Then came the endless busy signal on the phone. Chu Weiyuan, clutching the phone in her hand, suddenly couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears, like a wronged child.
Pang Zexun remained the same as before, standing silently beside her, calmly watching the girl's complete breakdown.
After a long, long time, he finally knelt down and gently embraced the girl's trembling body, which was still crying uncontrollably. His voice was deep and alluring. "Yuanyuan, I won't force you. If you want to leave, it's not too late."
Just then, a flight attendant's sweet voice suddenly rang out from the airport terminal, "Dear passengers, flight AH869 to the United States will depart at 5:30 PM. Passengers who have not yet boarded, please board as soon as possible. Thank you..."
Chu Weiyuan looked at the plane ticket through her tears, slowly stood up, her eyes filled with an unprecedented determination. "I'll go with you."
I'll go with you.
These four words became the warmest and softest feeling in Pang Zexun's heart for many years to come, even when he was in a high position and became more ruthless.
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The car arrived at the studio's main entrance precisely at six o'clock. Chu Mu had been leaning back in the back seat, pretending to sleep with his eyes closed. He only opened his eyes and rubbed his temples when he heard the door open.
Shu Yi'an lifted her skirt and gently sat into the car, unable to bear the gaze of the person beside her. Her face flushed slightly as she asked, "What are you doing?"
Chu Mu raised an eyebrow and smiled teasingly. A hint of appreciation, not usually seen on his handsome face, appeared. "Very beautiful."
The banquet was held in the rooftop lobby of a hotel. The driver smoothly parked the car in front of the entrance. Chu Mu got out of the car and walked to Shu Yi'an's side, leading her out.
As if by dependence, Shu Yi'an would habitually clasp her hands together, hooking her fingers around her own, whenever she arrived in an unfamiliar place. At first, Chu Mu thought it was just a habitual little gesture, but over time he realized that it was genuinely due to nervousness and fear.
This time is no exception.
Chu Mu looked at her two hooked index fingers, gently took her right hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. He looked at Harland standing in the distance and comforted her gently, "There's nothing to be afraid of, just follow me for a while."
Upon reaching Harland, Chu Mu first shook hands with him, and the two chatted for a while before introducing their wives to each other.
Because the two were speaking in German, Shu Yi'an could only understand a few words. Feeling Harland's gaze fall on her, she politely smiled and nodded in greeting.
Harland was a very cheerful person, and upon seeing such a beautiful Eastern woman, he immediately expressed his feelings to Chu Mu without any reservations. "Chu, if I had a wife as beautiful as you, I definitely wouldn't stay here. No diplomatic work is as important as her."
Chu Mu smiled warmly on the surface, but secretly he used one hand to pull Shu Yi'an closer to him. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Old fox."
Whether genuinely pleased or doing so on purpose, Harland gestured towards the hall inside, which was covered with a red carpet. "In that case, you two shall start the dance."
All foreign exchange networking events inevitably involve this stage, which consists of an opening dance, speeches, numerous luminaries complimenting each other, and then it ends.
Chu Mu was undoubtedly thrust into the most exciting part of the banquet by Harland.
Chu Mu, his expression unreadable, led Shu Yi'an inside, knowing all too well what was going on. He'd been a fixture in the world of pleasure for years; what did a mere opening dance for a distinguished diplomat amount to?
But Shu Yi'an... as his female companion today, there's no way she can escape it.
Shu Yi'an could sense the change in Chu Mu's aura. Taking advantage of the passageway leading further in, she asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? Did he make things difficult for you?"
Chu Mu curled his lips in a mocking smile. "Making things difficult only happens in my negotiations with him. I believe he has already learned his lesson from the losses he suffered."
"No matter what we do in a moment, just follow my lead and listen to what I say."
"What's wrong? You're acting strange..."
As soon as he finished speaking, the band in the center of the hall suddenly began to play, and a soothing melody flowed through the air. The hall was filled with people who had come to attend the banquet that day, including many of Chu Mu's rivals or friends. As a result, the two of them stood out conspicuously in the center of the hall.
Shu Yi'an stared wide-eyed at Chu Mu, and slowly began to speak. "He's going to…..."
"Opening dance, are you ready, Miss Shu?"
Under the lights, the tall and slender man bent down slightly and extended his hand to the bewildered and beautiful woman in the center of the hall.
Chapter Sixteen
The banquet hall, spanning hundreds of meters, is adorned with exquisite and dazzling crystal chandeliers overhead, creating a magnificent and luxurious atmosphere. A red carpet is laid out underfoot, showcasing the grandeur and opulence of the venue.
Shu Yi'an stared blankly at the clean, slender hand in front of her, completely at a loss.
The opening dance... Only now, standing here looking at the man in front of her, does Shu Yi'an truly understand the meaning of those three words, and truly comprehend what Chu Mu had just said to her.
The room was filled with people attending the banquet, and all their eyes were focused on the two of them. The anticipation in their eyes was obvious, and they were looking forward to seeing how such an outstanding man as Chu Mu and his wife would make their first appearance together.
Even the band played the most classic Brahms waltz at the right time.
Although Shu Yi'an was afraid, she was even more afraid that Chu Mu would be embarrassed because of her. So at this moment, with her clear and pure eyes looking at the composed Chu Mu in front of her, she slowly extended her hand.
The waltz, derived from the Old German word "walzer," meaning whirling dance, was an 18th-century social dance originating from European high society and became a staple of conversation in almost all diplomatic settings.
Shu Yi'an suddenly began to carefully recall a long, long time ago.
Chu Mu took Shu Yi'an's hand and pulled her closer to him, placing his other hand on her waist. He leaned slightly and whispered in her ear, "Put your hand on mine, and follow me in a bit. Don't be afraid."
Shu Yi'an obediently placed her hand on his shoulder without the slightest awkwardness. Under the lamplight, her eyes sparkled, and Chu Mu saw her lean slightly towards him and softly reply, "I shouldn't disappoint you, Mr. Chu."
Just as a long G major note began, the two of them started this Brahms waltz, following the ending note.
In a waltz, posture and rotation are paramount. If Chu Mu's steps are like those of a gentleman in 20th-century England, then Shu Yi'an is in no way inferior to Scarlett O'Hara in turbulent times.
She was beautiful, proud, and confident. She showed no nervousness or confusion whatsoever, even in a dance hall with only the two of them.
If Chu Mu's dance was enough to amaze everyone present, then Shu Yi'an's was truly breathtaking.
The black dress featured a long slit down her snow-white right leg, revealing her slender and graceful curves with each step she took backward and twirled. The sparkling crystal shoes on her feet also reflected dazzling light with each dance move.
From the moment Shu Yi'an took her first step, Chu Mu realized that she was beyond his imagination. Rather than saying he was leading her in a dance, it would be more accurate to say that he was cooperating with her.
As Shu Yi'an finished the final spin of the dance, held by Chu Mu's hand around her waist, she secretly tried to ease the pain in her knees from the sudden landing. Chu Mu stared at her for a fleeting moment of slight furrowing of the brow, and as she turned around with her arm around him, he suddenly took a step back.