Before she stepped out of the car after they went shopping, CEO Xiu casually told him, "Remember your basics for Latin dance."
Riley's world shook. The basics that he knows were good enough for beginners. Even a granny would be better than him!
He spent the night watching online tutorials of Latin dance. Luckily, he was given the day off since the party will start at 8pm. Otherwise, he will be too dazed to do anything properly.
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Michelle was also given the time off to pack up her luggage. The clothes she would bring all had light material for easy storage. As she was putting her makeup kit in, she had the dilemma whether she should go to a salon or do her hair and makeup by herself for the ball tonight. After some thoughts, she locked her luggage and went out to a salon.
As she was having her hair done, her phone beeped and there was a message notification.
"Do you dance?" CEO Zhou messaged her! It was extremely rare for him to do so. He usually makes calls for he was too impatient to wait for a reply. What is happening? And the message, dance?
Her face crumpled and she pouted. She knows a lot of languages but she definitely ain't no dancer!
'CEO, I know it's a ball, but can't I remain as a mere spectator?' She really wanted to reply like this but she really wanted to keep her job.
Since it took her a lot of time to contemplate on how to reply, a new message was received.
"It doesn't matter." Her heart almost jumped. She swore on her mind. Would she lose the job?
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"Put the mask on." Midori ordered then she stepped out of the car when the driver opened the door.
Riley struggled to quickly put on the mask as the CEO was already walking towards the gangway.
Though he was holding onto their invitation, the mere mention of her name will gain her access.
He almost ran to walk a step behind her. They went in without a glitch.
Dan was scanning the ballroom for any sign of Midori through his half-white, half-black mask. His assistant was already busy with the food and drinks as he let her be.
Finally, he spotted a woman who had just arrived.
Midori was wearing a midnight blue gown with a beaded illusion neckline, with sleeves which flare out at the elbow when she moves her forearm. The bust area down to the waist was heavily beaded with crystals and sequins, and the lower part was transitioned into a ballroom skirt with a high slit, reaching half her thigh. When she walks it reveals her 7.5-cm high silver strappy dancing heels. These complemented her silver satin mask covered by white lace.
Men and women stared at her in awe. Though her eyes were mysteriously concealed by the mask, her other features, especially her bloody red lips were alluringly highlighted.
After Chairman Tang was wished a happy birthday and his golden cake was blown, drinks were poured and the dance floor was opened.
The chairman's son, Tang Jinxuan, walked up to the stunning Midori Xiu.
"Can I have this dance?" he politely bowed.
Just then, Riley came up to them.
Tang Jinxuan saw him approach Midori. "Oh, pardon me. I didn't know you have a date."
"Oh, he's my assistant, Riley Adams." she said truthfully. "Please excuse us." She dragged Riley by the arm and walked away as fast as she could while maintaining her elegance.
"Assistant, heh?" Tang Jinxuan had a sly smile as he stared at her retreating figure.
"CEO, where are we going?" The flustered Riley who had little clue on what was happening was finally able to ask.
This stopped Midori on her tracks. She did not know where to retreat right now.
Then, percussion instruments started playing salsa music.
Midori glanced at the dance floor and looked at her assistant. "Dancing." she replied and dragged him to the dance floor.
Upon noticing these scenes, Dan had a mischievous smile. He took the drink that his assistant was about to put in her mouth and placed the glass on the table.
Michelle panicked as she get dragged on the dance floor, but she needed to give face to the CEO so she cannot protest out loud.
To her surprise, Dan led her beautifully on the dance floor, to the point that she looked dancing normally as her dress concealed the wrong footworks.
Riley on the other hand, wished for the nth time that the sea will swallow him whole. His basic knowledge on salsa was too basic, just the mens steps and lead and follow.
Midori somehow managed to do a left turn, with him stiffly clueless on what to do.
Dan saw their dilemma. He transitioned with a lead and follow, then moved his partner to make an outside turn, releasing her in the end.
Coincidentally--well, is it?--Midori also took an outside turn and Riley clumsily had let go of her hand.
These events allowed them to exchanged partners.
Through the mask, Midori stared onto those familiar hazel eyes. Then, the dazzling smile that Dan kept for a long time flashed on meeting her gorgeous face.