iXie iYue
"Wulin, slow down."
As the dance progressed and the rhythm improved, the initiative gradually shifted from Jiang Mingyuan to Tang Wulin.
As for how it was led?
Who has ever had a woman treated like a doll during a duet dance, with her feet barely touching the ground?
"Haha! Looks like our lucky gentleman is a little nervous. But don't worry, let's all party hard tonight!"
The host's voice echoed from every corner of the banquet hall, and the banquet officially entered its climax.
In the corners of the banquet hall, beside the dining tables, and near the pillars, staff members were taking notes on every young man and woman.
Sheets of paper recording the attire and posture were gathered and handed over to the host, awaiting judgment by several respected individuals after the banquet.
After a series of whirling and spinning movements, Jiang Mingyuan finally couldn't take it anymore.
With a sudden stop, her toes touched Tang Wulin's shoes.
Under the cover of the music, the sound reached Tang Wulin's ears.
"Wulin, help me over there to rest for a bit. My stomach isn't feeling too good."
Tang Wulin quickly stopped in his tracks. To be honest, he was also caught off guard; he had never learned to dance before. His attention had been entirely focused on Jiang Mingyuan, and his body had unconsciously been drawn into the dance.
Tang Wulin helped Jiang Mingyuan to a corner of the banquet hall and asked a waiter for a glass of warm water.
Jiang Mingyuan squatted in the corner, sipping warm water, while Tang Wulin gently stroked Jiang Mingyuan back.
Are you feeling better?
Jiang Mingyuan handed the empty cup to Tang Wulin and nodded slightly.
"Much better. Wulin, you were a little too tense just now."
Tang Wulin scratched his head sheepishly, but Jiang Mingyuan didn't blame him. He simply said, "I'll teach you to dance again when there's a chance later."
The atmosphere in the banquet hall wouldn't end just because the newlyweds quietly left.
Without Jiang Mingyuan and Tang Wulin, the flamboyant Yue Zhengyu became the focus of the entire event.
Yuanen Yehui and Xu Xiaoyan, who also have the cutest height difference, came to the two of them with dance steps.
"Squad leader, what's going on here?"
Xu Xiaoyan's gaze swept back and forth between Tang Wulin and Jiang Mingyuan, as if a hint of gossip had arisen within her.
As one of the few people who knew Jiang Mingyuan's true identity, Yuanen Yehui, considering herself a close friend, stepped forward and helped Jiang Mingyuan up.
Is it seasickness? Or something else?
Jiang Mingyuan rubbed his lower abdomen, his face slightly flushed.
"It's been a while since I've been here; mine's been a bit of a mess. What a coincidence, I just boarded the ship and this is already here."
Yuanen Yehui glanced at Tang Wulin.
"Take Jiang Mingyuan back to rest quickly."
Upon hearing this, Tang Wulin suddenly realized what was happening and reached out to help Jiang Mingyuan, but Jiang Mingyuan waved his hand.
"It's alright, it's a rare treat to have such a party. Don't let me spoil everyone's fun."
"Wulin," Jiang Mingyuan pointed to the tables laden with sumptuous dishes and desserts. "I remember you didn't eat much before boarding the ship, did you? Don't let that fat Xu Lizhi eat up all the food Uncle Mu Ye prepared."
Speaking of which, Tang Wulin was indeed hungry, and he rubbed his somewhat deflated stomach. But reason told him that he should stay by Jiang Mingyuan's side at this time.
"Oh, don't worry about me. Look, I'm perfectly fine." As he spoke, Jiang Mingyuan even jumped up and down a couple of times to show that he was completely alright.
But then, with a creak...
Jiang Mingyuan was wearing high heels at that moment.
She lost her balance and fell to the right, crashing into Tang Wulin's arms.
Looking at Brother Yuan like this, Tang Wulin felt inexplicably that he was quite adorable.
Yuanen Yehui looked utterly embarrassed and rubbed her forehead.
Xu Xiaoyan grabbed a plate of nuts and snacks from somewhere and, like a hamster, started stuffing them into her mouth while watching the two interact.
"Hey, class monitor, crunch (sound of chewing nuts), crunch, when did you and Jiang Mingyuan get together? Crunch."
Xu Xiaoyan counted on her fingers.
"I heard from Xie Xie that you two shared a dorm when you first entered Eastsea Academy. When you joined Class Zero, your dorms were next to each other. Even at the Shrek Academy, your dorms were the same. By the way, you two haven't already done it, have you?"
"How could that be!" / "No way!"
Jiang Mingyuan and Tang Wulin said in unison.
"Oh, I was just saying. Don't be angry, you two. After all, who wouldn't be suspicious? Speaking of which, Jiang Mingyuan, you're really something, keeping it hidden from everyone for so long."
"This is a special case for me, so don't make wild guesses." Jiang Mingyuan blushed and broke free from Tang Wulin's embrace. At this moment, his stomach didn't hurt as much.
"I'm going to find something to eat. Wulin, you come with me."
The two had barely left when Xie Xie over.
"I've long suspected that their relationship is more than just friendship." Xie Xie pulled out a magnifying glass from somewhere, put on a detective hat, and said with feigned seriousness.
The two glanced at him, ignored him, and continued dancing.
Xie Xie: No! How come you all can be in pairs, while I can only stay with that old popsicle Wu Changkong!
Xie Xie had just formed an idea, but before he could even voice it, he felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were being watched by some cannibalistic demon.
The social event was drawing to a close.
Sima Lanxiao, the Foreign Minister of the Star Luo Empire, spoke again.
"Distinguished guests, did you enjoy the social event tonight? Now, our staff will have several ballot boxes ready. We hope you will cast your votes for the best-dressed man and woman of the evening."
The staff carried the box to Tang Wulin and Ya Li, who were stuffing themselves with food. The two of them, without any hesitation, cast their votes for each other.
It would take some time to tally the votes, so the Shrek members took the opportunity to gather together.
"You're truly a hidden talent. I didn't expect you first-years to have a penchant for cross-dressing." Yue Zhengyu smiled at Jiang Mingyuan, his playboy demeanor completely gone. But behind him, a fist, poised to strike, suddenly lashed out, hitting his thick-skinned face and sending him flying.
"Yue Zhengyu! You caused trouble during the day, and we haven't settled things with you yet." Yuanen Yehui looked angry; this kid was always giving her, the class monitor, a headache.
Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi surrounded Jiang Mingyuan with curious expressions. They really couldn't believe that the captain who had led their Class Zero of the Eastsea Academy to create countless miracles was actually a woman.
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Jiang Mingyuan showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Instead, he boldly puffed out his chest, though it made no difference whether he did or not.
For some reason, Xie Xie and the others all raised their hands and touched the back of their heads.
It hurts there, as if I was hit hard by someone before.