The hall had not quieted after the earlier drama. If anything, the air grew richer with gossip, curiosity and excitement. People floated between tables carrying champagne, laughing politely while their eyes darted toward one corner of the room. That corner held a sight far more interesting than any business deal or celebrity appearance.
Shen Zhi stood near the tall windows, posture straight, eyes calm, presence imposing. Beside him, just slightly behind, stood Gu Anqi. She tried to look anywhere other than at the man who seemed to pull all attention to himself like a magnet. Her warm brown eyes wandered nervously as she fiddled with the strap of her small clutch.
She had planned to stay invisible. Instead, she was now accidentally glued to the most intimidating man in the building.
Shen Zhi did not understand why he had told her to stay near him. He did not say it again, nor did he elaborate, but his eyes kept drifting toward her. Every time someone walked too close to her, he shifted almost imperceptibly, adjusting his position as if shielding her.
She was sunshine wrapped in awkwardness and panic.He was winter wrapped in tailored black fabric and perfect composure.
And yet, their worlds kept brushing against each other like two strings slowly being pulled into a knot.
Anqi finally broke the silence.
"Do you mind if I breathe here? Or should I do it over there so I do not disturb the cold aura?"
He blinked, surprised. Then, for the first time that night, a faint warmth flickered in his gaze.
"You may breathe here."
"Oh good. I forgot to ask for permission earlier."
A short laugh escaped her unexpectedly. Shen Zhi watched her with quiet confusion, as if her humor were a language he had never learned but wanted to understand.
Before either could say more, a waiter arrived carrying fresh trays. Anqi's eyes sparkled the moment she saw the food. She forgot all stress. She forgot Shen Zhi. She forgot the hall. Her entire world narrowed to the tiny mozzarella bites and chocolate cups.
She leaned toward the tray with childish wonder. Shen Zhi's hand twitched again, though he hid it by clasping his fingers behind his back.
"These look delicious," she whispered reverently.
"They are," the waiter said politely. "Would you like to try one?"
"I would like to try fifteen," she replied seriously.
The waiter blinked in surprise, then laughed softly and offered her two.
Shen Zhi watched her take a bite, eyes brightening with genuine joy. The reaction made an unfamiliar warmth unfurl in his chest. Something quietly possessive stirred in him, something he did not understand and absolutely did not want to discuss with anyone.
Anqi turned toward him suddenly.
"Do you want one?" she asked.
He stared at the chocolate cup she was holding out. The idea of tasting food given directly by someone else would normally unsettle him, but the way she offered it so casually made the moment feel strangely intimate.
"I do not eat sweets often," he replied.
"Then tonight is your character development arc. Open your horizons. Be adventurous. Eat sugar."
He did not react for a second. Then, silently, he accepted one from the waiter instead of taking it from her hand. He placed it on the edge of his plate.
Anqi still smiled. "Small steps. I respect it."
A surprising thought crossed his mind. He wanted to take the chocolate from her hand instead.
He did not act on it. But he wanted to.
The lights dimmed as the orchestra began playing a slow song. A gentle romantic melody drifted through the room. Couples moved toward the dance floor.
Anqi stepped back automatically. She was terrible at dancing. She once tripped over her partner's foot so dramatically that the instructor told her to "respect gravity from a distance."
She clasped her hands together and laughed under her breath. "I should stand behind a pillar before I accidentally kick someone important."
Shen Zhi glanced at her.
"I do not dance either," he said.
"Oh. So both of us are hazards to society?"
"Avoidance is safer."
"Good. We can stand here safely and not risk manslaughter."
He looked at her again. This time longer. People noticed. People always noticed when he looked at her.
Across the room, Li Feng approached again with a friendly smile.
"Miss Gu, would you like to dance? I promise I will not let you fall."
Her eyes widened. Dancing? Her? In front of people? She nearly choked on her own air.
"I do not think you understand the danger you are putting yourself in," she said seriously.
"I will risk it," he replied.
Shen Zhi's eyes sharpened. Xu Chen, standing behind him, swallowed nervously.
Li Feng extended a hand toward her.
Before she could respond, Gu Yuwei materialized at her side.
"She should not dance," Yuwei said sweetly. "She does not know how. She will trip and embarrass herself again."
Anqi shrunk slightly, embarrassed. She didn't refute her sister.
Li Feng frowned. "I can guide her. There is nothing embarrassing about learning."
Yuwei smiled tightly. "Perhaps you are unaware of her lack of coordination."
Anqi's face reddened. She lowered her head, wishing for a hole to open beneath her.
Shen Zhi stepped forward.
"She is capable of making her own choices."
Yuwei froze.
Xu Chen froze.
Li Feng froze.
Everyone within five meters froze.
Shen Zhi's voice was calm, but the authority behind it was unmistakable.
"If she does not want to dance, it is her decision. You do not speak for her."
Yuwei's smile shattered.
Li Feng turned to Anqi gently. "Do you want to try dancing?"
Anqi looked from Li Feng's warm smile to Shen Zhi's unreadable expression. Her heart pounded. She knew she would trip. She knew she would look ridiculous.
But a small, brave spark lit inside her. For once, she wanted to choose for herself.
"I will try," she whispered.
Li Feng extended his hand again.
She lifted hers.
Before their fingers touched, Shen Zhi stepped forward by instinct.
"Miss Gu," he said quietly.
Anqi looked at him. His eyes held something she had never seen before. Something that sent a small thrill down her spine.
"You do not need to force yourself," he added.
His voice softened in a way that made her breath waver.
"I am not forcing myself," she said. "I am just… trying something new."
Shen Zhi's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He stepped back. Li Feng took her hand gently and guided her toward the dance floor.
Shen Zhi watched them go.
He did not move.
He did not speak.
His face remained blank.
But his glove creased slightly as his fist curled inward.
Xu Chen whispered carefully. "Sir, are you alright?"
"No," Shen Zhi replied quietly.
Anqi kept her head down as she stepped into position. Li Feng smiled reassuringly.
"You can step on my foot. I will pretend it does not hurt."
"Thank you for your sacrifice," she whispered, almost giggling.
He guided her gently. Her movements were clumsy, but he steadied her each time. After a minute, she found a small rhythm.
She looked happy.
Shen Zhi watched with a tension he could not name.
Something coiled inside him. Something unfamiliar. Something unwelcome yet undeniable.
It was not anger. Not annoyance. Not irritation.
It was jealousy, quiet and sharp.
He told himself it was because she might fall. Because she might get hurt. Because the crowd was too close.
But the truth settled heavily. He simply did not want anyone else touching her.
Xu Chen observed him silently and thought, with mild terror, that President Shen was falling in love.
Slowly. Unaware. Uncontrollably.
Li Feng dipped her gently. She squeaked in panic, grabbed his shoulders, and nearly toppled them both. He laughed warmly.
"You did great."
"No I did not," she muttered, face red. "I almost folded you like laundry."
"You were adorable," he said softly.
Her heart skipped.
Shen Zhi stepped forward before he realized he was moving. His expression returned to its usual calm, but his presence radiated silent tension. When she returned from the dance floor, he spoke first.
"You did well," he said.
"I survived," she corrected.
"They should not have made you anxious."
She blinked. "You were watching?"
His eyes softened for a brief second before he hid it again.
"Yes."
Her breath caught.
The night ended slowly. Guests filtered out. Music softened. The hall emptied. Yet Shen Zhi and Anqi found themselves standing near the same window where they started.
He wanted to say something more. She wanted to ask why he kept looking at her.
Neither spoke.
But both felt the change in the air.
Something had begun again.
Something that would not stop.