Dealing with Tigers

Damn it! I reluctantly accompanied that old man into the banquet hall. I heard tonight’s event was for the eldest daughter of the Wang family, who had just graduated from a university in the U.S., but her father invited all the young business and political tycoons. It looked more like a matchmaking event to me. That dead man Qi Yufeng, if he wanted to be the golden bachelor, why drag me into this, dressed in an exorbitantly priced black strapless dress, showcasing all the hickeys! I wrapped my shawl like a scarf around my neck to cover them, paranoid all the way, furious! He, on the other hand, was dancing with the accomplished Miss Wang. I’m not one to be trifled with either; people kept hitting on me, and Qi Yufeng’s eyes would shoot daggers at me, then he’d lower his head, laughing and chatting with her, all charming and deceitful, making Miss Wang blush. Pfft, I can blush too! The one in front of me seemed the most tolerable. I shyly placed my hand in his, letting him lead me to the center of the dance floor. As we danced, he said, “Miss Liu, how come I didn’t notice you before? How careless of me. I feel like we’ve met before, there’s a strong sense of déjà vu…” Before the black lines could spread across my face, an arm wrapped around my waist. “Déjà vu?” When did he get here? I turned to look; Miss Wang was standing behind us, clutching a handkerchief, looking helpless as her dance partner went after someone else’s. How embarrassing! But if it were me, I’d just go for the equally stunned gentleman in front of me. “We should have met before, Mr. Zhuo, this is the mysterious lady who ‘beat’ me, Miss Liu.” His voice wasn’t loud, but I was sure everyone nearby could hear it clearly! I can’t stand those gossipy faces; President Qi really did a good deed! I shook off the arm around my waist and walked forward, but after a few steps, a shawl wrapped around my waist. Yes, my shawl! I turned around abruptly; Qi Yufeng was smiling slyly as he tightened the shawl in his hand. The band immediately switched to a suggestive tune, how perfectly in sync! Of course, I had to play along! To outsiders, it looked like Qi Yufeng was reeling in his catch, and I was the fish in the net! I stepped closer, one step at a time, pressing against his chest, my head bowed in feigned shyness to hide the hickeys. The music played beautifully, our steps slow, with a handsome dance partner — this was what many girls dreamt of, but why was there only a low curse coming from my mouth? “Done cursing?” “No,” I continued. But he, Qi Yufeng, was really something! He called a waiter over, handed him my shawl, saying it was in the way. “No!” I pleaded, looking at him. “Shh,” he glanced at my neck, “It’s showing.” I quickly lowered my head, “It’s all your fault!” He just smiled ambiguously, whispering, “My beautiful princess, let’s continue dancing.” I decided to rest my head on his shoulder, “Okay, you old fart!” “Old fart?” He laughed, looking around at the crowd, teasingly pulling up the corner of his mouth, probably up to no good again… He leaned down, looking at me affectionately, “Do you believe I’ll kiss you?” No way! I haven’t embarrassed myself enough? “Do you believe I’ll hit you?” I mimicked his affectionate threat. I guess he was showing with action that he doubted me; he kissed me directly, and immediately there was a collective gasp around us. I kneed him in the leg, no reaction; I punched him in the stomach, another gasp, but he didn’t let go until I surrendered, and then there was applause and whistles. I wished I could die! Someone called Qi Yufeng over, and he pulled me along, “Come, let me introduce you…” “I don’t want to!” He smiled, “What’s wrong?” “I have no face to meet people!” Shaking off his hand, I grabbed a plate of ice cream and found a secluded corner to hide in. It was a small European-style balcony. I drew the curtains to create a private space. No one should be able to see me here, right? I began to eat the ice cream with a clear conscience. Looking at the night view of the courtyard outside, I couldn’t help but think of Qi Yufeng. His actions tonight were undoubtedly a declaration of ownership over me. I never thought he could be so childish, but if this was all part of his plan, then I should start getting scared. Does he really want to keep me? To say I’m not moved would be a lie; I’m quite vain, after all…