Shen Ruo subconsciously looked toward the dance floor, where her colleagues were reveling, oblivious to her presence. Even if she called out for help, she doubted they would hear her over the din.
Helpless, she stood up, intending to head towards the dance floor. This kind of man, she couldn't provoke, but could she not avoid him?
As soon as she stood up, her wrist was grasped, and she was pulled back onto the sofa.
"Pretty lady, why do you have to be so disrespectful? You should know, no woman who has caught the eye of Mr. Qiao has ever slipped away."
Shen Ruo calmly pried his hand off and gave a cold smile, "Sorry, but I don't want to be one of the women you've set your sights on."
Men, always so full of themselves!
Qiao Xu squinted his eyes, seemingly a bit angry, "It's your honor that I've taken a fancy to you!"
"That's an 'honor' I have no interest in!"
He was stunned for a moment, probably never having encountered such a sharp-tongued woman before. Instead of getting angry, he actually laughed.
"As expected, quite spicy, I like that." As he spoke, Qiao Xu's hand reached out, intending to touch her face.
Shen Ruo, irritated, swatted his hand away and stood up again, "Sir, find someone else to keep you company. Goodbye!"
"You're not leaving!" Qiao Xu insisted, forcibly pulled her back down, and wrapped an arm firmly around her shoulders.
"Let go!" Shen Ruo felt especially unlucky lately; why did she always encounter 'mad dogs' every time she came to the Imperial Capital?
"If you don't let go, I'm going to scream for help!"
"Go ahead and scream, here, no one will refuse to give face to Mr. Qiao. Huh, tonight I've taken a liking to you, you are my prey!"
"Smack!" A glass of wine was suddenly poured onto his face. Overcome by anger, Shen Ruo had snatched up the glass and splashed it all over him.
Qiao Xu closed his eyes coldly and did not immediately open them or burst into rage. But Shen Ruo knew that this was a precursor to his fury.
Suddenly, two tall and muscular men approached, fixing Shen Ruo with a sharp and cold gaze.
One of them took out a handkerchief and handed it to Qiao Xu, asking with concern, "Boss, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." He took the handkerchief and wiped his face.
Shen Ruo, released by him, now didn't dare to leave, sensing the gravity of the situation, she knew she had stirred up trouble.
Now, all she could do was try her best to keep her composure; there was nothing else she could do.
In the meantime, from a private room on the second floor, a dignified and graceful man swirled the wine in his goblet, the transparent liquid spiraling and reflecting a stunning hue.