Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest-Chapter 1177: True Proof (53)

Xie Yunyao’s visible fondness for the birthday gift Wang Chen gave her did not go unnoticed by many attentive eyes.

This once again elevated the level of attention directed at Wang Chen. The gazes cast his way were a mix of curiosity, doubt, and alertness, even hostility—especially from a few sharply-dressed young men whose expressions were particularly unfriendly.

The saying, "A hundred suitors for one daughter," perfectly described a young woman like Xie Yunyao—more so given her remarkably prominent family background.

Tonight, all those attending Xie Yunyao’s birthday party were influential figures in Huhai and their offspring.

Among them, there was no shortage of suitors vying for Xie Yunyao’s favor.

Many guests had racked their brains to prepare unique and expensive birthday gifts, hoping to win her heart.

Yet, all their efforts were defeated by Wang Chen. How could they possibly feel at ease?

Some had already begun to discreetly inquire about Wang Chen’s background.

Xie Yunyao had noticed that because of her, Wang Chen was becoming a target of everyone’s discontent. She apologized, saying, "Wang Chen, please help yourself to some food first. I need to go greet the other guests."

Wang Chen smiled lightly and said, "Alright, let’s catch up later."

He nodded at Zhang Wen, then, under the scrutinizing and varied gazes of those present, calmly asked a waiter for a plate. He selected some food he liked and found a spot to sit down.

Xie Yunyao’s birthday party was buffet-style, with a spread of exquisite Western dishes and Japanese cuisine, each beautifully presented, meticulously sourced, and highly luxurious—visually enticing and aromatic enough to whet anyone’s appetite.

But among the wealthy and elite, few came to truly savor the food. The immense living room of the grand villa had transformed into a social hub for the prominent, with champagne glasses in hand, cheerfully engaging in conversation, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

Yet, the undercurrents of rivalry and scheming beneath the surface were hidden from the untrained eye.

Wang Chen had just taken a bite of some tender, flavorful steak when a woman in a purple long dress sat down across from him. "Wang Chen, we meet again," she said.

It’s "Miss Eyeglasses!"

Wang Chen set down his knife and fork, flashed a friendly smile, and greeted, "Hello, Miss An."

Compared to their first encounter, this evening Xie Yunyao’s cousin seemed more elegant and stunning. The glasses perched on her nose didn’t diminish her beauty but rather added a touch of allure and mystery.

Wang Chen couldn’t help but admire her.

But An Ruyi held Wang Chen’s gaze for only a brief moment before averting her eyes as though defeated.

Wang Chen’s eyes were profoundly deep—staring into them felt like plunging into an endless abyss. The overwhelming despair and helplessness that suddenly arose could almost crush one’s spirit.

An Ruyi wasn’t sure if others felt the same when meeting Wang Chen’s gaze, but she herself couldn’t bear the pressure and had to look away sheepishly.

She had intentionally sat across from Wang Chen, intending to regain her composure and confidence after their previous interaction. Yet, once again, she had been soundly defeated!

"Ruyi."

Just then, a handsome and refined young man walked over, smiling warmly as he greeted An Ruyi. He extended his hand to Wang Chen and introduced himself, "Hello, I’m Han Chengyu, Ruyi’s university classmate."

"Hello."

Wang Chen stood up and shook hands with him. "Wang Chen, Xie Yunyao’s high school classmate."

It was immediately evident that this Han Chengyu was one of Miss Eyeglasses’ admirers. Love can hardly be concealed in one’s eyes, and Han Chengyu’s wary glance at Wang Chen carried the slightest hint of guarded hostility.

It seemed he had already marked Wang Chen as a rival!

Wang Chen also noticed that while he and Han Chengyu were shaking hands, An Ruyi rolled her eyes in an unexpectedly endearing way.

After the handshake, Han Chengyu sat down naturally beside them and smiled, asking, "What were you two chatting about?"

"Nothing important."

An Ruyi abruptly stood up and left, giving him no face at all.

Han Chengyu’s attempt at sitting down had barely succeeded when An Ruyi snubbed him entirely, a flash of frustration briefly darkening his eyes.

But his temperament was composed. With a wry smile and a shrug, he turned to Wang Chen and said, "Don’t I seem pretty pathetic and ridiculous?"

Wang Chen merely smiled and said nothing, declining to engage in the conversation.

Han Chengyu sighed lightly, raised his glass to clink with Wang Chen’s, and then departed as well.

He had just left when a commotion erupted at the entrance. A young man with a tuft of white hair strode in confidently, holding an enormous bouquet of vivid red roses.

"The Young Master of Han Family is here!"

Someone exclaimed softly.

Han Chengyu, who had taken only a few steps away, hesitated briefly before smiling and stepping forward to greet him. "Haoxuan—"

But before he could finish, the man with white hair shoved him aside roughly, nearly causing him to stumble—leaving Han Chengyu in an awkward state.

This man showed not the slightest bit of remorse. His sharp, predatory gaze swept through the living room before locking onto the visibly startled Xie Yunyao. A wide grin spread across his face.

"Yaoyao!"

Ignoring everyone else entirely, he marched straight toward Xie Yunyao with the roses in hand, his manner openly brazen and domineering—clearly someone accustomed to doing as he pleased.

Guests obstructing his path promptly stepped aside, revealing the wariness they held toward him.

For a moment, Xie Yunyao’s expression showed surprise before her brows furrowed. "When did you get back from abroad?"

Han Haoxuan stopped in his tracks, his stare fixed on her delicate face as a mix of greed and fervent longing flickered in his eyes. "I just flew ten thousand miles back—just to attend your birthday party."

"Yaoyao, happy birthday!"

He said the last words with immense tenderness as he handed over the bouquet of roses.

In the center of the bouquet lay an exquisite diamond necklace, its massive central diamond easily over ten carats, dazzling in its brilliance and captivating all eyes.

But Xie Yunyao did not accept it. Instead, she took a step back and firmly said, "Han Haoxuan, this gift is far too extravagant. I cannot accept it."

Han Haoxuan’s smile instantly froze, and a hint of menace flashed in his eyes.

Yet, Xie Yunyao showed no intention of backing down or displaying any fear.

A standoff ensued between the two.

"Haoxuan, so you’re here."

Just as tensions were reaching a peak, Chang Qian descended the staircase, clad in a luxurious evening gown. She walked over and positioned herself between the two.

She gracefully took the roses from Han Haoxuan and removed the diamond necklace before handing it back to him. Smiling, she said, "The roses are lovely, but such an extravagant gift is indeed too much for Yaoyao. Why don’t you hold onto it for now and discuss it later?"

Chang Qian’s commanding presence subdued even someone as arrogant as Han Haoxuan. He begrudgingly accepted the necklace back.

The atmosphere in the venue quickly eased.

Xie Yunyao wisely linked arms with her mother, accompanying her to socialize with other guests.

This was meant to prevent any further entanglements with Han Haoxuan.

Han Haoxuan’s expression shifted unpredictably as he grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down.

Soon, several individuals familiar with Han Haoxuan approached him, gathering around him like stars orbiting a moon.

"Do you know who he is?"

An Ruyi quietly returned to Wang Chen’s side, her tone carrying a hint of coldness.

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The first Chapter update is here.