Chapter 487 Celebrations
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CHAPTER 487 — Celebrations
The grand hall was transformed into a winter wonderland, a breathtaking display of opulence and festive cheer.
Lavish decorations adorned every corner, from towering Christmas trees with twinkling lights and ornaments to elegant garlands cascading from the ceiling.
The crisp winter air danced with the intoxicating fragrance of freshly cut pine, mingling harmoniously with the rich notes of mulled wine and the tantalising aroma of delectable holiday treats.
The ballroom was adorned with its high vaulted ceilings and resplendent crystal chandeliers, which gleamed with a warm and inviting radiance.
The walls were draped in regal red and shimmering gold fabrics, paying homage to the timeless hues of the season.
The tables were meticulously set with glistening china and sparkling glassware, with each place setting a work of art in itself.
In the corner, a grand orchestra played enchanting melodies, their music adding to the festive ambience. Couples swayed gracefully on the dance floor, their movements a testament to the allure of the season.
As Andromeda and Liu Xueyi gracefully made their entrance, a hushed silence fell upon the room, as if time itself had paused to witness their arrival. Due to their undeniable aura of authority and influence, every eye in the area naturally gravitated towards them.
Andromeda exuded an ethereal beauty, her water-coloured gown draping her form with an elegance that appeared to have been meticulously crafted solely for her.
The gown caressed her every curve, accentuating her sharp features and undeniable allure. Her lustrous mane of hip-length blonde hair cascaded down her back like a golden waterfall, and her piercing blue eyes held a depth that seemed to pierce through the very existence of one's being.
Her delicate, rose-tinted lips gracefully curled into a tender smile, mirroring the effervescent essence that emanated from within her.
Standing beside her, Liu Xueyi was the perfect complement. His impeccably tailored, matching water-coloured outfit exuded sophistication and style.
His lustrous jet-black hair was meticulously coiffed and expertly swept back to accentuate his striking, chiselled features.
As they stepped into the lavishly decorated ballroom, their presence was like a ripple in a pond, captivating attention and arousing curiosity among the distinguished guests.
The Yu Princess, the sole heir of the illustrious Yu Family, had started the Christmas celebration in earnest, and it promised to be a night of enchantment where the magic of the season intertwined with the magic of love and camaraderie.
But Liu Xueyi knew best. His calculative eyes scanned the hall, taking note of every businessman and woman and every distinguished person in society present.
It seemed to be the event of the year, one that must be attended by each family.
His hair stood on end. And he did not like it.
Sensing his unease, Andromeda tugged on his arm lightly, her worried gaze accompanying his face in silent questioning.
He gave her a reassuring nod.
Andromeda smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
They were here to celebrate the holiday with their friends and families.
And yet…
Andromeda could feel the tension building up inside of her. She had never felt this way before.
Perhaps it was due to the fact that it had been long since she attended such an event.
Thankfully lock was on her side when she caught sight of Rong Bolin and his girlfriend.
"Looks like we have company," she whispered to Liu Xueyi before navigating their way to meet the duo.
"Xueyi," Rong Bolin voiced with a warm smile as he extended his hand for a shake to his friend.
"Good to see you here, Bolin," Liu Xueyi greeted. "Umm, Andy, why not be with..."
He did not get to complete his sentence when Andromeda released him and held Duyi Eumeh's hand.
Rong's smile widened. He looked over to the stunning beauty standing beside his friend.
"You can speak to your friend. We ladies will mingle and chit-chat," Andromeda explained.
"I am sure you ladies will have something to catch up with. Eumeh, be good okay. We'll be back."
Both ladies nodded and walked away whispering silently to themselves. Once they were out of earshot, Liu Xueyi heaved a deep sigh.
"What's wrong?" Rong Bolin asked, his brows furrowed slightly as he stared at his friend.
"Everything."
"I see. Why though?"
At the same time, the lights in the hall suddenly turned off, sending panic across the room.
"Because of that," Liu Xueyi pointed at while his eyes narrowed, silently searching for the girls.
"Hmm, someone's trying to build a mystery here," Rong Bolin affirmed and unlike the others he waited.
Several eyes darted about in the dark while they wondered what exactly was going on when a soft melodious voice rang out, pulling everyone's attention to the direction of her voice.
"A splendid evening to you all," the woman said.
The guests gasped and gaped upon hearing her words.
"It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Yu Family Christmas Ball. I hope that this year has been filled with joy and happiness. May the new year bring us more blessings than we deserve."
Still all eyes remained locked on her. The silence that ensued became palpable as they each wondered who she was.
"I remain your humble host, Yu An. I do hope we make merry while doing business together. Thank you for accepting my invitation."
Her long lashes fluttered as she swept an apologetic gaze across the room.
"Forgive the way and manner the invitation was sent out but if I do say myself, I am honoured that this large crowd accepted my invitation. As such, you all present get a 5% discount on any business deal we make."
"What the—" the words failed to leave Rong Bolin's lips as he stared ahead.
"Enough business talk. Now let the festivities begin!"
With that, the ballroom lit up again, revealing the beautiful hostess who had just welcomed them standing at the top of the small stage while wearing an enchanting smile.
Standing before them, Yu An was dressed in a stunning red gown that accentuated every curve of her body. Her hair was styled into a high ponytail with a single strand falling down the side of her face.
She looked stunningly radiant, like a goddess from heaven.
Andromeda could not help herself. She felt her heart skip a beat. Something about this lady kept her on edge yet had a certain pull that made it hard to keep her eyes off.
As if on cue, she averted her gaze to Liu Xueyi, her eyes calculating and taking in all of his reaction.
While his eyes remained on her, Andromeda was sure her boyfriend wasn't admiring the young lady but sensed the dread she felt as well.
"Looks like the business world got itself a handful this coming year," Rong Bolin informed Liu Xueyi. "The Liu Corporation better remain at its peak. Also, I think it is time to link properly with Ye Cheng of Dream Star Corporation."
"I agree," Liu Xueyi replied.
"I will be working with you on that, right?"
"Of course."
"Good." The moment Bolin finished speaking Liu Xueyi felt heated gaze on him and instinctively looked in the direction.
His eyes went wide when he saw the woman who was staring back.
It was none other than You An.
He knew he should have expected this. He had been expecting this for some days now.
But still, he was surprised by how beautiful she looked up close now that she stepped down from the stage and mingled.
Her skin was pale white, almost translucent. It was as if she were carved out of marble.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she stared at the man who was looking at her with a mixture of surprise, curiosity and confusion.
'Bingo.' Yu An voiced internally.
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