The Wei Family’s reception hall included both eastern and western elements. The hall was decorated in a minimalistic manner, but it still looked grand and magnificent.

When he was younger, Shao Yibai had visited this place with his father once or twice. He was not concerned about influential officials at that time since he was still a boy. He simply felt that the Wei Family’s home was rather impressive. There were several man-made ponds in the courtyard. As he was a naughty boy at that time, he had followed the Wei Family’s eldest son to the pond to catch fish.

Although Wei Hongmian and Shao Yibai were around the same age, perhaps the reason why they had rarely played with each other when they were young was that Wei Hongmian was busy honing her talents back then?

Wei Hongmian had received numerous academic awards and won many competitions and events ever since she was young. She did extremely well all the way through high school until she received her master’s degree in university. She was even awarded several degrees while she studied overseas. As she progressed through life, her path naturally diverged with the “wild brats” like Shao Yibai and the others.

Chief Wei was quite fond of his daughter since she was so outstanding. He appeared to be particularly meticulous about her marriage when she had gotten old enough.

Shao Yibai was the only child in the Shao Family. The parents of both families had a good relationship with one another, and they understood each other’s situation at home. Chief Wei’s admiration for an iron-willed young man like Shao Yibai had only increased all this while. Frankly, Shao Yibai had been targeted as the partner of Wei Hongmian’s marriage long ago.

It was just that Shao Yibai had been serving in the special forces unit all along. These armed services were perhaps the most dangerous profession during this peaceful era.

Wei Hongmian’s mother was actually hesitant about the decision in the beginning. Nonetheless, it was understandable that she would worry if her daughter were to marry someone like that.

She had tried to mediate the situation several days ago, but she could not do anything about it in the end since the Old Master liked Shao Yibai so much. Wei Hongmian had yet to find a suitable candidate all this while ever since she returned home from abroad. Her mother’s objection had turned into support very soon.

As Shao Yibai had suspected, this auction event was really a matchmaking session in disguise.

…

Shao Yibai brought a pair of ceramic glazed porcelain bowls with lotus petal engravings on them for today’s charity event.

There were specialized workers who were checking in the articles that were brought in by various families. Shao Yibai had hidden himself right away once he had surrendered his items. He was terribly worried that Lady Jiao would discover him and introduce him to all of the female socialites here…

Jiao Shuzhen had been speaking to Wei Hongmian’s mother, Yang Fan, for some time now. The topic of their conversation naturally shifted to Shao Yibai at one point.

“Is Yibai still very young?”

Yang Fan was aware that Wei Hongmian was actually three or four years older than Shao Yibai. Her only worry was that the other party would dislike her daughter. She decided to seek out Jiao Shuzhen’s views first.

“Age isn’t a big deal. It’s more important for our children to be able to look after each other. The only thing that matters is that they’ll like each other and get along harmoniously.”

Jiao Shuzhen said these things openly because she already knew the task that Chief Wei had arranged.

Yang Fan was secretly delighted when she heard this. She pulled Jiao Shuzhen over in a friendly manner and said, “You know about my family’s situation as well. Hongmian is my only daughter, and the old chief has been fond of Yibai for a long time. Why don’t we let the two children meet since they’re already here today?”

“Yes, I’m also aware that Hongmian was studying overseas for the past few years. I know that she’s back home today, but I’m afraid that both of them have forgotten what each other looked like when they were younger.”

Jiao Shuzhen had been aware of the inside information long ago when said this. She was currently scanning the venue in search of Shao Yibai.

She could not help but get angry when she noticed that her son was hiding in the corner.

Events like these were good opportunities for the aristocrats to bond with each other. The prestigious individuals in Capital City were the only ones who were invited today. Aside from Shao Yibai, the other young men of the aristocratic families would enthusiastically attend these events in hopes of increasing their power and social status through marriage. Why was he hiding?

Yang Fan could tell that Jiao Shuzhen’s temper was about to flare up. Smiling, she pulled Jiao Shuzhen aside and murmured, “I think that we should just ask Hongmian to go over and look for him.”

