LC chapter 15

 

Zhan Xi stayed at the Gu residence for several days. One day, Madam Gu invited a few friends over, all of whom were the wives of officials. Not wanting to be the center of attention, Zhan Xi left early. Lin Ruan stayed behind to keep Madam Gu company. The other ladies praised Lin Ruan, saying he was obedient, easy to manage, and understanding. They remarked that if their own sons were there, they would have run off long ago and would never willingly stay to chat.

Madam Gu was delighted. As the ladies chatted, they came up with the idea of hosting a ball.

After all, it was the New Year season. With Gu Ji having won a decisive victory, the capital was filled with peace and harmony. Families and children were gathered together. Why not host a banquet? It would be a chance for young men and women to meet and for everyone to come together.

Madam Gu announced the ball and took charge of the arrangements promptly. The event would be held in the adjacent wing, utilizing the main hall and the second and third floors.

Lin Ruan accompanied Madam Gu to inspect the space. The main hall had been set up with dining tables, each covered in crisp white linens and adorned with vibrant roses in the center. Later, these tables would be laden with cakes, desserts, wines, and beverages.

A massive crystal chandelier hung in the center of the hall, spanning a meter or two in diameter. Light reflected off its surfaces multiple times, creating a magnificent, dazzling effect. Crystal tassels hung down from the center of the chandelier, tempting one to reach out and touch them.

Madam Gu suggested that Lin Ruan invite friends or classmates. After some thought, Lin Ruan called Meng Zhen. It turned out that Meng Zhen had gone with his family to visit relatives in Hangzhou and wouldn’t return for a couple more days.

Besides Meng Zhen, Lin Ruan didn’t have many other friends. Madam Gu teased, “Why not invite some female classmates?”

Lin Ruan smiled and shook his head.

The ball began at dusk, and guests arrived in a steady stream. Most were dressed in their finest attire: men in suits and women in qipaos or Western-style dresses. They entered arm in arm at a leisurely pace.

Lin Ruan had changed into an evening suit adorned with a floral brooch at the lapel. Fully dressed, he resembled a pampered young master from a wealthy household.

Many approached Zhan Xi to converse. He remained composed, greeting each person with a faint, almost imperceptible smile. His status and capabilities naturally placed him at the center of the crowd. Of course, Lin Ruan could tell that Zhan Xi wasn’t listening intently.

Meanwhile, Gu Ji drank and chatted with other young officers in uniform. Many women’s eyes lingered on him.

Gu Ming played with children around his age. He asked Lin Ruan to open the piano lid. Then, he sat properly on the stool and began playing a piano piece.

Lin Ruan listened nearby and generously clapped in appreciation.

Gu Liufeng wore a white sundress and a striking ruby necklace, which made her appear vibrant and lively. Meanwhile, Gu Huaixue wore a royal blue qipao embroidered with bamboo leaves and adorned with a strand of pearls around her neck. She resembled a gentle Jiangnan maiden.

The moment they entered, they drew many admiring glances. Madam Gu, arm-in-arm with General Gu, watched from the sidelines. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she listened to the compliments from those around her.

Soon, the sisters received invitations to dance, and they graced the center of the dance floor like two vibrant blossoms.

Lin Ruan stood by the banquet tables in the hall, feeling awkward about his status. He wasn’t quite a servant, yet he didn’t have a clear role either. If he said he was a servant, but didn’t do any work, that would seem unprofessional.

The ice cream sat on the table. Lin Ruan took some and ate it while standing to the side. The ice cream was icy cold. After finishing it, he shivered, but felt refreshed nonetheless.

A young woman approached him from a short distance away. She wore a deep purple gown, pearl earrings, and exquisitely crafted heels that made an elegant “tap-tap” sound with each step. She held a champagne glass in one hand and wore a yellow sapphire ring on the other. Though her jewelry was sparse, each piece radiated undeniable value.

She stopped in front of Lin Ruan, extended her hand, and offered a perfectly measured smile.

“Hello, I’m Bai Zhenzhu.”

Lin Ruan straightened and accepted her hand without hesitation. “Lin Ruan.”

Bai Zhenzhu smiled at him and stood beside him. “Why aren’t you dancing with them?”

Lin Ruan replied, “I’m not very good at it.”

Bai Zhenzhu regarded him with a hint of amusement in her eyes. “You know, you remind me of a lost little prince. In such a lively place, you stand out.”

Lin Ruan studied Bai Zhenzhu. He could detect the provocative undertone in her words. Everything she did in his presence—her actions, her speech, and the way she looked at him—carried a suggestive edge.

She wanted to spark his interest.

Gu Liufeng had just finished dancing with a classmate when she came over to find Gu Huaixue. She was standing in a secluded spot, holding a wine glass. Gu Liufeng walked up beside her and followed her gaze, catching sight of Lin Ruan and Bai Zhenzhu in the shadows.

“Isn’t that Chief Bai’s eldest daughter from the police department?”

Although Chief Bai’s position wasn’t particularly high, his eldest daughter had seamlessly integrated into the elite social circle of the wealthy and powerful. She was even engaged to the son of a member of the Executive Yuan.

