Chapter 1: Invitation To Dance

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=5821232
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com

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The recently divorced Qin Shiyue did not look abandoned at this moment. She wore a light blue, sexy, backless evening dress. Her newly dyed long blonde hair, fair and rosy skin like creamy jade, made her look like a porcelain beauty. Paired with the fiery red lipstick that suited her best, she looked dazzling and radiant, making it impossible for people to ignore her presence.

This glamorous exterior was just a facade. In fact, she had been extremely sad and resentful since her divorce three days ago. As soon as she heard that Kong Huizhi and Lin Qingyi would attend this charity ball, she immediately called her makeup artist and stylist, asking them to make her look dazzling, to appear at the charity ball in her most beautiful and proudest state.

Qin Shiyue, who was heavily dependent on the internet, didn't dare go online these days because she knew many people were waiting to laugh at her. She would never let them succeed. The simplest way was to make herself look unaffected by the divorce as if she was doing well. Of course, these were secondary. The most important reason for her appearance here was that she knew her ex-wife, Kong Huizhi, who had divorced her three days ago, planned to seek a new love, pursuing her white moonlight, Lin Qingyi, whom she had longed for a long time. She thought, why should she stay home sad and heartbroken while Kong Huizhi could happily seek her true love?

Qin Shiyue admitted she wasn't that magnanimous. Out of resentment, she appeared here when she should have been at home, licking her wounds.

She raised her chin slightly with extreme pride, making herself appear indifferent and lofty.

Even though she saw Kong Huizhi and Lin Qingyi in matching black and white outfits, which made her heart feel like it was being ground into minced meat, she had to pretend she didn't care at all. She was already pushing her limited acting skills to the limit.

At this moment, in Qin Shiyue's eyes, both black and white became so glaring. Especially the woman in the black evening dress was particularly annoying.

Not far away, Lin Qingyi was chatting with the hostess of the banquet. She wore an elegant yet sexy black evening dress adorned with golden sequins. Her fair skin looked even more tender against the black dress. Her long hair was neatly combed back. Every move she made exuded the aura of an elegant goddess.

Looking at such a formidable rival, Qin Shiyue felt extremely anxious. She refused to acknowledge Lin Qingyi's charm. In her view, Lin Qingyi was the most pretentious woman in the entertainment industry. Look at that black dress, she looked like a black widow who just lost her husband and was ready to flirt.

Kong Huizhi, dressed in a white evening dress, looked genuinely good. She was naturally beautiful, not as dazzling as Qin Shiyue, but her features were gentle, and her demeanor was soft. She looked like someone who had been caged for a long time and finally regained her freedom, with an unmistakable hint of cheerfulness in her eyes.

Kong Huizhi also saw her dazzling ex-wife. Seeing that Qin Shiyue wasn't in bad shape, she felt somewhat relieved, and her guilt lessened. However, she chose to avoid her ex-wife, so she didn't intend to greet her and quickly withdrew her brief glance from Qin Shiyue. She directed her gaze towards Lin Qingyi, whom she had admired for many years. In the past, because of her married status, she never dared to express her feelings. Now, as a free woman, she could finally approach her openly.

Compared to Qin Shiyue's anxiety, Kong Huizhi felt eager and excited.

Lin Qingyi noticed Qin Shiyue as soon as she arrived at the banquet. The news of her divorce was everywhere, and out of curiosity, she glanced at Qin Shiyue. Seeing her still looking glamorous, she didn't seem too disheveled.

However, when their eyes accidentally met, Qin Shiyue gave her a fierce glare. Lin Qingyi realized that Qin Shiyue was just a paper tiger, looking glamorous but likely a mess inside. It seemed the divorce had slightly improved this vase's poor acting skills, Lin Qingyi thought with a touch of mockery. After being glared at by Qin Shiyue, Lin Qingyi remained calm and indifferent, withdrawing her gaze as if it was none of her business.

Although she withdrew her gaze, Qin Shiyue's hostile stare remained fixed on her like a shadow, penetrating her like a thousand arrows. Lin Qingyi sneered inwardly at this foolish woman.

