Zhou Yi was amused by her. "Am I really that terrifying? Fine, I'll make sure to escort you home tonight."
Gu Qiqi shook her head. "Forget it. I'm afraid I'd die even faster."
Zhou Yi gave a helpless smile. "Actually, I'm just curious about you."
Gu Qiqi asked, "What's there to be curious about?"
Zhou Yi replied, "I've known Lu Wei for years, and I've never seen him take the initiative to invite a girl to his own birthday party. Plus, he introduced you to his friends—that's a first too. It shows how much he values you!"
Gu Qiqi was a bit surprised—Brother, are you setting me up? Does Senior Brother Lu really value me that much? Why don't I feel it at all?
Seeing her disbelief, Zhou Yi gestured. "Look, Lu Wei is watching you right now! Haven't you noticed? The way he looks at you is different from how he looks at other girls."
Gu Qiqi turned her head to look—Senior Brother Lu was indeed watching her with concern from the edge of the dance floor. But what was so different about his gaze? It was still warm and kind, just as always. The only difference now was that, tangled up by the Pink Army, it carried a bit more helplessness and guilt.
Gu Qiqi found the scene amusing—Senior Brother Lu, oh Senior Brother Lu, even if you're brilliant and sharp-witted, when faced with that shameless Pink Army, you're still helpless, powerless, and hopeless... Ah! Poor Senior Brother Lu!
She shot him a look full of sympathy and comfort, meaning—Senior Brother, don't worry about me. Just focus on shaking off those sticky nuisances! I'm being well taken care of by your close friend, and I'm having a blast!
Her intention was to comfort him, but Lu Wei misinterpreted the message. Instead of feeling reassured, his gaze grew even more anxious.
※※※
When the song ended, Zhou Yi's shoes were covered in countless footprints.
They were the marks of Gu Qiqi's "Foshan Invisible Kick."
Zhou Yi smiled helplessly. "Miss Gu, do you dance the same way with Brother Lu?"
Qiqi tilted her head with a sly grin. "I don't really know how to dance in the first place. I'm putting you through a lot, Young Master Zhou... So, will you still dance with me for the next song?"
"Of course," Zhou Yi said, his fox-like eyes narrowing. "My shoes are already ruined anyway. Might as well go all out!"
Gu Qiqi chuckled.
The two spun back into the depths of the dance floor as the music grew passionate and intense. Zhou Zhibi and Qin Chen were still performing their fairy tale of prince and princess, and Qiqi inevitably crossed paths with them on the dance floor.
Every time Qin Chen met Qiqi's gaze, he immediately looked away. Zhou Zhibi, on the other hand, clung to Qin Chen like a proud peacock, holding her chin high and her back straight, as if showing off.
Midway through the dance, there was a segment where partners were exchanged. Zhou Yi, moving freely with Qiqi, brought her right in front of Qin Chen just as the music paused.
Despite Zhou Zhibi's reluctance, under her brother's stern gaze, she swapped partners with Qiqi.
Qiqi froze in front of Qin Chen, not moving. Qin Chen let out a soft sigh and took her hand.
As the music started again, he led her into the dance. Qiqi's heart trembled—this was the first time they had ever danced together.
She kept her head down, unsure of what to say, feeling the weight of countless eyes on her back.