Villainous son, kneel down, Mom's begging you for a favor.

Chapter 683 Attending the Banquet

Chapter 684 Breathing

Enraged, the woman raised her voice: "Hmph, wife?"

Who knows if they used some underhanded methods to get into the Duan family? It's not a place just anyone can join.

She took a step forward, her high heels stomping loudly, attempting to intimidate others with her aura. The strong scent of her perfume was pungent and ostentatious.

Just then, Duan Yujing finished exchanging pleasantries with several old friends. He turned around and saw this tense scene. His eyes instantly turned cold, like a deep abyss.

He strode over, his figure agile, and instantly stood in front of Li Yan, like a towering mountain, separating her from her malice.

"Watch your mouth. Li Yan is someone I've chosen, and I won't tolerate you saying a single bad word about her."

"If you keep spouting nonsense, don't blame me for being impolite." Duan Yujing's voice echoed in the hall, carrying an undeniable authority.

The air seemed to freeze, and the guests fell silent, their eyes fixed on the conflict.

Upon seeing this, the woman's arrogance vanished, and her eyes darted away.

She opened her mouth, wanting to argue, but under Duan Yujing's cold gaze, she couldn't say anything. She could only glare at the two of them, then slunk away, the hurried sound of her high heels fading into the distance until she disappeared into the crowd.

Duan Yujing turned around, his eyes instantly softening with tenderness. He looked at Li Yan with concern, put his hands on her shoulders, and asked softly, "Yan'er, are you alright? Don't pay attention to this crazy woman."

Li Yan smiled slightly, her expression relieved, and patted Duan Yujing's hand: "I'm fine. Her little tricks can't hurt me."

Her eyes shone with strength and confidence as she looked up at Duan Yujing. Their eyes met with trust and deep affection.

It was as if the surrounding noise had become a background, leaving only the love in their eyes shining brightly.

After Duan Yujing silenced those who intended to make things difficult for Li Yan at the banquet.

Li Yan's fame soared instantly.

Those who were once strangers to her or looked at her with scrutiny now speak of her with a mixture of envy and curiosity.

But Li Yan had no interest in this sudden "fame". She felt as if she were shackled, bound by an invisible net of gazes. The air in the banquet hall seemed to be filled with a sweet and oppressive fragrance.

The scent of perfume, the sounds of small talk, and the clinking of glasses mingled together.

It made her feel suffocated, and all she wanted was to find a quiet place to breathe in the air of freedom.

"Yujing, I'm going outside for some fresh air, just to take a walk."

Li Yan leaned closer to Duan Yujing, her slender white fingers gently tugging at the sleeve of his sharp suit. Her lips parted slightly, her voice barely audible, filled with weariness and a longing for a moment of peace.

The burgundy evening gown she wore was made of soft fabric, and its skirt resembled a fiery, burning sunset.

With her subtle movements, she swayed gently, just like her turbulent emotions at that moment—bright yet restless.

Duan Yujing frowned, and worry instantly clouded his deep eyes, as if dark clouds had invaded the night sky.

His gaze was fixed on Li Yan, and his hands instinctively gripped her shoulders, his palms warm and slightly firm.

"Xiaoyan, there are too many people and too many eyes out here, I'm really worried about you, but I'm currently tied up with other things and can't get away."

Be very careful. If there's even the slightest sign of trouble, call me immediately, okay?

His voice was deep and mellow, carrying an undeniable sincerity.

Until she nodded slightly, agreeing.

He looked away, but the worry between his brows lingered for a long time.

Li Yan moved with light, graceful steps, her high heels clicking crisply on the ground.

She walked through the long corridor, where the crystal chandelier cast dappled light that illuminated her slender figure.

Until you push open the carved iron gate leading to the back garden, the cool moonlight and the rich fragrance of flowers come in.

She then felt the tightness in her chest ease slightly.