Chapter Fourteen: Tonight, You Are My Queen

So it turns out that Eastern women are not all gentle and docile; there exists a kind of allure as intoxicating as heroin, a solitary pride even more captivating than that of French ladies.

"Tonight, you are truly enchanting," a warm breath whispered at her ear, the man behind nearly pressing against her as he spoke.

"You..." Rong Qing turned, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She hadn’t expected to meet him again. With a smile, she stood tall, her elegance restored, once more the proud princess she was meant to be. "Fate has indeed brought us together."

"Yes, it has." The man’s gentle smile shocked the socialites around them. Everyone knew Aaron for his wild and untamed nature, his demeanor as cold as winter frost. To see this international superstar smiling so openly was astonishing. Instantly, the surrounding women cast jealous and hostile glances at the Eastern beauty. "Aaron, my Chinese name is Ling Qingyu. At the moment, I am merely a male model in France."

Oh? If he were truly just an ordinary model, he would not have been invited to tonight’s banquet, and those predatory women encircling him would not be so simple. "Rong Qing, a humble actress."

Their exchange was poised and gracious, each refusing to yield. With elegant, measured smiles, the two danced around each other with the subtle politeness of rivals.

"I never knew you could be so sharp-tongued. Aren’t you tired?" He finally conceded, defeated by her cleverness. The girl before him was fierce, her playful provocations stirring his heart.

"Not at all!" Rong Qing replied with an innocent, mischievous smile. "It’s my honor to be approached by the world’s number one model, Aaron." Her eyes gleamed with pride, her brows arched with triumph.

As their conversation grew more lively, another woman approached, her skin as golden as theirs. She wore a pale lavender cheongsam that hugged her voluptuous figure, her long waves draped carelessly over her shoulders, her steps graceful. She carried two glasses of champagne.

Zi Xiao greeted them with a smile, handing a glass to the man.

"Oh, and who might you be?" In an instant, the man who had been so gentle with Rong Qing transformed into a sharp blade, his deep blue eyes cold as ice.

As a renowned actress from China, Wen Rui had never suffered such humiliation. His fluent Mandarin struck her like a slap. Her face blanched, her fingers clutched the glass in anger.

"Wen Jie," Rong Qing greeted her politely, despite Wen Rui’s disregard for her. As a senior, Rong Qing offered a friendly hello.

"Are you Rong Qing from Ding Sheng Entertainment?" Wen Rui asked in disbelief. She had thought the world’s number one model, Aaron, was unreachable, but seeing him chat so happily with another Eastern beauty, she decided to try her luck. If she could win his favor, her career would soar. Yet, what she met was humiliation. At home, she was always celebrated, but now an unknown actress dared to steal her spotlight.

"Yes..." Rong Qing answered.

Wen Rui stared at her for a moment, her gaze fierce, then left with her wine glass. Soon, she was surrounded by men eager to converse, the smile on her face never fading.

"You women are truly... impossible to read," Aaron chose his words carefully, though the amusement in his eyes could not be concealed.

Rong Qing shrugged helplessly. She had no answer for that.

The deep, soothing strains of a symphony began to play. The dazzling lights dimmed, conversations ceased, and glamorous couples moved gracefully onto the dance floor. Gentlemen extended their arms to elegant ladies, and the entire ballroom radiated nobility and sophistication.

"Miss Rong, may I have the honor of your first dance?" Aaron, coveted by all the women, knelt on one knee, one hand behind his back, his expression earnest and sincere. His azure eyes were filled with profound tenderness.

In that moment, Rong Qing could not deny her heart was stirred. It was as if she were a princess in a fairy tale, receiving the prince's favor. Yet as the emotion surged, she reined it in perfectly, her smile growing, her confidence becoming regal. Her delicate hand rested lightly in his, and in the next instant, they slipped into the dance floor.

Even without an elegant gown, Rong Qing’s attire was sharp and refined, her presence as commanding as any star. She was spirited and bold, while her partner was graceful and charming. Warm breaths mingled between them, alluring and ambiguous.

"Tonight, you are my queen." French gentlemen are masters of flattery; Aaron whispered at her ear, his low voice unsettling her heart. Any ordinary woman would be swept away by such words, lost in promises and vows.

But Rong Qing merely smiled faintly, a hint of detachment and self-mockery widening the distance between them in a heartbeat. Seeing her smile, Aaron felt a bittersweet longing, as if the whole world could only hold this mischievous, stubborn, dazzling woman, whose beauty was unrivaled, whose calm was unmatched. He had never...

Never encountered such brilliance again.

Only... when he looked back, did he realize everything—but it was already too late...