How about him, then?
Cici exchanged a glance with Rona Muir.
The two of them flanked Jiro Hirayama, one on each side.
Cici cleared her throat softly. "So, Jiro Hirayama, you came to China with me, right? We're friends now, aren't we?"
If I ignore the fact that you tampered with my meds back in Japan, we could actually be close friends.
Rona Muir pushed out her G-cup chest. "You're living at Cici's place, eating her food, and she brings you along to all her events. You can't just freeload forever, can you?"
Jiro Hirayama was sharp—he caught on right away.
He hesitated for a moment. Lately, he'd been sticking to Cici like glue—not just her, but her dad too!
Her dad was always trying to sell him on joining the Yun Family's research institute.
Overall, his time in China had been much happier than back in Japan.
You can't just take advantage of people forever... Looks like it's time to give something back.
After weighing his options, Jiro finally nodded. "Alright... I'll help you this once."
Rona snapped her fingers at his answer and said enthusiastically, "Come on, let's go to my room!"
Jiro stared at her in alarm. "What are you planning?"
Jiro might have some scary biochemical skills, but his physical stamina...
Honestly, you can't expect a researcher to have the stamina of a boxer!
"You're overthinking it. I just want to give you a full makeover," Rona said bluntly. "You're still not qualified for me to eat you up!"
Cici broke out in a cold sweat.
Rona, is it really okay to say it that bluntly?
Jiro is two years younger than me, and he's four years younger than you...
Cici watched as Rona Muir dragged Jiro Hirayama straight out of her room and into Rona's.
Cici remembered that night when they first arrived in the capital—Jiro had asked Rona for a blood sample to figure out how she defied the 'big boobs, no brains' stereotype.
Ha, karma's a thing!
Now he was about to get a firsthand experience of what it means to have both brains and curves!
Cici used to have a pretty good impression of Sean Kerr.
If nothing else, a man who chases love so persistently is worth some praise.
But after chatting with Rona and hearing Mrs. Kerr's call, Cici's opinion of Sean Kerr dropped several points.
Honestly, Sean losing points for not being able to resist his family's arrangements.
This birthday party for the Finance Minister's daughter is also Sean's engagement announcement. If he doesn't make a stand, he's really not worth Rona's patience.
Rona was born to be a queen—she shouldn't have to lower herself for any man.
A queen like her deserves a gentle knight to protect her for life.
Honestly, in his personal affairs, Sean's not even as decisive as Jiro.
Sean might control the Kerr Family, but he still can't break free from his parents' grip.
Maybe it's because he's filial, or maybe there's something else.
Men who are blindly filial are even scarier, aren't they?
On the other hand, Jiro does whatever he wants, to the extreme.
No one in the Hirayama Family is probably worried about his marriage.
Honestly, what noblewoman could handle a husband with a house full of test tubes and creepy creatures?
As expected, the invitation arrived right on time.
Max Mo brought the invitation, and Cici agreed without hesitation to be his date.
Honestly, Cici hadn't planned to go at all.
They had nothing to do with her, so it didn't really matter whether she went or not.
But things were different now.
They were clearly trying to embarrass Rona, and as her bestie, there was no way Cici would just stand by and watch.
Hmph, if Sean Kerr doesn't impress me today, then he shouldn't ever show up around Rona again!
It's such a serious occasion—if Sean can't give Rona a solid sense of security, then maybe they're just not meant to be.
Max Mo hadn't expected Cici to agree so quickly, but when he saw Rona dragging Jiro out, he understood.
In his position, there's no news he doesn't know.
He already knew the Kerr Family planned to use the Finance Minister's daughter's birthday to officially announce the engagement.
For Rona, this engagement was a slap in the face.
With Rona's personality, taking it lying down just isn't her style!
But seriously, Jiro looks like he's been... forced into this whole thing...
Jiro came out after Rona's makeover, blushing bright red.
Huh? Rona, what exactly did you do to this little virgin?!
Rona stood there in a low-cut evening gown, radiating queen energy!
Cici and Max Mo both gave her a big thumbs up.
Not gonna lie, Jiro looked way more handsome after Rona's makeover.