Lin Qingyi also felt Kong Huizhi's gaze on her. Compared to Qin Shiyue's gaze, it was much gentler and less noticeable. To the inwardly narcissistic Lin Qingyi, it was no bother at all.

Lin Qingyi ignored their gazes, calmly and elegantly chatting with the hostess of the charity ball.

The hostess, Liu Xiran, was one of the few grand slam actresses in the film industry. Over fifty this year, she had been famous since debuting at sixteen. With deep qualifications and significant influence in the entertainment industry, she was a legendary figure known for her extensive connections and good reputation. Despite being over fifty, she still retained her charm. Her charity ball invitations brought in almost half the celebrities in the entertainment circle.

At 37, Liu Xiran married a wealthy man and had their only daughter, Li Xin, who was born with congenital heart disease. To accumulate good fortune for their daughter, Liu Xiran and her wealthy husband established the "Charity Foundation for Children with Congenital Heart Disease" to help children suffering from this condition.

For this reason, they host a charity ball every year, inviting many popular celebrities and wealthy individuals to donate.

Thus, the popular Qin Shiyue and Lin Qingyi were also invited. Both women were similar in age, Qin Shiyue being 28 and Lin Qingyi 29, and were equally famous, but they took completely different paths. Qin Shiyue had no acting skills or works but had looks, popularity, and the persona of a beautiful, rich girl, making her controversial in the entertainment circle. Even her loyal fans admitted she was the top vase in the industry. Lin Qingyi, on the other hand, not only had looks but also acting skills. She was reputed to be dedicated and scandal-free, as pure as a white lotus in the entertainment world, with no black spot to be found on her.

Lin Qingyi was always low-key. Besides acting, she disliked attending parties and social events, avoiding them whenever possible. For charity-related events, she usually donated money without attending, unless she couldn't refuse. Outside of acting, she seldom made public appearances. Though Qin Shiyue had more fans, Lin Qingyi's fans were extremely loyal. Because Lin Qingyi didn't participate in variety shows or many advertisements, her occasional appearances were like a festival for her fans.

Recently, Lin Qingyi had worked with Liu Xiran on a movie. Liu Xiran, a senior worth respecting, admired the younger Lin Qingyi and wanted to befriend her. After their collaboration, they became friends despite their age difference. Due to Liu Xiran enthusiastic invitation, Lin Qingyi couldn't refuse and had to attend the charity ball.

Liu Xiran invited Lin Qingyi so enthusiastically because her fifteen-year-old daughter, Li Xin, was a die-hard fan of Lin Qingyi and insisted her mother bring Lin Qingyi. Liu Xiran, who adored her only daughter, couldn't bear to disappoint her.

"This girl is obsessed with you. Her entire room is covered with your posters. Even though I starred in a movie with you, she's only obsessed with you, not with me. It seems all these years I've been in vain," Liu Xiran said, her tone slightly jealous. Despite being a grand slam actress, she couldn't compare to Lin Qingyi, who had only won one award, in her daughter's eyes. However, Liu Xiran believed Lin Qingyi would eventually win a grand slam.

"Mom..." Li Xin, being rather introverted, felt shy seeing her mother say these things in front of her idol.

"I'm glad you like me," Lin Qingyi said with a dreamy smile, looking at Li Xin.

Although her heart condition had been cured, Li Xin felt her heart almost couldn't handle it as she looked at Lin Qingyi's smile.

"Sister Xiran's position in the entertainment circle is unshakable. Who wouldn't respectfully call you Sister Xiran when they see you? Even I am a fan of yours!" Lin Qingyi complimented.

Liu Xiran had heard many flatteries, but hearing it from a junior she favored still made her feel pleased. She had achieved her status through hard work, and only she knew the hardships she endured.

"It's not just because of my age that I command respect. Among all the juniors, you are indeed the one I appreciate the most." The industry had become increasingly restless, but Lin Qingyi was one of the few who could focus on acting. She had talent and looks, and worked hard, with a promising future. Most importantly, Lin Qingyi kept herself clean with no scandals, a rare trait in the entertainment industry. Her daughter hadn't chosen wrongly to be her fan.

