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769 Words
"May I have the honor of this dance, Miss Lanyou?" If I’ve guessed correctly, Han Yuming thought, that old fox Yi Bao wants to use this little girl to seduce me and force a marriage. That way, he thinks I’ll be morally bound to stop the takeover of the Yi Corporation. Fine. Since that’s your game, I’ll play along and see how far you’re willing to go.
"Uh—of course." Lanyou glanced at her grandfather. Seeing his subtle, approving nod, she slowly placed her hand in Han Yuming’s palm.
Everything was proceeding exactly as Yi Bao had hoped. He knew that with Han Yuming’s sharp intellect, his intentions couldn't remain hidden for long. But he was gambling—betting that Han Yuming would find Xiao You intriguing enough to enjoy the game.
Han Yuming whispered something into the ear of his beautiful companion. She smiled coyly and walked away, leaving him to pull Yi Lanyou into the center of the dance floor.
The warmth of his body radiated through the thin fabric of her dress, making her feel intensely uncomfortable. She tried to pull back slightly, but his grip only tightened.
"What’s wrong, little beauty? Isn't this exactly what you and your grandfather wanted?" His hot breath brushed against her earlobe, sending a violent shiver through her.
"..." She didn't know how to respond. She knew her grandfather’s plan, but she was merely a pawn with no right to resist—unless she was willing to disregard her mother’s wishes and selfishly push this man away. But she couldn't. Steeling herself, she pushed aside her inner turmoil and forced a sweet, resolute smile.
Han Yuming expected her to be panicked, or perhaps to push him away in a fit of rage. Instead, he saw her brow knit for a moment, a flash of deep sorrow in her eyes, before she suddenly broke into a smile. It was so sweet that even his icy heart felt a strange tremor.
Why? Why is she smiling? Is she truly this calculating, or is there a hidden story? Or... has she fallen for me at first sight? For a moment, he couldn't read her, but deep down, he hoped it wasn't the former. He shook off these ridiculous thoughts and reclaimed his cold heart. After all, kindness to an enemy is cruelty to oneself.
They danced gracefully in the center of the room, sometimes light and swift, sometimes deep and intense. The guests couldn't help but marvel, whispering that they were a match made in heaven.
As the song ended, Han Yuming felt a wave of dry heat rising in his body. He knew the drug was starting to take effect. From the very first sip of wine, he had tasted the aphrodisiac. After years of navigating the cutthroat business world, he wouldn't have survived this long without such vigilance. He was simply letting the trap close around him on purpose.
The large hand resting on Yi Lanyou’s waist grew noticeably hotter. She realized what was happening and knew exactly what was supposed to come next.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" she asked, feigning ignorance as the man before her seemed to lose his steady footing.
"I'm fine. It's just that Miss Lanyou is so captivating... I feel a bit intoxicated," Han Yuming replied. Even though he was acting, the burning sensation in his veins was very real.
"Then let me help you to the side to rest." Lanyou had been pursued by many boys before and had heard countless compliments, but now, she felt herself becoming "intoxicated" just by his words.
"Mm." He leaned his weight onto her delicate shoulders, and as he caught the unique, light fragrance of her skin, the heat within him surged even more uncontrollably.
"Oh! What’s happened? CEO Han, are you alright?" Yi Bao, who had been watching from the shadows, rushed over immediately. He, of course, knew exactly what the situation was.
"He seems... he seems a bit drunk." Seeing the blurred look in his eyes, she knew he was fighting a battle between his reason and his desires. She stepped in to explain.
"Quick, Ah Fu! Help CEO Han to the second floor to rest!" Although Yi Bao tried to hide it, a flash of treachery sparkled in his eyes.
"Xiao You, go and see if CEO Han needs anything. Take good care of him." He patted her shoulder lightly and then turned away to join another group of guests as if nothing were wrong.
- Writer
