I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

But who is Shu Zi? She saw right through her. That smile didn't even register in her eyes, and her back was straighter than when she was standing at attention during military training.

He Yuzhuo stood to the side, still looking as lazy as ever, but when an elder tried to pat Fang Ran's arm, his arm tightened almost imperceptibly, and Fang Ran leaned towards him, perfectly avoiding the "claws".

Shu Zi's lips twitched.

Okay, these two are pretty good actors. They even know to unite against a common enemy at crucial moments. Their teamwork is so good that you'd think there was something going on between them.

Fang Ran seemed to have a telepathic connection, and quickly glanced in her direction during the break, mouthing an exaggerated "SOS! Help! Help! I can't hold on any longer!" expression.

He Yuzhuo sensed it, immediately lowered his head, and quickly whispered something in her ear.

Fang Ran immediately changed her expression, putting on that perfect smile again, and even gently punched He Yuzhuo's arm.

Those little gestures and those looks were exactly like a "newlywed wife playfully scolding her husband," which amused the elders opposite.

Shu Zi almost burst out laughing, and quickly grabbed the pomegranate juice next to her and took a big gulp.

Goodness, are these two acting in an idol drama? They should settle their fees, thank you.

The melodious dance music gradually began to play, the lights dimmed, leaving only a few soft beams shining on the empty dance floor in the middle, and some people were already swaying to the rhythm.

In the dance floor, Fang Ran couldn't escape after all and was led in by He Yuzhuo.

The music was slow and gentle, and He Yuzhuo danced surprisingly well, with a touch of British flair.

Fang Ran followed, her red dress twirling around, and it looked quite pretty.

Both of them had smiles on their faces that said "we are very happy," and they would occasionally lower their heads to say a few words, making it seem quite convincing.

but!

Only true best friends like Shu Zi and Qiao Yueke could decipher the inner monologue scrolling through Fang Ran's mind from her occasional vacant stares and slightly twitching lips:

"Help! How much longer is this piece?!"

"He Yuzhuo, you stepped on my foot!"

"Waaaaaah, I want to go home!"

Qiao Yueke was laughing uncontrollably. She leaned close to Shu Zi and whispered:

"Ranran looked so beautiful today! She danced really well too, but I feel like she's having such a hard time... oh no, I mean she seems to be having such a tough time."

Shu Zi laughed without any restraint, her tone tinged with schadenfreude, "She brought this on herself. Whether this marriage is a glass of wine, a vintage of '82 Lafite or a bottle of DDT, she has to chug it down herself."

Just then, Gu Yan's voice rang out from the side, "Examiner Shu."

"Hmm?" Shu Zi responded subconsciously.

His voice was low, carrying a barely perceptible hint of coaxing, "Would you do me the honor of dancing?"

Shu Zi looked at his hand, then looked up at him again.

She tilted her head, deliberately drawing out her words: "Mr. Gu, are you... taking a shortcut to gain favor?"

"I just wanted the examiner to check if my basic skills as a 'dance partner' are up to standard," he paused, his fingertips twitching almost imperceptibly, as if silently urging him on, "."

Shu Zi stared at his hand for two seconds, then glanced at him again.

This person really doesn't let any opportunity slip by.

She curled the corners of her lips slightly, but instead of immediately responding, she slowly asked, "What if it doesn't meet the requirements?"

"Not up to standard," Gu Yan readily agreed. "Then practice twice as hard until the examiner is satisfied."

Shu Zi couldn't help but chuckle, and finally gently placed her hand in his palm.

"Alright," she said haughtily, but a smile appeared in her eyes, "then... I'll reluctantly put my options to use and give it a try."

Actually, the main reason is that the music really makes her want to dig a waltz out of her toes.

Gu Yan gently closed his hand and led her into the dance floor.

A warm hand gently rested on her lower back, maintaining a perfect distance, guiding her as she glided into the flowing light and shadow with the music.

Meanwhile, Qiao Yue watched them walk hand in hand into the dance floor, her mouth practically stretched to her ears, her eyes gleaming with the excitement of "My favorite couple is giving us some sweet moments."

Huo Fei stood beside her, his gaze sweeping indifferently across the dance floor before returning to her face: "Want to dance?"

Qiao Yue glared at him, her ears turning suspiciously red, and said in a huff, "Why are you jumping around! Your legs are weak! It's all your fault..."

The last few words were so soft they were almost inaudible.

Huo Fei's lips curved almost imperceptibly, but he didn't say anything more. He simply handed her back the glass of juice she had half-finished.

On the dance floor, the champagne-colored skirt rippled with elegant arcs as she twirled, occasionally overlapping with the hem of a pure black suit jacket.

Gu Yan didn't use many fancy moves; his steps were steady and smooth, and every turn and spin was precisely in sync with Shu Zi's rhythm.

He held her in his arms, shielding her from all the crowds and disturbances of the outside world.

Shu Zi looked up and could see his clearly defined jawline and slightly bobbing Adam's apple.

The crisp, clean scent of pine needles lingered around my nose, mingling with the faint fragrance and aroma of alcohol in the banquet hall, yet it was surprisingly not unpleasant.

"Gu Yan," she suddenly said softly.

"Hmm?" He lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on her face.

"You dance...when did you learn?" She remembered that he didn't seem to be very interested in these things before.

Gu Yan paused for a moment, then tightened his grip slightly, guiding her through a smooth spin.

"Those two years abroad," he said in a low voice, his voice falling on her ear, "I thought...maybe one day I'll be able to use it, so I learned it."

Upon hearing this, Shu Zi didn't ask any more questions. She simply followed his lead and twirled lightly to the music.

The song ended.

The dance floor lights were turned up a little more, and applause and whispers rang out.

Gu Yan released his hand from her waist, but still held her fingertips, and led her out of the dance floor.

His palms were warm and dry, his touch gentle, carrying a natural sense of possession.

"How was it, Examiner Shu?" he asked in a low voice, "Did you...pass?"

Shu Zi looked up at him.

A few stray hairs on his forehead were tinged gold by the lights, and his eyes appeared particularly deep in the changing light of the dance floor.

She blinked. "So-so, I'll give you... sixty points."

"Thank you, examiner." Gu Yan readily complied and led her back to the corner where Qiao Yueke and Huo Fei were.

Shu Zi glanced at each corner, feeling a gaze fixed on her as she danced.

Sure enough, Fang Yutong stood at the edge of the dance floor, holding a wine glass in her hand and smiling.

Liang Zihao had disappeared into some corner, leaving her standing there alone.

Shu Zi calmly withdrew her gaze, a smile playing on her lips.

Qiao Yueke leaned forward with sparkling eyes, her tone full of joy and praise:

"Ahhhhh! Zizi, you danced so beautifully! You absolutely blew everyone away! (Except for Ranran, because it's Ranran's show today!)"

Shu Zi was so flattered by the praise that her mouth almost twisted into outer space, but she deliberately pretended to be nonchalant and waved her hand: "Keep it low-key, it's just a small matter, routine operation."

Gu Yan took a glass of warm water from a passing waiter's tray and naturally handed it to Shu Zi.