Delicate Beauty in the Palm : Chapter 41 - The Princess's Glass Slipper.

June 20, 2025 Oyen 0 Comments

Happy Reading~

Chapter 41: The Princess's Glass Slipper

 

This kind of flashy move really didn’t seem like something Wen Liang would do—it just wasn’t his style.

 

Soon, Fang Ruan also sent her a message.

 

[Fang Ruan: What kind of kinky stuff is going on between you and Mr. Wen?]

 

[Fang Ruan: Or are you two already together and testing the waters now?]

 

Fang Ruan wasn’t against the idea of Chen Die getting close to Wen Liang.

 

In fact, there were quite a few celebrities whose rise to fame came from powerful backers providing resources. Having a suitor like Wen Liang wasn’t a bad thing at all.

 

Not to mention, Mr. Wen’s looks could satisfy a lot of visual fans. By happy accident, they had cultivated a batch of CP (couple) shippers, and Chen Die’s solo fans were pretty chill about the whole thing, so it wouldn’t impact her career.

 

[Chen Die: I’m pure and innocent.]

 

[Fang Ruan: He’s really pursuing you?]

 

[Chen Die: En.]

 

[Fang Ruan: You two might as well go on a dating reality show. If you say yes, then get together on the show; if not, just reject him at the end.]

 

[Chen Die: Let’s not talk about whether I’d say yes—do you think Wen Liang is the type who’d agree to go on a reality show like that?]

 

[Fang Ruan: I used to think not, but after today’s stunt, I’m starting to think he might be secretly into this stuff.]

 

[Chen Die: ……]

 

[Chen Die: Don’t even think about the dating show!]

 

[Fang Ruan: It’s fine. If you two really get together, there’ll be other shows—couple observation, father-son, mother-son, family-style reality shows. Take your pick.]

 

Chen Die replied with a string of ellipses and couldn’t be bothered to deal with Fang Ruan’s wild imagination.

 

After quitting WeChat, she grabbed her pajamas to take a shower, then lazily steamed her face before coming out to find a message from Wen Liang. 

 

[Wen Liang: Are you asleep?]

 

Chen Die was honestly shocked by how often he was showing up lately.

 

[Chen Die: Not yet.]

 

[Chen Die: What’s up with that post from your company’s official Weibo?]

 

[Wen Liang: What about it?]

 

“......”

 

So that overly dramatic post really wasn’t made by Wen Liang himself.

 

Right after that, Wen Liang sent another message.

 

[Wen Liang: I told my assistant to post it. Assistant Zou said it’s called ‘purging the cult.’]

 

Assistant Zou was one of Wen Liang’s life assistants. She graduated from a prestigious university and was the youngest of the team, and also a woman. Compared to someone like Zhu Qicong, she had a much better grasp on fan culture.

 

Naturally, Assistant Zou wouldn’t dare say something like ‘purging the cult’ directly to Wen Liang. He’d only overheard her saying it during a chat with the other staff.

 

Wen Liang clearly didn’t realize how terrifying it sounded when a fan-culture term like that came out of his mouth.

 

For a second, Chen Die seriously doubted it was actually Wen Liang behind the screen.

 

[Chen Die: …]

 

[Chen Die: Be normal.]

 

After turning off the lights in her bedroom, Chen Die lay in bed and couldn’t stop thinking about that official post from Wenyuan Group. The more she thought about it, the hotter her face felt, and her heart thumped like crazy.

 

Even though the move was so unlike Wen Liang, it didn’t stop her from feeling incredibly happy—surprised, and happy.

 

Back when they were together, not many people even knew about their relationship.

 

Partly because their relationship wasn’t something that could be made public at the time, and Chen Die didn’t want to bother explaining it. Plus, the whole matter of her being the Chen family’s biological daughter made it hard for her to attend many social events.

 

But now, Wen Liang had used the most direct, over-the-top method—basically announcing it to the world in a Weibo post.

 

Chen Die suddenly had the illusion that she’d been publicly acknowledged.

 

“......”

 

That illusion only lingered for a second before she smacked herself on the head.

 

What was she, some old-fashioned woman from the past?!

 

It was just a Weibo post! A normal move in a pursuit!

 

Still, things weren’t so rosy for Miss Ye.

 

Even though her rumored relationship with Wen Liang was later denied by both parties, the matchmaking efforts from both families were pretty intense, so the news still spread among certain circles.

 

Ye Chuqing was different from the usual rich heiresses.

 

She was capable and had always done well in school. After graduating from one of the top universities in the country, she went abroad on a full scholarship and got her master’s degree within a year before returning home.

