Half a month later, it was time for another dance lesson.
The night had already darkened.
The wall of the dance studio facing the corridor was made of specially designed one-way glass, and the curtains had been drawn open.
To ensure the young girl inside could practice without outside distractions, the glass was installed in reverse—allowing a clear view from the outside while those inside remained oblivious to the outside world.
At this moment, Gu Chengyu leaned lazily against this very glass wall.
He had just concluded a lengthy international video conference, his tie loosened and draped carelessly around his neck.
A glass of whiskey rested in his hand—the strong liquor helped him quickly shift his focus from business matters to relaxation.
His gaze pierced through the glass, locking onto the graceful figure dancing inside.
Su Qianqian wore a smoke-gray halter-style practice leotard with a lace-up design, exposing the smooth, delicate skin of her bare back.
Following Xu Wanwan’s cues and the rhythm of the music, she moved with fluidity, her body stretching like a willow branch.
After half a month of rigorous practice, she had shed her initial clumsiness. Though her movements still lacked the effortless flow of a seasoned dancer, she could now perform an entire classical routine with a captivating charm.
Her limbs were supple yet resilient, every lift of her arms, every spin carrying the innate lightness and allure unique to youth.
Especially that move.
The girl’s slender waist arched downward like tender willow branches, her body nearly pressing against the floor, her spine curving into an extreme arc while the full curve of her hips rose high, outlined beneath the tight leotard in a way that sent pulses racing.
That momentary pause held a silent seduction.
Then, like a lotus blooming for the first time—
Her waist flexed, propelling her body upward in a graceful arc, arms stretching high like butterfly wings breaking free from a cocoon. Her neck elongated into a fragile, elegant line as sweat trickled down her smooth temple, dripping into the delicate hollow of her collarbone.
The moment she rose, her gaze flickered—ethereal yet utterly bewitching.
“Mmm…” Gu Chengyu’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes instantly igniting with dark flames.
The glass in his hand tilted slightly, the ice cubes clinking softly—a faint sound betraying his unsettled emotions.
A familiar heat surged low in his abdomen.
He remembered the softness of that delicate body beneath him, the dazed look in her eyes when she gazed up at him.
Meanwhile, Xu Wanwan’s thoughts were also wandering. Since today’s lesson was held in the evening, Young Master Gu must have returned by now…
She had to take her chances.
Xu Wanwan paused her instruction, turning to Su Qianqian, who was still catching her breath. “Qianqian, the explosive control in that last rise was good, but your core needs to be steadier.”
“Practice in front of the mirror and find the right feel. I’ll step out for some water.”
Without waiting for a response, she strode toward the door and pulled it open gently—
Only to freeze in surprise.
Gu Chengyu wasn’t just back—he was right outside!
“Young Master Gu?” Xu Wanwan’s voice softened with deliberate sweetness, her face lighting up with feigned surprise and shyness. “You’re back?”
“Staying so late to watch Qianqian practice… You really do care for her.”
Gu Chengyu’s gaze finally tore away from the figure behind the glass—the one who had left him parched with desire—and lazily flicked toward the woman at the door.
Xu Wanwan had clearly taken care with her appearance. The stray hairs at her temples were tucked neatly behind her ears, revealing small, delicate earlobes. Her smile was gentle, but her eyes held a hook—subtly lingering over his exposed collar and his cold, striking features.
“Mn.” His reply was a single syllable, indifferent and distant.
He swirled the liquor in his glass, his attention already drifting back to the studio.
Su Qianqian was now repeating that move in front of the mirror—the one that had unraveled him—her waist and hips curving under the light in a breathtaking display.
Seeing that he hadn’t immediately walked away, Xu Wanwan’s heart leaped with hope.
She took a step closer, closing the distance enough to catch the crisp scent of sandalwood on him.
“Qianqian has been working very hard, and she’s quite talented,” she began, her voice laced with flattery. “Just look at her progress over these two weeks—it’s like a complete transformation…”
As she spoke, she subtly angled her body, showcasing the elegant line of her neck and shoulders, as well as the curves beneath her own practice attire.
Her eyes brimmed with admiration and unspoken longing.
Gu Chengyu listened to her chatter, but his focus never truly left the girl inside.
The heat in his abdomen was unmistakable—but the object of his desire was certainly not this woman putting on a show before him.
Xu Wanwan’s deliberate proximity, the cloying perfume she wore, her calculated attempts at seduction—none of it held the slightest appeal. If anything, it struck him as clumsy and laughable.
The corner of his mouth lifted in faint amusement, as though watching a poorly staged farce.
“Teacher Xu is indeed professional,” Gu Chengyu finally spoke, his voice deep and unreadable as his gaze settled on her face. “But it’s getting late. Qianqian should rest. Let’s end the lesson here.”
Without another glance at Xu Wanwan, he pushed open the studio door and stepped inside.
His voice dropped to a husky murmur. “Qianqian, you danced beautifully.”
“But… class is over now.”
He tipped his head back, draining the last of his whiskey—as if fueling the beast within for what was to come.
Outside the glass wall, Xu Wanwan’s smile stiffened, the carefully crafted gentleness cracking at the edges.
She stood rooted in place, her fingers turning cold as humiliation and resentment surged through her.
A perceptive servant had already approached, politely ushering her away…