Han Shuo did not know whether to laugh or cry, but he had no choice except to let Phoebe pull him toward the dance floor.
When they reached the dance floor, Han Shuo saw merchants and nobles dancing gracefully with their arms around young ladies and noblewomen. When Phoebe led him to a corner, he stood motionless, narrowing his eyes to study their steps in the hope of not embarrassing himself too badly later.
"Come, put your arm around my waist." Phoebe turned to face Han Shuo and raised her delicate hands, slipping her left hand into his right. Then she took his left hand in her right and placed it on her waist.
As soon as Phoebe's little hand slipped into his large one, Han Shuo's heart stirred for no reason. Her hand was smooth, warm, and bonelessly soft, pleasant to touch. He could not resist squeezing her palm, making her tremble slightly as a blush crept over her cheeks.
Phoebe glared at Han Shuo and whispered, "No mischief!"
When Han Shuo's hand settled on Phoebe's waist, their bodies drew close enough for them to smell each other's scent. Even when they spoke, their breath brushed the other's mouth and nose.
"Come on, I'll lead. Just follow my rhythm." Not quite daring to meet Han Shuo's eyes, Phoebe lowered her head and spoke softly. She took a deep breath, rested her free hand on his shoulder, and slowly moved onto the dance floor.
Accompanied by the beautiful, lilting music, Phoebe seemed to open her heart. No longer too shy to look directly at Han Shuo, she gazed deeply at him with an unusual look in her lovely eyes, quietly explaining the essentials of the steps.
With Han Shuo's current perception and intelligence, his earlier observations had already taught him