It was beyond Feng Anna's expectations that Ruan Tianxin was so popular here. Many socialites clad in designer brands crowded around her, toasting her. What was so special about a mere movie star that she garnered such adoration?
What Feng Anna didn't know was that Ruan Tianxin preferred her work to be the focus, rather than her background. She never revealed her privileged status in the entertainment industry, leaving many unaware of her prominent family ties.
Feng Anna mistook Ruan Tianxin's popularity as being confined to her home country, but this also presented an opportunity for her.
Carrying a specially prepared drink, she seized the moment when Ruan Tianxin momentarily separated from the crowd, heading towards the restroom. Feng Anna feigned a chance encounter and said with a smile,
"Sister Tianxin, it's a pleasure to see you here. I've heard so much about you for a long time but never had the chance to meet you. Since we've finally met, I hope you'll give me this opportunity."
Ruan Tianxin, having consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, felt unwell and was heading to the restroom for relief. She hadn't anticipated encountering Feng Anna, nor such a disingenuous greeting.
She hadn't been this polite when holding onto Shao Chen's arm earlier. Now, seeing Feng Anna acting so solicitous, she wondered about her true intentions.
Ruan Tianxin let out a belch from the alcohol and replied curtly, "Don't call me 'sister.' I can't accept that. If I recall correctly, you're older than I am, aren't you?"
Feng Anna faltered. It was true; she had publicly stated her age as 22, but in reality, she was already 27.
"You are my senior, so it's only right that I call you 'sister,'" she said, forcing a smile. She then pretended to be helpful, stepping forward to support Ruan Tianxin. "You seem to have had a bit too much to drink. How about some sweet water to sober you up?"
As she spoke, she extended the drink towards her.
Ruan Tianxin was indeed feeling the effects of the alcohol, especially since she had been drinking on an empty stomach. She felt uncomfortable and initially wanted to push Feng Anna away. However, her mouth was dry, and she eyed Feng Anna with suspicion.
Feng Anna maintained a fawning smile. "Sweet water can help with sobering up. Have some; it'll make you feel better."
Seeing no hint of malice in Feng Anna's demeanor, Ruan Tianxin assumed she was just another person trying to curry favor, as there were too many such individuals today, all seeking to impress her and build connections.
Without much thought, she took the glass. She sniffed it and, seeing it was cola, didn't pay much attention before taking a large gulp.
As she drank, she noticed a peculiar taste. Frowning, she asked, "What did you put in here?"
"Nothing, just cola," Feng Anna denied immediately, supporting her as she walked towards the restroom. "Are you feeling unwell? I'll take you to the restroom."
Ruan Tianxin was already feeling nauseous. After drinking the cola, she felt even worse and had the urge to vomit. She allowed Feng Anna to help her into the restroom.
After escorting Ruan Tianxin into the restroom, Feng Anna specifically checked that no one else was inside. She then took a "Cleaning in Progress, Temporarily Closed" sign from the restroom's utility closet and placed it at the entrance before closing the door and returning to the banquet hall.
...
Shao Chen's assistant was very efficient. Within moments, all of James's detailed information was sent to Shao Chen.
Looking at the资料 detailing James's background as a common white-collar worker, Shao Chen couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. With such a family background, how could he possibly afford Ruan Tianxin, a young lady from a prominent family?
It was clearly a mismatch. He couldn't fathom what Ruan Tianxin saw in James.
At this point, his gaze landed on James's romantic history. His last girlfriend was Ruan Tianxin, and their relationship had ended before his own relationship with Ruan Tianxin, having dated for a year. dafengfiction.com
The man's eyes darkened. She was going back to an ex, and not just any ex, but one from before him. Was she deliberately trying to provoke him?
Shao Chen felt a pang of displeasure. He put away his phone and looked again in Ruan Tianxin's direction, but she was nowhere to be seen. Only James was visible in a corner, while Ruan's mother had gone dancing with her male companion.
He suddenly stood up, intending to approach James. Just then, Feng Anna, coming from another direction, reached James slightly faster.
"Sir, you must be Sister Tianxin's boyfriend, right?" Feng Anna asked with a hint of urgency.
James recognized her instantly. Wasn't she Shao Chen's companion?
Seeing her anxious expression, he nodded. "Yes, is there something wrong?"
"I just met Sister Tianxin in the restroom. She's not feeling well and has fainted. Please go quickly," Feng Anna said anxiously.
Upon hearing this, James's heart leaped into his throat. He handed his drink to a waiter and hurried after her towards the women's restroom.
From a distance, Shao Chen saw the two of them talking and then heading in one direction. He furrowed his brow and followed them.
James followed Feng Anna into the women's restroom. He pushed the door open and saw Ruan Tianxin lying on the floor, foaming at the mouth and convulsing. Large red blotches had appeared on the exposed skin of her arms, making a terrifying sight.
"Tianxin!" James rushed forward.
As a doctor, he didn't immediately pick her up but first checked her physical condition.
He brushed aside Ruan Tianxin's hair that covered her face and saw that her face was flushed red, her breathing rapid, with shallow breaths. She looked as if she could go into shock at any moment.
Seeing Ruan Tianxin appearing to be poisoned, Feng Anna felt a surge of fear. She had only heard that cola and MSG could have aphrodisiac effects, not that it could be fatal!
Her instinct was to flee immediately.
Just then, Shao Chen arrived at the restroom entrance. Noticing something was amiss, and disregarding that it was a women's restroom, he also rushed in. He saw Ruan Tianxin collapsed on the floor.
His eyes stung. Seeing Feng Anna trying to slip away, he grabbed her and roared, "What did you do to her?"
His grip was so strong that Feng Anna felt as if her arm was being crushed. Coupled with Shao Chen's terrifying expression, like a cornered beast on the verge of madness, she dared not lie.
"I, I just gave her some cola."
"Drinking some cola would make her like this?!" Shao Chen disbelieved, roaring.
Feng Anna flinched. "And, and I added MSG."
Upon hearing this, Shao Chen's expression darkened further, and he bellowed, "Are you looking for death?! She's allergic to MSG!"
Feng Anna's face turned deathly pale with fright. "I, I, I'm sorry... I didn't know..."
"If anything happens to her, I'll use your life to pay for it!" Shao Chen shoved her aside and turned to pick up Ruan Tianxin from the floor.
Feng Anna's face was ashen. Watching Shao Chen's bloodshot eyes as he clutched Ruan Tianxin, on the verge of losing his mind, she felt a sense of dread. She realized she might have poked a tiger's tail and angered a powerful entity, spelling doom for her future.
At this moment, James had also confirmed that Ruan Tianxin's symptoms were due to an allergic reaction. "Quick, send her to the hospital."
Shao Chen naturally knew they had to go to the hospital. Holding the woman in his arms, he ignored the curious stares of others outside and rushed out. James quickly followed, went to get the car, and together they took her to the hospital.