"Sister Xiran, you're too kind," Lin Qingyi replied modestly.

"The ball is about to start. I'll excuse myself for now," Liu Xiran said, glancing at the time. As the hostess, she needed to give the opening speech.

"Go ahead and get busy." Lin Qingyi replied quickly.

Liu Xiran's departure made Li Xin, Lin Qingyi's loyal fan, even more nervous and shy when facing Lin Qingyi. Just being able to get along with Lin Qingyi and talk to her made Li Xin very excited.

"You played the role of Queen Wei in "The Legend of Queen Wei" so well..." Li Xin expressed her love for that role. It was that role that made Li Xin completely fall in love with Lin Qingyi.

"I also think my acting is pretty good!" Lin Qingyi was not as modest to Li Xin as she was to Liu Xiran. Her playful and confident look at the moment made her fan Li Xin completely lost.

The goddess really seems to shine.

Liu Xiran walked to the center of the venue and began to make the opening remarks for tonight's charity ball. The surrounding area became quiet, and everyone listened to her.

After Liu Xiran finished speaking, the charity ball officially began.

Li Xin wanted to invite her goddess to dance together, but she was too shy and didn't dare to ask.

Lin Qingyi could guess what Li Xin was thinking from her shy and eager eyes. However, she didn't intend to satisfy the girl's wish. If it was not necessary, she didn't like to have physical contact with others. So she cleverly avoided Li Xin's eyes and turned around to get a glass of champagne.

As expected of her goddess, even the way she drank champagne was charming, Li Xin thought crazily.

Kong Huizhi walked quickly towards Lin Qingyi after the ball started as if she was worried that if she was a little late, Lin Qingyi would be invited away by others.

Qin Shiyue saw her ex-wife approaching Lin Qingyi, and she immediately guessed Kong Huizhi's intention to invite Lin Qingyi to dance. At the same time, Qin Shiyue's body seemed to have a mind of its own, she walked towards Lin Qingyi involuntarily. There was only one thought left in her mind— she could never let Kong Huizhi get her wish.

They arrived in front of Lin Qingyi almost at the same time.

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=5821232
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com

Kong Huizhi looked at Qin Shiyue standing opposite her and frowned slightly instinctively. She thought that Qin Shiyue, who agreed to sign the divorce agreement, would stop pestering her. If Qin Shiyue still doesn't give up, she probably wouldn't have signed the divorce agreement.

Lin Qingyi, who was holding champagne, looked at the newly divorced wives who came to her and wondered; what are these two people doing? She had no intention of getting involved with them.

"Shiyue." Kong Huizhi, who thought Qin Shiyue hadn't given up yet, frowned and called Qin Shiyue's name.

Qin Shiyue looked at Kong Huizhi's instinctive frown and felt that her heart was once again scratched by Kong Huizhi's repulsion, which made her already uncomfortable heart even more painful. Rationally, Qin Shiyue felt that she should not have followed and she should have divorced decently. Emotionally, she still felt very unwilling. She was proud and she did not want to make a shameful gesture of entanglement with Kong Huizhi in front of her rival Lin Qingyi, but pride and rationality could not suppress the strong resentment in her heart. So in the entanglement of reason and emotion, Qin Shiyue grabbed the hem of her evening dress.

Kong Huizhi's attention was on Qin Shiyue's face, and she saw unwillingness in Qin Shiyue's eyes.

Lin Qingyi not only noticed the resentment in Qin Shiyue's eyes but also noticed Qin Shiyue's hand holding the hem of her dress.

"Excuse me, what's the matter with you two?" Qin Shiyue's emotions were obviously not something she needed to consider, so Lin Qingyi asked in a calm tone.

"I would like to ask you to dance."

"I want to dance with you."

Kong Huizhi and Qin Shiyue stretched out their hands and asked Lin Qingyi to dance at the same time.

Author's Note:

New pit, welcome to jump in. I hope you will accompany me all the way on the road to the new pit.

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Check out Glossary for terms/idioms/slangs I collected thus far, that you might also encounter here. Feel free to suggest addition and corrections (respectfully). 🖖🙇‍♀️