Chapter 4 Masquerade Ball? In front of many people, Yu Xing dragged me away quickly, with Ji Dong following closely behind. I'm sure the news will spread like wildfire tomorrow, even if it's not my intention, but I have no choice now.

  "Milk tea... Zhang Ze Yu! Your goal has been achieved." After being pushed away by him, I took two steps back, rubbing my red arm, lowering my head, with tears swirling in my eyes, stubbornly holding them back from flowing out, but unable to suppress the trembling of my voice, "Our contract ends here."

  "Hmph! Do you think you have any room for choice?" His voice was icy, his eyes full of provocation. "And I really do love your pained expression!"

  He sneered coldly, and I lifted my face, tears finally falling slowly. I wiped them clean with my arm, my pride not allowing me to bow down in front of the enemy. Instead, I smiled faintly at him: "Then I won't let you have your way."

  He stood silently behind Ji Dong, but a ripple stirred in his calm and peaceful eyes. Yu's profound gaze looked at me, and I quietly returned his gaze.

  "Just because I agreed to that doesn't mean all my time belongs to you." I stared into his handsome eyes, with a charming face but an extremely bad temper. For someone like him, I would never give in. "I won't go to the dance with you, please look for someone else!"

  I spoke loudly, strongly expressing my discontent. Gradually, a bloodthirsty glint burst forth from his eyes, his eyebrows furrowed as he strode quickly towards me, exuding an astonishing aura of power. I reflexively turned my head away, tightly closing my eyes, my heart racing nonstop. Silently, I regretted it - what was the point of being so mouthy? A good woman doesn't take unnecessary risks!

  He bit his lip and waited for the slap to come, but instead heard a low male voice trembling: "Yu Ge, don't..." For the first time, I thought Ji Dong's voice sounded heavenly, I saw him standing in front of me, his tall figure receiving all the sharp glances directed at me.

  "Saturday night, if you don't come, you're dead for sure!" Ji Dong warned me fiercely from across the way. I couldn't see his expression, but it must have been terrifying.

  Ji Dong followed Yu alone as they left, after taking only two steps, he turned his head to look at me again, his eyes hidden and suppressed, softly saying "Mimi, I'm sorry". Then the two figures gradually disappeared into the night.

  For the next two days, I didn't see them again, but life was no longer as calm as before. From time to time, I would hear someone whispering behind my back and making sarcastic laughter. I pretended not to have heard it and continued to manage the class's daily affairs as usual, helping Xiao Ran with her homework after school. Occasionally, Xiao Ran would look at me with sparkling eyes and ask about Ze Yu. She smiled brightly, like a girl who had just fallen in love for the first time, and seemed to be the only one who didn't take those rumors seriously.

  Waking up on Saturday morning to the familiar gentle wake-up call, rubbing my sleepy eyes, I saw Mom sitting by the bed, making a silly face and smiling: "The sun is shining on your butt, get up!" Thinking that I had already returned home last night, I felt particularly at ease. With a big stretch, I jumped out of bed, causing it to creak loudly, and raised my right hand to my forehead: "Yes, sir!" Then I obediently went to wash up.

  Dad was messing around in the kitchen for half a day, seemingly giving up and loudly calling Mom to come over and clean up the mess. In the bathroom, I heard the familiar conversation of my family members and couldn't help but laugh along with them, still with foam in my mouth. I shouted at the top of my lungs: "Dad, I don't dare eat your precious cooking!" which made both of them burst out laughing. It's great to be home, without any heavy burdens or annoying masks, and no one will bully me. After going through a tense week, it feels so good to be back, sleeping in my own big bed again, hearing the voices of Mom and Dad, smelling the aroma of Mom's stir-fry, and seeing the familiar decorations in the house... my mood is soaring!

  For some reason, I suddenly thought of Yu and Ji Dong, and felt a little sympathy for them. A home without fatherly love is incomplete, they must have suffered a lot since childhood, so now they become cold and ruthless, protecting their hearts and not letting people touch them easily.

  The image of Ruo Yu's handsome face appeared in her mind, most of the time with a gloomy expression, as if everyone owed him money. She decided to attend the banquet tonight, just to sympathize with him, and besides, she had already learned from experience last time, if he really got angry, Ji Dong couldn't even protect her, let alone her own little tricks.

  Under the night sky, with the lights just turned on, I wore a pink lace little dress, my short hair tied back with a hair clip, a pair of shiny black leather shoes, and not too much makeup, simplicity is my style. Even the little dress was worn under my mother's coercion, she said that she had worn it once at my age, and then couldn't bear to wear it again, keeping it well-preserved, still looking brand new now. When she saw me put it on, her eyes were full of admiration, and she let out a satisfied sigh, saying: "Just like I was when I was young!"

  I'm holding a flower-shaped brooch in my hand, which I picked up from the mailbox outside my house last night. Along with it was a note with only one sentence: "Wear this tomorrow." The unfamiliar handwriting didn't need any thought to know whose it was.

