Chen Dong was rather resigned. He hated being the center of attention in situations like this, but just a moment ago, Zhao Wenxuan had awarded the Qingtian International project to the Li Family on his account. At this point, he really couldn't refuse.
Besides, it was just a dance, and that was something he was very skilled at.
Every male guest present was consumed by envy and jealousy. This was a chance to share a dance with Princess Zhao! How could such a golden opportunity go to some kid no one even recognized?
The fury in their eyes burned; they wished they could be the ones to take his place. It was as if they believed that after a single dance, they could live a blissful life with Princess Zhao and become the coveted son-in-law of the Zhao Family.
In the crowd, Li Huiran and Li Jianwen stood frozen, their mouths agape in utter disbelief. 'The young talent Zhao Wenxuan was talking about... is Chen Dong?'
As they watched Chen Dong walk step by step into the center of the venue under the spotlight and take Zhao Hongyu's hand, their hearts pounded wildly, their minds reeling with disbelief.
They had only managed to get into the banquet through their connection to Wu Haichao; for them, even meeting Zhao Wenxuan was a near-impossible feat. Yet here was Chen Dong, not only receiving Princess Zhao's hand from Zhao Wenxuan himself but also getting to share the first dance of her birthday.
Amidst their shock, the music began.
Chen Dong bowed to Zhao Hongyu, his movements textbook-perfect and exuding the grace of a gentleman.
As the music continued, the two began to glide across the floor. Chen Dong's posture was elegant, Zhao Hongyu's was graceful; they seemed the very picture of a perfect couple—a talented man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven.
Li Huiran's heart was in turmoil, a bitter taste in her mouth. 'Chen Dong can be a gentleman? Why is he dancing with Zhao Hongyu?' At the same time, she felt incredibly wronged.
When the song ended, a tide of applause swept through the hall.
Only Li Huiran remained standing in place, her head lowered.
Zhao Wenxuan raised a hand, and the venue fell silent. He smiled and announced, "And now, let's have our princess invite any guest she wishes for the second dance."
The moment he spoke, the venue erupted with excitement. If the first dance had been a gesture of gratitude, the second was a matter of who Princess Zhao herself would deem worthy.
One by one, the young men of Jiangzhou, flushed and eager, tried to display their merits. There was no shortage of older men among them, either. The more daring ones stepped forward to show off their best side, while the most audacious went so far as to invite Zhao Hongyu directly.
Wu Haichao was one of them.
"Might I have the honor of a dance with the princess?"
There was an air about Wu Haichao that Zhao Hongyu found unpleasant.
Zhao Hongyu frowned, took a subtle step back, and shook her head. While she had politely declined the others with her words, she refused to even speak to Wu Haichao.
Wu Haichao lowered his head, a Yin Jie expression on his face. Zhao Hongyu's step back was a public humiliation!
Sure enough, people around the venue immediately started pointing at him and murmuring.
"Did you see Princess Zhao back away from him? Maybe he has some strange disease! We'd better keep our distance."
"Yeah, I'll bet he stinks! I don't want to be anywhere near him either."
Wu Haichao was inwardly furious. 'Dammit, I already showered for hours!'
'Forget it,' he thought. 'In any case, I was close enough for long enough for the Unity Gu.'