Chapter 416 - Tug of War

Mistress Tang's question made Lu Jin recall a not-so-fond memory of the past.

He turned quiet. He gestured politely to Mistress Tang to take a seat. The elder sat down, and he followed.

He still did not know how to reply.

In front, Tang Xinyang's voice sounded, saving Lu Jin from answering.

"Is everyone enjoying yourselves? Yes? I'm glad to hear that! Finally, our dear friends, the highlight of the night... The dance with the debutante! Tonight, a few dashing young gentlemen shall have my precious little sister's hand for a dance. And there will be a surprise for tonight. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to it." Tang Xinyang winced at her last two sentences.

The lights dimmed slightly at the sides and the center changed into a warm golden glow, which appeared classic and romantic at the same time. 

"...Everyone's life is a journey, from the innocent laughter during childhood... the friendsh.i.p.s during our adolescence, and finally the passionate period when we make our first step into a.d.u.l.thood. We strive to enrich our lives, form a family, and live to an old blessed age," the tall woman spoke, as if in reminisce. Of course, if she was a bit older, it would be even more convincing. No one knew that she was just reciting her memorized speech.

"...This is the passionate period when my little sister makes her first step into a.d.u.l.thood. She will make new friends, new relationsh.i.p.s, and go forward in her journey in life. I hope everyone will give their blessings to my precious little sister from here on." Tang Xinyang ended her speech and gave the stage back to the master of ceremonies.

The open area in front of the stage where many guests had danced earlier had been cleared at some point. In the middle, the young maiden of the Tang family stood with a graceful silhouette.

Tang Yin had cleaned herself already and looked refreshed. None of what happened earlier could be seen on her smiling face. Her dress was a bright red ballroom gown. The master of ceremonies introduced the first escort, and so on.

Lu Jin acted like he did not hear Mistress Tang's question and continued watching the liveliness up front.

Mistress Tang's eyes happened to stay there as well while she watched her lovely granddaughter extend her hand for her first dance. 

Inside though, she noticed that this young man deliberately did not answer her. But why? She was more curious now.

Meanwhile, Tang Xinyang discreetly went to Lu Yin Ze's table and discussed something with him.

They excused themselves and went to another dark corner partly hidden by partitions and decorative plants. Tang Xinyang looked around to make sure no one was around nearby, not noticing another group further at the back hidden in the shadows whose attention was solely on them.

Lu Jin just threw a glance at the lady of the night and return his focused attention towards his brother.

An eyebrow raised subtly when he saw the Eldest Young Miss Tang having a 'serious' talk with Lu Yin Ze and even lead him to a 'quiet' place.

A fleeting light flashed through his eyes. He commented lightly,

"I didn't know that my brother is well-acquainted with the Tang family."

Mistress Tang glanced at him in puzzlement and followed his line of sight. Her eyes opened wider as she saw her prideful eldest daughter almost 'kneel' in front of a silver-haired man. 

"!!!!!" (°□°)

What was her granddaughter doing?! The ladies in the Tang family never kneeled to other men, only they forced the others to kneel!

The silver-haired man appeared not to be moved by her daughter's pleading, kept shaking his head, and also tried to untangle himself from Tang Xinyang who was one step away from hugging his legs.

Mistress Tang: "!!!!"

This granddaughter of hers had no shame!

Lu Jin felt the pressure coming from the old woman. He glanced at her.

The old woman's face was terrible, but it seemed like she did not know the pair's relationship as well. What was his brother's relationship with Tang Xinyang that even the old woman did not know of it? Were they enemies?

But for the prideful and tomboyish Tang Xinyang to practically kneel to her enemy, it was out of her character.

So if they weren't enemies... then, what?

Lu Yin Ze avoided Tang Xinyang's 'advances' with a determined face. He was about to walk away but Tang Xinyang forcefully hugged his waist and did not let him go.

Lu Jin: "...." It seemed he found the answer. 

But according to his investigations, Lu Yin Ze liked the Young Miss of the Xiong family. So what of Tang Xinyang then? A third party who wanted his brother?

"It appears like...my brother is quite popular to women," he commented at the side. 

Mistress Tang's face turned darker.

"This despicable...!" She wanted to curse but she swallowed it down. It was not good to cuss her own granddaughter in front of a guest.

But she balefully took note of it. She would give an earful to her granddaughter who had thrown her own reputation to outer space later. 

This idiot, what if other people saw them?! If she and this young man could see the two from the back, some people could also see their interaction! 

Mistress Tang had nothing to worry about the dragons gathering on the tables near the front, since all of the guests' attention were on the celebrant dancing with the gentlemen coming to the opening one by one. What she was worried about was if in case there was another maverick, like this young man by her side, who loved to pretend as a snake despite being a dragon at the back area!

The two, Lu Yin Ze and Tang Xinyang, quietly performed a tug of war. Finally, Lu Yin Ze who felt embarrassed, worried to be seen like this and get misunderstood relented to Tang Xinyang's plea.

Tang Xinyang smiled happily. After talking a bit more, the pair looked around again like thieves, exited the dim area like graceful swans, and went to Lu Yin Ze's table again. Tang Xinyang stayed there and dutifully served the young man with food and wine.

Mistress Tang expression had already turned as black as the bottom of the pot. Still, she spoke. "I don't think the same as you do." 

Lu Jin glanced at her with inquiry.

"I know my granddaughter well. She won't pursue the heir of the Lu family. It may be the other way around."

Lu Jin squinted his eyes. "I know my brother too, he would never chase after your granddaughter. It was clear to see, it's the other way around." Lu Jin gave emphasis to the last three words.

"..." Mistress Tang turned silent. 

It was clearly wrong! Her granddaughter only wanted Jang Shin! So what was up with this Lu boy?!

What was going on with these two?!

But she did not argue anymore as she felt like she was degrading herself to act so childishly about it. 

Lu Jin felt the same way. He drank wine and cleared his throat. He spoke a lot today, which was unusual.

Well, it could not be helped, he was dying to know what the Tang family—no—what Tang Xinyang's relationship was to his brother. That was what he came for.

After some time, the music subtly changed for the last dance. The guests who were discussing to themselves who would be the lucky man to be the Second Young Miss Tang's last dance lifted their spirits and looked forward with excitement.

Tang Xinyang, who just left Lu Yin Ze's table, went up to introduce the last dance.

"Now, the most awaited last dance of the night... He was a man who dazzled countless ladies with his stunning appearance and gentlemanly demeanor…"

The guest swallowed and waited with much intense. Everyone here knew of what the last dance meant for events like this. Usually, they were the prospective marriage partners chosen by the family for the debutante. 

So, who would be the Tang family's Second Young Miss's future fiancé? Who was lucky enough to ride on the Tang family's fortune?

"Let us warmly welcome Young Master Lu Yin Ze to grace our hall with his presence!"

Lu—

Lu. Yin. Ze!

The Young Master of the Lu family?!

Mistress Tang choked, coughed loudly, and almost fell in shock. The butler quickly assisted her.

Lu Jin blanked out for a moment.