Yun Li entered the private room, her heart in disarray, losing the mood to enjoy the festivities. She picked up her phone and began to clean out her photo album. She had taken many pictures during the tour, as she was the lead actress in the Dance Drama. After seven years at the Jing City Song and Dance Theatre, she had climbed to the position of Principal four years ago, becoming the youngest Principal in the theatre's history.
She had made a name for herself in the dance world, dedicating these years to her craft. She thought she had forgotten him, that she would no longer feel even a flicker of emotion for him. But seeing him again stirred feelings she thought were long buried. Clearly, she had overestimated her own resolve.
After fiddling with her phone for a while, Jiang Shiyu walked in. He remained seated in the corner, not drinking or mingling, standing out like a sore thumb in the lively atmosphere. Shu Ran had already managed to get Qin Nianzhe drunk; she was proudly standing on a table, hands on her hips, laughing heartily. Yun Li sighed and got up to pull her down.
Shu Ran resisted, bouncing around on the table instead. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Shu Ran shivered for some unknown reason, feeling an icy chill creep up her back like snakes and ants.
In the next moment, a low growl filled with fury echoed: "Shu Ran."
Shu Ran stiffened at the sound, hesitating before turning to see Cheng Zhou standing at the door with a dark expression. Although Shu Ran disliked Cheng Zhou, she also feared his anger; when he got mad, he was scarier than her father.
Cheng Zhou's aura was heavy with suppressed rage as his narrowed eyes fixated on her dress. The fabric clung tightly to her chest, revealing a generous expanse of skin that left little to the imagination. This only fueled Cheng Zhou's anger further.
Without hesitation, he strode over and hoisted Shu Ran onto his shoulder to carry her away.
Yun Li was taken aback and stood there with her mouth agape, not knowing whether to intervene or not.
Shu Ran cried out for help: "Hao Hao, save me!"
Ugh, I feel like throwing up.
Yun Li finally spoke up: "Cheng Zhou, Ran Ran has had a bit too much to drink today; don’t be too harsh on her."
The door opened and then closed again as Xu Nian and Peng Qingyu let out a sigh of relief.
Finally, that troublesome girl is gone! Yun Li thought as they prepared to buy some snacks for Shu Ran together.
Xu Nian and Peng Qingyu carried the small bundle over, and Yun Li took it from them. It wasn't very heavy, or else she wouldn't have been able to manage it.
Peng Qingyu said, "We promised to welcome you, but that girl got so caught up in her own fun."
Yun Li waved her hand dismissively. "It's all the same. We've had our drinks, and the gift has been received. Let's call it a night!"
Peng Qingyu added, "We've all had drinks, but you haven't. Since you're outside with us, why don't you drive us home?" Qin Nianchu kicked Qin Nianzhe lightly and said to him.
Peng Qingyu turned his gaze to the corner where Jiang Shiyu was quietly sipping warm water. He hadn't drunk any alcohol either; with so many of us, it was likely we wouldn't all fit in one car.
"Did you drive here?" Jiang Shiyu asked.
He set down his cup and replied calmly, "Yes."
Peng Qingyu and Qin Nianchu helped carry Qin Nianzhe outside. The wind was strong, causing Yun Li to instinctively wrap her scarf tighter around her neck.
Once Qin Nianzhe was tossed into the car, Xu Nian climbed in as well. Qin Nianchu looked back at Yun Li and Jiang Shiyu, who was standing behind her.
She said, "Li Li, you should take my car. I'll ride with Jiang Shiyu."
Yun Li nodded in agreement. Peng Qingyu stood at the car door and said, "Nianchu, it's late. It would be too much trouble for Jiang Shiyu to drop you off. Just take your own car home and bring your brother along."
After a moment's thought, Yun Li realized he was right; they were all headed towards the Qin Family's place anyway, and making an extra trip would be a hassle.
"Nianchu, you go ahead! I'll take a taxi," she said.
Qin Nianchu hesitated, feeling uneasy but realizing there was no better option. "Just remember to call me when you get home."
Yun Li nodded and watched as the car drove away before she lowered her head to open her ride-hailing app.
A figure approached from behind her and said softly, "Let's go! I'll give you a ride."
Before she could refuse, he walked over and opened the passenger door for her. His gaze was intense as it settled on her.
Yun Li looked at him from a distance; meeting his piercing eyes sent a shiver down her spine. She didn't argue and walked over to get into the car.
With a loud thud, she closed the door behind her. As he crossed over the hood of the car and slid into the driver's seat, Yun Li felt an overwhelming sense of suffocation wash over her. Her heart raced uncomfortably in her chest.
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