230 Fateful Decision (1/2)

Jin Liwei frowned. He didn't expect that this was what Fan Luo was like when drunk. She had always been a sweet and proper young lady. So she also had this kind of side.

Shrugging, he dismissed her words as a careless joke made in a drunken state. He had no more interest in listening to such petty female drivels, so he silently left to find another quiet place to relax.

After some time, he finally returned to his mother's birthday ball. The youthful Huang Yuyan didn't look like his mother but looked like his older sister instead.

Although this was her birthday ball, she was bashful when meeting and talking to her own guests. It was her best friend, Fan Yuming, who actively chatted with everyone. Fan Yuming was Fan Luo's mother. Huang Yuyan treated her like her dearest sister. She allowed Fan Yuming to lead the conversations, as if it was Fan Yuming's party and not hers.

Huang Yuyan's eyes lit up when she saw Jin Liwei. She excused herself from the group and headed towards him.

”Happy Birthday, Mother,” he greeted.

To others, his expression looked cold and indifferent as usual, but Huang Yuyan detected the gentleness in her son's eyes and tone.

”Thank you, son. I'm glad you came. I know you're very busy at work.”

”En.”

He didn't deny it. He was indeed extremely busy at work. Jin Corporation would be launching a new product line in the international market soon. He was flying all around the world personally meeting with business partners and investors.

In addition to this, he was dealing with internal strife within the company because one of the board members was being suspected of selling Jin Corporation secrets to competitors. It was such a headache because the board member was a close friend of his late father's. He already launched an investigation which soured their personal relationship.

Another matter that he was busy with was the new business partnership between Jin Corporation and the Fans. The two companies already had a couple of older partnerships during his father's time. This was the first time that he personally approved a partnership between the two companies as a favour to the Fans for their friendship to his mother.

He had a lot on his plate at the moment, but tonight was his mother's birthday. So even if he had much more important things to do at work than listen to all the shallow pleasantries, he still did his duty as the firstborn son and attended the ball.

”Son, did you congratulate your brother and Little Luo Luo? They're together now,” Huang Yuyan gushed. Her excitement was obvious in her sparkling eyes. ”I'm so happy. I've always treated Little Luo Luo like my own daughter and now maybe she can be my official daughter in the future. Wouldn't that be wonderful?”

”En.”

Then she looked up at him in a teasing manner. ”How about you, son? Don't you think it's time for you to find a girlfriend as well? If you like, we can ask your Aunt Yuming to look for some nice young ladies—”

”Not interested.”

Huang Yuyan pouted but didn't force the issue.

The birthday ball ended as a big success. It was even featured in the news because of all the impressive guests who attended.

The next day, Jin Liwei went back to work at Jin Corporation. His schedule was tight with barely any breaks. He was focused on work and had no time to spare about anything else. His mood wasn't the best at the moment.

After an intense board meeting, he and Xu Tian made their way back to his office at the top floor. Even while walking, they were discussing about the next task he needed to complete by today.

They passed by several departments along the way. A department chief called out to them to ask for approval about something. After signing the approved documents, Jin Liwei's eyes caught the news playing on the wall TV.

”Pop singer Iris Long in critical condition after car crash last night.”

The news anchor made a brief introduction about Iris Long and showed some short clips of her latest viral music video. Then the available information about the car crash was reported.

Jin Liwei frowned when he heard that the girl was just 18-years old who crashed her sports car after clubbing. She must be some spoiled kid who was probably drunk out of her mind but still decided to drive by herself. No wonder she crashed.

He didn't immediately recognize Iris Long and dismissed the news out of his mind. He had more important things to do. He returned to his office and buried himself in his work. It was only much later when the name Iris Long registered in his mind.