Qi Xi glanced at the time. Thinking about how she had promised Gu Yan to rehearse their lines and go over the new script tomorrow, which was Sunday, she decided not to waste any more time in the group chat discussing the Gu Yan encyclopedia.
As if by coincidence, Gu Yan's call came through the moment she thought of him.
"Hello?" Qi Xi answered.
Gu Yan's voice, as always, was pleasant to the ear. "About tomorrow's rehearsal," he stated simply, "I won't be able to make it."
"Something came up?" Qi Xi was a little surprised. "So, we're not meeting tomorrow?" She thought for a second. "Don't worry about it, take care of your business first. We can reschedule our rehearsal for next week during our lunch break or in the evening. The Bar Association isn't pressing us, there's no rush."
"Right." Gu Yan's voice was a bit low. "Something came up, but we still need to see each other tomorrow."
Qi Xi was taken aback. Then she heard Gu Yan continue on the other end of the line. "My sister has a client, a listed company, holding their annual gala tomorrow evening. My sister is their legal counsel, so she was invited. However, she has an urgent due diligence investigation and needs to fly out tomorrow to examine the other company's materials. She won't be able to make it to the gala."
By now, Qi Xi had a pretty good idea. "So, Attorney Gu wants you to attend in her place?"
"Yes. Generally speaking, as a cooperating law firm, Jinghe needs to send someone." Gu Yan paused for a moment before continuing, "This company has great performance and prospects. They go all out for their annual gala every year, and almost everyone wins a prize. As external collaborators, we usually receive generous gifts as well."
If that was the case, couldn't Gu Yan just go? Why was he telling her all this?
Qi Xi was a little puzzled. "Isn't that a good thing?"
"Yes, but this year, the company requires attendees to bring a plus one, and the dress code is formal wear or evening gowns. It's supposed to be a high-end business cocktail party."
Gu Yan paused again, and after a moment of silence, Qi Xi heard his voice once more.
"I don't have a female companion to bring."
So…
Qi Xi didn't dare to think too much into it, afraid that she might be getting ahead of herself and misinterpreting his intentions.
Until she got a definite answer from Gu Yan.
He asked, "Can you be my plus one tomorrow?"
It wasn't an unreasonable request. The person inviting her wasn't even in front of her, just a voice over the phone. Qi Xi shouldn't have been so nervous, but she couldn't control the racing of her heart and the quickening of her breath. This surge of emotion made her a little slow-witted. Preoccupied with processing her own nervousness, she even forgot to answer Gu Yan.
Her prolonged silence seemed to make Gu Yan a little anxious. He cleared his throat and said, as if talking to himself or trying to convince her, "You know, when you went on those blind dates, I pretended to be your boyfriend. You even said you'd return the favor and pretend to be my girlfriend if I ever needed it. I don't have as many blind dates as you, so I never needed you to pretend to be my girlfriend. Now, I just need you to attend as my companion, why are you trying to get out of it?"
His tone was full of accusation, catching Qi Xi completely off guard. It was as if Gu Yan had already gained the upper hand.
Under Gu Yan's imposing aura, Qi Xi's voice involuntarily softened. Unsure why she was feeling sheepish, she mumbled, "I didn't say I wouldn't agree…"
"Then I'll pick you up at five tomorrow evening. You have an evening gown, right?" Gu Yan paused. "You prepared one for the graduation ball after the ceremony, didn't you?"
Speaking of the graduation ball, it was a rather insignificant episode in Qi Xi's memory.
Originally, the Law School at Rongda University had planned a graduation ball. It was supposed to be a novel and interesting event, with all the male graduates in suits or tuxedos, and the female graduates in evening gowns, for a small dance to commemorate their final moments at the university and bid farewell to their youth.
However, several students had to return to their hometowns early, and a few others needed to start job hunting, find apartments, and deal with other pre-graduation errands. With so much going on and time running short, the rented venue failed its fire safety inspection at the last minute and couldn't host the event. Finding a new venue on such short notice was impossible, and coordinating everyone's schedules would have been a nightmare. In the end, even though most people had already prepared their outfits, the organizer had to cancel the ball.
Zhao Yiran was quite disappointed, but Qi Xi didn't feel much about it. After all, she had spent all her time at university studying. There were no boys she had a crush on or any secret admirer she wanted to pour her heart out to at the graduation ball. In fact, she had been worried about finding a dance partner and couldn't think of any male classmate to ask.
Frankly speaking, if Gu Yan hadn't mentioned it, Qi Xi would have completely forgotten about the graduation ball.
Although she wasn't interested at the time, Qi Xi wasn't going to be the odd one out and not participate. So, she had bought an evening gown that met the requirements. Now, it seemed like the dress, which had been sitting at the bottom of her drawer, would finally see the light of day. Wearing it to Gu Xuehan's client's annual gala with Gu Yan was the perfect opportunity!
"Yes, yes, I have one!" Qi Xi nodded repeatedly. "I should be able to find it!"
