Chapter 46: The Leading Lady
Ye Tianlin's nonchalant "Oh" hung in the air, carrying an undertone that was anything but casual.
Ye Lao, though indignant, swallowed his temper, his thoughts focused on the evening's goal. He forced a smile and said, "I thought you wouldn't come tonight, Lin'er. Look around, all the daughters of prominent families are here. Have you taken a liking to anyone? If so, your grandfather can…"
Before he could finish, Suxin seized the moment and stepped forward.
"Good evening, Grandpa," she said sweetly, her voice calculatedly soft. She thought Ye Tianlin bringing her to such a grand event must mean he had acknowledged her position. Winning over Ye Lao would be her final step to solidify her place.
Ye Lao froze for a second, visibly unimpressed. He glanced at Ye Tianlin for clarification, but his grandson's lips only curled into a faint smirk.
In a low voice, Ye Lao grumbled, "Why do you always bring these random women to such events? Have you no standards?"
Ye Tianlin's smirk widened as he said, "Who said she's my woman?"
Ye Lao's expression shifted to one of surprise.
"Don't worry," Ye Tianlin added enigmatically. "The real leading lady will appear soon enough."
Across the room, Hua Lin's sharp gaze followed Ye Tianlin's every move. The mention of another "leading lady" made her blood boil.
How dare he? Hua Lin clenched her fists. He belongs to me. No one else.
Meanwhile, Liang Xiaoluo was wandering the building's endless corridors. Dressed in a resplendent gown, she stuck out like a sore thumb but had no idea how to find an exit. The directions someone gave her earlier had led her astray. Her frustration grew until she saw a door ahead. Hoping for salvation, she pushed it open.
The ballroom fell silent as Liang Xiaoluo stepped into the grand space.
The dazzling lights, the glimmer of the attendees' attire, and the sheer enormity of the room left her stunned. But nothing shocked her more than the man standing before her—Ye Tianlin.
His lips curled into a satisfied smile, as if he had anticipated this exact moment.
"You're right on time," he said, striding toward her.
Liang Xiaoluo froze, realizing her mistake too late. Her plan to escape had backfired, and she had walked straight into his trap.
"Let me go!" she hissed as Ye Tianlin grabbed her wrist.
"Not so fast," he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "Didn't I promise you one wish? Stay by my side tonight, and I might grant it."
Liang Xiaoluo's heart sank. His words were laced with mockery, and she knew she had no choice. Her body stiffened as he led her to the center of the room.
The crowd buzzed with whispers.
"Who is she?" "Where did she come from?" "She's stunning."
The spotlight illuminated the unlikely pair. Liang Xiaoluo, though reluctant and flustered, appeared ethereal in her gown, while Ye Tianlin exuded his usual charisma. Together, they looked like a scene from a fairy tale.
Not far away, Nan Shaojie's gaze locked onto Liang Xiaoluo. His hands curled into fists, and his expression darkened.
"Shall I fetch her for you, Young Master?" Bingya, his loyal aide, asked quietly.
Nan Shaojie shook his head, his jaw clenched. He knew Ye Tianlin was provoking him on purpose, but it didn't make the sight any less painful.
In the corner of the room, Hua Lin's composed façade cracked as jealousy consumed her.
Liang Xiaoluo…you won't take him away from me.
The orchestra began to play, and Ye Tianlin led Liang Xiaoluo into a graceful waltz. The room watched in awe, captivated by the elegance of their movements.
"What are you trying to accomplish?" Liang Xiaoluo hissed under her breath.
"Dancing," Ye Tianlin replied nonchalantly.
"Why not with Suxin?" she shot back.
His lips curled into a teasing smile. "Jealous?"
"Only in your dreams," she retorted, her cheeks burning.
Ye Tianlin chuckled softly, his gaze briefly flickering toward Hua Lin. The storm brewing in her expression was a delicious victory.
As the music swelled, Liang Xiaoluo resigned herself to the charade. For now, she had no choice but to play along.