"No girl would turn down romance like this..."
To make himself seem less like a creep, Lu Zhou tried not to look at the young women and ladies dancing gracefully on the floor. Instead, he concentrated on finding that special figure in the crowd.
Just then, he felt someone tugging at his sleeve. He looked in the direction of the pull, but saw no one.
"Hey, down here."
A soft call came from below. Lu Zhou lowered his head and finally saw a little girl of about six or seven in a dress, staring up at him with wide eyes.
But almost immediately, as though she had suddenly remembered something, she withdrew her hand, covered her mouth, and slowly muttered.
"Oh dear, Teacher Paladar told me an elegant lady mustn't greet people so frivolously."
Her voice rose and fell as though she had a piece of candy in her mouth.
Seeing the little princess's endearing expression, Lu Zhou couldn't help smiling. He rested his hands on his knees and spoke politely.
"Your adorable Highness, have you lost your parents?"
"Of course not." Shaking her head like a rattle, her two corkscrew pigtails bouncing like springs, Princess Lillian stared straight at Lu Zhou with her large, expressive eyes and continued, "Lillian came here to dance."
"To dance?"
"Yes, distinguished... scholar." Lifting her skirt slightly, the little princess gave a courtly curtsy and continued in imitation of an adult, "May I ask you for a dance?"
Clearly, the little girl had forgotten his name again.
Watching her movements, so solemn yet comical at every turn, Lu Zhou suppressed his laughter and tried to persuade her.
"Your parents might be worried about you. You should find them as soon as possible. I can contact security here for you."
"No. They won't be worried.