Encounter with Wife_First Meeting1

The night in New York was still cloaked in dazzling lights. Neon lights flowed between the high-rises, reflecting the city’s prosperity and bustle. The night sky held a faintly dim blue, and the boundary between the sky and the city was blurred by the twinkling lights, making it hard to distinguish. Wang Hui stood at a lavish banquet, blending in with the wealthy socialites around him, but his expression was far more composed and restrained than theirs, even carrying a coldness that made him difficult to read.

Around him, guests adorned in fragrant attire and jewels moved gracefully. Soft conversations and gentle laughter rose and fell, mingling with the subtle scent of champagne bubbles and expensive perfume. People clinked their glasses, and the golden liquid sparkled faintly under the lights. Each laugh and clink of glasses intertwined to form the backdrop of this feast, while Wang Hui merely stood there, his champagne glass almost untouched. He simply swirled the liquid lightly, his gaze drifting as he continuously scanned the party—his thoughts were far deeper than the luxury in front of him.

Wang Hui’s gaze seemed to drift over the surface of the banquet, occasionally glancing at the guests around him as they chatted and laughed. His face bore a faint smile, his posture was calm and elegant, but in the depths of his seemingly tranquil eyes lay a hidden, meticulously crafted plan. He was not one of those lost in luxury; he stood amidst the opulence with an icy calm, calculating every possible opportunity, devising how to use these seemingly trivial interactions to gain the benefits he desired.

Wang Hui’s Inner Monologue (Calm and Slightly Contemptuous): “These people think they have control over everything. They don’t know that my ambitions go far beyond the lights and luxury before me.”

His gaze swept over the women in elegant gowns and the men discussing stocks and real estate investments, as though evaluating their worth. Every party like this was, to him, an opportunity—a future investment. He knew he was but an outsider in this grand scene, yet he was also aware that he had the power to change everything. All he needed was the right timing and the right person to bring him from the position of an outsider to fully entering their world, gaining the wealth and power that belonged to him.

Amid his drifting gaze, a figure in the corner caught his attention. She wore a pure white dress, and her unique innocence made her seem slightly out of place. Her gaze wandered, her smile was gentle but carried a faint, subtle hint of unease. There was a purity to her that seemed out of sync with the environment, and this made Wang Hui’s eyes light up.

Her name was Xiaoman; Wang Hui had heard about her from friends. She came from a wealthy family in China, and her parents had extensive investments and connections in the United States. She was merely a student who had recently arrived in New York. Wang Hui realized this was a rare opportunity—her background, her innocence, these were tools he could use.

Wang Hui’s Inner Monologue (With Interest): “She…is different from the others here.”

Xiaoman’s innocence and shyness seemed to bring a new possibility to Wang Hui. She was not an ordinary target but rather a goal with deeper meaning. Her uniqueness lay not only in her smile and demeanor but also in the immense wealth and status behind her. Wang Hui knew she was one of his keys to success.

He walked toward her at a steady pace, his movements natural and composed, as though everything was within his control. He lightly shook the champagne in his hand, the liquid rippling faintly in the glass. His pace was unhurried, but his gaze carried a strong sense of purpose.

Wang Hui’s Inner Monologue (Steady and Confident): “She won’t refuse me. My goal isn’t just her but everything behind her.”

He adjusted his tie, straightened his sleeve, and with a gentle smile, approached her.

“Hello, I’m Wang Hui.” His voice was soft, filled with calm and confidence, as though he was the only one at this luxurious banquet who could make her feel at ease.

Xiaoman looked up upon hearing his voice. When she saw the man in front of her, she was momentarily taken aback. Wang Hui’s appearance wasn’t particularly striking, but his steady, confident aura seemed different from all the peers she had met before. The wealthy young men pursuing her would only flaunt their backgrounds and wealth, yet the man before her exuded a mature allure, making her unconsciously lower her guard.

Xiaoman (Smiling, with a Hint of Curiosity): “Hello, I’m Xiaoman.”

Wang Hui slowly raised his glass, took a small sip of champagne, and looked distantly, as if the luxury before him held no interest. His voice was deep and magnetic, filled with calm confidence as he spoke.

