The elegantly handsome man removed his glasses with one hand, his movements effortlessly suave and alluring.
Lin Mo stared at him, still processing what was happening, when suddenly—
She was kissed without warning.
No mental preparation whatsoever.
The warm, soft touch left her momentarily stunned.
In the darkness, Xie Guanyan kissed her.
Amidst the clamor of the crowd, Xie Guanyan kissed her again.
She didn’t know how to describe this feeling.
It was as if nothing else in the world mattered to Xie Guanyan.
His heart and eyes were fixed solely on her.
His movements were swift—just a fleeting brush of his lips before he pulled away.
A second later, his glasses were back on, restoring his usual composed, noble demeanor.
As if nothing had happened.
But Lin Mo’s heart was pounding so hard it might explode, her face burning crimson.
Ahhhh—she loved this feeling!
Xie Guanyan often felt like everything happening now was too dreamlike to be real.
The girl he loved actually liked him back—how could he possibly restrain himself?
It took every ounce of his self-control to settle for just a light peck.
His breathing grew heavier, his pulse racing.
Yet his gaze remained glued to the girl’s face.
Watching as a delicate blush spread across her cheeks, she leaned closer, her lips parting slightly. "Man, you’re playing with fire!"
Xie Guanyan: "……"
Lin Mo quickly glanced at Shen Sizhan and, relieved he hadn’t noticed, relaxed.
The group was lined up in rows, and she had just craned her neck to look left.
Shen Sizhan, standing one row ahead, had turned right.
Their sightlines had missed each other.
Xie Guanyan had kissed her from the left.
The cameras hadn’t caught it either—all the photographers were busy focusing on Huo Tingshen.
But when she turned her head, Shen Sizhan noticed.
And he saw his sister’s flushed face.
"Why’s your face so red, sis?"
Before Lin Mo could answer, Shen Sizhan supplied his own explanation. "It’s just too crowded and hot in here! Good thing I came prepared!"
He pulled a tiny pink electric fan from his pocket and aimed it at her, chin lifted proudly, his eyes darting smugly toward Xie Guanyan.
No newcomer could ever replace his usefulness as her longtime right-hand man!
Xie Guanyan: "……"
Lin Mo: "……"
Lin Mo ruffled Shen Sizhan’s silver hair. "You’re such a good brother."
Shen Sizhan smirked, his grin lopsided. "Obviously!"
His position was unshakable!
Nearly everyone’s attention was on Zhao Ziling as she passed a playing card to Huo Tingshen using her foot.
But a few people caught something out of the corner of their eyes.
Yet when they looked again, nothing seemed amiss.
The director, sharp as ever, glanced at Xie Guanyan and Lin Mo.
Surely they hadn’t done anything intimate, right?
He’d already begged Xie Guanyan on his knees not to reveal their relationship before the show ended.
Mr. Xie had agreed, and he was a man of his word.
The director’s gaze shifted back to Huo Tingshen—
Just in time to see Huo Tingshen suddenly slam his fist against the floor, as if possessed.
Director: "……"
Anyone got any glutinous rice left?
Huo Tingshen was already irritated by Zhao Ziling’s antics.
Now, standing in a line with everyone else, he turned to face her directly—
And in his peripheral vision, he saw Xie Guanyan kiss Lin Mo.
That made him even angrier!
His own misery was painful enough, but his friend’s happiness was downright salt in the wound!
—"What’s up with Huo Tingshen? Did he see something we didn’t?"
—"Maybe some couple was making out?"
Zhao Ziling startled. "Take it or leave it, but stop being dramatic!"
Huo Tingshen gritted his teeth.
Taking something from her foot?
What did she take him for?!
Even a dog wouldn’t do that!
"Lift your leg higher. Then I’ll take it," Huo Tingshen growled, his tone icy.
—"Huo Tingshen really knows how to say the most submissive things in the toughest voice!"
—"I’m wheezing, this is too funny!"
Zhao Ziling blinked, surprised he’d actually agreed.
Not wanting to push her luck, she hiked up her skirt and raised her foot slightly.
That was when Huo Tingshen noticed a bruise on her ankle.
"How’d you get that?" he asked before he could stop himself.
Zhao Ziling replied flatly, "None of your business."
Huo Tingshen’s chest tightened, as if sliced by a knife.
That bruise was definitely from dance practice.
She needed ointment and regular foot soaks to improve circulation.
But knowing her, she hadn’t done a single soak since their split.
Since she refused to explain, there was nothing he could do.
Taking a deep breath, Huo Tingshen focused on how to receive the card.
As the last in line, most methods had already been used.
After a moment’s thought, he removed his suit jacket, unbuttoned two shirt buttons, and bent forward, clamping the card between his chin and chest.
No one expected the proud Huo Tingshen to stoop so low—literally.
From her angle, Zhao Ziling had a clear view of his well-defined pecs. She blinked.
Annoying as he was, the man was disciplined—two hours of daily gym time paid off.
And yes, the rumors about his… other assets were true.
She quickly averted her gaze.
Don’t look, don’t look. Better to stick with toys.
At least toys didn’t nag!
—"Did Huo Tingshen just unbutton his shirt on purpose? Is the old-fashioned guy trying to seduce her now?"
—"Taking notes from Xie Guanyan, huh?"
Huo Tingshen subtly observed Zhao Ziling.
Sure enough, her expression flickered.
He’d guessed right—women did like a little audacity.
Xie Guanyan had lied when he said women preferred upright men. He’d been leading him astray!
Straightening up, Huo Tingshen tightened his grip on the card and announced to the director, "I succeeded."
The sight of the usually domineering man in such a ridiculous pose—like a penguin—was too much.
Many struggled to hold back laughter.
The director mentally recited every sad memory he had to keep a straight face. "Amazing, Mr. Huo! Even such a difficult challenge couldn’t stop you!"
Huo Tingshen, immune to flattery, remained expressionless.
The director’s enthusiasm fell flat.
Not all elites were as easygoing as Mr. Xie.
With the card successfully passed, the game ended.
Huo Tingshen promptly buttoned his shirt back up.
A card touched by a male model? Disgusting.
He discreetly stomped on it as it fell.
Playing card: "……"
The director announced, "Great job, everyone! Now, let’s move on to the next game!"
After a few more interactive games, the atmosphere grew even livelier.
"Everyone, head to the deck now!" the director called through his megaphone.
The partygoers filed out, chatting excitedly.
"What do you think Huo Tingshen was thinking, dressing as a waiter?"
"Probably stress relief. My husband likes bondage when he’s stressed—he even tied our holiday dumplings once!"
"…I think Huo Tingshen still has feelings for his ex. They seemed happy before. No idea why they divorced."
"Maybe they lacked communication. Like when I broke up with my boyfriend but didn’t dare tell my husband!"
Zhang Meixia stayed out of the gossip, quietly walking arm-in-arm with Gu Song.
The other hand held a phone, sending a message: ["Are you ready?"]
