At this moment, the countdown had started, drowning their voices in the middle of the shouts.
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
Yu Yan clapped her hand amidst the people who said New Year to everyone near them. They were celebrating the coming of the New Year. Outside the mansion, the sound of fireworks never ceased and instead grew louder.
It was to the point Yu Yan wondered whether the government would be alerted by the noise or not.
Well, it's New Year, so who cares?
Lei Xing Yi looked at Long Ying with a complicated gaze but she didn't continue her words from before. He was giving her a warning gaze as if he wanted her to keep her speculation to herself.
Sighing internally, Lei Xing Yi wondered whether she would be able to survive or not now that she had realized this matter.
On the stage, Long Shu Ting bowed to everyone and said, "Happy New Year everyone. I hope you'll enjoy the party today."
"Thank you, First Young Master Long."
"Happy New Year!"
Long Shu Xing looked at his first brother and then moved his gaze to Long Ying. There was a faint glint on his eyes as if he was giving warning to the young man below the stage.
However, Long Ying was calm and steady. He replied back the gaze with the same steady gaze. There were no words that was said, but Long Shu Xing already knew that he had lost the battle with his first brother. The call that he gave to his younger brother went unnoticed.
"Second Brother, would you like to take over the stage?" Long Shu Ting asked. He was planning to go down.
"No need. You can keep it as long as you want but I'll make sure to take what supposed to be mine in the end."
Long Shu Ting merely chuckled and walked down calmly. His hand moved to his ear as he spoke a few words before he started to greet those businessmen who were staying near him. They were all curious about the big moves that the Long Family was planning to do.
Long Shu Xing walked down and passed by Long Ying. His eyes were filled with threat and warning.
"Threat will not bring me to you, Second Brother." Long Ying was calm when Long Shu Xing passed by him. He spoke each words in a low tone. "And what makes you think that you're more heartless than me?"
"Heh, you better stick to your choice because I'll not let you off."
Long Ying didn't even spare another glance to Long Shu Xing as the latter walked pass him. His eyes were focused on the stage and also the other people around them. He would not let his second brother affected him.
Warm hand suddenly moved to his own. He glanced to the side and saw Yu Yan looking at him with worry in her eyes. She wanted to tell him that she would be by his side no matter what. Even if he had to brave danger and all, she would stay by his side.
He didn't reply but his hand held Yu Yan's hand tighter.
There was no need for words between the two of them.
By the side, Lei Xing Yi suddenly felt as if she had just eaten something sour. Looking at the couple by her side, she rubbed her nose a bit. Should she also search for a boyfriend?
But upon recalling how her father and mother ended up, Lei Xing Yi tossed the thoughts to the back of her mind. She didn't need a man in her life. Even without a man helping her, she could achieve success on her own.
"Yan'er."
Yu Yan turned her head to look at her husband. Her large eyes were waiting patiently for him to tell her what he wanted to say. It was clear and without any ripple just like the surface of a sea. What reflected in her clear eyes was Long Ying's face.
"I need to greet my brother first. You can stay here if you don't wish to be on the spotlight."
"I'll come with you."
"Alright." Long Ying silently moved forward with his hand still holding Yu Yan's hand. His footsteps were steady as it showed that he had made his decision and just came forward to do what he was supposed to do.
Lei Xing Yi watched them and sighed. So, it was true…
Her lips curled up at the thought of how she managed to make good relationship with Yu Yan. At first, she only did it because of her grandfather's order but afterwards, the two of them got along pretty well.
'Those who dare to offend them in the past… will have to pay the price soon.' Lei Xing Yi played with the glass in her hand as an amused smile plastered on her lips. It seemed that she would be watching an exciting show soon.
As Long Ying and Yu Yan walked towards the front, their movement caught the attention of some people.
"What are they doing? Don't they know their places?" Kang Mao Lan was annoyed. She was staying near Yu Xin since her husband was mingling with some other businessmen.
Yu Xin sneered. "They didn't know their place and hope that useless people like them could get spotlight."
"How shameless!" Kang Mao Lan spat out.
Bao Tu passed Yu Yan and Long Ying a cold glance before he turned around and busied himself with his own conversation. Those people would only make themselves a laughingstock.
Why should he care about them either way?
A businessman near Long Shu Ting realized that someone had come. He was stunned and turned around with displease. Couldn't that person see that he was having an important conversation.
And what was with his getup? Did he have some kind of unspeakable identity to the point that he dresses up like this?
While the businessman was ready to rebuke Long Ying, Long Shu Ting was looking at him with surprise. Soon afterwards, there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
He had won the first battle.
Long Ying looked at Long Shu Ting and called out, "First Brother."