The small incident on the red carpet left Ruan Yu’s emotions unsettled. Learning that Teng Yi was single, she couldn’t tell if she felt relieved and happy or even more distressed. If he didn’t have a girlfriend, why was he so cold toward her, maintaining such a distant attitude?
As guests arrived one after another, Ruan Yu had no time to dwell on personal matters. Just when the red carpet segment finally ended, her assistant Xiu Xiu came to hurry her for a costume change.
Ruan Yu’s second outfit was GV’s autumn/winter haute couture – a strapless dress crafted with exquisite crystal embroidery, radiating romantic beauty with a hint of sensuality.
“Little Ruan, you’re breaking the rules with how beautiful you are,” Wei Liao gave her a thumbs up from below the stage. “Like a fairy descended from heaven. No wonder that fellow Luo Sheng keeps chasing after you.”
“When have you seen him chasing after me?”
“That’s what everyone’s saying.”
“Stop gossiping.”
Ruan Yu linked arms with Wei Liao as they gracefully ascended the stage.
Although they worked for different TV stations, this wasn’t their first-time co-hosting. Wei Liao was witty, while Ruan Yu was adaptable to any situation. They complemented each other well, and like their previous perfect collaborations, this time would be no exception.
On stage, Ruan Yu and Wei Liao stood side by side, their back-and-forth quickly putting them in the zone.
The venue’s lighting was varied, making it impossible to see everyone in the guest seats clearly, but she could see Teng Yi perfectly. He sat in the front row VIP section, his black suit taking on the colors of the stage lights, blending him into the surroundings while his white shirt collar made him stand out.
His gaze fell on her like the first snow of winter – quiet yet intense.
Ruan Yu’s feelings were complicated and indescribable.
Before, he was always on stage while she watched from below. Now, she stood on stage while he watched from below.
She wondered if he felt proud.
His little fish had finally achieved her dream.
After the hosts’ opening, the performances officially began.
Luo Sheng was also performing today, scheduled fifth. When Ruan Yu saw him backstage, he had already changed into his stage outfit – a dazzling silver sequined jacket that made him naturally radiant and the center of attention wherever he went.
Wei Liao said this guy would surely create tonight’s climax, and sure enough, as soon as Luo Sheng and his dancers appeared with the music, the atmosphere instantly ignited.
“Throw away the watch, throw away the coat, throw away the backpack and the nagging, throw away the TV, throw away the computer, throw away the brain and the worries…”
With precise synchronized movements and clean choreography, Luo Sheng led his team in effortlessly commanding the stage, radiating the charm of street dance.
Ruan Yu stood in the waiting area below the stage, secretly glancing back at Teng Yi.
He maintained his original posture, sitting upright, neither lowering his head nor averting his gaze. Yet that profile of his upturned face revealed an unmistakable melancholy.
This melancholy created a stark contrast with the excitement on stage.
Ruan Yu’s heart was sharply pierced.
Before she could look away from Teng Yi, she felt Wei Liao’s elbow nudge her, followed by roof-raising screams.
Luo Sheng had jumped down from the stage.
“A heart beating wildly thump-thump…”
As Ruan Yu turned, she found herself suddenly surrounded by Luo Sheng and his dancers. Luo Sheng’s heart gesture toward Ruan Yu perfectly matched these lyrics.
“Ah!”
“Ah!”
“Ah!”
The audience erupted.
What was this? An indirect confession?