Lingering On and On

Chapter 13： Hurt (1)

The joyous decorations all around made this early winter night not overly chilly.

Tong Yuling stepped onto the soft grass, quietly surveying the entire garden. The grass was like a thick, velvety carpet, and the flowers were in a riot of bloom. Elaborate floral decorations stood majestically, and rows of tiny, multicolored twinkling lights were strung around the cedar tree leaves, like beautiful gems nestled within the green foliage. The colorful fountain in the center of the garden was playing a sprightly and melodious tune.

After taking in the dreamlike garden, Tong Yuling's gaze unconsciously shifted to the guests. They were all paired up, the men looking vibrant and confident, the women elegant and refined. Although she didn't know any of them, Tong Yuling was well aware that they were either extremely wealthy or held prominent positions. They were either chairmen or directors of major corporations or owners of significant institutions.

It seemed that aside from the servants, she was the most "ordinary" one here tonight! Tong Yuling thought self-deprecatingly. After a short while, she started to stroll, wandering aimlessly. Only after she had explored every corner of the garden did Long Che finally appear.

Tong Yuling looked at him and asked hesitantly, "Mr. Long, is it really necessary for me to be your female companion tonight?"

Long Che's eyebrows knitted together slightly. "You don't think I brought you here just to let you tour the villa, do you?"

"No. I... I just don't feel it's essential!" Tong Yuling stammered.

"Whether it's necessary or not isn't up to you to decide!" With that, Long Che grasped her hand. "Also, did you even listen to what I said? Why are you still addressing me as Mr. Long?"

Tong Yuling bit her lip gently and remained silent. She didn't resist either, allowing him to lead her back into the house.

All the guests had arrived. The interior of the house was filled with a cacophony of voices, and the large hall seemed a bit crowded. Miao Ying, Long Xiaotian, and his wife were standing on the auditorium, beaming at the guests below.

The appearance of Long Che and Tong Yuling caused the originally noisy venue to fall suddenly silent. Everyone's eyes instinctively focused on Tong Yuling, and they all experienced a sense of surprise, amazement, envy, and admiration.

Countless stares were like searing flames, roasting Tong Yuling. She not only felt her face burning but also sensed her entire body growing warmer. Her palms began to perspire. She clutched Long Che's hand tightly, maintained a forced smile, and struggled to steady her trembling steps as she walked forward. It was only a few dozen meters from the entrance to the ceremonial platform, yet it felt like she had traversed hundreds of miles!

Once on the ceremonial platform, she scarcely dared to breathe. Her small hand was still held by Long Che. She seemed to sense a modicum of comfort and encouragement emanating from his palm, and her panicked and flustered heart calmed down a bit.

The banquet officially commenced. Miao Ying was the first to give a speech, expressing her gratitude to everyone for honoring her birthday banquet with their presence. Subsequently, Qiu Xuelian and Long Xiaotian also delivered their respective speeches of thanks. Finally, it was Long Che's turn.

His expression was as aloof as ever. His handsome face was composed and cold, yet it didn't arouse dislike. Perhaps it was his innate regal bearing and charisma that made people consider his arrogance and coldness as natural.

After he concluded his speech, the master of ceremonies announced the start of the meal.

As Long Che's female companion, Tong Yuling had the privilege of sitting at the family table on the ceremonial platform. The table was extremely large, with approximately 20 or more seats. Besides Miao Ying, Long Xiaotian and his wife, and Long Che, she didn't recognize anyone else. They were presumably all important relatives of the family.

Tong Yuling felt extremely uncomfortable, like she was sitting on a bed of nails. Facing the sumptuous and exotic delicacies that she had never tasted before, she was filled with an intense longing to sample them. However, she didn't dare to eat more because she knew that numerous pairs of eyes were fixed on her.

She was secretly hoping that Long Che would display some chivalry and serve her some food. Then she could justifiably partake of these delicious dishes. However, she waited in vain. He remained motionless, causing her to stare ruefully at the plain white rice in her bowl.

Suddenly, a middle-aged noblewoman at the table inquired, "The female companion that Ah Che brought tonight is very noble and beautiful. I wonder which family's daughter she is?"

"She is a friend of mine!" Long Che replied tersely, showing no inclination to elaborate.

"In previous years, it was Jiawen who accompanied you on Old Lady Qiu's birthday. This year, the child didn't have time to come back. As her mother, I still feel a bit guilty and worried that you would attend alone. Now that I see you have found such a good female companion, my uneasy heart is finally somewhat relieved." It turned out that this middle-aged noblewoman was Gu Xiulan, the wife of Cheng Jinhua, the chairman of the Cheng Electronic Engineering Group and Cheng Jiawen's mother.

"Hehe, how could that be? Our Ah Che is so outstanding. As long as he utters a word, countless women would be willing to be his female companion!" Miao Ying snorted and added a comment.

"Yes, yes!!" Gu Xiulan smiled apologetically, though inwardly she was rather displeased. She had long known that Miao Ying was not overly fond of her daughter.

Qiu Xuelian noticed the faint sparks that were starting to fly and was concerned that Miao Ying and Gu Xiulan would get into an argument. So she changed the topic, attempting to enliven the atmosphere with other matters. Long Xiaotian then engaged Cheng Jinhua in a discussion about business. The others at the table also joined in the conversation, and the atmosphere at the table gradually became more animated.

