Dancing Lotus Hotel
A black Ghost SL6 made its stop in front of the tall cream colored hotel. It perched elegantly in the driveway overshadowing the other cars. Camera lights flashed in its direction as the driver hurriedly opened the back door.
Unhurriedly, a man's leg donned in a black suede shoe came into view at first before he finally appeared completely. He stood out amongst the crowd, his features well imprinted in the minds of others. The lights surrounded him like an halo.
Dressed in a three piece suit and trousers, Lu Yichen stood by the car, an inconspicuous smile on his lips as he fixed his left hand into his trouser pocket.
He walked with a distinguished aura surrounding him, towards the other side of the car. Lifting his palm, he pressed on it. The door lifted up and he extended his hand towards the occupant. A fair and slender palm slid into his outstretched palm and he closed in on it.
Two slender legs donned in silver heels rested on the sturdy ground and Lu Yichen's grip on the palm tightened slightly as he helped her down the car.
She was dressed equally in a black low cut back straight gown. Its front was cut above the knee leaving behind a full length material at the back. It hugged her body tightly, accentuating her curves.
Mo Xin Er blinked and raised her eyelashes which was bringing much attention to the cat eyeliner around her eyes. The lights fully zeroed in on them. She adjusted on her heels and straightened her back. Lu Yichen's smile deepened at the sight.
He turned her hand over casually, giving it a slight squeeze and a reassuring nod as they walked towards the red carpet. Behind them, the driver handed the key over to the valet before he and the assistant began their walk behind the duo.
Mo Xin Er could feel her palms sweating as they progressed down the red carpet. She always sweat whenever she was tensed. She wasn't a fan of such attention. However, she was grateful that her mother had always forced her and Mo Yuan to attend parties with them. All the days of etiquette classes finally paid off.
Around them, reporters stood about 50 meters away as they took shots like their lives depended on it. Mo Xin Er could almost imagine the headlines of tomorrow. Mo Xin Er took notice of the fact that they were only asking him questions based on the occasion. There was no personal question much to her delight.
Hand in hand, they approached the main hall. A hushed silence fell upon the hall as they walked in. All eyes were on them making them the center of attention. They both complimented each other, sticking out like a sore thumb.
Lu Yichen glanced at her once more before walking towards the podium. He grabbed the mic and began to talk. Unable to stand the pressure of everyone staring at her, Mo Xin Er lifted her legs and walked confidently towards an empty stand. She grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby waitress.
She almost recoiled from the intensity of the gazes on her. Most of the guests were standing. They were also chatting discreetly with their acquaintances. No one wanted to be left alone.
Tilting her head slightly, she eyed the red liquid in her wine glass. She badly wanted to drink it considering it was her only partner at the moment. She lifted her head to look at Lu Yichen who was on the stage. His hand held the mic and he looked composed and distinguished just like an inner sect disciple of the pugilistic world.
She realized that she hadn't been paying attention unlike the other guests who looked as if they were on a mission to imprint each of his words in their minds.
Lu Yichen's grip on the mic tightened when he saw her looking at him. He rested his gaze on her as he continued to talk watching as she shut her eyes slightly. She sniffed the aroma discreetly and a smile threatened to take over his lips. She probably didn't realize that he could see her actions. A relaxed breath escaped her lips.
Mo Xin Er turned slightly towards her side. Someone was approaching her. It was a lady around her age. She was dressed in a maroon low cut gown. There was an edge to her steps as she walked towards her. She gave Mo Xin Er a demeaning look as she stood by the stand too, placing her wine glass on the table.
Mo Xin Er quirked an eyebrow but otherwise remained silent.
The lady began, "Do you think you are worthy of being here?"
Mo Xin Er was stumped.
'I don't know you, okay? What's with the hate?'
She remained silent, turning to stare at the stranger unblinkingly. The other lady continued to talk. "There are people who could do it better."
Mo Xin Er stifled a laugh.
"Like you?" she asked and watched as the lady's gaze morphed into a glare.
"Why did he choose you anyway? You're not even that pretty."
It was a lie, though. Earlier today, Mo Xin Er stood before a mirror and assessed herself after the stylist left. She wasn't being narcissistic but she was undoubtedly sure she was beautiful enough to turn heads. Even Lu Yichen seemed to be in a shock when he saw her. He had stared at her for a full minute.
Thus, she wasn't even irked by the lady's words. It sounded more like what an envious person would say. So she turned and flashed her a smile. "I don't think so though. I'm sure most of the males in this hall are staring at me."
She grinned while the lady snorted.
"Whose family are you from? I've never seen you attend the social gatherings."
"So?"
"You're not a socialite, are you?"
Mo Xin Er tilted her head slightly giving the lady a better view of her face. She held her wine glass, slightly tilting it. "You're being racist."
"Oh. So, you're not."
"Whether I am or not, I don't think it has anything to do with you," Mo Xin Er said. "Get to the point, will you?"