Chapter 5: A Spark in the Eye, a Stirring in the Heart

Tang Yan heard it and felt a surge of joy inside. *Perfect—invitation handed to me on a silver platter.* “Alright,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady, not wanting Li Chuzhe to see how wide-eyed and out of place he really was. “What do I need to do?”

“Don’t worry about a thing,” Li Chuzhe replied smoothly, his smile warm and gentle. “I’ll have someone take care of your look. Just stay close to me. No need to hold back.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll head back to my room now.” Tang Yan handed over the prenuptial agreement, then turned and walked away.

Back in his room, Tang Yan immediately relayed the schedule to the organization. Within minutes, they’d sent over gear and wardrobe—everything ready, just waiting for the right moment.

【Friday Night】

“Miss Tang, these are the outfits our young master personally selected for you. Which one do you like?” The butler stood beside him with impeccable manners, behind him stretching an endless row of designer gowns and dazzling jewelry from every top brand imaginable.

Tang Yan didn’t recognize any of the labels—but the sheer beauty of it all made his breath catch. *One word: stunning.* “They’re all gorgeous. Pick whichever you like.”

The butler had expected exactly that. Already, makeup artists and wardrobe stylists were waiting. “Miss Tang, let these ladies take care of your look. I’ll be off—I’ll return if you need anything.”

As the butler stepped back, the professionals each bowed slightly toward Tang Yan. “Madam, good evening.”

“Hello, thank you so much for coming,” Tang Yan said quickly, stepping forward as if to help them up—radiating approachability.

They exchanged glances, then broke into soft, pleased smiles.

After what felt like hours of tugging, pinning, and adjusting, Tang Yan finally escaped the whirlwind of dressing up. The high heels and long gown left him feeling stiff, restricted—like a marionette with tangled strings.

The butler reappeared, bowing slightly. “Miss Tang, the young master is downstairs already.”

“Oh—right. Coming.” Tang Yan took a stiff step forward. He’d never worn heels before. These weren’t just high—heels; they were *sky-high*. His heart pounded with every step.

The butler glanced at him, then said quietly, “Please hurry, Miss Tang.”

Embarrassed, Tang Yan steeled himself and marched forward. He nearly stumbled twice on the way to the elevator. Only when the doors slid open did he exhale, gripping the handrail like a lifeline.

*Ping.*

The elevator door opened. There stood Li Chuzhe—dressed in a sharp suit. Same style as usual, but tonight, something about him felt… calm. Grounded. Safe.

The moment he saw Tang Yan, a quiet chord resonated deep within him—clear, sweet, unmistakable. “All set. Let’s go,” Li Chuzhe said, stepping aside to let her out.

Tang Yan didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward—then froze. A jolt of pain shot up from his heel straight into his brain, sharp and sudden.

Li Chuzhe noticed instantly. “Something wrong? The shoes don’t fit?”

He stood directly in front of Tang Yan, who forced a smile. “No, just… not used to them yet.”

Before he could react, Li Chuzhe dropped to one knee. With delicate fingers, he lifted the train of the dress—then his face darkened.

“If they don’t fit, don’t force yourself. Take them off.”

One hand gently stroked Tang Yan’s calf. The other carefully unzipped and removed the ill-fitting heels.

Seeing the raw, blistered skin on Tang Yan’s heels, Li Chuzhe’s expression didn’t soften—it hardened further. “Let me get you some medicine. Can I carry you?”

“Huh? But—time’s running short!” Tang Yan’s mind was laser-focused on the mission. Every second counted.

“First, the medicine. Everything else can wait. Excuse me.” Without another word, Li Chuzhe crouched low, then swept Tang Yan into his arms—his hands careful, respectful, avoiding any awkward contact. The long dress flowed perfectly, never exposing a thing.

This was Tang Yan’s first time being carried like a princess by a man—and his heart raced, flustered, shy.

“Really, you don’t have to. It’s just a little sore.”

“It’s nothing to you,” Li Chuzhe said, voice low, almost tender. Then paused. “But it matters to me. If you’re hurt in my home, I’m responsible.”

Tang Yan found that explanation reasonable. To ease Li Chuzhe’s guilt, he nodded obediently and let him treat the wounds. Then Li Chuzhe ordered a new pair of shoes—this time, comfortable flats, perfect fit.

“You’re still hurting? We can skip this.”

“No!” Tang Yan’s voice cracked slightly—maybe too loud. He cleared his throat, feigning a cough. “I mean… I promised someone I’d do this. We should follow through. I’m fine. Let’s go.”

Li Chuzhe studied him for a long moment—deep, quiet eyes. Then, softly: “Alright. Let’s go.”

The Song family had only one grandson—Song Xieling. The old patriarch had assigned him to greet Li Chuzhe, but after standing there for ages with no sign of anyone, Song Xieling’s politeness had long since frozen into icy silence.

“Li family has arrived,” an attendant rushed in, breathless.

Li Chuzhe stepped out of the car, and Song Xieling immediately brightened, striding forward with a grin. “Li Chuzhe! You’ve kept me waiting forever. How do you plan to make it up to me?”

Li Chuzhe smiled faintly. “Sorry. Name your price.”

Then he turned, opened the car door—and helped Tang Yan step out.

Song Xieling turned his head slightly, taking in the sight behind him.

There she stood—ethereal, magnetic, like a dream half-remembered. Her beauty wasn’t flashy, but haunting—fresh, untouched, radiant. For a split second, Song Xieling’s eyes flickered with something like awe.

His gaze stayed locked on Tang Yan. Tang Yan, sharp as ever, caught it instantly. Their eyes met. He offered a polite, practiced smile—just a greeting.

Li Chuzhe moved in front of him like a wall. “Song Xieling. Lead the way.”

Realizing his lapse, Song Xieling quickly recovered, launching into a flurry of friendly small talk.

Inside the ballroom, the elite of the city had gathered—families, dynasties, titans of industry. The music came from *Sun*, the hottest band in the world right now.

In a quiet corner, a man in a tailcoat leaned against the wall, holding a crystal wine glass. The red liquid swirled with each subtle shift of his fingers. Tang Yan glanced sideways—and the man seemed to sense it. He tilted the glass slightly, as if acknowledging the glance.

As soon as Li Chuzhe entered the hall, the nobility descended like a storm. Some came with clear intentions—parents pushing their daughters forward, ignoring Tang Yan completely, as if he didn’t exist.