“When did she meet Brother Ruan?” Gu Liufeng asked. “He never mentioned her.”

“Ten minutes ago,” Gu Huaixue replied. “I saw them meet with my own eyes.”

Gu Liufeng’s gaze toward Gu Huaixue was strangely intense. Glancing back at her, she said, “Miss Bai is renowned in our circles as a social butterfly. Surely you know that?”

Gu Liufeng genuinely hadn’t. Gu Huaixue laughed at her. “Miss Bai flits from one gala to the next, day and night, always dressed to dazzle. Is that all the ring on her finger is worth? It’s easily worth a thousand or two silver dollars. With her father’s lowly position, how could his salary possibly fund her extravagant lifestyle in high society?”

Gu Huaixue sipped her wine. “If it’s not her family’s money, whose could it be? And if we delve deeper, well, that’s where the unpleasant rumors come in.”

Gu Liufeng stared at her in astonishment. “You really know a lot.”

Gu Huaixue glanced at her. “I’ve told you before to attend my afternoon teas more often. You just found them too tedious.”

Gu Liufeng pouted. “Then I’d better warn Brother Ruan right away. He shouldn’t associate with her too much.”

But Gu Huaixue stopped her, her gaze drifting toward Zhan Xi. “Wait a little longer.”

“Wait for what?”

Gu Huaixue remained silent.

Lin Ruan didn’t particularly want to confront Bai Zhenzhu, but the woman clearly had remarkable social grace. Every word she spoke was perfectly measured, drawing people into conversation with her. Lin Ruan thought Bai Zhenzhu was like the crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the ballroom—she belonged here.

“Is this your first time attending a banquet?” Bai Zhenzhu inquired. “If we’d met before, I’m certain I would have remembered you.” ”

Lin Ruan smiled faintly. “Indeed, this is my first time.”

Bai Zhenzhu smiled gently. “You remind me of myself at my first banquet. But don’t worry—you’ll adapt in time.”

“It’s hard to become as comfortable as you,” Lin Ruan replied politely.

Bai Zhenzhu’s smile softened, revealing a natural, captivating charm.

Zhan Xi stood nearby, observing the two of them conversing amiably in the corner.

Taking a glass of brandy from a server, Zhan Xi cast a faint glance toward Lin Ruan.

Lin Ruan seemed to sense his presence and looked over. The moment their eyes met, his expression shifted. He gave Bai Zhenzhu a slight bow. “Excuse me for a moment.”

With that, he walked toward Zhan Xi. For reasons unknown, Bai Zhenzhu followed him.

“Sir,” Lin Ruan said, approaching Zhan Xi and asking if he had any instructions.

Zhan Xi remained silent, his gaze drifting over Lin Ruan and then settling on Bai Zhenzhu.

“My apologies for interrupting,” said Bai Zhenzhu to Lin Ruan. “So you’re from the Lan Mansion. My apologies for the oversight.”

Lin Ruan didn’t respond. He thought this bit of acting was nowhere near as convincing as the earlier one.

Zhan Xi inquired, “And who might this be?”

“Bai Zhenzhu.” Bai Zhenzhu extended her hand, but Zhan Xi merely raised his glass.

Unfazed, she took an identical glass of brandy from the waiter’s tray.

Gu Liufeng and Gu Huaixue were still watching from not far away. Gu Liufeng was still utterly confused. “What does this mean?”

Gu Huaixue looked exasperated and whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened instantly. “Really?”

“Of course it’s true!” Gu Huaixue declared. “I overheard Mom and my cousin talking.”

Gu Liufeng still couldn’t quite believe it, her gaze drifting between Zhan Xi and Lin Ruan. After a moment, she accepted it. “You know what? They actually look pretty good together.”

Over there, Zhan Xi was still chatting with Bai Zhenzhu. Lin Ruan stood beside Zhan Xi, barely saying a word.

“I’ve long heard of Mr. Zhan of the Lan Mansion. It’s a pity I’ve never had the chance to meet him,” said Bai Zhenzhu, smiling perfectly and gazing at Zhan Xi. Her intense focus gave off an unmistakable aura of admiration.

Zhan Xi hadn’t done anything; he was simply standing there, yet Bai Zhenzhu’s eyes were entirely on him.

Lin Ruan observed Bai Zhenzhu, then shifted his gaze to Zhan Xi.

Zhan Xi remained mostly silent, spending most of his time listening to Bai Zhenzhu. He never allowed his gaze to linger on one spot for too long, lest it appear he was spacing out. While she talked, he occasionally interjected meaningless comments, as if he were attentively listening and encouraging her to continue. Yet, he also seemed as if he wasn’t hearing a word she said.

Even Lin Ruan, an expert at spotting daydreamers, couldn’t tell if Zhan Xi was paying attention.

Regardless, Zhan Xi and Bai Zhenzhu seemed quite well-matched. To an outsider, they appeared to be enjoying each other’s company. If Lin Ruan had any sense of propriety, he wouldn’t have been standing there at that moment.

Yet, for some reason, he stood firmly between them, an awkward and superfluous presence.

How terribly rude of me, Lin Ruan thought.