"Uh. Oh. Um, no..." Leon Chen stammered, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. Sienna Tang's gaze was too captivating to handle.
Sienna smiled, "I do enjoy seeing that expression on your face."
"Professor Tang, do you have an engagement?" Leon changed the topic.
"The top couple of H University is attending the social dance tonight, right?" Sienna said, then asked, "Can you dance?"
Leon shook his head; he hadn't thought about this at all.
Sienna had anticipated this. "A social dance without knowing how to dance is no good. Let me teach you."
Looking at Sienna's devilish figure was already a visual shock. She didn't mind and pulled Leon closer.
Since the beautiful professor didn't mind, Leon thought it would be silly to act like an innocent boy. He placed his hand around Sienna's slim waist, feeling its softness and elasticity.
"We're starting now. Follow my lead, and remember to move in a straight line. Don't worry about stepping on my feet; sidestepping will only mess up the rhythm. Many beginners step on their partner's feet because they can't keep the rhythm," Sienna explained seriously, giving Leon some basic knowledge about ballroom dancing.
"Leon, focus!"
Leon awkwardly turned his gaze away from the deep cleavage revealed by Sienna's dress. That spaghetti-strap dress was truly lethal.
"One, two, three, one, two, three..." Following Sienna's count, their dance steps began to flow.
Sweat beaded on Leon's forehead as he carefully followed her steps. At this moment, any thoughts of taking advantage had vanished. Watching her nimble feet in those strappy high heels, he wasn't usually into feet, but he couldn't bear the thought of stepping on them and causing any harm.
Sienna was an expert at ballroom dancing, her movements fluid and graceful. Leon focused on her intricate footwork, typical for beginners who don't know where to place their feet while dancing. He was no exception, watching her feet closely to avoid missteps.
This resulted in a somewhat comical dance, with Sienna stepping forward and Leon dodging and trying to counter.
Despite his efforts, Leon still managed to step on Sienna's feet several times, causing him to feel terrible—he was ashamed of his clumsiness.
Sienna grew a bit exasperated. "Leon, don't be so cautious! Relax a bit! Pay attention to the rhythm and don't worry too much. Okay? Normally, you grasp things quickly. Don't be so timid when dancing."
Leon blushed at the admonishment.
In truth, learning anything becomes easier with serious dedication. The ballroom dance Sienna taught Leon originated from ancient court dances, characterized by its dignified and elegant posture and precise, gentlemanly steps. It was part of the European school of social dancing and common at modern dance events.
The type of social dancing students participated in was similar. As long as the partners moved in sync with the music, advancing or retreating together, they could dance quite decently.
After about ten minutes, Leon had the basics down.
After the dance, Leon sat on the sofa, wiping his sweat. No wonder so many boys were eager to join the social club—the frequent dances were likely a major draw. Dancing was a great way to ignite passion. Imagine meeting a girl, barely exchanging a few words before holding hands and wrapping an arm around her waist. For a university with more boys than girls, this was a huge benefit.
Sienna handed Leon a bottle of mineral water, praising, "You look quite photogenic when you're serious."
Leon grinned. "Professor, your glasses are the real game-changer."
Sienna, now wearing her black-framed glasses, looked a bit less enchanting. "Leon, are you really interested in my theories?"
"Absolutely."
"Do you want to know why I believe so strongly in the existence of the Heavenly Realm?"
"Because of curiosity?" Leon suspected that wasn't the reason. He noticed a hint of sadness in Sienna's demeanor.
After a moment of contemplation, she handed Leon a square box. "Take this..."
Leon was puzzled.
"Keep it safe and don't let anyone know about it. Don't open it now; wait until tomorrow. If you're interested in research, this might help."
"Don't you need it, Professor?" Leon frowned, sensing something unusual.
"I do, but it's not crucial."
Before Leon could ask more, Sienna smiled. "I'm very tired. Go practice your dance with your girlfriend. I want to rest alone."
Leon glanced back at the research lab standing among the bamboo trees, feeling uneasy. He patted the box in his pocket, shaking his head as he walked away, thinking maybe he was just overthinking.
...
In the cool evening, Leon headed to the girls' dormitory to pick up Lily Lin.
News of them attending the social dance had already spread across H University. A group of girls waved their arms in greeting outside the dormitory. Leon wasn't used to visiting the girls' dorm, always feeling like a panda on display.
Lily didn't keep him waiting long and soon came downstairs.
"Leon, sorry for the wait," Lily said, her cheeks flushed with a touch of blush, her hands fidgeting nervously.
"I didn't expect you to actually agree to come."
"I'll do my best," Lily nodded.
"Let's go."
Waving at the girls watching, Lily walked with small steps beside Leon. They strolled under the moonlight, and Leon began explaining the dance steps to her to prevent any nervousness later. Lily listened attentively, nodding occasionally.
To outsiders, it looked like a boyfriend explaining something to his girlfriend, who responded sweetly and obediently. The girls watching felt enveloped by a sweet atmosphere.
Meanwhile, someone knocked on the door of Sienna's research lab.
A handsome man with high cheekbones entered, speaking fluent Chinese. "Ah, the beauties of the Red Country are plentiful. I just saw a couple outside who seemed made for each other—what you might call a match made in heaven."
"Dear Sienna, we too are a match made in heaven," he added.
Sienna's face turned cold. "Michel, we're not that close. And your mood seems overly cheerful. Our companion Felix has just had an accident."
Michel seemed to remember and apologized, "Sorry, sorry. You know how it is. When a Frenchman sees a lovely couple, we can't help but praise them."
"Do you still have your Primal Stone?" Michel asked seriously.
"I've already handed it over to the state," Sienna replied flatly.
"What? How could you give it to the foolish government? They don't understand the significance of your findings," Michel exclaimed. "And Stargate Corporation will have an easier time obtaining it. They have connections with the government."
"I know. I've already warned them. If they can get it, so be it," Sienna said calmly. "What about you, Michel? How's your Primal Stone?"
Michel calmed down, staring at Sienna intently. "You're not joking?"
"Clearly, Michel, we've been betrayed. We can't compete with Stargate Corporation. Handing it over to the state for protection is the wisest choice."
"No, Sienna, you're making a big mistake," Michel shook his finger, his tone filled with disappointment. "There was a wiser choice..."
"A wiser choice?" Sienna frowned. "Do you mean to suggest that I, like that traitor, collaborate with blood-stained war profiteers? To become their lapdog?"
Michel's expression turned cold. "Or do you think it's wiser to seek your own demise?"