A bright light shone down from above.

At such a close distance, Jiang Qingli could see the curve of every single one of his eyelashes with perfect clarity.

Everyone’s eyes were on them. The air was filled with hushed whispers and the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.

But Jiang Youchen didn’t seem to notice at all.

At this moment, his eyes held only her reflection, as if she were the only thing he cared about.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl.

Jiang Qingli slowly placed her hand in his.

The instant her fingertips touched his palm, he clasped her hand.

But he quickly loosened his grip, holding it lightly instead.

After they took their positions, the other guests filed in one after another. The crystal chandeliers lit up in sequence, illuminating the entire ballroom as if it were day.

Jiang Qingli danced a few steps, her thoughts on Lin Xiyue. She glanced around and found her friend in a corner, dancing with a handsome male she didn’t recognize. When their eyes met, her friend gave her a thumbs-up out of the male’s line of sight, probably thinking he was quite handsome.

She curved her lips into a smile, feeling that the male looked a little familiar.

"That’s your third cousin, Bai Zhe."

A low voice suddenly sounded by her ear.

The warm sensation startled Jiang Qingli, causing her to miss a step and tread on his shoe.

"S-s-s-sorry—" She came to her senses and apologized hastily, her words stuttering.

Jiang Youchen grunted in acknowledgment, pulled back a little, and said no more.

His thin lips were pressed together, and he looked as if he wasn’t very pleased.

Jiang Qingli huffed softly.

’This guy is so hard to please. He was the one who asked me to dance, so why is he giving me the cold shoulder?’

"I’m not giving you the cold shoulder." As they twirled, Jiang Youchen suddenly spoke.

Jiang Qingli almost stepped on his foot again.

Her eyes widened. She began to suspect the man before her had a Mind Reading Technique.

Jiang Youchen glanced down at her expression, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Just a guess."

Jiang Qingli was speechless.

She averted her gaze and said dryly, "Oh. You’re a good guesser."

Jiang Youchen nodded, finished the dance step, and reminded her to watch her feet. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

As the dance neared its end, Jiang Qingli focused on her movements.

Under the lights, the girl’s every move was precise and elegant, a delight to watch.

Jiang Youchen’s eyes were filled with a complex emotion as he said in a low voice, "You’ve gotten much more practiced."

’He’s not getting suspicious, is he?’

Jiang Qingli’s movements subconsciously became more reserved. "I’ve been practicing a lot these past few days," she answered cautiously. "That’s why I’m so proficient."

His voice deepened slightly. "With Baili Jing?"

Although it was a question, his tone was certain.

Jiang Qingli was speechless.

’How does he know that too?’

But then again, she had been practicing at home for the past few days. Many of the servants had seen her, so it wasn’t exactly a secret.

Jiang Qingli added matter-of-factly, "And Qin Muye."

He grunted in acknowledgment and lowered his eyes, his lashes casting a faint shadow on his face.

Gazing at his handsome, well-defined profile, a blurry image suddenly surfaced in Jiang Qingli’s mind—

A winter evening, in a dimly lit ballroom.

After class, a young Jiang Youchen, dressed in his uniform, held out his palm to her, counting the beats as he taught her how to ballroom dance.

She only knew the first part. The further they went, the messier her steps became, leaving a trail of chaotic footprints on the boy’s shiny leather shoes.

"I’m just starting to learn this, I’m not very good at it. I’m not doing it on purpose..." the young girl suggested guiltily. "Why don’t we just let Dad teach me? He’s got thick skin."

"Don’t let him hear you say that, you’ll hurt his feelings." The boy’s lips curved slightly as he soothingly brushed her cheek with his fingertips. "Let’s continue. You’re very light. It doesn’t hurt."

"Really? I knew my brother was the best to me!"

The girl’s sweet voice was filled with feigned flattery as she leaned toward him, her eyes curving into crescents. But she wasn’t watching her feet and ended up stomping soundly on his foot again.

She quickly pulled her foot back, only to step on her other one. She stumbled forward, her forehead bumping hard against Jiang Youchen’s chest.