 

Because of this, a lot of women in her social class intentionally excluded her from their gatherings.

 

Now that the Wenyuan post had gone up, those same people suddenly became very enthusiastic—one after another, sending their ‘condolences.’

 

[Chuqing, why is Mr. Wen still saying he’s pursuing that actress? Didn’t he go on a blind date with you before?]

 

[Mr. Wen is really out of line—this is basically slapping you in the face in public.]

 

[Do you have any other types you like? I can introduce someone to you.]

 

Heh.

 

Ye Chuqing rolled her eyes.

 

These people were nowhere to be found normally, and now suddenly they were all rushing to message her.

 

She couldn’t be bothered to respond. She had never been the sociable type, especially with other rich girls her age—none of them could stand each other.

 

Unfortunately, there was a fashion show she had to attend tomorrow, and she'd have to see that whole crowd again.

 

As she looked at her phone, a certain someone suddenly popped into her mind.

 

Chen Die.

 

She wasn’t sure why, but she had a feeling that Chen Die was the kind of person she’d enjoy being around.

 

She opened up Chen Die’s WeChat, glanced at the time, and hesitated—was it too rude to message someone she wasn’t close with this late at night?

 

But then she thought about how awkward it would be to go alone tomorrow...

 

Chen Die, who had just rolled around her bed twice thanks to Wen Liang’s outrageous antics, got a message from Ye Chuqing.

 

It was actually the first time either of them had messaged since becoming WeChat friends.

 

[Ye Chuqing: Are you free tomorrow?]

 

[Chen Die: Yeah, what’s up?]

 

[Ye Chuqing: Jocely is doing a Chinese New Year fashion show at Shiyu Plaza. Want to go with me?]

 

Jocely was an independent fashion designer. Chen Die had known about her before and really liked her style—she even had a few pieces from her in her wardrobe.

 

So she didn’t hesitate much and replied with a yes.

 

Shiyu Plaza had tight security today. Besides Jocely’s fashion show, there was also a business event happening, and the place was partially locked down. Without proper credentials, no one could enter.

 

Chen Die used the digital ticket Ye Chuqing sent her to get in and walked over to Building C to wait for the elevator.

 

There were already some other attendees waiting. Chen Die stood toward the back, planning to catch the second round up.

The elevator went up, then came back down. She stepped in alone, pressed her floor, and just as the doors were about to close, she heard voices—more people coming in.

 

A group of five or six men stood outside the elevator, momentarily surprised when they saw Chen Die.

 

Xiao Shi was the first to speak: “Hey, isn’t this Chen Die?” He looked behind him and raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Wen?”

 

Wen Liang had been all over the trending topics lately with Chen Die, so of course his group of rich buddies knew what was up. They just hadn’t expected Wen Liang to go this far for a woman.

 

If it were before, and someone had slapped Wen Liang in the face, the outcome would’ve been absolute destruction. But look at this—last night he even made a public declaration of pursuit. It was practically a warning to Fu Wanmei.

 

Chen Die greeted them politely, then looked at Wen Liang.

 

He stood at the back, dressed sharply in a suit. With a slight smile, he stepped past the others and entered the elevator, standing beside Chen Die. “What brings you here?”

 

“Came to see the show.”

 

The rest of the group entered too but tactfully started chatting among themselves, leaving space for Wen Liang and Chen Die in the corner of the elevator.

 

“Wanna have lunch together?” Wen Liang asked.

 

He was tall, and his voice came from above her. Standing so close, Chen Die could smell the faint scent of detergent from his collar, mixed with the warmth of his body and a hint of tobacco.

 

For some reason, being in such a tight space surrounded by his friends, she didn’t dare look up at him.

 

“Not sure how long the show will last.”

 

Wen Liang said casually, “Then I’ll come find you after I finish my stuff.”

 

Ding—the elevator opened. The others left first, joking as they walked out.

 

“Who are you watching the show with?” Wen Liang asked.

 

Chen Die paused. “...Ye Chuqing.”

 

Wen Liang raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You know her?”

 

“Met her at the film industry conference,” Chen Die replied, her voice growing softer. She started to feel a little embarrassed about the time she snapped at him because of that whole engagement rumor. “I didn’t know you were the one she was rumored to be marrying back then.”

 

She even remembered how Ye Chuqing had angrily cursed her blind date eight hundred times.

 

Wen Liang sighed helplessly and reached up to gently touch her chin. “You won’t hear that kind of rumor again. If there is one, it’ll be with you.”

 

“...”

 

What the hell was wrong with this man lately?!

