Chapter 76 Part 3

He didn’t know if Gu Yuan would accept Miss Lin’s dance invitation, but from the perspectives of etiquette and upbringing, Gu Yuan probably wouldn’t refuse.

It was mid-November now, the weather outside chilly. Frost flowers like coin patterns accumulated on the rattan chairs on the terrace, and the howling north wind chimed as it passed.

Zhou Chiyu wrapped his coat tightly and quietly leaned against the corridor railing, gazing at the tree adorned with ice-crystal leaves in the hoarfrost. The early winter frost seemed drawn by the invisible north wind, densely enveloping everything, freezing him to the bone. But he’d rather freeze here than go in and watch Gu Yuan invite someone else to dance.

“You’re Little Fish President, right?”

A blond, blue-eyed boy wrapped in a scarf smiled at him. “My father said you’re out here spacing out alone and asked me to invite you to hang out.”

“Your father?”

The surrounding leaves rustled in the howling north wind. Zhou Chiyu wrapped his clothes tighter and smiled in surprise. “You’re from Ftyu Group…”

“Yes, I’m Mr. Marmont’s son, Donald.”

“Thanks for his kindness, but I—”

Before Zhou Chiyu could finish, he was interrupted by footsteps from afar.

When he saw that it was Gu Ming and his son approaching, he lowered his eyes to Donald. “Then let’s go.”

“Little Fish.” Gu Feng called out to him with a fake smile. “My cousin is inviting Miss Lin to dance. Do you know about this?”

The shaken-off frost fragments drifted into the courtyard fountain. Zhou Chiyu stared at the pool of thin, solidified ice, his back stiffening. “I know. So what?”

When Gu Lao had Gu Yuan invite Miss Lin, Gu Feng had been present. He had come specifically to stir up trouble between the brothers and make Zhou Chiyu resent Gu Yuan. In his mind, Gu Yuan must have secretly seduced Zhou Chiyu. If Zhou Chiyu could see Gu Yuan’s true colors, that would be perfect.

“Little Feng doesn’t mean anything else.” Gu Ming maintained a polite smile. “He’s just worried you’re lonely and wants to invite you for a dance.”

“Dance with him?” Zhou Chiyu sounded as if he’d heard something unbelievable. “Don’t you think that’s weird?”

“Weird?” Gu Ming’s gentle tone carried an elder’s affection. “Little Feng just wants to show his concern for you.”

Gu Ming’s family’s low profile left Zhou Chiyu defenseless. Seeing his difficulty, Donald stepped forward. “Sorry, Little Fish has already promised to dance with me.”

Gu Ming raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled insincerely. “And who might this be?”

“He’s the son of Ftyu Group’s chairman.” Zhou Chiyu was grateful for Donald’s save and lightly took his arm. “Let’s go.”

Donald nodded. “Excuse us.”

Back in the banquet hall, Donald noticed many people watching them. “Thank you.”

Zhou Chiyu felt a bit unnatural as Donald gently held his waist. “Why thank me?”

Donald: “Thanks for making us the center of the banquet.”

Zhou Chiyu spun with Donald to the middle of the dance floor. Under the refracted shards of light from the crystal chandelier was his bright yet tense smile. “Really?”

“Mm.” Donald elegantly bowed and took Zhou Chiyu’s hand. “But I’m not very good at tango; I might not dance well.”

“No problem.” Zhou Chiyu winked at him. “I only know basic steps anyway.”

“That’s perfect.” The violin swelled with melody, and Donald, stepping to the dense drumbeat, led Zhou Chiyu weaving through the dance floor.

“Chairman Gu, is that the child from the Zhou Family, your little grandson?”

Gu Lao’s friends teased. “The one dancing with him should be Ftyu Group’s Little Young Master. They look like they might spark something.”

Gu Lao narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze toward Donald carrying a hint of wariness.

In the dance floor, Zhou Chiyu’s breathing was tense. He could feel Donald’s leather shoes bumping his shoe tips; they were like gears thrown into disarray—stepping on the beat yet unexpectedly off-rhythm.

Whispers of discussion filled the banquet hall.

Donald felt apologetic but had to finish the dance with Zhou Chiyu. He seemed innately lacking in dance talent; whether rumba, cha-cha, quick waltz, or slow waltz—social dances—he was average at best, and his father had scolded him plenty for it.

The music’s drumbeat abruptly stopped, and the two suddenly spun in sync. Their overlapping figures, like entwined vines, collided into each other.

Zhou Chiyu winced in pain and staggered backward.

The dance floor wasn’t too high or low; Zhou Chiyu’s feet suddenly lost support, his pupils contracting sharply.

Oh no.

He figured he was about to embarrass himself in public.

Just as he braced for it, his body crashed into a broad embrace and was firmly caught.

“You okay?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhou Chiyu snapped his eyes open. Once his body was steadied, his steps involuntarily followed the man in front of him, swaying on in the dance floor.

Gu Yuan’s arm around his waist was very tight. He stared at the wine stain on Gu Yuan’s suit, his breathing gradually quickening.

The piano notes poured out like flowing water. The two rotated in perfect sync, their overlapping figures continuously reflected in the tall stacks of red wine glasses.

Zhou Chiyu could feel everyone watching them. He lowered his eyes. “Weren’t you supposed to dance with Miss Lin?”

“Someone spilled wine on my suit. I was worried about staining Miss Lin’s pretty dress, so I didn’t invite her.”

Gu Yuan exerted force from his side, spinning Zhou Chiyu and gently embracing him from behind.

Zhou Chiyu glanced at Gu Lao opposite them, instinctively averting his gaze. His voice was very soft. “Who stained it?”

Gu Yuan’s warm breath brushed Zhou Chiyu’s ear. “Me.”