The Provocative Waltz

Graceful waltzes filled the rhythmic ambiance, as couples swayed in the center of the dance floor, bathed in the shifting hues of neon lights. Yet, the true centerpiece remained the colossal yellow chandelier suspended above, its brilliance overshadowing all. Though the vibrant neon cast an alluring glow, it could not diminish the inherent grandeur of the hall.

A harmonious atmosphere prevailed, everyone seemingly lost in joyous revelry—save for four individuals. Bai Chen’s gaze, restless and troubled, drifted repeatedly towards Bai Qiao, his heart a turmoil of emotions. Likewise, witnessing Bai Chen’s distracted state, Huayu seethed with extreme displeasure. ‘What was her relationship with Bai Chen? Childhood sweethearts, a golden match acknowledged by all. After only a few months apart, how could this wild girl, who had appeared from nowhere, captivate Bai Chen’s attention so completely?’

As the thought solidified, her grip tightened imperceptibly, and a flicker of ruthlessness glinted in her eyes.

“…”

Qing cast another complex gaze towards Bai Qiao, who, despite a fleeting spark of guilt in her eyes, stubbornly retorted:

“I—I didn’t do it on purpose! How am I supposed to dance something like this…?”

Her brows were slightly furrowed, her lips pouted just so, and her gaze nervously darted away. A blush crept across her face, betraying her shame. This appearance, combined with her doll-like features and the intricate ensemble she wore… ‘He truly wanted to just whisk her away,’ Qing found himself utterly captivated.

“Allow me to teach you…”

Qing said softly, then, without awaiting a reply, he circled his arm around Bai Qiao’s back, effortlessly spinning her once before resting his hand gently on her waist. Bai Qiao, sensitive around her midsection, instinctively flinched, but realizing Qing harbored no ulterior motives, she chided herself for overthinking and quickly regained her composure. She followed Qing’s lead for a few dance steps. As Bai Qiao lowered her head to meticulously observe her footing, Qing glanced south, offering a relaxed smile to Bai Chen, who was trembling with fury, his eyes practically spitting fire.

Already on the verge of exploding with rage, Bai Chen’s face turned ashen at Qing’s provocative smile. Fortunately, Huayu was there to restrain him.

“A’Chen, this is a ball… so many nobles are watching…”

Bai Chen took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down. He wasn’t entirely irrational; the bigger picture still needed to be considered.

He had no recollection of what happened during the rest of the ball, his mind utterly consumed by Qing’s smile. Bai Chen’s possessiveness was terrifying; once he claimed something as his own, if he couldn’t have it, he’d rather destroy it than let anyone else possess it.

After the ball concluded, the same group naturally reconvened, clinking stemmed wine glasses, exchanging pleasantries, and engaging in discussions.

Bai Qiao found herself unable to contribute to the conversations, nor did she have any interest in doing so. She silently settled to the side, savoring the red wine of this world. It was indeed different from the wine back ‘there.’ After a lifetime of drinking her own world’s vintage, this change of taste was surprisingly addictive.

“Qiao…”

Bai Chen forcibly suppressed his surging anger, striving to keep his voice calm. To his surprise, Bai Qiao simply turned and walked away as if she hadn’t heard him. Instinctively, Bai Chen reached out and seized her wrist.

Perhaps still affected by her physiological period, Bai Qiao felt a fiery knot tightening in her chest. She directly used her internal energy to shake Bai Chen’s hand off, speaking without reservation, almost as if needing to vent her frustrations.

“Oh, by the way, shouldn’t I tell you what gender I was before I came here? I’m a man! Why should I be your… concubine here? Ha! I haven’t fallen so low, have I? If you don’t want me here anymore, then I’ll just leave. I don’t need to depend on you to survive! Don’t think everyone should revolve around you. Without you, I’m still me!”

Having uttered so much in one breath, Bai Qiao couldn’t help but gasp, her chest heaving with intense emotion, her face flushed crimson.

Bai Chen froze, watching Bai Qiao’s retreating figure. ‘Did I… make a mistake?’

Suddenly, the grand hall’s doors swung open, and a powerful sense of oppression swept through the room. All eyes turned towards the procession of exceedingly distinguished individuals who had just entered. The person at the very front held a massive red emblem in their hand… a symbol of supreme authority.

Everyone fell silent, standing respectfully on either side. Bai Chen’s lips twitched a few times, but he ultimately took a deep breath, stepped to the very front, and knelt.

“Your Majesty, welcome…”

****