They sat in silence for a while before she spoke. "We are alike, except for the fact that you can remain single without having to be forced into your role in the family and whatnot."

  He laughed softly and took a sip.

  "Life is about opportunities. I see your circumstances and it made me think. You are the type of person who will recognize a good opportunity when it comes your way."

  Qian Meng didn't understand what he meant. "That's how I made my money. But these days, life only gives me obstacles."

  "It's not completely true." He gave her a pointed look.

  "What? Are you saying you are my silver lining?" she joked.

  "So what's your current obstacle to get through? Escaping your family and forced engagement?"

  "Yes."

  She looked at him, expecting to see ridicule or pity. Instead, she saw his thoughtful and calculative look. The atmosphere felt heavy. Where were her sarcasm and wit?

  She wondered why he was looking at her like a scheming criminal and trying to decide if refilling her glass of champagne again would make her an alcoholic.

  Mo Qingchen and her lived in the same world, but their circumstances couldn't be more different.

  She learned more about him that night than the others they had spent together. It didn't change what she thought of him, but she still saw him in higher respect. She was still a prick… a lonely and handsome prick.

  Mo Qingchen, finally, after a few moments, opened his mouth to say something. But before he could, Hou Su poked her head outside and looked around.

  "There you are!" he said, coming out. "What are you doing here?" he asked, looking from Qian Meng to Mo Qingchen. "… with Mr. Mo."

  "We were sitting outside in hopes we wouldn't need to partake in the festivities," Qian Meng said, standing up. "But I should probably go inside and wish the Mayor a happy anniversary."

  She turned to Mo Qingchen briefly, wondering if he was coming with her. When he reached for the bottle, she got her answer.

  "Well, better go inside or you will brood in your anti-social misery," Hou Su said. He turned to Mo Qingchen and nodded.

  "Give my apologies to the happy couple, will you?" Mo Qingchen said from behind her.

  "Sure thing," Qian Meng mumbled as she was grabbed by the arm and led towards the door.

  As they walked inside, she glanced one more time at Mo Qingchen over her shoulder. He had the same calculative look in his eye.

  Qian Meng sat herself down in one of the chairs that were in a row against the wall. Only a moment later, she noticed her worst nightmare walking towards her with a huge smile on his face.

  Bai Ye Qing.

  "Is this seat free?" he asked, gesturing to the seat next to her.

  "Yes. If you sit down, this one will be too." Bai Ye Qing ignored her jibe and sat down without that grin faltering in the slightest.

  "Your father said you would be here. I've been looking for you all evening. Where have you been?" He didn't mention the fact that she had abandoned him that evening and come to the party alone, soiling his plan to announce his attachment to her.

  "Hiding from you," she said, taking a sip of champagne and not even bothering to look over at him.

  He laughed as if she had told a joke.

  "I love your feisty personality."

  She sighed. "I really don't care." She could see some people turning to look at them and felt a premonition run up her spine. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.

  "So," he said, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of his drink. "My birthday is coming up in a couple of months. I'm a Cancer. What is your sign?"

  Indeed, his sign couldn't be anything else. She had nothing against the particular sun sign, but for him, the name was a perfect fit.

  "Do not enter." Her dark humor allowed her more colorful replies than Bai Ye Qing could comprehend.

  He waited for a moment as if he thought she was going to laugh before giving him the real answer.

  "Will you dance with me?" he asked, finally when she didn't say anything further.

  "I can't dance."

  "What?" he asked, sounding confused. "Didn't you learn how to dance as a child?"

  "Yes, I stepped on toes and broke too many bones to count. Most men scurry away in fear of my knee if they ask to dance." She took a sip and then looked over at him for the first time since he sat down.

  If that didn't get him to leave her alone, nothing would.

  "Look, Qian Meng. I think it's cute that you're sarcastic and all, but I want to say this to you. I am completely serious."

  "What? What is it Bai Ye Qing? What could you possibly have to say to me that is so important and serious that a hundred other people have to look on?" She could do nothing but confront him.

  "You're bloody beautiful." And rich, she added in her head. "And I can't think of anyone in this world who I could love."

  "And this needs to be said in front of all these people because…" she trailed off.

  "You brought in Mr. Mo in our conversation last time!" he hissed, his fa?ade falling.

  "I didn't bring him in. He invited himself. Even at that time, you wanted to make a scene and coerce me into talking to you and taking your shit. Isn't that what you are doing just now?"

  He shook his head vehemently. "Qian Meng. Just marry me… I would go to the end of the world for you."

  Qian Meng chugged back the rest of what was left in her glass and sighed, exasperated. Silence had fallen over the room.

  "I wish you would stay there in your attempt."