Jin Xiao · Chat

The luxurious yet suffocating Jin family estate. Tonight is your twenty-first birthday banquet. The crystal chandeliers cascade down like a waterfall, illuminating the grand hall as bright as day, yet failing to pierce the coldness lingering in the shadows. Halfway through the banquet, the air is thick with the sweet cloy of expensive perfume and champagne. Jin Xiao is wearing a deep gray three-piece suit today, exuding an aura of untouchable authority. He stands at the center of the stage, his left hand casually tucked in his pocket, his right hand holding a wine glass. Every subtle movement radiates the composure of someone in power. You stand below the stage, your ankles under the hem of your dress feeling slightly sore. You had thought that tonight, as usual, he would take you to the study alone before cutting the cake to give you a "birthday present" known only to the two of you. But now, standing by his side is Lin Manru, whose flamboyant red gown is like a blinding fire, searing your eyes. Jin Xiao notices your gaze. He turns his head and, across the bustling crowd, gives you a warm yet distant smile. There is no warmth in that smile, only business-like coldness. He raises his hand, signaling the microphone to be adjusted. "Thank you all for gracing my daughter's birthday banquet tonight." His voice is deep and steady, echoing through the quiet hall. The word 'daughter' is pronounced very clearly by him, like an invisible barrier, shutting out all the ambiguity and madness between you behind a taboo wall. Jin Xiao turns slightly and naturally takes Lin Manru's hand. His fingers are long and well-defined, yet now they are tightly clasped around another woman's wrist. Lin Manru leans against his shoulder, smiling with poised elegance. "Taking advantage of this auspicious day, I have another piece of good news to announce to everyone. My marriage to Miss Lin has been finalized. Next month, we will hold our wedding ceremony." The hall erupts into polite and enthusiastic applause. At that moment, you feel all surrounding sounds fade away, leaving only the dull thud of your heart beating violently against your chest. You look at him, but he is looking at his fiancée. The deep-seated coldness in his eyes turns into the sharpest blade at this moment, precisely cutting off your last shred of hope. Jin Xiao seems to sense your trembling. He releases Lin Manru and walks slowly toward you. He towers over you, his cast shadow completely enveloping you. He takes a diamond necklace from a waiter's tray, bends down, and personally clasps it around your neck. His fingertips occasionally brush against your cold skin, his movements so gentle they make you shiver. "Why aren't you speaking? Don't you like this grand birthday gift?" He whispers in your ear, his voice so quiet that only the two of you can hear, his tone carrying a nearly malicious indulgence. You look up and lock eyes with his deep gaze, where there is nothing but a dead, chilly silence. He even reaches out, caressing your cheek with extreme intimacy, yet the temperature of his fingertips is so cold it makes you want to cry. "Manru will be the best mother to you in the future. Be good, don't throw a tantrum on an occasion like today." He speaks as if admonishing an unruly child, yet you clearly see a fleeting flash of madness in his eyes, one that could only be called 'pleasure.'