She looked up awkwardly, meeting the boy’s eyes, which were filled with an indulgent smile. "Take your time."

"Brother, aren’t you mad?" She felt a little embarrassed. "I skipped my cousin’s party to go to Jing’s birthday, and I even made you teach me how to dance..."

"How could I be mad at you?" He lowered his eyes and steadied her, his adolescent voice raspy as it changed.

After a moment, he spoke slowly, his tone full of reassurance. "It wasn’t an important party."

"Go be with him. I’ll cover for you over there."

Just then, the lights were suddenly switched on.

A blue-haired young man, who had found them, was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "So this is where you two were... I was wondering where you’d gone. The lotus seed soup is ready. Who wants a taste?"

"Dad, are you sure nothing bad will happen if we drink it?" the girl asked, her face full of distrust.

"Last time was an accident!" her father cried, proclaiming his innocence. "Your Third Dad already tried it this time! He’s alive and kicking! Trust me—"

He had just taken two steps toward them when a servant’s breathless cry came from behind him. "Sir, Mr. Zhou... he’s got terrible stomach cramps! He’s looking for you everywhere with a knife! You have to run..."

The girl looked up and exchanged a smile with the brother whose arms were around her.

The phantom image gradually overlapped with the cold, handsome profile of the young man before her.

Jiang Qingli parted her lips, wanting to say something but not knowing how. Her mind was a complete mess.

A well-defined hand steadied her arm, and the sharp scent of agarwood filled her nose.

The surroundings darkened again. Many people took this opportunity to switch dance partners, and the chaotic rhythm of their footsteps hammered against her heart.

When Jiang Qingli came back to her senses, a strong arm was already wrapped around her waist.

The lights came up, and the person holding her had changed to Qin Muye.

She was dazed for a moment before remembering she had promised Qin Muye the second dance.

"In a bad mood?" Qin Muye asked, his voice low in her ear.

Jiang Qingli smiled. "I have no secrets from you." She thought for a moment and answered honestly, "A little, I guess."

Ever since the marking, their perception of each other’s emotions had become much more acute.

In front of this little puppy whose heart was full of her, Jiang Qingli didn’t hide her true feelings.

"Why?" Qin Muye asked, confused. "Did your brother upset you just now?"

Recently, Qin Muye had been asking around about his brother-in-law.

Besides his heroic military achievements, what Jiang Youchen was most criticized for was his inscrutable personality.

While they were dancing just now, Qin Muye had watched from the side and noticed the strange atmosphere between them. He’d hurried over to ask her as soon as they switched partners.

Feeling the little puppy’s concern, Jiang Qingli’s mood improved considerably.

She curved her lips into a smile and only said good things. "No, he praised my dancing."

Hearing this, her practice partner, the Prince, beamed with vicarious pride. "Of course! I practiced with you for so long!"

Dancing with Qin Muye was much more relaxing.

The Prince’s etiquette was now impeccable, and he even let his female master lean her weight on his arm to take a break.

Her skirt twirled with the music. Jiang Qingli steadied herself on Qin Muye’s arm, and as her gaze swept idly over the crowd, she suddenly froze—

In a spot untouched by the light, Jiang Yi was standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching her from within the crowd.

Her expression was unclear.

Their eyes met. Jiang Qingli parted her lips, but then she saw Jiang Yi turn to leave. Bai Yiyi was beside her, saying something, her smile exceptionally docile and sweet.

Jiang Qingli’s heart jolted violently.

She had never hated Bai Yiyi so much.

’Who gave her permission to put her hand on Jiang Yi? Who let her get so close? Who said they could smile so happily?’

’That’s my mother!’

She subconsciously took a step in that direction, but then she heard a muffled grunt.

Jiang Qingli looked down and realized she had accidentally stepped on Qin Muye’s foot.

Just as she was about to apologize, Qin Muye suddenly stopped and pulled her by the hand, leading her away.

Jiang Qingli was startled and tried to pull her hand back. "Wait, we’re still dancing..."

"Don’t you want to find your mother-in-law?"

Qin Muye turned back, his eyes sparkling.

"Let’s go together."