Dressed to Impress

The trip to Star Luo for the exchange had not been proposed by Shrek, but arranged by the Federation. Shrek would travel with the Federation's main delegation and spend a year in Star Luo studying and participating in exchanges.

Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue'er personally served as Shrek's lead teacher, with Wu Changkong accompanying them.

Quite a few people were departing for Star Luo. Most of the continent's major academies were taking part in this exchange, so they would be traveling to Star Luo Continent by cruise ship.

The delegations from each academy would first gather in Skysea City, then depart from Skysea by cruise ship.

Cruise ship.

The Federation's Minister of Foreign Affairs personally led Cai Yue'er onward, conversing with her as they walked.

After boarding the massive cruise ship, Tang Wulin and the others went straight to their rooms.

Before long, the cruise ship set off.

A deep hum rose alongside the rushing sound of seawater being parted by the enormous vessel as the cruise ship slowly headed into the open ocean.

At that moment, an announcement rang out throughout the ship, followed by a sweet female voice. "Dear passengers, a social dance will be held on the third deck tonight. Those interested may attend after seven o'clock in the evening. Please come in formal attire. Thank you."

Tang Wulin froze for a moment when he heard the announcement. After checking through his storage device, he helplessly discovered that aside from his usual sportswear and his Tang Sect Battle Soul Hall uniform, he had brought nothing else.

"Knock, knock." There was a soft knock on his door.

Tang Wulin opened it to find Gu Yue standing outside.

Tang Wulin asked, "What is it?"

Gu Yue asked, "Are you going to the dance?"

Tang Wulin said helplessly, "I probably can't go."

Gu Yue smiled mysteriously. "I knew you hadn't brought anything."

She tossed him a set of black clothes, turned, and left behind only one sentence. "Don't embarrass me."

Tang Wulin caught the clothes and shook them open. It was a custom-made black suit, and one look was enough to tell that it would fit him perfectly.

Warmth welled up in Tang Wulin's heart, followed by melancholy and sorrow.

She had been like this in his previous life too, silently doing so much for him. Yet he had foolishly known nothing. By the time he realized it, they had already reached different forks in the road.

She had her path. He had his own way.

Tang Wulin closed the door.

In this life, he still had a chance to change their future. He would never let go again.

A melodious tune echoed through the cruise ship.

Two doors opened at once, and a tall figure slowly stepped out. He wore a dark suit with an impeccable cut, making his already pine- and bamboo-like figure appear even straighter. Exquisite accessories added a touch of nobility to his handsome features.

The girl standing before him wore a pale silver evening gown. Her long hair, usually tied into a ponytail, now flowed freely down her back, falling softly to her waist. She wore light makeup and earrings, the sparkling crystals setting off her jade-like face with a lustrous glow. At the sight of her glancing about, he could not help but catch his breath.

He extended his hand to her and bowed slightly. "My lady, may I have the honor of inviting you to be my dance partner?"

She smiled sweetly and placed her hand in his palm. After he drew her hand back, she naturally slipped her arm through his.

Tang Wulin lowered his gaze and noticed the bracelet on her wrist—the one he had given her before. He was slightly surprised.

But the bracelet had aged, and the Blue Silver Emperor had lost its former luster. His fingertips lightly brushed it, and the dim Blue Silver Emperor seemed to come alive at once, regaining its vitality and radiating a clear, pure glow.

Gu Yue blinked. "You can do that?"

Tang Wulin smiled faintly. "Just a little trick. It won't last long, though. I'll get you a new one tomorrow—when something this cheap gets old, just throw it away."

But Gu Yue shook her head. "I want to keep it."

Tang Wulin had no objection. "As long as you're happy."

The two left together.

The doors of the rooms at the other end opened one after another as well.

Yuanen emerged from her room in a dark red suit, tugging at her slightly tight tie with her slender fingers as she walked.

Xie Xie was across the hall from her, also dressed in a suit, though his was more flamboyant in color. The black-and-white contrast, paired with his handsome face and the natural chill in his expression when he was blank-faced, made him seem somewhat more mature than usual.

But that composure instantly vanished when he saw Yuanen.

"Wait for me!" he called after her.

Although Yuanen was impatient, she still slowed her pace slightly.

He had sparred with her for most of the summer break, and Yuanen's understanding of Xie Xie had continued to deepen. Besides, Xie Xie brought her water at the same time every day, so the resentment in her heart had long since mostly faded. There was no need for her to be constantly at odds with someone traveling with her.

Behind them, Xu Xiaoyan, dressed in a light blue gown, and Yue Zhengyu, wearing a specially tailored platinum suit, called out to them and headed toward the banquet hall together.

Xu Lizhi looked awkwardly at the breathtakingly beautiful Ye Xinglan. Unable to avoid feeling disappointed, he lowered his head. "Um... maybe I just won't go."

Ye Xinglan said nothing. She merely glanced at him before returning to her room.

Not long afterward, she opened the door again. She had already changed out of her evening gown and back into her academy uniform.

Xu Lizhi froze, guilt filling his heart. "I'm sorry... I held you back again, Sister Xinglan."

Ye Xinglan patted his shoulder. "Cut the nonsense. Let's go."

Xu Lizhi grinned. "All right."

The lights in the banquet hall glittered. As more and more people arrived, the slow, lingering melody gradually shifted into a lively rhythm.

Wu Changkong had already lost count of how many people he had turned down for dances. There were even men among them!

Just as he was considering whether to return to his room, a group of bright and youthful boys and girls entered through the doors of the banquet hall.

Yue Zhengyu was enjoying the attention of the crowd, but before he could savor it for long, everyone's gazes were drawn to the two people behind him.

Behind him, the girl possessed the serene, noble grace of the moon. Though her beauty was not immediately overwhelming, it had the unique charm of aged wine. Yet the refined young man at her side was the true peerless beauty. Tang Wulin no longer possessed the immaturity of his previous life; his expression was composed, and his temperament carried a hint of mystery.

Seeing Yue Zhengyu and the others, Tang Wulin's eyes curved in a smile. "Why are you all just standing there like fools?"

When he did not smile, it was one thing. But when he did, it was like spring flowers blooming after warmth returned. The youthful air that had been hidden beneath his composure emerged, overflowing with vitality.

Countless people present had stars in their eyes.

Gu Yue tugged lightly at Tang Wulin's hand. Tang Wulin looked at her, and inspiration suddenly struck him.

He stepped back slightly and said solemnly, "Beautiful miss, may I have this dance?"

The expressions of Yue Zhengyu and the others immediately turned strange. Xie Xie even let out a teasing whistle.

After receiving Tang Wulin's look, Xie Xie pretended to look up at the sky.

Gu Yue could not be bothered with him. In high spirits, she took Tang Wulin's hand and led him toward the dance floor.