Chapter 1725 - 1722: Two Women Competing for Supremacy
Chapter 1725 - 1722: Two Women Competing for Supremacy
The night descended over the city like a vast piece of black silk.
The lights came on, making the streets look dreamlike and ethereal.
Liu Shimei stood in front of the mirror, carefully scrutinizing her meticulously groomed self. Her eyes sparkled with a blend of determination and anticipation.
She wore a burgundy off-the-shoulder gown, the hem elegantly trailing on the ground like a fishtail, each subtle sway reminiscent of flowing red wine exuding an intoxicating charm.
The fitted cut showcased her graceful figure, her slender waist likened to a willow branch swaying in the spring breeze, evoking affection.
The deep V design at the neckline perfectly outlined her enviable curves, her fair skin contrasting beautifully with the vibrant color of the dress, akin to snow against red plum blossoms.
The subtle cleavage seemed to hide endless allure, inviting imagination.
Her makeup was exquisite, with long slender eyebrows resembling crescent moons, while the eyeshadow was a deep smoky hue accentuating her eyes like cold stars shimmering in the night sky, profound and captivating.
Her thick, curled lashes fluttered like a butterfly’s wings, stirring a seductive breeze.
Her fiery red lips glistened, seemingly whispering silent temptations that provoked a desire to taste them.
Her wavy curls casually draped over her shoulders, with playful strands falling beside her cheeks, adding a touch of languor and allure.
Taking a deep breath, Liu Shimei picked up her purse and stepped out confidently.
On her way, she drew glances from passersby. Men showed surprise and admiration in their eyes, while women secretly praised her.
Not long after.
She arrived at Xu Wendong’s door, pressing the doorbell with a mix of nervousness and apprehension.
Upon hearing the bell.
Xu Wendong immediately came outside; upon opening the villa door and seeing Liu Shimei, he was instantly stunned.
It was the first time he saw Liu Shimei dressed so elegantly since knowing her!
Before him, Liu Shimei seemed like a fairy descending from the sky, breathtakingly beautiful.
Seeing Xu Wendong’s astonished look, Liu Shimei’s face also broke into a slight smile, glad she hadn’t wasted her effort in putting on makeup!
"Come on in!" Xu Wendong regained his composure and took the gift she held in her hand.
Meanwhile, Lin Yiren was not about to be outdone.
Before Liu Shimei arrived, she had also dressed meticulously.
She wore an ink-colored cheongsam, like the flowing night, soft and with a gentle sheen, perfectly wrapping her exquisite figure.
The fitted cut hugged every curve, the high slit design subtly revealing her fair, slender legs as she walked, like starlight twinkling in the night, exuding a tantalizing allure.
Her makeup was understated yet showed charm and grace.
Under her long willow brows, her phoenix eyes gleamed with gentle autumn waters, their gaze holding both gentleness and a sharp insight.
The subtle pink eyeshadow added a touch of tenderness to her eyes; her distinctly separated eyelashes lightly fluttered like a butterfly in dance.
Her lips wore a bean-paste-colored lipstick, akin to roses blooming in spring, vibrant yet maintaining elegance, with the corners slightly raised carrying a faint smile.
Her shiny black hair was neatly arranged into an exquisite bun, fixing with a jade hairpin, with strands falling beside her cheeks and neck, adding languor and charm.
When Lin Yiren saw Liu Shimei come in, she stood up, wearing a faint smile yet discreetly assessing the other.
Liu Shimei also glanced at Lin Yiren, silently admiring, thinking the woman before her was indeed a top-grade beauty.
"Sister-in-law, this is Liu Shimei." Xu Wendong broke the ice by introducing.
Liu Shimei slightly bowed and greeted politely, "Hello sister-in-law, I’ve heard of your gentleness and kindness, and today I see it’s true."
Lin Yiren lightly laughed and replied, "You’re too kind, please sit."
The three took their seats, with an uncanny awkwardness in the atmosphere.
A feast was laid on the table, with its aroma wafting about.
Lin Yiren occasionally picked dishes for Liu Shimei, seemingly enthusiastic, yet her words contained hidden barbs, "Given how beautiful you are, you must work quite hard. Do take care of your health and don’t worry Wendong."
Liu Shimei wasn’t willing to show weakness, responding with a playful smile, "Thanks, sister-in-law, with Wendong often looking after me, I’m doing quite well."
Xu Wendong, caught in between, found himself in a difficult position, hoping this "silent battle" wouldn’t escalate.
After a few rounds of drinks, Lin Yiren rose to get dessert from the kitchen, leaving only Xu Wendong and Liu Shimei in the living room.
Liu Shimei leaned closer to Xu Wendong, softly teasing, "You really are something, bringing me to this ’battlefield,’ I can hardly cope."
The alcohol made her cheeks blush like a ripe peach, tantalizing Xu Wendong who felt parched, itching to take a bite.
As Xu Wendong was about to speak, Lin Yiren returned with desserts.
Seeing Liu Shimei’s slightly flushed cheeks, a subtle look flickered in Lin Yiren’s eyes, like a hidden ripple in a deep pool momentarily rising.
Yet she said nothing more, gently placing the desserts on the table, reverting to her gentle smile like a quietly blooming lotus in spring, silently concealing her inner ripples.
The alcohol’s effect deepened, the atmosphere among the three became increasingly hazy, like being shrouded in a delicate veil, alluring and enchanting.
Lin Yiren casually spoke of past family anecdotes, her voice soft and melodious like the call of an oriole from the valley.
Xu Wendong occasionally joined in, his low voice tinged with a lazy intoxication.
Liu Shimei also listened quietly, occasionally making playful remarks, her brows curved in delight; momentarily, the tense combativeness subtly dissipated, like snow melting in the warm sun.
The night deepened further, the city lights outside remained splendid, like a dazzling galaxy reflecting the mortal world, while the indoor lighting turned languidly ambiguous.
The warm yellow haze blanketed the three, as if coating this intimate space with a golden dreamlike filter.
Xu Wendong gazed upon the two women, both incredibly significant to him, his emotions mixed.
Savoring the tenderness of the moment, yet troubled by the unpredictability of potential waves, his conflicted feelings resembled undercurrents beneath turbulent waves, continuously surging.
Someone broached the subject of deeper private matters.
Liu Shimei recounted her past, teary-eyed.
The tears resembled tiny diamonds under the light, sparkling.
Lin Yiren felt compassionate, offering a tissue.
Her fingers lightly touched Liu Shimei’s hand, softly saying, "Don’t be sad, sister, it’s all behind you."
At that moment.
The two women seemed to reach a unique understanding.
Leaving Xu Wendong somewhat bewildered, as though caught in a wonderful dream.
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