"Sorry, I'm late." Fu Zhiyan did not explain why he was late.
However, Ji Shuya saw the girl beside him. How could she not know why? Her hands instantly clenched into fists, but she had a gentle smile on her face. "It's alright, Brother Zhiyan. Let's go in. Xiao Ye, let's go together."
She made a gesture to hold Han Xiaoye's hand, but Han Xiaoye instantly got goosebumps and skillfully avoided her without leaving a trace, saying, "Uh, I'll walk by myself."
Ji Shuya's hand came up empty, and a flicker of disappointment crossed her lips, revealing a hint of vulnerability. But she swiftly recovered, assuming the role of a trusted older sister once again, and said, "Okay then, watch your step, Xiaoye. The road might be slippery."
"..." What a terrifying concern. Why did she feel that Ji Shuya couldn't wait to see her fall and embarrass herself?
...
The grand celebration in honor of Master Ji was winding down, making way for the main event—the grand ball. All eyes were fixed on the entrance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rumored distinguished guest.
After a nearly half-hour wait, there was finally some commotion at the entrance.
"He's here."
Someone whispered under their breath.
Everyone stopped chatting and turned around to look at the entrance.
A tall, commanding figure emerged, striding through the moonlit room. His presence exuded an icy aura, even colder than the moon itself. Clad in a sky-blue shirt, his brows resembled dark Chinese paintings, and his eyes held a piercing blue-black hue—truly a picture of unrivaled elegance!
Fu Zhiyan, the renowned young master of Rui City, lived up to his reputation!
But it wasn't just Ji Shuya, the Ji family's Miss, who accompanied him, as expected. There was an unexpected addition trailing behind him.
All the high society ladies present couldn't help but cast curious glances at the young girl who appeared rather petite. With her small face and striking black-and-white eyes, she stood out, emanating a lively and vibrant energy.
"Isn't this... Han Xiaoye?"
Caught off guard, they choked on the words.
What could be more surprising than the return of someone who had just caused a commotion moments ago? And to top it off, she returned alongside Fu Zhiyan!
This was Fu Zhiyan!
This was Fu Zhiyan, a name synonymous with power and influence in Rui City—a force to be reckoned with...
And wasn't Han Xiaoye supposed to be Quan Ronglian's companion?
Confusion filled the minds of the attendees, but being astute individuals, they managed to maintain their poised expressions despite their overwhelming curiosity.
Madam Ji pushed Master Ji forward to greet them. "Zhiyan, you've finally arrived. Oh, and who is this..."
Ji Shuya wanted to say that she was Fu Zhiyan's niece.
"She's my companion."
He turned his head, offering a gift.
"Uncle, happy birthday."
"Good, good, good." Master Ji said the word "good" three times and instructed Madam Ji to accept the gift.
Ji Shuya's face turned ashen as she tightly bit her lower lip. If Han Xiaoye was Fu Zhiyan's companion, what did that make her?
"Alright, My dear, now that Zhiyan's here, let the party begin." Master Ji said.
His aged eyes brimming with wisdom. His gaze swept over Fu Zhiyan and Han Xiaoye, deliberately avoiding the topic of the opening dance that his granddaughter had mentioned earlier.
Bang!
The lights in the hall extinguished, leaving only the grand Gothic-style crystal chandelier at the center casting a kaleidoscope of colors. A single spotlight illuminated the stage as the orchestra struck up an elegant waltz...
"Brother Zhiyan, I..."
Ji Shuya's words were abruptly cut short as Fu Zhiyan, the epitome of a gentleman, extended his hand. "May I have the pleasure, Miss, of sharing this dance with me?"
Han Xiaoye widened her eyes, taken aback.
The man before her possessed a face as flawless as jade, emanating an air of refinement and charm that could make any woman swoon. But the problem was...
Feeling the scrutinizing gazes from the crowd, Han Xiaoye clenched her teeth and reached out her hand. Fu Zhiyan enveloped her waist and guided her onto the dance floor. Seizing the moment, Han Xiaoye whispered under her breath, "Fu Zhiyan, I have no clue how to dance."
She knew she was utterly clueless when it came to dancing, which was practically a running joke in high society circles. At fifteen, her family had undergone a drastic upheaval, and at sixteen, she was cast out from the wealthy clan, depriving her of any opportunity to mingle in elite social circles or learn the intricacies of ballroom dancing.
"Hold my hand tightly."
Just as she was engulfed in a whirlwind of confusion and helplessness, the man's steady voice resounded, injecting a surge of strength into her heart.
Taking a deep breath, she complied, clasping his hand firmly.
"Hold onto me."
Fu Zhiyan's brows furrowed as he lowered his head.
Han Xiaoye felt her ears grow warm, but obediently used her other hand to embrace him, leaning into his embrace. She allowed her body to sway and spin with his guidance...
Unbeknownst to her, the typically cold and aloof man's features softened at that moment, and for the first time, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Honestly, this dance was a disaster.
Han Xiaoye had lost count of how many times she had stepped on Fu Zhiyan's feet, but she had managed to astonish everyone present! However, it wasn't her dancing skills that left them shocked. It was Fu Zhiyan's attitude.
After living for so long, when had anyone ever seen the dreaded Fu Zhiyan dote on a woman?
It was adoration! It was indulgence! Ah! Pure indulgence!
In a dim corner nearby, Ji Shuya's nails dug deeply into her flesh. She was so consumed by jealousy that she didn't even notice the blood trickling down. Clenching her teeth, her face contorted with envy.
Han Xiaoye!
Han Xiaoye!
That darn Han Xiaoye again!
Ever since this niece of unknown origin had appeared, Brother Zhiyan had grown increasingly indifferent toward her.
D*mn it, it seemed she had to find a way to establish a good relationship with this future niece.
"Control your emotions," Madam Ji reminded her without even turning her head, standing by her side.
Ji Shuya suppressed her spiraling jealousy, took hold of Madam Ji's arm, and resumed her composure as the proper Miss of the Ji family.
The dance came to an end.
Spotlights illuminated the couples on the dance floor.
The whole venue erupted in thunderous applause.
Fu Zhiyan led the stumbling girl, who seemed unable to walk straight, off the stage and approached Master Ji. His tone softened, "Uncle, I have something to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Xiaoye, bid farewell to Grandfather Ji."
Han Xiaoye snapped out of her daze, looked at the elderly man who was around the same age as her grandfather, and beamed a radiant smile, sincerely offering her well-wishes, "Grandfather Ji, may you live as long as the southern mountains, with this day coming year after year and this moment recurring with each passing year. Fu... Uncle and I will take our leave. Goodbye."
"Very well," Master Ji extended his hand and affectionately ruffled her head. From his pocket, he took out a piece of candy, held her hand, and placed it into her palm. "Here, my dear child, this is for you."
Han Xiaoye looked at the pink candy, feeling warmth in her heart. "Thank you, Grandfather Ji."
"Let's go."
Fu Zhiyan walked ahead, appearing impatient as he urged her on.
Han Xiaoye bowed to Master Ji, then hurriedly caught up with Fu Zhiyan.
"Wait for me."