"You, where did you..."
Caitlyn's hand covered her cherry lips, her face still flushed. Her soft exclamation brought the noble youths below back to reality.
All eyes remained fixed on the stage, where Li Lin and Caitlyn stood. However, their gaze lingered more on the silhouette of the craftsman from the Kiramman family.
Li Lin could feel the intense gazes from the audience, yet he remained nonchalant. While his previous reputation was limited to the upper echelons of major families, today's events would undoubtedly spread his name throughout the entire upper-class social circle, including these noble peers.
He anticipated that people from all walks of life would come knocking on his door in the future. However, he trusted that Lady Cassandra would handle the aftermath.
"Not important."
Li Lin shook his head, extending his right hand to gently clasp Caitlyn's small hand. The silky, semi-transparent gloves and the warmth of her fingers provided him with a uniquely special sensation.
This time, Caitlyn, blushing slightly, didn't reject him but merely averted her gaze, somewhat embarrassed to meet the eyes of the young man before her.
Li Lin bowed slightly, executing a very standard noble dance gesture.
"May I have the pleasure, Miss Kiramman, of sharing a dance with you?"
Caitlyn swept her eyes over the audience below, including the young man from the Medarda family earlier. After the recent events, no one dared to challenge this moment.
A shy smile appeared on her face, responding with noble etiquette, "Certainly, Mr. Li Lin."
Li Lin held Caitlyn's left hand, showcasing a gentlemanly demeanor as he led the way. She lifted her dress with her right hand, following the young man down the red-carpeted steps.
The nobles from other families were tactful, swiftly retreating to form a circle around them, yielding the central position in the hall to the pair.
The servants of the Kiramman family reacted just as promptly.
Once Li Lin and Caitlyn were ready in the center of the crowd, the alchemical lights on the ceiling gradually dimmed. Simultaneously, several Hextech spotlights illuminated, casting light on the couple standing in the middle—perfectly matched.
At the same time, with a corner band playing a lively waltz melody, Caitlyn slightly lifted her eyes, meeting Li Lin's gaze.
Both of them intuitively moved their steps, perfectly synchronizing with the music's various beats.
With a sweet smile on her face, Caitlyn, unrestrained by the constraints of her evening gown, danced like a graceful bird.
Following her, Li Lin, not missing a beat, gracefully complemented her lightness and elegance, highlighting her perfect curves.
Sometimes near, sometimes far, even after several months without dancing together, their innate understanding seemed as if they had rehearsed hundreds of times, portraying a particularly agile and harmonious pair of birds frolicking in the air.
As the first song concluded, the music smoothly transitioned to the second section. The rhythm became even more lively and light.
Li Lin and Caitlyn, following the cheerful tango steps, danced on the transparent marble floor. The two, with nimble steps, showcased distinctive dance moves for men and women.
Gradually, the music's pace slowed down, the elegant melody turned melodious, and the magnificent waltz extended.
Li Lin's right hand interlocked with Caitlyn's left hand, his left arm gently encircling her perfect waist. Her right hand rested on his shoulder, drawing them even closer.
Their eyes, reflecting each other in moist and clear gazes, exchanged warm breaths, seemingly raising the temperature between them.
With the soothing and beautiful notes resonating, Li Lin gently embraced Caitlyn's slender waist, quietly strolling through the central dance floor, exclusively theirs at this moment.
As the music ceased, in the lingering echoes, Li Lin gave Caitlyn's small hand a slight pull, causing her to spin in his grasp.
Subsequently, Caitlyn, taking advantage of the movement, leaned back gently. In Li Lin's supportive hold, she half reclined, gazing deeply into his eyes.
Due to the recent dance, both of them were breathing heavily. The warm breaths lingered on each other's cheeks, continuing until the music came to a complete stop.
However, the onlookers were still intensely focused on the captivating pair in the center.
No one clapped or cheered; they all refrained from disrupting the perfect atmosphere, eagerly anticipating the scenes unfolding in their imaginations.
Li Lin did not disappoint them or Caitlyn.