 

“Quit taking advantage of me. Who said I want to be in that kind of rumor with you?” Chen Die slapped his hand away.

 

Wen Liang let his hand fall but then smoothly grabbed hers instead. Taking a step closer, he pressed her against the wall and, eyes lowered, curled his lips into a teasing smile. “Baby, being dishonest with your feelings isn’t a good habit.”

 

“......”

 

Chen Die couldn’t be bothered to respond. She tried to pull her hand away, but Wen Liang was holding it tightly. She had no choice but to pry his fingers off one by one. 

 

At that moment, the elevator doors opened again, and another group of people entered.

 

Leading the group was none other than Ye Chuqing.

 

Turning the corner and catching sight of the two, she jumped and cursed under her breath, patting her chest. When she saw who it was, she grew even more exasperated. “Seriously, you two—can you give me a break?”

 

Chen Die: “……”

 

Wen Liang didn’t care at all. He lazily glanced at Ye Chuqing, then turned back to Chen Die. “I’ll come find you in a bit,” he said before walking off.

 

Ye Chuqing clicked her tongue. “So that dog of a man actually knows how to chase after someone, huh?”

 

Chen Die laughed at her expression. “Let’s go.”

 

The fashion show hadn’t started yet.

 

The showroom was lavishly decorated. The runway was surrounded by fences made of pale pink roses, and bright lights from above shone down onto the stage.

 

Ye Chuqing linked arms with Chen Die, grabbed a glass of champagne, and found their seats.

 

Across from them, a group of socialites were chatting. Their gazes occasionally flicked over in their direction.

 

“Hey, isn’t that the actress Wen Liang’s into? Why is she here with Ye Chuqing?”

 

“They actually seem pretty close.”

 

“Didn’t Chen Shao say she’s his cousin? Maybe they’ve known each other for a while?”

 

“How could she actually be his cousin? The old master of the Chen family only had two sons. Chen Ke’s daughter is Chen Shuyuan, isn’t she? Probably just a cover story—after all, Chen Die works for his company. A scandal would only hurt his image.”

 

……

Chen Die glanced over, and the group quickly looked away.

 

“You didn’t invite me to this show just for fun, did you?” Chen Die asked.

 

“Smart girl,” Ye Chuqing sipped her champagne with a small laugh. “But really, this mess should be your responsibility. Wen Liang humiliated me like that—it's only right that you make it up to me.”

 

“Fair enough.” Chen Die smiled and accepted it.

 

Just then, another person entered—the very person at the center of those whispered conversations: Chen Shuyuan.

 

“Hey, I never asked—you and Chen Shao, what’s the deal exactly?” Ye Chuqing leaned in and whispered. 

 

Chen Die: “Exactly what Chen Shao said.”

 

“Cousins?”

 

Ye Chuqing raised an eyebrow. The general public had accepted the explanation from the viral video, but people in their social circle knew better. As far as they knew, Chen Shao only had one cousin: Chen Shuyuan.

 

So people either believed the video was a lie, or assumed Chen Die was some secret illegitimate child of the Chen family.

 

“You don’t believe it?” Chen Die tilted her head toward her.

 

Ye Chuqing: “It’s not that…”

 

Chen Die said, “Chen Shuyuan and I were born on the same day.”

 

“And?”

 

Ye Chuqing immediately realized what she meant. Her eyes widened as she cursed under her breath and lowered her voice even more. “Wait… is it what I think it is?”

 

“What are you thinking?”

 

“The most soap-opera-level dramatic thing possible.”

 

Chen Die laughed. “Then yeah, it’s probably exactly what you’re thinking.”

 

“Holy sh*t.” Ye Chuqing cursed again and sighed, “It’s the 21st century and stuff like this still happens? How did they even find out?”

 

“I didn’t grow up in Yan City. The old man from the Chen family found me later, but I never moved back in.”

 

Ye Chuqing looked absolutely shocked. She glanced over at Chen Shuyuan, then back at Chen Die. “Your background is straight out of a drama series.”

 

Soon, the show began.

 

The lights around the showroom dimmed, leaving only the ones on the stage. A white spotlight hit the runway, and gentle piano music began to play. 

 

The room finally fell silent.

 

Models began walking out one by one, each wearing a look from the New Year collection.

 

This was Jocely’s first fashion show of the year in Yan City. Some of the pieces were exclusive one-of-a-kind designs that wouldn’t appear in stores—they’d be available for private purchase after the show.

 

While Ye Chuqing didn’t have much in common with the other rich girls, when it came to shopping for handbags, they were all on the same page.

 

Only two handbag designs were featured in the show.

