Chapter 37: The Prince and the Glass Slipper
Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Prince and the Glass Slipper
She heard the Master of Ceremonies at the venue announcing the start of the banquet through the door, followed by a round of loud applause.
The sound was so clear it didn’t seem to be coming from outside the door. She looked up and realized there was a display screen in the restroom, broadcasting everything happening inside the venue.
“Please welcome my precious son, Ji Xiangyu, to celebrate another year of growth.” A deep male voice boomed. The dazzling lights instantly dimmed, and all eyes focused on the spotlight in the center. A boy in a white suit walked out, exuding an innate noble aura to the fullest. His beautiful thin lips curved into a half-smile, a smile like a mountain shrouded in white mist, as gentle as water. The crowd couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
Through the display screen, Qing Tian watched the noble and imposing Ji Xiangyu. This was the real him; the him who appeared by her side existed only in memory.
The Ji Xiangyu who appeared by her side and the current Young Master Ji were two different people. The Ji Xiangyu she loved was the one who handed her water on that summer afternoon, the one who asked if she was okay as the sun set, and the one who shared an umbrella with her during the rainy season.
Qing Tian gazed at him, so close yet so far, feeling as if an extremely fine needle was piercing her heart, causing pain so intense that even breathing was difficult.
Ji Xiangyu smiled gently at the camera and said, “Thank you to all the guests who came tonight. I am honored to be so beloved. I want to especially thank a special guest for gracing us with their presence, my sunny. I hope tonight’s party will be enjoyable for everyone. Thank you all….”
Ji Xiangyu bowed perfectly at a 45-degree angle to the crowd. Enthusiastic applause erupted from below. His eyes searched for the person in his heart, but he scanned the surroundings and saw no sign of that person. He continued to smile politely at everyone as if nothing was amiss.
When Qing Tian heard Ji Xiangyu say “my sunny,” her heart felt as if it had been swept by something, causing a slight sting.
Ji Weiwei, standing beside Ji Xiangyu, leaned in and said something to him. The smile on his face vanished instantly. Disregarding what the people on stage were saying, he ran off.
A rustling sound came from the audience.
Qing Tian watched all of this from the restroom, also surprised.
The Master of Ceremonies quickly stepped in to save the situation, saying, “Our protagonist is truly in a hurry! Although the protagonist’s first dance is next, since the protagonist needs to find a special guest, let’s continue, everyone!”
The guests were not too disturbed. The music started, and they began to dance.
Ji Weiwei watched Ji Xiangyu run off with anger, feeling extremely displeased.
Qing Tian looked at the screen that had suddenly turned black with despair.
He must be very disappointed; she felt like she had messed everything up.
She buried her head between her knees and sighed helplessly.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard a sound outside the door.
“Is anyone in there?” a young woman’s voice asked.
Qing Tian woke up immediately and responded eagerly, “Help me out!”
In less than a few dozen seconds, the door opened. The woman outside saw the disheveled Qing Tian and exclaimed in surprise, “What are you doing here?”
Qing Tian searched her mind. She didn’t seem to recognize this woman. How did she know her?
She asked, “Do we know each other?”
The woman shook her head and then said with a bright smile, “You must be the special guest Rain invited, right? I heard…”
Before the woman could finish, she was interrupted.
“Qing Tian….”
Both of them looked towards the person calling Qing Tian’s name with urgency and loudness. The moment Qing Tian saw Ji Xiangyu, the defenses of her entire heart collapsed. A bitter smile touched her lips as she said, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t keep my promise to you!”
Ji Xiangyu walked up to her, grabbed her shoulders with both hands, and asked, “Are you okay?”
Qing Tian savored his words: *Are you okay?*
How many times had he said this to her? It seemed like every time she was discovered by him in such a state.
Qing Tian looked at her appearance apologetically and said, “I’m sorry, I probably can’t dance the first dance with you!”
Ji Xiangyu reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, “Silly girl, it’s not too late. You promised me, and you can’t go back on your word!”
Qing Tian looked up at him and noticed his eyes sparkled as if they were inlaid with diamonds.
She said softly, “Happy birthday!”
Ji Xiangyu smiled happily and replied, “Mm! Thank you, my beautiful Princess!”
Then, the woman beside them coughed, indicating her presence. Qing Tian looked at her apologetically and said, “I’m sorry…”
The woman placed her hand on Qing Tian’s shoulder and said, “No need to be polite. Rain and I are childhood sweethearts, good friends!”
Qing Tian asked with a mix of amusement and disbelief, “Is ‘childhood sweethearts’ used to describe good friends?”
The woman extended her hand and introduced herself, “Alright, let’s not focus on titles for now. My name is Peng Lele, you can just call me Lele. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
Qing Tian extended her hand to shake hers. Her fingers were ice-cold, and the moment they touched Peng Lele’s hand, she trembled.
She said, “My name is Qing Tian, it’s a pleasure to meet you!”
Ji Xiangyu put his arm around Peng Lele’s shoulders and said in a good mood, “Lele, I’ll leave Qing Tian to you. My first dance must have a perfect conclusion!”
Peng Lele gave Ji Xiangyu an okay sign and then led Qing Tian away.
As Peng Lele pulled her along, Qing Tian kept looking back at Ji Xiangyu. He stood in place, watching her with a smile in his eyes. For some reason, her face instantly flushed.
It turns out fairy tales don’t lie. As long as one wears the Prince’s glass slipper, the Prince can find Cinderella no matter what.
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