Chapter 22: Aren't You Afraid of Catching a Cold?

Zhang Qiming’s face instantly flushed a deep liver-red, beads of sweat the size of soybeans breaking out on his forehead. His lips trembled, but he couldn’t utter a single word.

The two companions beside him retreated nervously, as if they wished to vanish on the spot.

“Excuse me.” He Jingyue didn’t spare Zhang Qiming another glance. With utter ease, he extended his arm, signaling Lu Qiuyi to link hers through his.

Seeing He Jingyue’s outstretched arm, Lu Qiuyi instinctively hooked hers around it.

He Jingyue, with Lu Qiuyi by his side, navigated the center of the banquet hall with composed grace.

He did not thrust her into the spotlight; rather, during conversations, he centered himself. Yet, every simple introduction—“My companion, Miss Lu Qiuyi”—was enough to set off alarm bells in the minds of the seasoned socialites immersed in this world of fame and fortune, prompting them to swiftly reassess the weight of this unfamiliar and beautiful woman.

The previously flirtatious and scrutinizing gazes vanished completely, replaced by just the right measure of politeness, smiles, and even subtle attempts at flattery.

Lu Qiuyi linked her arm through He Jingyue’s, her fingertips brushing against the warmth and strength of his solid arm beneath the fabric of his suit.

“Tired?” He Jingyue turned his head slightly, his voice low and private, meant only for her ears.

Lu Qiuyi shook her head instinctively but then nodded honestly halfway through. “A little.”

Having stood in ten-centimeter heels for nearly an hour, a dull ache throbbed at her heels.

He Jingyue’s gaze swept over her lips, gently pressed together, but he said nothing.

Just then, a waiter carrying drinks passed by. He Jingyue raised a hand to signal him to stop, took a glass of crystal-clear soda water from the tray, and handed it to Lu Qiuyi.

“Moisten your throat.” His movement was so natural it seemed like a mere afterthought.

Yet this small gesture, observed by several wealthy ladies nearby who had been watching them closely, stirred a quiet ripple.

“Did you see that? He Jingyue personally got her a drink, and it’s non-alcoholic.”

“Tsk tsk, the sun must be rising in the west. When has he ever been so considerate with a companion before?”

“Even the Zhou family lady probably never received such treatment. Who exactly is this Assistant Lu?”

“Looks like those previous marriage rumors were largely exaggerated.”

Lu Qiuyi, of course, heard none of these whispered speculations. She sipped the soda water gently, secretly stealing a glance at He Jingyue’s profile.

Why had he defended her so fiercely just now? Was it merely because she was his companion, a matter of pride and image?

Or was there, perhaps, a tiny fragment of truth—that it was because of her?

The thought barely surfaced before Lu Qiuyi pushed it away firmly.

Don’t be foolishly sentimental. Someone like He Jingyue—there’s no way.

She shook her head, casting aside the unrealistic notion.

At that moment, a suit jacket, imbued with warmth and the familiar scent of cedarwood, suddenly draped over her shoulders.

Lu Qiuyi froze, startled, and turned her head in surprise.

He Jingyue had, without her noticing, concluded his brief conversation and returned to her side.

He wore only a perfectly fitted white shirt beneath—his broad shoulders and narrow waist emphasized, his demeanor noble and cool.

The jacket he had just removed now wrapped snugly around her bare shoulders and arms.

Lu Qiuyi was so moved she almost wept.

Only a benefactor like him knows when she’s cold.

He Jingyue lowered his gaze, his eyes lingering briefly on the faint redness around her moist eyes and the tip of her nose. Then, expressionless, he lifted his hand, his slender fingers casually adjusting the collar of the jacket, his fingertips brushing inadvertently against the delicate skin of her neck.

Leaning in slightly, his deep, melodious voice whispered close to her ear: “The fabric of your dress is too thin—it dazzles the eyes. Wearing so little, aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?”

“...”

Lu Qiuyi’s swelling gratitude instantly froze on her face.

Her heart, which had just quickened, skipped a beat and seemed to hit pause.

So, the reason he covered her wasn’t out of kindness or concern for her coldness, but because her dress was too sheer, distracting his eyes? And, incidentally, he worried she might get sick and fail to work for him?

Lu Qiuyi: !!!

Capitalist! Scoundrel! Serves you right to have a stomachache!

How had she felt touched just moments ago?

She must have been intoxicated by the champagne!

The lighting in the banquet hall shifted subtly. Through the speakers, the host announced the charity auction was about to begin and invited guests to proceed to the auction area.

The crowd began to move.

He Jingyue lowered his gaze. “Let’s go find a seat.”

“All right.” Lu Qiuyi obediently replied, linking her arm with his as they followed the flow of people toward the auction area.

The auction area was elegantly and grandly arranged, with comfortable seating.

He Jingyue’s seat was naturally in the front row, offering an excellent view.

He chivalrously pulled out a chair for Lu Qiuyi; only after she sat did he take his seat beside her.

This small gesture drew many curious glances from behind.

The auction commenced. One exquisite piece of jewelry or art after another was presented on the stage, with bidding calls rising and falling.

He Jingyue seemed largely uninterested in most items, occasionally raising his paddle for a few antique artworks.

Lu Qiuyi watched in awe—is this truly the world of top-tier wealth?

Millions, even tens of millions, seemed like mere numbers in his eyes.

When a dazzling diamond necklace was brought forth, Lu Qiuyi’s gaze was irresistibly drawn to it.

The necklace was exquisitely designed, featuring a rare pink diamond centerpiece surrounded by densely set colorless diamonds that shimmered brilliantly under the lights, breathtakingly beautiful.

The starting price was already steep.

As bidding began, the price climbed steadily. Clearly, the necklace was highly coveted among the ladies present.

He Jingyue had not raised his paddle, merely watched calmly.

When the bidding reached a high point, the competition slowed, with only two or three contenders still locked in.

Suddenly, a somewhat familiar female voice rang out, tinged with a confident smile, announcing a new, higher bid.

Lu Qiuyi turned toward the sound, her heart skipping a beat—it was one of the wealthy ladies who had whispered about her earlier, who glanced at her meaningfully.

He Jingyue seemed to notice too, a barely perceptible cold curve lifting the corner of his lips.

Just as the auctioneer was about to bring down the gavel—

“Double.” He Jingyue’s clear, steady voice echoed throughout the auction hall.

The room fell silent for a moment.

He had just doubled the previous bid?

This far exceeded the necklace’s intrinsic value!

The wealthy lady who had bid last turned an extremely unpleasant shade, mouth opening slightly but ultimately refraining from bidding further. Her companions tugged at her, whispering consolation.

The auctioneer, excited, asked three times before finally bringing down the gavel: “Congratulations to Mr. He Jingyue!”

All eyes once again focused on the front row.

Shock, envy, and deeper curiosity filled the room—why did Mr. He want a clearly feminine necklace? Was it meant for the assistant beside him?

Lu Qiuyi was stunned, her heart pounding wildly as she instinctively looked at He Jingyue.