As the young man's face gradually lowered, Caitlyn's nervous heart pounded louder, her breath quickened, and her already flushed cheeks blushed even more.
Feeling Li Lin's warming breath drawing closer, she nervously closed her eyes, and her rosy lips slightly parted.
In the end, the soft touch that Caitlyn had secretly anticipated pressed against her cherry lips.
Feeling the warmth on her lips, she unconsciously let out a soft moan, "Hmm..."
Time seemed to freeze in that moment.
Afterward, several tens of seconds passed, and intense applause and enthusiastic cheers erupted among the surrounding crowd.
Sensing Caitlyn in his arms becoming even softer, almost breathless, Li Lin slowly lifted his head. His misty eyes, shimmering with a few teardrops, met hers.
"From now on, please guide me more."
...
...
The first dance between Caitlyn and Li Lin concluded, and the remaining time was for guests to interact and invite each other to dance.
Li Lin's left hand embraced Caitlyn's waist, and amidst her dissatisfied yet helpless pouting, he approached the many noble youths who came to congratulate them, holding champagne glasses.
After a while, Jayce and Mel arrived together, followed by Viktor and Skye, all carrying champagne-filled high-stemmed glasses to congratulate them.
"Hahaha... I knew it! I've seen that there's something special between you two for a long time!"
Jayce's hearty laughter attracted curious glances from many.
Mel, looking helpless, reminded him from behind, "Jayce, pay attention to your image."
"Congratulations on tying the knot." Viktor congratulated with a smile.
Although he wasn't good at handling such situations, with Skye by his side among familiar faces, he didn't feel as constrained.
Skye, not well-acquainted with the others, also raised her glass along with Viktor, offering congratulations and taking a sip without saying much.
At this moment, Mel, with a hint of teasing in her tone, said to the couple, "So, you two have already confirmed your relationship privately, and today is just an announcement during the coming-of-age ceremony?"
Caitlyn blushed at the roots of her ears, looking somewhat shy. "We... we haven't..."
In contrast, Li Lin, without a hint of embarrassment, appeared much more composed.
"It's just that we completely confirmed our relationship today. But you two confirmed your relationship much earlier than us," he chuckled. Jayce's expression faltered, showing slight awkwardness. Meanwhile, Mel, still maintaining a gentle smile, exchanged a glance with the composed Skye.
"Not too long ago, just confirmed the relationship a while ago," Jayce scratched his head, hastily shifting the topic to Viktor. "I think Viktor and Skye haven't confirmed their relationship either."
As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere fell silent.
Skye shyly lowered her eyelids, stealing occasional glances at Viktor standing in front of her.
Viktor's face, for the first time ever, turned a rare shade of red. Awkwardly laughing a few times, he didn't say a word.
Mel sighed inwardly, blaming Jayce for lacking tact. He could say anything.
Nevertheless, since he was a man she valued, she had to help him out of this predicament.
Quickly thinking in her mind, she broke the awkward silence, "So... how will you two deal with Councilor Kiramman?"
Her gaze swept over Caitlyn briefly and lingered on Li Lin for a moment.
"This..." As soon as Caitlyn heard this question, her face slightly stiffened, subconsciously looking at Li Lin beside her.
"I think, Lady Cassandra won't oppose us."
Li Lin gently patted Caitlyn twice, calming her slightly, and at the same time, a confident smile appeared on his face.
"Oh~~? Are you so confident?" Mel showed a curious expression. "How do you plan to convince her?"
Li Lin paused for two seconds, then slowly spoke, "First of all, as Jayce mentioned before, Mr. Tobias was also a craftsman before and is now happily married to Lady Cassandra, right?"
"Well..." Mel nodded thoughtfully, "But I don't think Councilman Kiramman will compromise because of this."
"Then use enough new inventions to further highlight my value, proving that I am qualified to be the son-in-law of Councilor Kiramman's family."
Li Lin turned his head and exchanged a glance with Caitlyn, who was surprised. He continued, "It's time to showcase the wireless radio and more than ten Hextech military blueprints I have stored."
(End of this chapter)
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