Wang Hui: “Many people misunderstand the finance industry, especially Wall Street. People tend to think it’s a place that merely chases profit. True, many lose themselves there, but for me, it’s more of a battleground of reason and rules. As long as you grasp the rules and stay calm, opportunities will always come.”

Xiaoman tilted her head as she looked at Wang Hui, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. She had never encountered anyone so composed. His words weren’t exaggerated or filled with the typical flashy boasts of the rich heirs, but rather carried a profound insight. She couldn’t help but want to know more, eager to understand the unknown story behind this man.

Xiaoman: “It sounds…like you value reason highly. But isn’t Wall Street known for its intensity and competition? How do you stay so calm?”

Wang Hui gave a slight smile, a faint trace of mockery flashing in his eyes, though he quickly restrained it, returning to his usual calm.

Wang Hui: “Intense? Competitive? Of course, such places are filled with tension and pressure. Many can’t handle it and are crushed by it. But in reality, those who survive aren’t necessarily the smartest but those who can stay clear-headed at crucial moments. Emotions are the easiest things to manipulate. You know, the market’s fluctuations are often just emotional reactions.”

His words were calm and powerful, with no need for further explanation, yet they seemed to cut directly to the heart of the matter. Xiaoman knew little about the financial market but sensed that every word Wang Hui spoke was full of meaning. He wasn’t like those who only bragged about their achievements; he saw deeper truths beyond the surface.

Xiaoman (Admiring): “That makes sense… I never thought emotions could influence the market. It’s fascinating… You seem to have a profound understanding of things, but I still don’t quite understand how someone as rational as you manages not to be affected by these emotions.”

Wang Hui gently shook his head, set down his champagne glass, and folded his hands, his gaze exuding a blend of firmness and calm.

Wang Hui: “I wasn’t born like this. It requires experience, failure, and learning to control one’s emotions through countless setbacks. It’s like being on a battlefield—the more dangerous it is, the more composed you must remain. Wall Street is often like a battlefield; your goal is to find that one opportunity amidst the chaos. Calmness is the most valuable asset.”

Xiaoman: “It sounds like… you’ve been through a lot.”

Her voice held a hint of admiration and compassion. She imagined Wang Hui fighting his way through this city, a man tested by trials, and felt a subtle warmth rise within her. She realized that Wang Hui was entirely different from anyone she had ever met. He wasn’t one of those young men flaunting wealth and pleasure; he was a man who had truly weathered life’s storms and gained wisdom along the way.

Wang Hui smiled slightly, a trace of nostalgia flickering in his eyes, though he quickly resumed his composed expression.

Wang Hui: “Yes, I’ve indeed been through a few things. But to me, those experiences are invaluable assets. Many people think of wealth as money, as material possessions, but to me, wealth is experience and perspective. Money can be lost, but experience stays with you forever. Here we are today, standing in this place, but who knows what tomorrow might bring?”

Xiaoman (Smiling): “You speak so profoundly… It sounds like you have such a deep understanding of life.”

Her innocence was unmistakable. She didn’t fully grasp the depth of every word Wang Hui spoke, but she was captivated by his composure, wisdom, and maturity. Wang Hui’s words seemed to peel away another layer of her understanding of the world. Even though she couldn’t entirely follow his thoughts, she instinctively trusted him.

Xiaoman (Full of Anticipation): “If I get the chance, I’d really like to learn from you. The way you see things is completely different from the people I know.”

Wang Hui smiled faintly, leaning slightly forward, his voice soft and gentle.

Wang Hui: “You’re always welcome to come to me. Learning has no end. I’d be more than happy to share my experiences, as long as you’re willing to listen.”

His words sounded both like an invitation and held a subtle ambiguity, his tone carrying a hint of unspoken emotion. Xiaoman’s cheeks warmed slightly; she hadn’t expected Wang Hui to open up to her so directly, even if his openness was a restrained kind of warmth.