Tong Yuling was unable to contribute to any of the discussions and could only eat in silence. Except for occasionally responding to the topics raised by others, Long Che simply enjoyed his meal quietly. From start to finish, he didn't serve Tong Yuling a single dish, nor did he exchange a word with her.

The sumptuous dinner concluded an hour later. The servants began to remove the tables and chairs. Soon, the hall regained its spaciousness. The bright lights were replaced with multicolored twinkling lights, and lively, bold music filled the entire hall.

It was time for the dance!

As in previous years, the first dance was between Long Che and Miao Ying. She moved with a steady gait and supple limbs, dancing with abandon to the music, appearing decades younger.

After they finished dancing, others began to join in. Soon, pairs of dancers filled the dance floor. Long Che also led Tong Yuling onto the dance floor.

Fortunately, Tong Yuling had learned ballroom dancing in the past, so she managed to avoid making a fool of herself. She danced gracefully to the music. However, her head was always slightly bowed. She didn't dare to meet Long Che's gaze and simply followed his steps in silence.

Long Che didn't seem to mind. He just danced with her wordlessly. His dark eyes flickered constantly, and he seemed lost in thought.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the dance ended. Some people took their leave and departed. Some gathered in the hall to chat. Some walked out of the large house and strolled in the garden in groups.

Long Che and Tong Yuling, Zhang Shaoqi and ELLA, Li Jun and Cindy, three pairs of men and women made their way to the garden.

Their conversations revolved around international fashion shows, the opening of new high-end clubs, membership fees, and the like, all topics that were completely foreign to an ordinary person like Tong Yuling. So she remained silent, sitting quietly on the sidelines.

Of course, that snobbish ELLA didn't miss any opportunity to take jabs at Tong Yuling. Each time, it was Zhang Shaoqi who stepped in to stop her. In contrast, Long Che had a blank expression, seemingly unconcerned, his deep, mysterious eyes frequently fixed on his mobile phone.

Soon, he finally received a particular call.

"Che -" Cheng Jiawen's soft, coquettish voice came through. "ELLA said that you brought a woman to grandma's birthday banquet tonight."

Long Che didn't respond immediately. Only after Cheng Jiawen called his name again did he reply coldly, "If you had returned, the one by my side tonight would still be you!"

Cheng Jiawen knew she was in the wrong and quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I really can't get away. Tomorrow is the opening ceremony of my new film. As the lead actress, I must be present. By the way, Che, ELLA said that that woman is of ordinary birth. Why did you choose such a person? Where is your taste? Where is your refinement? Letting such a lowly woman sully you, do you know how much it pains me!"

On the other end, Cheng Jiawen prattled on incessantly. Long Che maintained his cool, handsome facade, listening most of the time.

Here, Li Jun had already taken his girlfriend to a secluded corner for some fun. ELLA took the opportunity to pick on Tong Yuling.

"Such a long-distance phone call filled with sweet nothings. It's truly enviable!" ELLA was referring to Long Che but staring at Tong Yuling, her tone dripping with scorn and sarcasm. "Jiawen and Long Che are a perfect match. Except for Jiawen, no one else can compare to him. As for those lowly women, they shouldn't even dare to dream!"

Zhang Shaoqi had long recognized ELLA's intention and knew that he couldn't dissuade her. So he remained silent.

"Have you ever worn such a beautiful dress? Do you know who designed it? It's by the renowned French designer TOMMY.BRANDA. There are only 200 sets in the world. It's a waste for a shabby woman like you to wear it!" ELLA escalated her attacks. She even reached out and yanked off the coat that Tong Yuling had draped over her shoulders. Her long fingernails scratched Tong Yuling's delicate skin, causing a dull pain.

The combination of the cold and the pain made Tong Yuling shudder. She instinctively tightened her grip on the coat and glared angrily at ELLA.

"What? Are you not satisfied? A sparrow will always be a sparrow. A shabby woman will always be a shabby woman. You're doomed to never fit into high society!" ELLA's words were like sharp daggers, showing no mercy. She began to attract the attention of those nearby.

Zhang Shaoqi finally intervened. "ELLA, what's wrong with you tonight? You're talking non-stop. Are you thirsty? Let me take you to get a drink."

ELLA was about to continue her harassment but finally relented under Zhang Shaoqi's coaxing and threats and left.

Watching their figures gradually recede into the distance, Tong Yuling's eyes filled with tears. Looking at Long Che, who was still on the phone, she felt an even deeper sense of sadness. Sure enough, one should never owe a favor to a wealthy person, as the price of repayment is unbearably heavy!

Looking around at the opulent and magnificent surroundings, she realized how out of place she was. Just as ELLA had said, she was fated to be an ordinary person. It was an unalterable fact!

After a long while, Long Che finally ended the call. But he didn't approach Tong Yuling. He merely gave her a cursory glance and then walked towards the large house.

As people gradually returned to the house, the vast garden grew increasingly desolate and lonely. A gust of strong wind blew, bringing Tong Yuling an ineffable sense of desolation and solitude. She sat down on the bench again, propped up her elbows, and buried her head in her hands.

"Miss Tong!" Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out behind her.