"Chairman Xia, Madam Xia. You've decorated so well, and your daughter is the most beautiful young lady I've ever laid eyes on!" Grandmother Xue complimented, but she really meant it from the bottom of her heart. The pictures did not do Xia Biming justice.
"Thank you Madam Xue! I must say, your grandson has grown to be so handsome as well. The kids look like a great couple, if you ask me." Mother Xia unknowingly pushed Xia Biming to stand next to Xue Changmin.
"Biming, right? Forgive this grandson of mine, his father is on a business trip in City H right now and could not attend. But let me introduce you. His name is Xue Changmin. He is my only grandson and heir to Xue Investments." Grandfather Xue couldn't help but to also try to pair the two. They really did look great together.
Biming and Chang looked at each other awkwardly. A bright smile was found on Chang's face as he fell into the mesmerizing beauty of Biming. Not knowing what to do, Biming gave him a shy smile and stuck her hand out for a handshake. It took him a while to respond, but he shook her hand as well.
'Why did I do that? Who gives out a handshake to their potential husband? Wait potential husband? I did not just think that!' Panicked Biming then turned to the Xue grandparents and said, "Grandfather and Grandmother Xue, it is really my pleasure to meet you tonight." She then bowed to them and continued, "Your grandson really is handsome. You must've raised him well."
The Xue grandparents were ecstatic with Biming's response. They had been keeping an eye on her all night and noticed that this was the most welcoming she was all night when meeting all the other families. They were sure that the two kids would become an item.
"Biming, you're as enchanting as your name. Thank you for your kind words towards our family." Grandmother Xue managed to say as she was just shaking with glee.
Xia Huanting noticed how long his family was chatting his the Xues and made his way over. "Hello grandma and grandpa. I apologize for not coming to see you two in such a long time." Huanting also bowed to show is respect.
"That's alright Huanting, I know you've been busy running Xia textiles. Your stocks are rising every day! Your parents must be proud of the two of you." Grandfather Xue said as he motioned towards Biming as well.
'How does brother Ting know the Xues?' Biming thought to herself. Before she could speak up again her brother broke the silence, "Chang, you should have told me you were coming. I would have brought out the good liquor for us!" Huanting then continued to wrap his arm around Chang's shoulder and dragged him off. This protective brother was just getting started.
"Why are you staring at my sister like that? You don't even know her name." Ting whispered to Chang. Even though it was a whisper, you could still hear the fury in his words.
"I do know her name. It's Biming, you *ss. You could've just told me. Anyways, my grandparents really like her. Your parents seem to like me too. I can't do anything if the elders push us together." Chang nonchalantly spoke back with angst. Chang also found himself thinking positive thoughts if they started a relationship.
Huanting knew that Chang was right, if the elders wanted it, they couldn't do much about it. "Just watch yourself. She's still my sister. Since you're a candidate in my parent's eyes, do me a favor and keep her away from all the other scums here tonight." Huanting handed Chang a glass of whiskey and they made their way back to the two families.
As soon as they came back, Mother Xia switched spots with Xia Biming so she could stand next to Xue Changmin. The elders could not get enough of how good they looked together. Mother Xia then zoned out and started thinking about her future grandbabies. 'Oh, how handsome and beautiful they would be with these genes.' She just couldn't get enough of it!
"It's still early, how about you two kids start the dancing?" Mother Xia suggested. This would be a great way to kick start the relationship! 'Oh, sharing a dance together. How sweet!' Mother Xia was really over the moon.
"Mom… I…" before Biming could finish, grandfather Xue nudged Chang and glared at him with eyes saying, 'Now's your chance! Hurry and ask her to dance!'
"Oh, my Biming's a little shy. Changmin, it's okay if you don't want to…" Oh, there it is. The guilt card. Moms always knew when to change their tone of voice to guilt their children into doing things.
With that, grandmother Xue pinched Chang's waist and urged him to ask the beautiful girl already. "Biming, it would be my honor if you could share the first dance of the night with me." He bowed down and then drew out his hand asking her to dance.
What else could she say with all these eyes on her? "Let's dance." Her quiet reply suddenly made Chang nervous. He led them to the dance floor, with everyone's eyes on them. He knew why. It was because Xia Biming was the star of the show tonight, and he snagged her first. With the help of his grandparents of course.
Changmin didn't know why, but he was actually really excited to dance with her. But was this feeling excitement? It felt more like butterflies in his stomach. And a strange warmth in his chest.
He placed his left hand on the small of her back to bring her closer to him, and then grabbed her left and with his right hand. They were now only inches apart, face to face. She placed her right hand on his tall shoulder and looked up at him. The harmonious melody of the orchestra started and the two bodies on the dance floor started the waltz.
Chang led her and she followed suit. They danced perfectly in sync. Despite their difference in height, they looked like they were made to fit into each other's embrace. The entire time they locked eyes and Xia Biming also couldn't help but feel butterflies creeping from her stomach to her heart.