บท 77: Banquet of Deceit (1)
The Monarch hotel's grand ballroom at the moment casted a fantastical atmosphere. The majestic crystal chandeliers hovered above glittering with whimsical light. Instruments harmonized with each other in a pleasant, lively tune as people lavishly dressed in ballgowns and formal suits swayed to the music. The muted murmurs peppered with laughter here and there weaved a scene straight out of a fairy tale book.
The musicians engrossed in romance with their instruments suddenly received a subtle cue. Their playing changed into a melody of calm and grace, soothing the enlivened atmosphere. A lady dressed in an immaculate periwinkle blue ballgown. It was an off-shoulder style which showed of the lady's delicate, white collarbones. Her attractive showcased a tear-shaped sapphire necklace.
Her willowy brows exuded gentleness beyond measure. The pert nose added a youthful vigor to her, coupled with the little smile she had on her pink, supple lips she was quite an adorable woman; much like a sweet, little fairy coming down from her enchanted garden to give joy to people. Every single guest was in awe of the pleasure her kind and soft beauty awarded.
"Yan family's Young Miss sure is a rare beauty."
"I agree. She's pretty much an otherwordly fairy."
"Beauty, brains, and a splendid background. The heavens have quite favor this young lady. It would be a man's good fortune to marry her."
"Do you think the Yan has already arrange for her marriage? If not, it would be a loss if I don't offer up my grandson to such a spectacular lady."
Murmurs of compliments buzzed across the room. Yan Xiaoyi gloated internally as she took all of it in along with the captivated expressions of the people in the ballroom. She had doubled her efforts to look exceptional tonight. It was expected for them to react that way. Her excited eyes darted around to look for a certain figure.
However, even before she could find him Yan Xiaoyi was met with the flattering faces of her acquaintances. Yan Xiaoyi had no choice but to swallow her frustration and greet the annoying people back.
---
Ying Yue Garden.
Liu Ying gaped at the cold, imposing form of his master as he leisurely flipped documents as if he had nowhere to go. As far as Liu Ying was aware, the master and Miss Yan were going seperately to the party. Except, Zi Jue insisted that he wouldn't leave unless he sees the Miss in her attire first.
Well, speaking of attire Liu Ying 's eye twitched at his master's suit for tonight. Who would have expected that his master would wear such a flashy color? Not that he didn't look good. Quite contrary, in fact. The scarlet tuxedo Zi Jue wore gave a dangerously magnified attractiveness to him that it was beyond the understanding of a mortal like Liu Ying.
The Housekeeper sighed pitifully. At this rate, a carpet of flowers would definitely bloom around his master tonight. Liu Ying was just afraid that it might enrage a certain goddess.
'Aiyah, master. I will pray for you. You better crush the flowers yourself later lest we incur the wrath of your beloved. At that point, even I might kneel on the washboard alongside you.' He lamented secretly in his heart as his gaze once again returned to the oblivious man.
---
Zi Jue heard the clacking of heels beneath the marbled floor. He promptly lifted his head up from the papers in his hands. His breath hitched at the sight while his hands unconsciously dropped the papers he was holding leaving it a pile of mess on the floor.
The woman in front of him stood tall in a blood red gown that fitted the contours of her slender form and flared at the end. The modest sabrina neckline of her dress along with the shimmering, translucent bishop sleeves gave her an elegant, dignified aura. Her hair was let down in waves with one side tucked behind her ears revealing delicate ruby earrings.
"You're drooling, Ah Jue." Yan Qing Shan fought the urge to laugh at Zi Jue's expression. Yet there was little pinch of pleasure deep inside her at his shock. The hours she spent getting ready weren't wasted.
"Huh? What?" Zi Jue absentmindedly replied. He was still stuck in a trance gazing at the stunning woman smiling at him. Yan Qing Shan laughed for real this time.
"Silly. I thought we agreed you'd go first." She fiddled open the purse in her hand as she spoke. Yan Qing Shan raised her brow when she saw him pout.
"Can we not go? Flies will surely buzz around you if we attend that stupid party. Let's just stay home." Zi Jue mumbled grumpily.
Yan Qing Shan tsked and glared at him. "That would waste all my effort, wouldn't it? You're that glad to ruin my fun?"
Zi Jue sighed in defeat. In truth, he was merely saying things. Zi Jue was aware of how crucial this party was to her. Yan Qing Shan needed to vent her anger and take revenge for all the slight she had to suffer. He wouldn't deprive her of that. Except, she was just too beautiful tonight. A sliver of fear grew in his heart, along with the ugly feeling of jealousy.
"I was just kidding." Yan Qing Shan breathed in deeply as she gazed at the sullen man.
'Truly like a child.'
"Ah Jue." Yan Qing Shan approached him, her voice softened to a degree. Zi Jue didn't respond nor did he bother to glance at Yan Qing Shan. He was fighting against the turmoil in his heart. He didn't want to be like this. He didn't want to be irrational and lose his sanity. He was scared he might hurt her again. Zi Jue vowed to never do anything that will cause her pain again.
Suddenly, he felt a slightly chilled hands against his warm ones. Zi Jue couldn't resist and looked up. What met him were Yan Qing Shan's gentle, understanding eyes.
"Ah Jue, you won't let me out of your sight will you?" Her mellow voice beckoned at him. Zi Jue nodded. A beaming smile graced her lips in return.
"Good. Because I won't let you out of my sight, as well. I'm afraid you'll catch the eyes of every woman there. Tsk. I'd rather not commit murder tonight. You better behave." Yan Qing Shan tone was sharp and commanding, her almond eyes narrowing at the sulking man.
Zi Jue straightened himself up. His chaotic heart gaining peace at her words. "Yes, madam. I'll be at my best behavior." He answered with a mock salute.
Yan Qing Shan merely smirked before telling him to go ahead and wait for her arrival at the hotel. The pacified devil happily complied. A flabbergasted Liu Ying followed him out while Yan Qing Shan smilingly shook her head.
As soon as Zi Jue left, Yan Qing Shan turned back to her usual self. Her eyes glinted dangerously as a her lips quirked up in a cold smile.
"Ojou, everything is in place." Aki's voice rang out in her earpiece.
"Commence." Yan Qing Shan commanded.
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