The night deepened, and the lights in the banquet hall grew softer, the surrounding noise fading away, leaving only the quiet conversation between Wang Hui and Xiaoman. It was as if a gentle glow enveloped them, and the silhouettes of others gradually blurred, leaving only the shared gaze between them lingering in the air.

Wang Hui lightly raised his glass, gently swirling the champagne. The golden liquid shimmered warmly under the lights. He looked at Xiaoman with a soft gaze, his lips curving into a barely-there smile, as if everything was under his control. His confidence and calmness made Xiaoman’s heart beat faster.

Wang Hui (Smiling, Softly): “You know, many people come to this city in search of material satisfaction, but what matters more to me is a spiritual connection. Meeting you tonight makes New York feel a little less cold.”

Xiaoman was momentarily taken aback, a warmth and shy joy rising within her. She had never imagined that someone like Wang Hui would feel something special for her. She had always been a somewhat reserved girl, unfamiliar with this city and often feeling lonely. Wang Hui’s words seemed to touch a soft spot in her heart.

Xiaoman (Blushing, Smiling): “You…you’re exaggerating. I’m just an ordinary person. Actually, since I came to New York, I’ve always felt a bit out of place with this city.”

Her voice was soft, filled with the purity and uncertainty of a young girl. Xiaoman’s heart was full of dreams for the future and confusion about life, and in front of her, Wang Hui seemed to be the person who could guide her out of her bewilderment. She sensed that Wang Hui was not just a successful man; he possessed a unique maturity and wisdom that deeply attracted her.

Wang Hui smiled gently, looking down at her with a profound gaze. He reached out and took a glass of red wine from a passing server’s tray, elegantly handing it to Xiaoman, his eyes still focused on her face, as if she were the only person worth noticing at this banquet.

Wang Hui (Softly): “You know, Xiaoman, often, the places where we feel the most out of place are the ones that stir our inner strength. Just like you—you may feel that you don’t match this city, but maybe this is your opportunity for growth. Everyone has their own moment; perhaps your moment is quietly approaching.”

As Xiaoman listened to Wang Hui’s words, it was as if he had cleared away her doubts. She had always felt like an ordinary girl who couldn’t fit into the radiant stage of New York. But Wang Hui’s words brought her a sense of warmth, a feeling of being understood. She gazed at him with newfound trust, as though he was not just a man she had met but a guide in her life.

Xiaoman (Smiling, Moved): “Thank you, Wang Hui. You’re truly the first person who’s made me feel like I have a chance to take root here. I always felt…like an outsider, but hearing you say this, I feel as if I’ve found a direction.”

Wang Hui’s smile deepened slightly. He took a sip of wine, his gaze deep and soft, as though soothing her heart. In truth, he had told such words to women before, as this kind of ambiguous wisdom was especially appealing to innocent people. Every word was a carefully designed trap, and Xiaoman’s response confirmed the success of his plan.

Wang Hui (Gently): “Xiaoman, you’re not ordinary. You have a unique purity that’s rare in this city. Believe in yourself; you’re capable of more than you think. And no matter what challenges you face, you have me.”

Xiaoman felt the warmth of his words, and the loneliness in her heart seemed to dissipate a bit. She looked up at Wang Hui, her eyes filled with gratitude and reliance, as if she had finally found someone she could rely on in the bustling city of New York.

Xiaoman (Smiling, Softly): “Really…thank you. I think meeting you is the luckiest thing that happened to me since coming to New York.”

Wang Hui’s smile grew softer, but deep within, his thoughts were entirely different. He knew he was inching closer to his goal; a naive, wealthy girl like Xiaoman was exactly the opportunity he needed to climb higher. He didn’t love her, but he was skilled at making her believe he was her protector. What he needed was her trust and dependence—and the substantial dowry behind her.

Wang Hui’s Inner Monologue (Calm and Calculating): “She’s already beginning to trust me. Now, as long as I advance step-by-step, I’ll get everything I want. Love? It’s merely a means to an end.”

Each smile, each gentle gaze, concealed a carefully crafted lie. Wang Hui knew that Xiaoman’s innocence would lead her deeper into the emotional trap he’d set, and what he needed was her complete, unreserved trust.