"Is that Cindy?" Angie Chen was taken aback, quickly taking off her sunglasses. Ryan Ling followed her gaze and saw a quiet, elegant little beauty standing at the corner of the restaurant, looking at them with a shy, innocent expression.
Not gonna lie, Cindy Sun really was adorable. She looked even cuter in person than in her photos—twin ponytails, totally elfin, with a pure and bashful vibe that was a world apart from Angie Chen.
You could tell this was Cindy Sun’s first time at a place like this—she stood super stiff and awkward. If Angie hadn’t invited her, there’s no way she’d show up at an event like this.
"It’s me, cousin!" Cindy Sun nodded, sneaking a shy glance at Ryan Ling before lowering her head again.
Such a good girl! Ryan Ling found himself liking her even more.
"Cindy, look at you—your dad’s got you so tightly wrapped up, you’re practically scared silly! Don’t be so shy, lift your head! This is your cousin-in-law—" Angie started, then glanced at Ryan Ling’s grumpy face and couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh. "Oops, my bad! He’s actually my good friend Ryan Ling, and he’s your dance partner for tonight’s masquerade ball. I’m telling you, his dancing is next-level—he even beat the Asian Dance King last time!"
"Really that good?" Just hearing about dancing made Cindy Sun’s shy face soften a little.
"Nah, it’s nothing special. Nice to meet you, Cindy Sun!" Ryan Ling reached out his hand generously, and Cindy Sun shyly offered hers. When their hands met, Ryan Ling could feel Cindy Sun tremble a little.
"What’s up, Cindy Sun? Don’t tell me you’ve never held a guy’s hand before—hahaha!" Angie swooped in, hugging Cindy Sun and teasing, "Loosen up when you come to a place like this! And your outfit is way too uptight, you gotta switch up your style!"
"What style?" Cindy asked nervously.
"You gotta be pure, but with a hint of sexy!" Angie said, and with that, she just popped open the button at Cindy Sun’s collar, exposing a patch of fair skin.
"Ah! Sis, Ryan Ling is right here!" Cindy Sun’s whole face flushed bright red.
"What’s there to be shy about? We’re all friends here. Besides, you two are dance partners tonight, so showing a little skin is totally normal!" Angie teased. "And don’t worry about being embarrassed—it’s a masquerade, nobody knows who you are. Just go all out and show off your moves! Now, go link arms with Ryan Ling!"
"I—I..." Cindy Sun’s face got even redder!
"Seriously, you’re hopeless. Let me help!" Angie couldn’t stand it anymore and shoved Cindy right into Ryan Ling’s arms. The two bumped straight into each other, Cindy froze like a scared little bird, and Ryan Ling, being the gentleman, just hugged her.
"So, what do you think? My cousin’s a total virgin—like her? Want to be the one to break her in tonight?" Angie grinned mischievously at Ryan Ling.
"Damn, are you her cousin or a brothel madam? Can you chill out for once? You’re so extra it’s unreal!" Ryan Ling shook his head, speechless.
"I don’t want to chill—I love being extra! I totally wanna be a brothel madam, so what? Got a problem with that?" Angie shot back, raising her voice.
"You win! I’m taking my dance partner inside—you do you!" Ryan Ling said, hugging Cindy Sun and heading in.
Behind them, Angie stomped her foot in frustration, muttering, "Got yourself a new flame and forgot your old love!"
"Miss, do you have a dance partner? If not, I’d love to—" Suddenly, a refined-looking rich kid walked over, trying to take Angie’s hand.
"Scram! You’re barely outta diapers and you wanna hit on me? Beat it!" Angie shoved him away and swaggered inside. The nearby rich boys stared in shock. Ryan Ling, just through the door, couldn’t help but chuckle.
"Ryan Ling, what’s up with my cousin?" Cindy Sun asked in surprise from Ryan Ling’s arms.
"Nothing serious, she’s just hitting menopause early!" Ryan Ling joked.
