The chandelights cast golden patterns across the marble floor as I adjusted my tie for what felt like the hundredth time. Another business banquet, another opportunity to prove I wasn't just some sheltered kid playing at being a businessman. My brother's absence hung heavy in the air - "just a minor accident," they said, but the casts on his leg told a different story. I was here because he couldn't be, representing a company I barely understood.

"Peien, come meet Mr. Jiang." My uncle's hand on my back propelled me forward before I could protest. There he stood in the center of the room, looking every bit the powerful tycoon I'd heard about - sharp suit, commanding presence, eyes that seemed to see right through you.

"Mr. Jiang, this is my nephew, Li Peien. He's temporarily assisting while his brother recovers." Uncle's voice dripped with false casualness, already calculating the business opportunities.

"Mr. Jiang," I managed to get out, extending a hand that felt clammy despite my efforts to appear composed. "I'm Li Peien."

His grip was firm, confident, not lingering but somehow still making my skin tingle. I couldn't help but notice the way his suit fit perfectly, the subtle scent of cedar that clung to him, the intelligence in his eyes as they assessed me. I made the mistake of meeting his gaze directly and found myself momentarily lost in their depth.

Small talk, polite and meaningless, filled the space between us. I counted the seconds until I could excuse myself, back to the safety of the sidelines where I belonged. When I finally murmured something about needing to greet another guest, relief washed over me as I turned to leave.

Then it happened - a gentle but unyielding pressure on my wrist, turning me back before I could process what was happening. Before I could speak or react, he was closer than appropriate, his scent overwhelming my senses. And then his lips were on mine.

Warm, confident, not tentative in the least. I froze completely, my mind going blank as the noise of the banquet faded away. The kiss was brief but searing, over almost before it began, leaving me reeling. When he pulled back slightly, I could see the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes as he watched my reaction.

Panic set in. I tried to step back, to put distance between us and process what had just happened, but a hand at my back prevented escape, pressing me firmly against him. His body was warm through the fabric of our suits, solid and unyielding.

"慌什么？" (What are you panicking about?) he murmured, his voice low and resonant, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, hear the rapid pounding of my heartbeat in my ears. My mind raced - what did this mean? Why would he do this? Here? Now? In front of everyone?