Chapter 245: Making a Wish

After all, this was a lounge, and people could enter at any time. Gu Qichen, however, wouldn't do anything improper. After playfully teasing his wife, he left the room, quite satisfied. Xia Yangyang followed, her lips pursed like a goldfish.

The party raged on outside, guests chatting and drinking merrily. Gu Qichen paused, turned, placed one hand behind his back, and extended the other in a gentlemanly invitation.

Xia Yangyang blinked, then asked, "What are you doing?"

"I wondered if I might have the honor of inviting Miss Xia for a dance," Gu Qichen replied, his deep voice exuding an undeniable magnetism.

Xia Yangyang pursed her lips, gracefully accepting his hand like a proud swan. "I grant you this honor."

Together, they entered the dance floor. Xia Yangyang had learned to dance from a teacher hired by Shen Shichuan for a film role, but she'd never danced with Gu Qichen. The feeling was entirely different. His palm was warm and dry; their closeness allowed her to smell his clean scent. His face held a rare warmth under the golden glow of the crystal chandelier. Gazing at him, she felt as if he, too, was shining, captivating her.

After a moment, Gu Qichen lowered his head and kissed her. Amid the waltz, gasps and whistles of surprised admiration rang out. The dancers stopped, their eyes on them. Normally, Xia Yangyang would have felt embarrassed, but in that moment, she felt enveloped. Everything else faded, leaving only Gu Qichen and the dazzling light around him. She thought of a saying: "It's like seeing a rainbow; you only know it exists when you encounter it."

Scattered applause and cheers erupted, along with envious comments from several women.

"Mr. Gu and Miss Xia are a perfect match, like a real-life prince and princess!"

"Indeed, Miss Xia is a true winner. She may not be the most beautiful or from the best background, but she's the one Mr. Gu favors."

"Weiwei, with your sister marrying Mr. Gu, you'll surely benefit. He's surrounded by talented people; maybe he'll introduce you to someone. Who knows, you might have a bright future!"

Watching, Xia Weiwei seethed, barely managing to grit out, "I wonder how long they'll last," before stomping away.

By the time Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen reached home, it was late. In the car, Xia Yangyang's stomach rumbled; she'd barely eaten.

"There's something to eat in the back seat," Gu Qichen said.

Xia Yangyang turned to see a birthday cake and nearly screamed. "A birthday cake? When did you buy this?"

She quickly opened the box. It wasn't large, but it was exquisitely cute. She began eating immediately with a spoon.

Gu Qichen frowned. "You didn't even make a wish."

"Oh, yes, I forgot," she said, placing the cake on her lap, clasping her hands, closing her eyes, and making a wish.

"What did you wish for?" Gu Qichen asked.