Cici couldn't help but snap a photo of Jiro and Rona together. On impulse, she sent it to Mr. Henry Hirayama.
After all, they'd entrusted their son to her care—she had to give updates every now and then!
Who knew, after seeing the photo, Mr. Henry Hirayama immediately replied: "Ah, has Jiro found himself a Chinese bride already?"
Huh? What is even going on here!
Cici hurried to clear things up—letting people misunderstand would be bad...
Actually, Cici explained a bit too early. Because after tonight, something huge would happen, and she'd have no way to explain herself even if she tried!
When the time came, Cici, Max Mo, Rona, and Jiro showed up at the birthday banquet in full force.
Charles Yin couldn't make it, and Cici couldn't represent the Yin Family, so their gift was sent separately.
(This chapter isn't finished yet~.~ Click next page for more!)
Even though Cici was Max Mo's date, she was representing the Yun Family.
The Yun Family's importance made the Finance Minister pay close attention. Plus, Cici came with Max Mo, so the upper crust took her even more seriously.
Cici's poise drew a lot of attention from the crowd.
She came with Max Mo, so plenty of people in the capital were already speculating about their relationship.
The banquet was held in an elegant villa. When Cici arrived, the place was packed with glamorous guests.
Cici even spotted a bunch of celebrities, singers, and hosts.
Talk about giving face!
Max Mo whispered, "That’s Miss Gong San—she’s a rare beauty."
"Miss Gong San?" Cici paused, then realized, "The birthday girl? Sean Kerr’s fiancée?"
Max Mo nodded with a gentle smile in his blue eyes.
Max Mo explained quietly, "Director Gong could've gone even higher, but his reputation issues held him back. Still, he’s got serious power. The Kerr Family’s alliance with him makes sense. Miss Gong San is a rare beauty, and Mrs. Kerr is quite fond of her—that’s only natural."
Cici suddenly realized Max Mo was mapping out the complicated web of relationships for her.
"A strong alliance is only logical," Cici nodded.
But since her best friend was involved, there was no way she could just stand by and watch.
"The Kerr Family may be rooted in N City, but their real foundation is still here in the capital. Years ago, they nearly got kicked out of the elite circle. So, this engagement is their way back in, and they're pulling out all the stops. I heard Mrs. Kerr even went on a hunger strike for a whole day to force Sean Kerr to show up," Max Mo continued. "Having Rona bring Jiro tonight might've been the smartest move."
"Oh? Why's that?" Cici asked, curious.
"You'll see a lot of familiar faces tonight," Max Mo whispered. "Including the one who secretly hired the Yamaguchi-gumi to go after you in Japan."
Cici's face froze.
If Jiro hadn't intercepted things halfway, she probably wouldn't have escaped so easily.
"Do you know who did it?" Cici's eyes flashed cold.
"Yeah, I know. But it’s better if Jiro tells you himself, since they’ll be coming for him tonight too." Max Mo smiled quietly. "That old debt has to be settled sooner or later, right?"
Cici narrowed her eyes. Time to settle things?
Yeah, it’s time to settle things!
Let’s see who’s so desperate to see me dead!
Rona walked over arm-in-arm with Jiro, and seeing Cici and Max Mo talking quietly, she joined them, scoffing, "Looks like Mrs. Kerr is really determined to slap me in the face tonight."
Jiro’s face was still a bit flushed.
Seriously, Rona, what did you do to him!
Rona continued, "Miss Emily Gong’s status is way out of my league. This pretty much settles things once and for all."
Cici saw that even though Rona looked calm, her eyes were full of sadness.
How could she not be sad?
Three years ago, Rona did have feelings for Sean Kerr.
But the Kerr Family was dead set against it, and Rona was too proud to bow to power.
Now, three years later, Sean's persistence could melt even the coldest heart.
But every time Rona’s heart warmed up a little, the Kerr Family would throw cold water on it, freezing her right back.
After so long, Rona’s heart was riddled with scars—she couldn’t bring herself to trust anyone’s feelings anymore.
Sean Kerr really is a good guy. He used to be a bit of a jerk, but he’s always been loyal in love.
But Sean’s fatal flaw is—Mrs. Kerr.
She’s basically his Achilles’ heel.