  The venue of the dance party was the school's art gallery, which was originally co-organized by Lan Xin and the school. I always knew that Lan Xin was a person with a heart as beautiful as her name, but I didn't know she was so formidable that even the principal, known for being the coldest, could be handled by her.

  Outside the art gallery surrounded by colorful lights, it's already crowded with people. Everyone has dressed up carefully, and the bright or dim light shines on their faces, all with excited and smiling expressions.

  Even those young boys and girls who claimed not to be superstitious are all dressed up, hoping to dance the last dance with their crush. I looked around but didn't see that face that makes my hair stand on end. Maybe he hasn't arrived yet, being late or leaving early is his specialty after all.

  I took a deep breath and calmed down. The flower in my hand was slightly sweaty, but I still didn't want to wear it. If everyone wears masks and can't see each other's faces, the only thing that can be recognized is this, then as long as I don't wear it, he won't be able to find me.

  A loud voice echoed through the crowd, and Yu Xi was waving at me from afar. Her outfit looked like those women you'd see in a bar - short hair with a row of shiny hair clips on her forehead, light makeup, a tight leopard-print mini dress, transparent black stockings, and high heels. She walked towards me with a gentle smile, like a peach blossom. Da Wen saw my eyes scanning her up and down and poked my forehead: "You idiot! What's with the look? You're so lecherous!" Then she blushed and said: "I'm usually so innocent, it's nice to try something new for a change, isn't it weird?"

  I burst out laughing and attracted a lot of attention, then I said: "No, it's not... strange, but you look just like my mom!" And she slapped me without warning.

  "Honestly, it's really beautiful! It will definitely be a huge hit!" I said with a smile.

  "Rice Rice, you're not bad either, quite suitable for you!" Yifeng's face turned red and also started praising me.

  Looking at the shy expression on her face, which was unique to a pure and innocent girl, I didn't know whether to be happy or worried. I opened my hand, which was holding the brooch, towards her, and winked at her, handing it over: "Here! Wear this, and your prince will appear." Then I whispered: "Don't get too excited, that guy is not easy to deal with, you'd better be mentally prepared! However, I still advise you to give up on him!"

  "I'll do it, I'll do it! Mimi, you're still the best to me!" Her face bloomed into a big flower, completely ignoring my words and indulging in her fantasies. At this point, I'm not even sure if I'm helping or harming her, but maybe if she confirms his devilish identity herself, she might give up.

  Xiao Ran doesn't know what's going on tonight, and since she hasn't shown up yet, I won't bother with her. After all, she and Zhang Jiu Yu were quite close to begin with, so it shouldn't be hard to find her. Alas! However, apart from the two of them, several other girls have also been enchanted by him, probably none of whom have ever seen his demonic side, purely having good impressions born out of that face alone.

  It's finally time to enter, at the entrance, I received a ghost mask that covers my entire face, in order not to draw attention. Yifeng took a half-covered golden mask, which echoed with her makeup, and the brooch on her chest was pinned to her concave and convex chest, adding a touch of charm.

  After repeated reminders, we parted ways and entered the hall. Everyone was showing off their lips, and intentionally covering them up had become a kind of show-off. Many people were wearing various brooches on their chests, in pairs, holding hands and swaying gently to the music. Those who didn't have partners watched for a while before starting to invite each other to dance together.

  I've been nestled in the carefully arranged sofa, sipping Sprite and admiring the joy on each face. Several boys came to chat me up during this time, but I rejected them one by one. Dancing is really not my forte, let alone watching from the side is also a pleasure.

  Finally saw two identical white small flowers gathered together, the girl in leopard-print short skirt was being held hands by a boy, her face turned red to the root of her neck, they slowly started dancing along with the music. The boy surprisingly gently led the girl to dance, even when he stepped on her foot, he just smiled faintly. This made me have a kind of awkward illusion, could it be that the 'high-performance stock' who was being chased by many girls, has fallen under my lace skirt? Immediately laughed at myself and shrugged with two hands spread out: how is that possible?!

  Since Ruo Xi has passed safely, I don't want to waste my originally lacking imaginative brain thinking about these strange things. So I got up and quickly walked towards the backyard. Closed the glass door, isolating myself in the quiet night sky.

  The small town has its own starry sky, performing every night. Looking at the brightest star twinkling in the night, the summer breeze is gentle, closing my eyes to ignore the noise in the house, I can still hear the rustling sound of trees and grass being blown by the wind. I found a quiet step to sit down, just covered by the low tree species on top of my head, wearing a mask on my face gives me a sense of security, making me not want to take it off.

  Like this, quietly enjoying the tranquility of the night sky alone, I was originally comfortable to the point where my eyelids were drooping and I was about to fall asleep. However, a figure suddenly emerged from behind a clump of short trees. It was a tall and sturdy boy, also wearing a full-face ghost mask, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, dressed in black casual attire, but looking very spirited. His arrival chased away all my drowsiness, and I instantly became wide awake, staring at the two holes on his mask. The two of us were stunned for several minutes before simultaneously letting out a soft laugh, his curved eyes reflecting the moonlight shining brightly.