After confirming the time with Gu Yan again, Qi Xi thought he would hang up. However, the man seemed to have more to say. As if trying to make conversation, he chatted about a client consultation he had scheduled for the next day. Then, after a slight hesitation, he asked, "The dress you're wearing tomorrow, is it the red one?"
Qi Xi was stunned. Just as she was about to ask how he knew it was red, it suddenly dawned on her.
Back then, to prepare for the graduation ball, everyone had flocked to an affordable tailor shop nearby.
As university graduates on a budget, and with the dress only being worn once, they weren't too concerned about big brands. The owners of the tailor shop were a deaf-mute couple, but their craftsmanship was exquisite. Whether it was suits or evening gowns, their designs were incredibly stylish and elegant.
Qi Xi couldn't recall who had first discovered the shop, but she remembered that when they brought their dresses back to the dorm and tried them on, everyone was amazed. Word spread like wildfire, and almost all the graduating students from the Law School ended up getting their outfits made there.
Qi Xi thought back carefully. She had gone to pick up her dress for a final fitting to see if any adjustments were needed when she bumped into Gu Yan. He seemed to have just arrived to get measured for a suit.
However, Gu Yan had barely even glanced at her…
Just as Qi Xi was debating whether or not to greet him, he had walked away without even acknowledging her presence.
So he had seen her after all.
Qi Xi couldn't help but mutter, "You even remember it's red? I thought you didn't even see me. Turns out you just didn't want to say hello."
Gu Yan was obviously caught off guard by her words and froze for a moment. Then, he cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to justify his rudeness. "I saw you, but I didn't get a good look."
"..." Qi Xi retorted, "That's a terrible excuse."
But Gu Yan stood his ground. "It's not that I didn't want to say hello."
Unable to come up with a better reason, he simply repeated himself and fell silent. After a moment, his voice came through the phone again.
"I'm sorry." His tone was surprisingly meek and apologetic. "I'll be sure to say hello next time I see you."
Qi Xi suddenly felt her face flush. "You sound like a child!"
Gu Yan was taken aback, probably realizing how childish he sounded. Dropping the topic, his tone turned more composed as he asked, "So, you're wearing that red evening gown tomorrow, right?"
"Yes." Qi Xi found it a little strange. "Why do you care so much? Is there a problem?"
Gu Yan had asked about the red dress several times already.
However, when Qi Xi directly questioned his interest in the color of her dress, he immediately denied it. "No, I was just asking what color you're wearing so I can coordinate my outfit." He coughed. "It's getting late, I'll let you go."
Qi Xi didn't think much of it when she hung up. But moments later, she couldn't help but wonder: as a man, wouldn't Gu Yan's options for the gala be limited to black, gray, or navy? What was there to coordinate? Those colors wouldn't clash with red!
Unfortunately, she was too tired. Qi Xi yawned, her eyelids already feeling heavy. Deciding to surrender to her body's demands, she pushed all thoughts aside and drifted off to sleep.
Previously, she hadn't given much thought to the graduation ball. This time, however, perhaps because it was the red dress's only chance to shine, Qi Xi felt a strange mix of nervousness and excitement.
Apart from trying it on at the tailor shop, she hadn't worn it since.
Fortunately, the dress still fit her perfectly, its lines smooth and flattering. The simple and elegant design was timeless, and the style classic. Qi Xi looked at herself in the mirror, quite satisfied. She then sat down at her vanity and carefully curled the ends of her hair before applying her makeup with meticulous care.
The sheer effort she put into getting ready stunned Zhao Yiran, who happened to be passing by. "Qi Xi, are you getting married or something? You're so dressed up!"
Qi Xi examined herself in the mirror again. She didn't think her outfit was over the top at all. "I'm dressed quite simply!"
"Simple, yes," Zhao Yiran gestured, "but... but that red dress, it's a bit too powerful." She seemed to struggle to find the right words. "You know, sometimes, less is more. The dress is simple, but it makes your features and figure stand out even more. I'm a girl, and even I felt a bit overwhelmed at first glance. Imagine how guys must feel…"
...
As Qi Xi waited nervously for Gu Yan downstairs, Zhao Yiran's words echoed in her mind. Did it really have that much of a visual impact? Would Gu Yan feel it too?
Qi Xi didn't know what she was expecting, but she couldn't deny the growing anxiety and anticipation bubbling inside her.
Gu Yan, who had claimed he would "drive" over, hadn't arrived on his bicycle this time. When a BMW pulled up beside her and Gu Yan emerged from the driver's seat in a sharp suit, walking around to open the passenger door for her, Qi Xi could only stare in a daze.
His hair was styled impeccably, and the suit accentuated his tall, broad-shouldered frame. When he pressed his lips together in silence, he exuded an aura of untouchable sophistication.
He looked incredibly handsome.
So handsome, in fact, that Qi Xi couldn't help but steal a few glances at him.
However, unlike Qi Xi's discreet glances, Gu Yan's gaze remained firmly fixed ahead. Aside from a brief pause when he first got out of the car and saw her, his eyes never met hers again. It was as if she were an inconvenient, albeit red, obstacle in his path.
