Chapter 12: The Delicate Little Princess

Song Zigu’s expression was one that Deling had seen countless times before, so she understood perfectly well what was running through her mind.

In the past, she had been too transparent, always revealing her true feelings, thinking that would earn her father’s protection. She never imagined that it would only make her more embarrassed in front of the mother and daughter of the Song family.

Deling’s gaze fell on Song Zigu’s tightly bandaged instep, and she sneered inwardly—truly, she was quite precious.

Song Zigu supported Ye Hongxiao’s arm as they entered the room. Deling turned her eyes away, unwilling to witness Ye Hongxiao’s proud and noble demeanor any longer.

“Sister Shanni, this is my seat.”

Lin Shanni cast a sideways glance at Song Zigu, then looked at Ye Hongxiao, who was already seated. “What, can’t I sit here? There are plenty of seats over there—go sit somewhere else.”

Biting her lip, Song Zigu stood there quietly and whispered to Ye Hongxiao, “Brother Ye, I can’t get over there.”

Whatever had happened just now when she went out with Song Zigu, Ye Hongxiao’s expression had grown increasingly grim since entering the room. Hearing Song Zigu speak, he unusually remained silent.

Deling couldn’t help but glance in his direction, only to catch his gaze meeting hers. Hastily, she pretended to look elsewhere, turning toward Qin Sheng.

“Brother Ye…”

Song Zigu’s voice was already trembling with tears. Lu Feng couldn’t bear it any longer and quickly stood up. “Alright, alright, come sit with me. I’ll help you.”

He stepped over and helped Song Zigu to her seat.

The remaining men at the table drank among themselves, while Song Zigu looked wronged and unhappy.

When the wine was half gone, someone suggested going downstairs to the entertainment room to have some fun. Everyone agreed, and Ye Hongxiao didn’t object.

Deling originally wanted to leave but remembered that the business collaboration hadn’t been settled yet. After some consideration, she decided to follow along, hoping to find a chance to speak privately with Ye Hongxiao.

The entertainment room was on the basement level of the Xingyue Hotel. Around the perimeter were private rooms reserved for VIP clients, while the main hall had scattered tables. The entire space was lavishly decorated in dazzling gold and jade, dazzling to the eyes.

It was Deling’s first visit here. She scanned the hall at those lost in drunken revelry and gambling, involuntarily thinking of her boyfriend, Wang Siyang.

In such a world of decadence and indulgence, human desires were magnified; the cravings they dared not entertain in daily life seeped in from all directions, ensnaring one completely.

The Lu family held shares in Xingyue Hotel. Lu Feng, familiar with the place, led everyone into a private room before stepping out.

Everyone found a seat. Deling sat beside Lin Shanni, her eyes catching Song Zigu whispering into Ye Hongxiao’s ear.

Ye Hongxiao’s dark, sullen expression eased somewhat before he glanced in Deling’s direction.

Deling hadn’t withdrawn her gaze in time and met his. Feeling awkward, she lightly cleared her throat and lowered her eyes.

“You two, I don’t know what you’re thinking—one ended up with a freeloader, the other with a delicate little princess. It’s like playing blind boxes in love; no matter what you get, you just make do,” Lin Shanni said, nudging Deling. “So, this is how things are with you and him?”

Deling glanced at Song Zigu, who was practically clinging to Ye Hongxiao, and said, “How else could it be? He already has his delicate little princess.”

She was treated like venom herself, yet Song Zigu had become his human accessory — how ironic.

Lin Shanni understood her meaning and, putting an arm around her, asked a few more questions about Wang Siyang. Deling didn’t want to say much and gave brief replies before falling silent.

Waiters gradually brought in drinks, fruits, and snacks. Lu Feng returned shortly after, lazily complaining to the men present.

“Hey, you guys ever notice how some people nowadays don’t even have money but still dare to play high-stakes games? Owing the dealer who knows how much, they even pawned a cheap necklace. Supposedly, they came to settle the debt today but ended up losing again and couldn’t pay. Got beaten black and blue.”

Deling hadn’t paid much attention until she heard “necklace.” Her heart fluttered.

A necklace, a debt.

She thought of the necklace Wang Siyang had taken from her, and the financial loans he had racked up. She couldn’t stay calm any longer. Her face drained of color as she dashed out the door.