 

As soon as it ended, Ye Chuqing had someone bring both new styles over to try. She turned to Chen Die and asked, “Which one do you like?”

 

“The one with the animal print,” Chen Die replied.

 

Ye Chuqing spun around in front of the mirror. “I think so, too.” She had someone take the bag away to be wrapped up. “Don't you like any of them?”

 

“What do you think of those shoes?”

 

Chen Die tilted her chin, signaling toward a pair of crystal heels in the display. She’d noticed them as soon as the model had walked out. The shoes were encrusted with clear crystals that sparkled under the lights, making them incredibly beautiful.

 

“They’re pretty, but the heels are too high for me.” Ye Chuqing glanced at her legs. “But you’d look great in them.”

 

Ye Chuqing then signaled for someone to bring the shoes over.

 

At the same time, on the other side, Chen Shuyuan had also set her sights on the same pair of shoes.

 

The attendant glanced around at both of them. “You two have great taste, but these shoes are a limited edition. There's only one pair in the world. Maybe you should discuss who’ll try them on first?”

 

Chen Shuyuan’s gaze turned toward them.

 

Chen Die smiled graciously. “It’s fine, let her try them. I’m not here to steal anyone’s favorite.”

 

The attendant sighed in relief and brought the shoes over to Chen Shuyuan, kneeling to help her try them on.

 

Ye Chuqing nudged Chen Diewith her elbow and whispered in her ear with a tone of disbelief, “What’s wrong with you? If you like them, just grab them. Why are you letting her have them?”

 

Chen Die tilted her head and winked at Ye Chuqing, her smile just a little sly.

 

“She can’t wear them anyway.”

 

Ye Chuqing didn’t quite get it, but the attendant was already apologizing, “I’m sorry, these shoes don’t fit Miss Chen.”

 

Jocely had made the crystal shoes as a one-of-a-kind limited edition, so there was only one size—36, the most common size. But Chen Shuyuan couldn’t wear them.

 

Laughter erupted around them.

 

Ye Chuqing joined in the laughter. The scene was straight out of a fairy tale.

 

“These crystal shoes are made for princesses. Some people really have the audacity to try and occupy the magpie nest.” Ye Chuqing remarked, "How shameless."

 

The people around them, already observing the interactions between Chen Die and Chen Shuyuan, caught onto the hidden meaning behind her words and leaned in to ask, “Chuqing, what did you mean by ‘occupy the magpie nest’?”

 

Ye Chuqing smiled. “Exactly what it sounds like.”

 

Chen Shuyuan’s face flushed with anger, and she quickly tried to interrupt Ye Chuqing. But before she could speak, the doors to the showroom opened, and Wen Liang entered.

 

Everyone immediately fell silent, each person’s thoughts running in different directions.

 

Wen Liang usually only attended commercial events and rarely mingled with people from other circles. Many people in the room had heard of him but had never seen him in person.

 

“Wow, Wen Liang is actually this handsome?”

 

“Who’s he here for, Ye Chuqing or Chen Die?”

 

Wen Liang scanned the room. He wasn’t used to these kinds of all-women events, but once he spotted Chen Die, he walked straight over to her and asked in a low voice, “Is it over?”

 

“We’re about to try on shoes,” Ye Chuqing replied for her, waving her hand to the attendant. “Bring the shoes over.”

 

Chen Die sat in a chair, and the attendant walked over with the shoes, crouching in front of her. “I’ll help you try on the shoes.”

 

Wen Liang stood to the side, his eyes unbothered by the curious gazes from the others in the room.

 

Only when the attendant was about to remove Chen Die’s shoe to try the new one did Wen Liang furrow his brow.

 

He raised his hand and stopped the attendant. "I’ll do it."

 

He crouched in front of Chen Die. Chen Die froze for a moment and instinctively pulled her foot back, only to be gently pulled back by Wen Liang.

 

He raised an eyebrow at her, then removed her high heels, placing her bare foot on his suit trousers.

 

Her feet were beautiful—slender, well-proportioned toes, neatly trimmed nails. As she stood on his pants, she hesitated, barely touching the fabric, trying not to step fully on it.

 

Ye Chuqing, watching the scene, rolled her eyes.

 

Hmph.

 

This dog of a man had told her ‘I’m not into you’ just earlier.

 

Now, he was crouching in front of someone, putting shoes on them.

 

Nonsense.

 

What goes around comes around.

 

Wen Liang slid the crystal shoes onto Chen Die’s feet, and they fit perfectly.

 

He looked up at her, a nonchalant smile on his face. “Princess, now can we go have dinner together?”

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