That evening’s state banquet was no longer as dull as in previous years.
A short-haired girl confessed to the New President, promising to marry him in five years, whether in jest or not, she became the focus of the latter half of the banquet.
What people talked about most was—
The New President did not outright reject her proposal.
To most guests, the New President’s ambiguous attitude was out of consideration for the girl’s feelings, as it seemed like innocent child’s talk that adults shouldn’t seriously contend with.
Thus, the New President didn’t make a public statement, preferring to let the matter fade away on its own.
In a year or two, who would still remember a girl once claimed she would marry the President?
With this thought, the guests returned their focus to the banquet.
However, after the feast ended, some observant guests noticed that the Major who always followed Song Baiyan suddenly approached the Lai Family’s table and took the girl away.
Lai Wenyan watched Tang Li leave with Ji Ming, feeling a stifling frustration in his chest.
He could clearly see that Tang Li singing on stage, sitting on Song Baiyan’s lap, and declaring she would marry Song Baiyan in five years were foolish acts just to avoid letting him arrange her marriage!
Tang Li’s refusal to marry Han Jifeng took Lai Shengxia by surprise.
After all, Tang Li had previously liked Han Jifeng so much.
Lai Shengxia sipped her red wine, wondering where things went wrong, her gaze turned to Han Jifeng, who was also looking towards the main table.
When Ji Ming brought Tang Li to the main table, Song Baiyan just happened to stand up.
In public, Tang Li acted like she didn’t know Song Baiyan well.
She was informed that she would be responsible for opening the dance with Minister Song.
In the middle of the banquet hall, the tables were cleared away.
Song Baiyan stood there, and as he reached out his hand, Tang Li was momentarily startled, Bai Chongming teased from the side, "Scared now, huh? Where did the courage go when you confessed to our Minister Song earlier?"
...It wasn’t exactly fear.
Tang Li raised her hand, her fingers touching Song Baiyan’s dry, warm palm.
Her hand was then tightly grasped.
Next, Song Baiyan led her into the dance floor.
"Can you dance?" Song Baiyan’s smooth voice came from above her.
Tang Li looked up, meeting his profound gaze, and deciphered gentleness there. She held Song Baiyan’s hand tightly, her cheeks flushed, "I know a bit of square dancing."
In her previous life, Qin Yueru was ill-healthed, and Tang Li often pushed her out in the evenings, either watching the uncles and aunties dance in the park or watching children skate in the square.
Perhaps having watched frequently, she grasped the essence of square dance.
Song Baiyan: "You want to dance square dance here?"
"Just kidding," Tang Li replied. "I can do ballroom dancing."
After she spoke, she looked up again and found Song Baiyan warmly watching her with a hint of indulgence.
Unknowably, the accompaniment had started playing in the dance floor.
It was the song she had sung earlier, "In This Life."
Song Baiyan’s right hand gently wrapped around her waist. Tang Li was wearing high heels, her line of sight level with the man’s thin lips, close enough to see the hint of blue stubble on Song Baiyan’s face, barely noticeable but it made her want to touch it.
"What are you thinking about?" Song Baiyan asked.
Tang Li followed his steps, initially a bit awkward, and even accidentally stepped on him, "Nothing much, though I’ve learned it, it’s my first time dancing outside."
"You’re not proficient now, but you’ll get used to it with more practice."
Hearing this, Tang Li subtly tightened her hold on his broad shoulders, "Together with you?"