This whole situation unfolded rather dramatically.
No one expected Xie Guanyan not to know how to dance ballroom.
But upon reflection, it made sense.
Xie Guanyan wasn’t born into nobility—he’d built his fortune from scratch.
Not knowing ballroom dancing wasn’t surprising.
Still, the moment was awkward.
A stunning woman invites you to dance, only for you to admit in the middle of the dance floor that you don’t know how.
Some were already cringing on Xie Guanyan’s behalf.
Fortunately, Lin Mo was a graceful and easygoing girl.
Most people thought so, but a few disagreed.
Like Gu Jingzhou, whose eyes were filled with disdain.
"Trash from the slums will always be trash. What an embarrassment!"
Jiang Wan rubbed her nose.
Thank goodness she hadn’t asked him.
If Xie Guanyan couldn’t even dance, he’d definitely have rejected her—maybe even told her to get lost again.
Lin Mo had saved her face. She really owed her one.
Lin Mo didn’t think being skilled at something others weren’t was a reason to act superior.
Everyone’s life was different, and so were the things they were exposed to.
The bustling cityscapes of urban life weren’t inherently "better" than the golden rice fields a rural child might see.
Just different.
And Xie Guanyan? Handsome, wealthy.
He might not know formal ballroom, but he could dance provocatively just fine—and do it well!
Not knowing ballroom wasn’t shameful at all.
The crowd’s eyes returned to Xie Guanyan.
Would the big shot be willing to learn?
In front of all these people?
It meant swallowing his pride!
Not dancing was an option—no one would dare say a word.
Yet Xie Guanyan agreed, his voice even trembling slightly. "Okay."
Shan Shan didn’t look down on him. Shan Shan was even willing to teach him ballroom.
Shan Shan was too good to him!
Noticing the stares, Lin Mo grinned. "What, none of you know how either? Trying to sneak a free lesson? I’ll charge tuition!"
Laughter rippled through the room.
The tension dissolved instantly.
People scattered, pairing off to dance.
Lin Mo had gracefully given Xie Guanyan an out, making his learning process far less awkward.
Behind silver-rimmed glasses, the handsome man’s gaze clung to the girl’s face.
A girl this considerate, this radiant—how could he ever be worthy of her?
Lin Mo explained the basics of ballroom dancing to Xie Guanyan.
Then guided him through the steps, hand in hand.
Xie Guanyan was a quick learner.
He’d mastered a seductive dance in under twenty minutes.
Ballroom was simpler.
Soon, he had the hang of it.
"Let’s try a full dance now!" Lin Mo said.
Music swelled as the two began properly dancing.
By now, the floor was crowded.
They stood out, yet blended in seamlessly.
"Ah! My foot!" Lin Mo winced.
Xie Guanyan had made the classic beginner’s mistake.
His heart lurched. "Sorry—did I hurt you?"
Lin Mo looked up, bright-eyed. "It’s fine! Everyone gets stepped on when learning. My feet are tough!"
Xie Guanyan studied her delicate face but kept dancing.
Shan Shan had gone to the trouble of teaching him—he couldn’t quit now.
Though…
Shan Shan’s feet weren’t tough at all.
They were exquisite, like priceless works of art.
Gradually, they found their rhythm. Xie Guanyan stopped stepping on her.
The striking pair moved gracefully across the floor.
White suit and yellow dress brushing past, then twirling apart.
A feast for the eyes, magnetic and dazzling.
Dancers and onlookers alike were enchanted.
Not everyone, though.
Huo Tingshen was among the discontented.
He knew ballroom—he just never danced.
Standing stiffly, his expression darkened.
Xu Zunlong approached with a drink. "Care for one?"
Huo Tingshen took the glass but didn’t sip. "Aren’t you dancing, Mr. Xu?"
Xu Zunlong smiled. "I’ll ask my sister later. She’s occupied right now."
Ballroom was social—anyone could dance with anyone.
His wife was abroad, so dancing with another woman was out of the question.
His sister had recently announced her divorce from Shen Feng, drawing swarms of suitors eager for her attention.
Pursuing art over marriage and children didn’t mean she avoided men.
On the contrary, she only dated the most elite bachelors.
Even in her fifties, admirers still flocked to her.
That Shen Feng had shared her life at all? The man must’ve burned incense in his past life.
Huo Tingshen finally took a sip. "I didn’t realize your sister was my wife’s mentor."
Xu Zunlong eyed him. "Then you know too little about your wife. No wonder she left you."
Huo Tingshen: "……"
Xu Zunlong chuckled. "She’s free now. You could ask her to dance."
He could tell Huo Tingshen still had feelings.
Huo Tingshen gripped his glass, stern-faced. "If she invites me, I’ll consider it."
Xu Zunlong gave him a withering look.
He said nothing more, turning to watch the dancers.
Huo Tingshen downed his drink.
When Xu Zunlong wasn’t looking, he approached Zhao Ziling.
His voice was stiff. "Care to dance?"
Zhao Ziling, sipping champagne while photographing Lin Mo, glanced up. "Get lost."
Huo Tingshen: "…………"
She moved away, drink in hand.
Lin Mo, exhausted, left the dance floor and flopped beside Zhao Ziling, resting her head on her shoulder.
"Zhao Ziling," she whispered, "I’m done for. I really like Xie Guanyan."