Jiao Shuzhen blushed. This meant that the girl’s family was taking the initiative. She was obviously glad to hear that. She replied, “Alright, Hongmian is certainly more thoughtful than that little brat!”

Shao Yibai had been determinedly making himself as insignificant as possible at this event. However, he could not do anything about the manly aura that radiated off his body that he had obtained after several years of living in the army. His natural good looks made him stand out from the crowd as well. The aristocratic way with which he carried himself caused him to instantly stir up people’s interest in the crowd.

“Is that Senior Colonel Shao?” A random woman burst out loud out of excitement.

“Senior colonel? He was promoted to Major General long ago!”

“I’ve heard that he’s serving in the special forces unit. I’ve hardly seen him attending these events. It’s so rare that he’s here today…”

The noisy ladies began their discussion of the day and had long since abandoned their reserved demeanor as socialites. They stared openly at him, not bothering to hide their imploring gaze at all.

Wei Hongmian saw Shao Yibai from the balcony of her house before she entered the hall.

Wei Hongmian had a twin brother named Wei Hongsheng. She watched her brother play with Shao Yibai when they were little, but she had never joined them.

Several years had passed since she last saw Shao Yibai. The “mischievous little boy” of the past had matured into a handsome man now. He was well-known for his illustrious military feats as well. Wei Hongmian’s heart stirred at the sight of him carrying himself so dominantly…

She recalled the numerous Greek myths and stories that she had previously read. The beautiful women in those stories always wanted to marry the hero.

Her father and older brothers also had military backgrounds, but none of them had touched Wei Hongmian the same way as Shao Yibai did. Shao Yibai gave off a courageous aura that had revived Wei Hongmian’s pent up desire for a hero of her own…

“Hongmian!” Yang Fan walked over and tugged at her daughter’s gown when she noticed that she was still staring blankly on the balcony. She murmured, “Go downstairs and meet Mr. Shao.”

Wei Hongmian had received a Western-style education since young. She was not shy at all due to her innate confidence and her open-minded personality.

“Alright, mother.” As Wei Hongmian spoke, she took elegant steps and walked downstairs.

On the other side, Jiao Shuzhen turned to Shao Yibai and said, “In a short while, don’t ruin my plans, you little brat…”

“Lady Jiao, didn’t you say that Uncle Wei wanted to see me? Why is his daughter meeting me instead?” Shao Yibai did not pay attention to her. He clicked his tongue to indicate that he was against this.

Before Jiao Shuzhen could rebuke her son, Wei Hongmian had already walked over from the other side.

She wore an off-shoulder crimson gown that exposed her pale neck. She looked as beautiful as a swan.

Other people would look too flamboyant in red, but Wei Hongmian’s serene temperament contrasted the color and made her look very elegant.

Shao Yibai met up with Wei Hongsheng frequently. He knew that he had a younger twin sister who was a scholar and had spent most of her time abroad. Nonetheless, Shao Yibai was still a little shocked when he saw Wei Hongmian today.

She still looked the same as she did before.

“Yibai, long time no see. Thank you for attending my charity auction event!”

Wei Hongmian’s voice was soft, generous, and genuine. She was completely different from all the rumors calling her a cold beauty.

Only now did Shao Yibai realize that Wei Hongmian was the organizer of today’s charity event. Without exception, the host of events like these would have to make the biggest of contributions. He guessed that the Wei Family must have invested a lot into this event so that their daughter could enter the ladies’ socialite circle.

Shao Yibai smiled. “Miss Wei, you’re an extremely talented beauty who’s also very kind. I’m merely here to display what meager abilities I have. I could never rival a scholarly big sister like you.”

Wei Hongmian knew that she was slightly older than Shao Yibai. When it came to this meeting, she was most reluctant to mention her age.

The woman’s expression changed slightly. However, she regained her composure quickly. She gave a small smile and said, “I’m not a scholar. I’m just a person who had spent all my time studying. If we’re talking about contributions to society, you’ve definitely given more significant contributions than me, Yibai. We would be nothing without people like you who protect our country.”

Shao Yibai had heard of Wei Hongmian to a certain extent. He knew that this young woman had always been arrogant because of the education she had received. He never imagined that she would belittle herself like this.

What was she trying to do?