Chapter 90 “Lu Jingtang, You’re So Adorable!”

Chapter 90: "Lu Jingtang, you're quite the charmer!"

As Lu Jingtang descended the stairs, wearing the numbered tag, a ripple of confusion spread through the crowd. *A woman?*

The host paused, then, microphone in hand, gestured towards Lu Jingtang. "Miss, this tag is for a gentleman. Have you made a mistake?"

Lu Jingtang replied with disarming honesty, "I'm aware. My friend is unable to attend, and as your rules don't forbid substitutions, I was hoping for the honor of inviting this lady to dance on my friend's behalf."

*What kind of friend?* The unspoken thought hung in the air: likely her boyfriend had drawn the tag, and she, unwilling for him to dance with another woman, had stepped in herself.

Some found it perfectly understandable—a girlfriend's natural jealousy, preventing her boyfriend from dancing with someone else. Others, detached from the situation, dismissed it as "just a dance," meaning nothing.

Lu Jingtang remained poised and unperturbed by the murmurs. She was, she admitted, a little possessive. She simply didn't want Fu Nanyu dancing with anyone else, and she saw no shame in that.

The host hesitated until a backstage staff member whispered in his ear. He then announced, "If the lady in question has no objection, then it is permissible."

The moment Ji Yunyin saw Lu Jingtang emerge with the numbered tag, she knew mischief was afoot. And she was right.

A cold smile played on her lips, her eyes, though smiling, held no warmth as they swept over Lu Jingtang. "Of course, no problem at all."

She had initially considered passing her own tag to Xie Qinghe to dance in her stead. But then a thought struck her: Lu Jingtang was likely anticipating her refusal. If she declined now, people would accuse her of being fine with dancing with a man but unwilling to dance with a woman. *She wouldn't fall for that trap.*

Lu Jingtang extended an inviting hand, waiting for Ji Yunyin to take it.

The host, recognizing Lu Jingtang's intention to lead, began, "Alright, this, uh, gentleman—"

Lu Jingtang couldn't help but interject, "Lady." Gentleman? She was unequivocally a lady.

The host paused, then smoothly corrected himself, "Alright, these two ladies—"

On the second floor, Qi Heng turned to his companion, surprised. "You knew what she was going to do all along?"

Fu Nanyu's gaze was fixed on Lu Jingtang, his eyes so tender it was almost unsettling. He simply hummed a low "Mhm."

Li Chen clucked his tongue and applauded. "Such perfect synchronicity."

The bar lights dimmed, spotlighting the two women as the music began. Ji Yunyin placed a hand on Lu Jingtang's shoulder, executing a sensual hip sway. Her lithe waist and striking, cool beauty ignited a stir in the crowd below.

Lu Jingtang, though dancing the male role, lacked the raw power of a male dancer. But what she lacked in technique, she compensated for with expression. Twirling to face the audience, she flashed a dazzling grin, her fair, slender neck glistening with sweat. Under the dim lights, she seemed dusted with gold, appearing both sweet and fiercely captivating.

Ji Yunyin, wary of Lu Jingtang's potential mischief, momentarily lost focus and nearly stumbled. But Lu Jingtang, with lightning speed, caught her by the waist, dipping her as if for a kiss. One radiant and alluring, the other sweet and spirited—an unexpectedly queer-coded moment. It seemed even a sweet girl could overshadow a sophisticated beauty.

From below, a primal shriek of "shipping" erupted, nearly deafening those nearby.

As the music faded, Lu Jingtang released Ji Yunyin, who seemed momentarily disoriented, likely surprised by Lu Jingtang's quick save.

Lu Jingtang's gaze drifted to a spot on the second floor where Fu Nanyu leaned against the railing, his eyes, alight with amusement, fixed intently on her. Lu Jingtang's heart fluttered. Like an innocent creature, she tilted her head and smiled back at him.

Witnessing this, Li Chen finally understood why a man like Fu Nanyu was so captivated by Lu Jingtang. A vibrant, radiant soul was an irresistible force for someone of a more reserved nature. She might not be the most dazzling or beautiful in a crowd, but those who truly glimpsed her sparkling essence would find themselves falling for her, again and again.

Lu Jingtang declined the bottle of Romanée-Conti, having it sent instead to Ji Yunyin's table.

Xie Qinghe, too, had been watching the dance. Lu Jingtang's smile brought back memories of the day she had helped him at the club, smiling at him in the same way. A strange sensation stirred in his chest, compelling him to walk towards her.

Alas, Lu Jingtang didn't see him. She hurried eagerly upstairs, brushing past him. Xie Qinghe's hand hung awkwardly in mid-air.

He looked up to find Fu Nanyu staring down at him, his gaze cool and indifferent, before turning and walking away.

Lu Jingtang scampered upstairs. Before she could steady herself, a large hand encircled her waist, pulling her into a tight embrace. Fu Nanyu nipped at her earlobe, his voice a low, gritted whisper, "Lu Jingtang, you're quite the charmer."

Lu Jingtang blinked innocently. What was he talking about? She hadn't done anything—just danced. She wrapped her arms around Fu Nanyu, nuzzling her cheek into the hollow of his neck. "I didn't do anything."

Fu Nanyu sighed. "Lucky I acted fast."

Lu Jingtang giggled, lifting her chin proudly. "You'd better treat me well from now on. I'm quite the catch."

"I will. If there's anything I'm not doing right, just tell me—except when it comes to junk food."

"Uh... I'm not *that* greedy..."

When the event concluded, Fu Nanyu, having had a few drinks, couldn't drive. Qi Heng asked if they needed a designated driver.

Lu Jingtang raised her hand. "I didn't drink. I'll drive."

At this, Fu Nanyu's slight intoxication vanished instantly. He clapped a hand over her mouth. "Designated driver. Call one."

Muffled by his hand, Lu Jingtang protested incoherently. *Her driving wasn't that bad, was it?*