Zhao Yiran had said she was a visual impact?
What impact? He wouldn't even look at her!
Qi Xi felt a pang of disappointment, followed by a wave of frustration and confusion.
Gu Yan settled into the driver's seat beside her and drove in silence. Although Qi Xi didn't know much about cars, she recognized his car as a BMW 7 Series.
She took a deep breath, trying to shake off her earlier emotions. "This is my favorite car."
Gu Yan seemed surprised. "Really?"
"Yes." Qi Xi nodded. "Because it's a 7 Series. It sounds like my name. When I make enough money, I'm going to buy one." She turned to look at him. "Why did you buy this car? You don't seem to drive it very often."
Translator's Note: The character's name, 齐溪 (Qí Xī), is a play on words, as it sounds similar to the Chinese word for "seven" (qī) when spoken aloud.
Gu Yan didn't answer her question directly, simply saying, "I like the name too." He kept his eyes on the road. "I like the number seven. It's my lucky number."
Interesting.
Qi Xi didn't ask any more questions. Gu Yan switched on some soft music. A subtle scent of citrus lingered in the air. The venue for the listed company's annual gala wasn't far away.
Qi Xi's earlier disappointment vanished as soon as they entered the gala venue. As expected of a wealthy listed company, the decorations were nothing short of opulent. Pushing aside her previous thoughts, she began to observe her surroundings with curiosity.
"Qi Xi?"
Gu Yan was off registering at the moment, so it wasn't his voice.
Qi Xi turned around curiously and was surprised to see Meng Kai. "You're here too?"
Dressed in a tailored suit, Meng Kai looked tall and mature. He smiled and nodded. "Yes, our company and this listed enterprise are partners, so we get invited to their annual gala every year. So, you're here as their legal counsel?"
He extended his hand towards her. "Are you alone? Do you need a dance partner? May I have this dance?"
Qi Xi hesitated. "Didn't you bring a date? This is a partnered event, isn't it?"
Meng Kai tilted his head. "It's not mandatory." His eyes met hers. "Besides, I didn't bring a date. How could I dance?" He chuckled softly.
"So, Qi Xi, will you be my partner tonight?"
Before Qi Xi could politely decline, someone else intervened.
"No, she won't." Gu Yan, seemingly finished with registration, walked over from a short distance away. He gently pulled Qi Xi behind him, his tall frame effectively blocking her view of Meng Kai.
His expression was cold as ice. "Qi Xi is my date."
Meng Kai, clearly not expecting Gu Yan to appear out of nowhere, looked surprised. Then, he smiled meaningfully at Qi Xi. "I thought you two had broken up. If I were you, I wouldn't be able to handle such a possessive boyfriend. He's watching you way too closely."
With that, he casually picked up a cocktail from a passing waiter's tray and downed it in one gulp. He offered Qi Xi a polite smile. "I forgot to mention, you look stunning in that red dress."
He then glanced at Gu Yan. "Have a lovely evening, you two."
With a final, gentlemanly nod, he turned and walked away.
Even after Meng Kai left, Gu Yan's expression remained dark. He looked down at Qi Xi, his voice tight. "Would you rather be his date?"
He seemed to have been holding it in for a while. After a moment, he took a deep breath. "If you really want to dance with him, I…"
"I don't want to dance with him." Qi Xi interrupted, her eyes fixed on Gu Yan's. "I came here with you. Of course I only want to dance with you."
Her words seemed to appease him greatly. A faint blush crept up his neck, and his demeanor softened, like a bristling cat being soothed by a gentle stroke. "Oh, is that so? Then why were you staring at him and smiling so happily? You looked like you really wanted to dance with him."
That was a complete fabrication!
Qi Xi puffed out her cheeks in indignation. "He complimented my dress. Should I have cried instead? Who wouldn't be happy to receive a compliment? You didn't even compliment me, and I still smiled at you!"
"Then I'll compliment you."
Gu Yan looked at her, his gaze steady and sincere. "Qi Xi, you look absolutely beautiful in that dress."
Qi Xi had only been complaining half-heartedly, not expecting Gu Yan to actually respond, let alone say something like that.
Now it was her turn to be flustered and at a loss for words. "Really? But you weren't even looking at me earlier. Are you just saying that to humor me? You don't have to, you know. I won't give you a bonus for pretending to compliment me. Do you really think it looks good?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she wanted to disappear into the floor. What was she even saying?
"I'm not humoring you. It looks amazing." Gu Yan's voice sounded a little strained, making Qi Xi wonder if this entire conversation was just her imagination.
He seemed a little flustered himself. "Actually, I saw you when you first tried it on at the tailor shop. I thought it looked beautiful then."
Qi Xi's heart skipped a beat. She snuck a glance at Gu Yan, then quickly averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. "You're not just saying that, are you? If you thought it looked good, wouldn't you have looked a little longer?"
"It's rude to stare," Gu Yan explained calmly, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's like when you're having dinner and you keep picking at a dish you like without any regard for table manners."
Qi Xi was sure her face was now as red as her dress.