Su Ye returned just as the ball began.
The lights dimmed throughout the room and music began to play, the opening dance was performed by Gu Yan and Su Wanqing.
As everyone watched, Su Ye withdrew her gaze, restraining the sourness in her heart, and took a sip of her drink.
The sound of thunderous applause erupted as the dance came to an end, and the stream of compliments seem unending.
Su Wanqing shyly nestled into Gu Yan's embrace, his lips curled in a casual smile, though his eyes skimmed over Su Ye.
The continuous sounds of congratulations surrounded them, but Gu Yan, with a lazy and casual demeanor, didn't respond, his gaze fixated on her without any attempt to conceal it.
He was waiting, watching to see with whom Su Ye would dance this time.
He lightly tapped his chin with his tongue, feeling somewhat expectant, hopeful that she would seek his aid.
Since the beginning of the banquet, Shen Qifeng had not yet appeared, meaning Su Ye was most likely unable to dance with him.
Of course, she was still intent on seducing Shen Qifeng, so she must reject Qin Xiaohua.
But having rejected Qin Xiaohua, who would dare dance with her?
In the whole room, aside from himself, no one could help her.
So, he waited, waiting for Su Ye to come to him, to ask him to help her avoid Qin Xiaohua.
"Ah Yan?" Su Wanqing called to him, following his gaze to discover he was looking at Su Ye, her expression instantly souring.
"Ah Yan, my sister is almost engaged to Mr. Qin." Su Wanqing bit her lip, her voice faint, as if she was reminding Gu Yan, while also impressing upon him the fact that Su Ye was only fit to be with Qin Xiaohua.
Gu Yan lazily retracted his gaze and flicked her forehead, "What are you thinking?"
"As if I would be interested in her," his voice full of contempt and disdain, made Su Wanqing cheer up, her smile blossoming even more radiantly, and she no longer cared to press why Gu Yan was watching her.
After all, after tonight, Su Ye would only be able to marry Qin Xiaohua, while she was destined to marry Gu Yan.
Unaware of the exchange between Gu Yan and Su Wanqing, Su Ye's thoughts were utterly fixated on herself, and after the first dance ended, came the time for guests to invite each other to dance at their own initiative.
Su Ye knew, if Qin Xiaohua came to find her, she would have no excuse to refuse.
Her gaze involuntarily shifted outside, still no sight of Shen Qifeng; Su Ye's heart sank further with each moment.
She should have known to wear pants instead of a skirt, so she could have avoided dancing with Qin Xiaohua by making excuses.
According to the rules of the ball, a lady not wearing a skirt could choose not to dance.
A dark shadow loomed before her; Qin Xiaohua's face held a smile as he extended his hand to her, "Miss Su, may I have the honor of asking you for a dance?"
Su Ye focused on him, her mind wavering, accepting the dance would mean she had compromised.
If she refused, it would be a slap in Qin Xiaohua's face. Not only would he not let her go, but Su He wouldn't either.
Her smile was fixed as Qin Xiaohua raised an eyebrow, "What's the matter? Miss Su, do you not wish to dance with me?"
"Of course not," Su Ye denied, gritting her teeth, thinking she had no choice but to brace herself and accept.
She had to get past this moment, as long as she was not engaged to Qin Xiaohua, there was still a chance to connect with Shen Qifeng.
But Su Ye thought, if Shen Qifeng didn't appear today, she likely would never have the chance again.
The worst-case scenario was marrying Qin Xiaohua, but if she could retrieve her mother's possessions, she was willing to accept that!
Su Ye exhaled, curved her eyes towards Qin Xiaohua, "It would be my honor."
As she extended her hand, about to touch Qin Xiaohua's arm, a long arm reached out, blocking Qin Xiaohua's path.
The cold voice of Shen Qifeng came, "Weren't we agreed that your first dance would be with me?"