  He rolled up his sleeves, sat down in the seat next to me, and opened his mouth with a low-pitched male voice that was not as cold as Yu's, nor as calm as Ji Dong's. The sound was unexpectedly pleasant: "Are there girls who don't like this kind of occasion? Why are you sitting here alone?"

  "Aren't you the same?" I stared at him in close proximity, and the same mask made me feel quite familiar. Smiling, I said: "The masks are even the same, it's really exaggerated!"

  "Yes, I have to suspect that you're intentionally trying to get my attention." He said with a self-satisfied tone, and I couldn't help but admit that every guy always has one or two things in common.

  "That star is so bright every night, it's really beautiful! I wish I could live there!" He didn't continue the conversation, and instead gazed up at the sky on his own.

  "That's Venus, also known as the Morning Star or Longevity Star." His gaze shifted over there too, seeming to become serious, but with a hint of restraint in his voice: "In Greek and Roman mythology, it is the embodiment of the goddess Venus, representing love and beauty."

  "You really know a lot!" I sincerely praised, without noticing his abnormality.

  "The people who told me this are no longer around." His voice had a hint of mockery in it.

  "I'm sorry, I didn't know he already..." I apologized hastily.

  "No need to apologize, he's already dead in my heart." He looked at me, keenly aware of the hidden sorrow in his eyes, "Facing a stranger I can still say so much, probably really lonely for too long." His eyes dimmed and he lowered his head.

  I unconsciously put my hand on his shoulder, he trembled slightly, but didn't shake me off. Even though I knew it was a bit inappropriate, all I wanted to do was comfort him, after all, it was because of me that he brought up painful memories: "Sorry, but I'm fine with it, if you're feeling uncomfortable just say it out loud, it'll make you feel much better, I've been through it myself, don't mind being your listener! Besides, we're strangers anyway, no need to worry about me spilling the beans!"

  His eyes were like a dark, deep pool, silently meeting my gaze, with an inexplicable heat inside, my heart skipped a beat, and my face suddenly flushed, still trying to hold it in.

  "Do you know? Your eyes are beautiful, like that star... paused and said: "Also like someone I know."

  The first time I was praised face-to-face by a boy, I thought my face had turned red to the point of no return. Luckily, I was wearing a mask, otherwise I would have definitely dug a hole in the ground to hide. I sat there blankly, not saying a word, afraid that speaking would reveal my true feelings. He then turned his gaze towards Jinxin and said calmly: "There's nothing more to say, I've already forgotten everything."

  Two people sat quietly, each lost in their own thoughts, gazing up at the silent night sky, without saying another word.

  The distant bell tolled slowly and clearly twelve times, finally ushering in the last dance, and the auditorium suddenly erupted into cheers, while the music started again and quieted down, it was David Tao and Jolin Tsai's familiar "Today You're Going to Marry Me".

  At this time the boy stood up, stretched out his slender hand, and smiled in his eyes to invite me. I hesitated for a moment, shook my head slightly: "I don't know how to dance, forget it."

  "It's okay, I'll take you." His voice was soft but left no room for refusal. "We'll just jump from here."

  I was enchanted to stretch out my hand to him, and his large hand gently grasped mine, with a damp palm that reminded me of a certain annoying face. Probably most boys are like this, I thought irritably. Two lonely strangers, it wasn't bad to have each other's company, so I calmly followed his lead and slowly moved my feet.

  Black shoes seem to have grown eyes, unwilling to step on anything but feet. Embarrassed, I smiled at him, his expression calm, gentle voice saying it's okay, holding me and continuing on.

  Close to the boy's body, his hands gently wrapped around my waist, the warmth of his fingertips transmitted into my body; His deep eyes stared at me motionlessly, his even breathing slightly blew on my hair ends, close to his broad chest, smelling a pleasant body fragrance... My heart skipped a beat, my temples also throbbed with it, silently praying that he wouldn't hear it.

  This moment felt like a century, in the world that only belonged to two people, two lonely hearts sought warmth from each other. In the midst of the heart's frantic beating, the music ended. He let go of my hand, with warm light in his eyes, and I smiled under my mask, secretly soothing the startled little heart.

  A melodious tune suddenly sounded, and the boy took out his phone, glanced at the screen, and answered the call. His voice was like a different person, low and cold with no emotion, and a sense of foreboding suddenly surged in my mind. After he finished the call and turned around, I couldn't maintain my usual calmness anymore. Even though the low male voice on the phone was almost inaudible, my sensitive ears still clearly heard a word: "Yuge".

  The face under the mask was no surprise, it turned out to be the devil who had been threatening me for days! Under his curious gaze, my mind went numb and I didn't care if he would suspect anything, without saying a word, I turned around and ran back into the house.

  Passing through the hall, I saw a happy-looking Ruoxi and the boy beside her with a piercing green dragon on his arm. Was I blind this morning?

  Good grief! This is really a cheesy and clichéd primetime soap opera!