That's really bringing up the very thing you shouldn't be talking about.

Seeing the awkward expression on Qianchuan's face, Chuanliu couldn't help but want to laugh.

Qian Chuan chuckled twice and replied, "Where did you hear this rumor? It's nothing."

"Is this your female companion?"

Xu Zhi turned his gaze to Chuan Liu and gave him a thorough once-over without any politeness.

The value of the money is undeniable.

Xu Zhi opened his right hand and extended it toward Chuanliu, "It's an honor to meet you, beautiful lady."

The latter made a light gesture, his gaze falling on Xu Zhi's female companion.

Unlike Li Si's female companion, Xu Zhi's female companion did not go crazy. Instead, she stood there quietly. When she felt the gazes of the crowd, she immediately lowered her head timidly and clasped her hands together nervously.

Seeing this, Xu Zhi walked to his female companion, put his arm around the girl, and gently stroked her head.

After a while, the melodious music started again, and the rhythmic dance music was clear and lively.

Xu Zhi took the initiative to invite his female partner, and the two of them jumped onto the dance floor.

Then others joined in one after another.

Watching the two figures dancing gracefully, Chuanliu said thoughtfully, "Is there anything you want to say to me?"

Qian Chuan tilted his head. "What? If you want me to invite you to dance, just say so."

Ignoring her, she suddenly asked, "What do you think of Xu Zhi's female companion?"

After seemingly giving it serious thought, Qian Chuan replied, "I still think you're prettier."

Chuanliu sighed, rubbing his forehead, and said nothing more.

The latter extended his hand, mimicking Xu Zhi's words, "Beautiful lady, would you be honored to invite me to dance with you?"

Chuanliu took his hand, "I can... but I don't know how."

Qian Chuan initially didn't pay attention to what the girl said, but he only truly believed her when his feet became numb from being stepped on.

Fortunately, after one song, Chuanliu found the pattern and was able to jump down smoothly.

As their dance progressed, their footwork became increasingly fluid, with her advancing and him retreating, and her retreating and him advancing.

Looking at the silent girl, Qian Chuan couldn't help but speak up, "Xu Zhi and the other guy... are quite interesting."

Chuanliu raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

"If I were a woman, I'd also like to find someone like Xu Zhi... but I'm not bad either, what do you think?"

With a slight smile, Chuanliu and Qianchuan exchanged a glance.

The ball lasted until late into the night, and people gradually left after the music ended.

Most of the wine prepared by the winery was drunk. "8 of Diamonds" had a great time at the ball and even bought a bottle to take home.

After taking off his mask, Chuanliu wanted to change back into his hoodie, but then he saw that Qianchuan had followed him.

"Why are you still here?" the girl, who was about to change her clothes, asked in an annoyed tone.

"What? You're kicking us out after you've used us? That's heartless," Qian Chuan said resentfully, blocking the doorway.

"We help each other, there's no question of taking advantage of each other."

Chuanliu ignored him and pushed the door open.

To everyone's surprise, upon opening the door, they witnessed a sensual scene.

Xu Zhi and his female companion were sitting on top of each other in front of the dressing table. The dressing mirror reflected Xu Zhi's cool and casual attire, as well as his shocked expression when he saw the two of them intrude.

The female companion immediately straightened her skirt and stood to the side with her head down; Xu Zhi then put on her dress again and walked forward.

After Xu Zhi removed his mask, his handsome features were revealed. He had fair skin and affectionate eyes.

Chuanliu had seen his female companion's appearance before, and his impression of her was that she looked like a doll. However, with the help of the dress and the setting, the girl had a more sophisticated and capable air about her.

Qian Chuan broke the silence first, "Today's dance was a great success. It seems everyone was in high spirits."

Xu Zhi's lips twitched slightly. "It's all thanks to everyone's support."

Then, he turned his attention to Chuanliu.

Although Chuanliu received an invitation, this was the first time "Square 9" had seen her face to face.

Xu Zhi smiled meaningfully, "Miss Chuanliu, aren't you going to reveal your identity?"

"Square 9" indeed guessed her identity.

The girl showed the invitation, "Thank you for the invitation, I've learned a lot."

Xu Zhi's female companion poured three glasses of red wine and handed them to him. Xu Zhi leaned against the table, holding a glass of red wine in one hand, and leisurely said:

"You didn't drink anything the whole time, are you complaining that I didn't treat you well?"

No, it's too expensive.

Chuanliu was only willing to spend 3,000 yuan, and she didn't want to spend a third of it to support others.

Given Qian Chuan's personality, he would never spend 1,000 yuan on a single sip of liquid.

Of course, neither of them spoke, nor did they make any further moves.

Xu had known Qian Chuan for some time and knew his stingy nature well, so he could only helplessly say, "I'll treat you two."

The two then raised their glasses in unison.

Xu Zhi continued, "I've shown you my sincerity. Miss Chuanliu, aren't you going to introduce yourself?"

Chuanliu looked at his female companion standing behind him and said calmly, "The wine is good, but I really don't see any sincerity from you."

"What do you mean?"

Xu Zhi's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone displeased. Overcome with excitement, the wine glass shattered in his hand when it hit the table. Dark red liquid dripped from between his fingers, but he seemed completely unconcerned.

Chuanliu wasn't afraid of him, but shook his head. "I have to say you're very clever. I almost fell for your trick... Speaking of which, I really have to thank the theme of this masquerade ball."

The man took a step back. "What do you mean?"

Chuanliu continued, "These kinds of balls are usually not invited at the last minute, and I only received the invitation this morning, so I guess mine must have been written on the spur of the moment?"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!