaoya exchanged glances, preparing to leave, but Zhou Xiaoxuan grabbed them. "Would you have come if I hadn’t said that? It’s a small class reunion today, and we’ve just been waiting for you two. Come on in!"