"You’re really funny, Ryan Ling!" Cindy Sun giggled, her nerves easing up a lot.
...
But as soon as the two happily walked into the Grand Guest Hotel, a feisty woman suddenly shouted, "Tonight’s masquerade champion is gonna be me! Don’t even think about stealing my thunder. If you do, I’ll go all out—don’t blame me for being ruthless..."
Hearing that, Ryan was stunned. Who the heck was this, so bossy?
In front of them stood a cold-looking woman in a blazing red dress, acting like a queen. Several maids fussed over her clothes and shoes—her style was even more extra than Angie’s.
Ryan Ling was about to say something, but suddenly noticed Cindy beside him had frozen, glaring at the woman like she was her mortal enemy. Ryan Ling realized instantly—there was definitely bad blood between them.
"Cindy, do you know her?" Ryan Ling quickly asked.
Ryan Ling was about to say something, but suddenly noticed Cindy Sun beside him had frozen, glaring at the woman like she was her mortal enemy. Ryan Ling realized instantly—there was definitely bad blood between them.
"Her name’s Lena Ye—she’s in my dance class. She’s awful, always bullying me. I’ve had enough. Today, I’m not backing down!"
Cindy Sun nodded, her shy look gone, actually clenching her little fists.
"So that’s why you came tonight!" Ryan Ling finally got it.
Hearing Cindy Sun’s words, Ryan Ling was a bit confused. Angie came over and explained, "Last time at the Longzhou Dance Competition, Cindy Sun was supposed to win, but Lena Ye set her up—almost broke her leg! Lena stole the championship, and Cindy Sun was left humiliated. That’s why she insisted on coming to this masquerade, to beat Lena and take back her honor!"
"What’s there to be scared of? With Ryan Ling here, even the biggest family can’t touch you!" Angie giggled.
Cindy Sun nodded again, then quickly added, "I’m sure I can beat her on my own this time. But the Ye family is really powerful in Longzhou—I’m scared!"
(This chapter isn’t finished yet~.~ Click next page for more awesome content!)
"Mm, thank you Ryan Ling, and Cousin Angie. You guys are the best! No matter how tonight turns out, I promise I’ll convince my dad about what you asked!" Cindy Sun said gratefully.
"You silly girl, come on, let’s get you made up! You’re supposed to be the champion but your outfit’s way too plain—and not sexy at all!" Angie said, dragging Cindy Sun off.
"Sis, you’re talking like that in front of Ryan Ling again!" Cindy Sun looked helpless, her face flushing red.
She really is a great girl, Ryan Ling thought, a bit stunned. In a bustling city like Longzhou, girls this pure were rare.
Watching the two head into the dressing room, Ryan Ling put on his own mask. This so-called masquerade ball was actually a pastime invented by the city’s elite—faces hidden, partners chosen by figure, vibe, even scent. It made things fresh and exciting.
Of course, that was just the surface. The real draw was the chance to hook up—if both sides were willing, nobody cared who was who. Most people knew exactly who was behind each mask, but since nobody said it out loud, things could happen without anyone feeling awkward later.
So really, the masquerade was a super-charged cheating game—a ton of married men and women did it, and after the deed, they were all still friends in private.
Ryan Ling was still daydreaming when he suddenly felt someone’s eyes on him. He whipped around—and sure enough, there was a sexy woman sitting behind him: long legs, a low-cut black dress, heavy makeup. Even with her mask hiding her face, she radiated cold elegance and mystery.
A stunner like her naturally drew plenty of attention from the rich boys. She was clearly the "new product" at tonight’s ball—most of them whispered they’d never seen her before, and a bunch were itching to try their luck. After all, fresh faces were always the most exciting.
But the mysterious beauty didn’t care about any of them. Anyone who tried to invite her to dance got shot down—her eyes were locked on Ryan Ling.
But when their eyes met again, Ryan Ling suddenly felt like he knew her. There was something big-sister-like in her gaze...