Champagne Encounters

In the glittering metropolis of Shanghai, two destined souls navigate their paths through privilege and purpose. Dr. Lin Mei Hua, a 24-year-old aspiring military doctor, carries the weight of her father's legacy in every step she takes. Her father, the former chief director of the Chinese military medical division, left an indelible mark on both the nation and his daughter's heart when he passed away fourteen years ago.

On the other side of the city, Zhang Chen lives a life of carefully cultivated carelessness. As the heir to ZhangTech Entertainment, one of China's largest media and entertainment conglomerates, he prefers the precision of his fencing blade to the precision of business contracts. His natural charm and good looks make him a favorite among Shanghai's elite young women, but he maintains a careful distance, having seen too many fortune hunters in his social circle.

Chap : 01 ****

***                                                A Champagne Encounters:***

At Shanghai's fanciest hotel party, Lin Mei Hua stood watching people in expensive clothes from the side. She wore a red qipao that showed off her fit body. Her mom made her come to this business party to find donors for the military, but all Mei Hua could think about was her medical test tomorrow.

“Stop thinking about medical stuff,” her brother Wei said, giving her a glass of champagne. “Your face gets all scrunched up when you do that.”

“I wasn't scrunching,” she said, taking the drink. “I was just reviewing brain injuries.”

Wei laughed. “Of course. I know you want to study, but try to have fun. Dad would have—”

“Stop,” Mei Hua said softly. “Dad would want me focused on becoming a great doctor.”

“A great military doctor,” Wei said proudly. “Hey, have you heard about the Zhang heir?”

“The rich guy who does fencing? What about him?”

Before Wei could answer, people started stirring near the entrance.

Zhang Chen had arrived late, looking handsome in his perfect suit. His sister Min followed him, looking annoyed at all the attention he got.

“Look who's here,” Wei said quietly.

Mei Hua took a drink. “He looks like he's never worked a day in his life.”

“Well, he's good at spending money and flirting.”

She almost choked on her drink laughing. “Such great skills.”

Right then, Chen looked right at her. Their eyes met briefly, and she noticed he looked smarter than she expected. Then he winked at her, ruining the moment.

“How annoying,” she muttered.

Later, while trying to leave early, Mei Hua stepped backward and bumped into someone, spilling her champagne on their expensive suit jacket.

“I'm so sorry—” she turned and found herself looking at Zhang Chen.

“What a way to meet,” he smiled. “Though it's our first time.”

Mei Hua blinked. “We haven't met before.”

“No, but I've watched you avoid people all night. You're very good at pretending to think about medical stuff.”

She got defensive. “I was actually—”

“Thinking about brain injuries?” His smile grew when she looked surprised. “I can read lips. Especially pretty ones wearing lipstick.”

Mei Hua blushed. “I'll pay to clean your jacket.”

“Don't worry.” He took off his jacket. “I have more. But you could dance with me instead.”

“I don't dance with strangers.”

“I'm Zhang Chen,” he held out his hand. “Fencing champion, famous flirt, and now your champagne victim. Now we're not strangers.”

Mei Hua almost smiled. “I'm Lin Mei Hua. But I can't dance. I have a medical test tomorrow.”

He looked surprised and interested. “The military medical test?”

“Yes. How did you—”

“Mei Mei!” Wei called. “Mom's looking for you.”

Chen's eyes lit up. “Mei Mei? Cute.”

“Don't.” She glared.

“Too late, it's adorable. Good luck tomorrow, Dr. Lin.” He came closer and said softly, “Though I bet you don't need it.”

He disappeared into the crowd, leaving Mei Hua thinking there might be more to him than she thought.

That night, Chen sat in his fancy apartment, looking at a military medical application on his computer. He had also searched for “Dr. Lin Wei Xiang: Military Medical Corps Chief (Deceased).”

“Interesting,” he said to himself, thinking about Mei Hua. “Very interesting.”

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