Chapter 41: Lingyun Grand Hotel (9)

Korsen danced beautifully. Although Meng Yier was not a professional dancer, she was also quite skilled. Gradually, as she became immersed in the music, she followed his easy steps, letting her graceful movements unfold. Under the play of lights, they looked like a couple from the heavens, perfectly matched.

As the music ended, a wave of enthusiastic applause erupted from below the stage. Korsen held her hand and led her down, and the applause only grew louder.

Meng Yier felt as if she were in a dream from which she did not wish to wake.

Naturally, the murmurs from the audience were ceaseless, everyone curious about the ethereal beauty of the girl beside Korsen.

“Who is this woman? Why have I never seen her before?”

“She’s stunning—her beauty surpasses even the goddesses of the entertainment world like Ouyang Xi.”

“She must be a new actress being promoted by some agency.”

“What a clever move, for an unknown actress to outshine all the female stars present tonight.”

“What is her relationship with Korsen?”

“Korsen invited her to dance—there must be something special between them.”

“Perhaps there’s some kind of secret deal. I bet she’ll be the leading lady in Korsen’s next film.”

…

Meng Yier could vaguely hear the comments growing sharper and more caustic, and felt the piercing gazes directed at her. She finally returned to her senses, lowered her head slightly with a gentle smile, forced herself to remain calm, and quietly withdrew her hand from Korsen’s grip, putting some distance between them.

Korsen remained poised and elegant, his smile warm. “I never expected Miss Meng to dance so well—”

Meng Yier smiled lightly. “I know just a little; you flatter me, Mr. Korsen—”

“Miss Meng, you’re too modest—” A mellow, clear voice sounded from behind her, cutting her off.

Meng Yier stiffened, her body tensing as she turned. As she expected, she saw Yan Yichen’s handsome face.

He wore a faint smile, but his gaze was as cold as a winter pond, fixed on Meng Yier.

“Mr. Yan—” Korsen greeted him with a friendly nod.

Yan Yichen’s gaze shifted to Korsen, his expression still flawlessly polite, though a flash of menace passed through his deep eyes. “Mr. Korsen, may I borrow your dance partner for a moment?”

Korsen graciously made a gesture of invitation, then turned to call for a waiter to bring him a glass of red wine.

Yan Yichen smiled, watching Meng Yier quietly, then bowed and held out his left hand.

Meng Yier stood awkwardly, shooting him a sharp glare. She did not want to dance with him, but refusing now would seem rude.

Yan Yichen appeared oblivious, his piercing gaze fixed on her eyes, waiting in silence.

After a moment’s hesitation, she finally placed her right hand in his, following his lead onto the ballroom floor.

As the music began, Yan Yichen’s right hand settled at her waist. Meng Yier could feel the surprising force of his grip, pain shooting through her side. She struggled, but his large hand held her fast. Glancing around, she noticed everyone’s attention was now on them. Daring not to resist further, she could only endure the pain and dance with him.

“Yan Yichen, you’re hurting me,” Meng Yier whispered, glancing up at his half-smiling eyes in protest.

“Oh? Where? Here?” he asked, shifting his hand on her waist, loosening his grip only to squeeze her more firmly.

“You’re doing this on purpose?” Meng Yier gritted her teeth in frustration.

Yan Yichen recalled the way she had looked at Korsen just moments before, and his eyes turned icy. “This is your punishment,” he said, anger flaring in his gaze, his eyes rimmed with red as his grip tightened.

“I… I’ve already apologized,” Meng Yier said helplessly, looking at his handsome face.

She thought his anger stemmed from her lying to him.

“It’s not enough.”

What a petty man!

Meng Yier had to admit, his face was truly captivating—so handsome it could steal one’s breath away, warm enough to thaw the coldest winter when he smiled. Staring at him in silence, it was easy to get lost.

And yet, this was the sort of man who always did things utterly at odds with his appearance and demeanor.

At this moment, everyone saw his elegance and charm, but only Meng Yier could feel his chill and anger.

Yan Yichen was truly a man she could not afford to provoke.