That evening, a small celebration was held. Chairman Xi Hengsheng of Feiyang proposed it, and a dozen or so senior managers were invited.
Among those Guan Xing knew were his little assistant, now sweetly coquettish, staying close to Xi Hengsheng, teasing and joking with the older men. Whenever she glanced back, her youthful eyes seemed to shimmer with quiet longing.
There was also Hua Rubing, the coldly elegant manager, like a snow lotus atop a thousand-foot mountain—pale, refined, and aloof. She sipped her wine slowly, sitting alone at a table, untouched by conversation. True beauty commanded attention naturally. Several men lingered nearby, their gazes admiring and lingering solely on her.
When Guan Xing entered, everyone had arrived. Hua Rubing did not rise to greet him; she simply lifted her exquisite eyes in a silent acknowledgment.
"Dr. Guan, you've come! I thought you'd slight my old self," Xi Hengsheng said, rushing forward. Thanks to Guan Xing, he now had something impressive to boast about to his expert friends—the company had a prodigy.
"Chairman, you flatter me. The surgery's success is all due to the collective support of the company," Guan Xing replied politely. He was not fond of large gatherings, but he could not refuse such courtesy.
Du Juan, accompanying him, looked radiant tonight. Her straight hair framed her half-bared shoulders, youthful and elegant without being provocative. Even Hua Rubing's famed cold beauty seemed slightly overshadowed by her charm. Encouraged by Guan Xing, Du Juan had submitted her resignation and accepted a hospital internship, making this her final appearance as a Feiyang employee.
Several young managers, captivated, immediately surrounded Du Juan. They had known of the timid nurse but had not realized her hidden beauty—pure, delicate, and enchanting. Her presence stirred their hearts.
Guan Xing casually exchanged greetings with the managers but did not linger; business and socializing were not his concern. While Du Juan was engaged in conversation, he allowed her to enjoy the attention, subtly giving others a chance.
"Dr. Guan, let me introduce some of our company's beauties—they're curious about you," said the mischievous Xi Lian'er, pulling him aside. The atmosphere became quieter and warmer. Five or six young women sat together, chatting softly, their long hair flowing, exuding charm and subtle sensuality. Two in particular radiated maturity and allure, their gentle glances almost magnetic.
"This is our general manager, Miss Cheng Yun'Ya, my elder cousin. Beautiful, isn't she?" Xi Lian'er said, letting go of Guan Xing's arm and throwing herself playfully into Cheng Yun'Ya's embrace.
Cheng Yun'Ya rose gracefully, her delicate face lighting up with a warm smile. "Dr. Guan, I've heard of your great skill. It's an honor to meet you—no wonder all our female staff wish to be your girlfriend." Her voice was clear and composed, a fragrant presence of refined elegance.
Another standout beauty rose and extended her hand. "I've wanted to meet you too, Dr. Guan. Your fame has spread far—how could I not?"
Guan Xing immediately recognized her as Qin Yunlu of the expansion department, Hua Rubing's counterpart. Their departments had long competed fiercely.
"Newly arrived, please take care of me. It's a pleasure to meet so many beautiful ladies tonight," he said calmly, his demeanor cool and unshakable. His composed manner, however, disappointed some of the women, especially Cheng Yun'Ya, who lingered with curious glances.
Xi Lian'er, undeterred, exclaimed, "Dr. Guan, let's dance the first dance together!"
Music swelled, and the evening's energy rose.
Guan Xing looked toward Du Juan. The little girl must have been overwhelmed by attention.
"Sorry, little one. I already have a dance partner tonight," he said. Though he liked Xi Lian'er's spirited nature, he could not indulge her.
"Brother Guan! You ignore me! If you run off like this next time, I won't forgive you," she teased, eyes wide with surprise. Even Du Juan noticed, thinking: Could she be Guan Xing's girlfriend? Such a simple, honest girl had never displayed such sophistication unless in front of a beloved man.
"Feeling uncomfortable?" Cheng Yun'Ya whispered, observing Guan Xing taking Du Juan into the dance. She held Xi Lian'er in her arms, explaining, "Brother Guan is a man with boundless charm. You're too young; you can't handle such emotions."
Qin Yunlu sipped her wine thoughtfully. "A man who captures the eyes of the cold beauty… he is not ordinary." Indeed, a man like Guan Xing would never have only one woman around him. For eighteen-year-old Xi Lian'er, her first fluttering feelings were precious, and no one wished her to suffer heartbreak.
Du Juan danced, speaking softly with Guan Xing, while Hua Rubing, observing, allowed a rare faint smile to cross her lips. She had always kept others at a distance, but tonight, perhaps due to Du Juan's presence and her own feelings, she softened slightly.
Du Juan, knowing she would soon leave, subtly worked to help bring Guan Xing and Hua Rubing closer—a gesture of friendship and foresight. For her, it was not about work; with Guan Xing's skill, even a hospital vice-director could not challenge him. Life, however, still needed allies, and in Du Juan's mind, the reserved and elegant Hua Rubing was the ideal friend for him.
Through misunderstandings and subtle intrigues, Hua Rubing had come to see Guan Xing as a friend. Yet his aloofness had bruised her pride as a woman, leaving her still guarded around him. Guan Xing, meanwhile, appreciated the change; though he would not cross boundaries, forming friendships and casual conversations were still possible. With Du Juan gone, Hua Rubing's presence would be a welcome companionship.