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He held her hand, walking step by step toward the center of the hall under the gaze of the crowd. She maintained a calm and elegant smile, her fair face adorned with eyes that shone like stars. Her long hair was slightly gathered into a cloud-like bun, and her neck was white and slender, with rose-colored lips that curved just right, the vibrant color captivating all.
Thunderous applause echoed in their ears. The soldiers, usually unpredictable in matters of life and death, suddenly felt a mood for revelry, with whistles ringing out continuously. Cheng Mo's cheeks flushed red, but she heard him beside her chuckle softly. She raised her eyes to meet his deep gaze, and the brilliance in his eyes inexplicably calmed her.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Shen Mingliang handed him a microphone. His expression was stern, and the slight smile at the corners of his lips could only be detected by those close to him. “Thanks to everyone's efforts, we have regained control over the Hot Province and Zha Province. This banquet is to express our gratitude; I hope everyone enjoys themselves.”
Cheng Mo smiled lightly. He glanced at her, and the tenderness that flashed in his eyes momentarily took her breath away. He held Cheng Mo's hand tightly, his voice resolute. “There is one more important matter; I would like to introduce my wife to everyone.” As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted. Cheng Mo's face turned red; although she often encountered such grand occasions, she still felt slightly uncomfortable under the various gazes directed at her.
He turned to look at her, knowing she felt a bit uneasy, so he announced the start of the ball and pulled her aside. His large hand rested on her snow-white forehead, causing a sudden stir in her heart, a sweet sensation washing over her. Shaoyi had introduced her to the northern elite circle, which confirmed their identity to the outside world; from now on, she would no longer be Miss Cheng but Consort Shangguan.
“What are you thinking about?” He looked at her bright eyes and asked softly with a smile.
“I’m thinking about many things concerning you.” She raised her gaze to him as bright light filled the dome above them; the cascading light illuminated her figure, dazzling yet serene. She carefully examined every inch of his skin, fearing he might be hurt in ways she didn’t know.
He understood her concern; the corners of his lips lifted slightly as he took her fingertips and placed them on his heart. His voice floated gently through the air to her ears. “I’m fine; if you don’t believe me, you can check later.” He lightly bit her delicate earlobe, making her cheeks flush even more like clouds at sunset.
“Ahem.”
Shangguan Shaoyi chuckled as he released Cheng Mo and looked toward the newcomer. “Sister, is there something you need?”
Shangguan Yiting rolled her eyes; amidst such bright lights and in front of so many people, did he not realize how many eyes were watching him?
However, this ball was not short of young girls who admired Shangguan Shaoyi; it seemed this would extinguish their hopes entirely.
Shangguan Yiting playfully looked at Cheng Mo Su, who felt her face heat up and had to turn her gaze elsewhere. Shangguan Yiting found it amusing and directly grabbed Cheng Mo Su's hand, saying, "Mo Su, you’ve become even more beautiful since we last met." She shot a glare at Shangguan Shaoyi, "Don’t you see I want to have a private chat with Mo Su? What are you standing there for? Go dance!"
Cheng Mo Su couldn't help but smile and gently said to Shangguan Shaoyi, "Go ahead, I’ll talk with my sister for a bit."
"Alright." He nodded and placed a light kiss on Cheng Mo Su's forehead.
Once his figure disappeared into the dancing crowd, Shangguan Yiting straightened her expression and said, "Mo Su, actually I have something I want to discuss with you."
Water Eyes rippled slightly. "What does sister want to say?"
"As you know, we have just regained two provinces, and this battle has consumed a lot of wealth and weaponry. In the future, our Shangguan Family might not be as extravagant as before. You..."
"Sister, I understand." Cheng Mo Su nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "I’ve already instructed Xiao Jing to dismiss the servants and sell some jewelry and belongings. Plus, the money Dad gave me before leaving can support Shaoyi a bit. Although I know it might only be a drop in the bucket, it’s still..."
"Thank you, Mo Su." Shangguan Yiting suddenly hugged her tightly. "I was wrong before; I shouldn’t have treated you that way. Please don’t take it to heart..."
"I know you were thinking of the Shangguan Family; how could I blame you?" She smiled lightly but didn’t want to dwell on the past. Instead, she squeezed Shangguan Yiting's hand. "Let’s not talk about those things anymore. Come on, let’s go dance."
Shangguan Yiting nodded, and the two of them went to the dance floor. A gentleman extended his hand to Shangguan Yiting, who smiled charmingly and then twirled into the center of the dance floor. Cheng Mo Su lowered her gaze; the road ahead would likely be even more difficult. Now that Shaoyi was in a threatened position of isolation, there was immense risk every day; they couldn’t afford to relax for even a moment.
"Little Su."
She came back to her senses and looked at Xiao Zuo's gentle features. A different emotion slipped through her heart as her eyes flickered for a moment. "Brother Zuo, long time no see. How have you been?"
"Not bad." He handed Cheng Mo Su a transparent goblet, and she thanked him before taking it. He then turned to pour her half a glass of red wine, and they clinked their glasses together with a pleasant sound.
She tilted her head back to drink, while the dancing crowd around them wrote different legends under the dazzling lights. She stepped back a few paces from the dance floor, and Xiao Zuo moved with her. Her gaze fell upon him, calm and beautiful. "Being a war correspondent must be particularly tough and dangerous, right?"
"None of that is a big deal; otherwise, who would deliver the latest news to you all who are eagerly waiting?" His seemingly casual words stirred ripples in her heart. She stared blankly at him, wondering if Brother Zuo wanted to be a war correspondent because of her. After all, he had always wanted to be a university teacher.
Xiao Zuo's expression remained calm, showing no signs of turmoil. Noticing Cheng Mo Su studying him closely, he smiled slightly. "Little Su, don't worry. I'm not the same as before, and my feelings for you have changed. You don't need to be overly sensitive."
His straightforwardness made her blush. Perhaps she had overestimated herself; after all, Brother Zuo had made things very clear, and they had returned to their childhood relationship. However, that period in France left her unsure of how to navigate their current dynamic.
Lost in thought, Shangguan Shaoyi suddenly appeared from nowhere, intentionally or not positioning himself between them. He exchanged pleasantries with Xiao Zuo before turning his gaze to the downcast Cheng Mo Su. He took her hand and pulled her into his embrace, spinning her into the dance floor.
She was momentarily stunned as she met his bright black eyes, feeling as though he could see all her thoughts. The corners of her lips twitched involuntarily but relaxed at the smile he offered her in the next moment.
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