Whispers of the Heart

On a day graced with clear skies, the slow steps of dusk approached, painting the clouds under the setting sun with exceptional beauty. Inside a luxurious villa, two lovely young women were in deep conversation, or more precisely, plotting something significant.

The girl in red pleaded incessantly, “Qian Liu, please, I’m begging you. Can you go to my arranged dinner date tonight in my stead?”

The young woman in yellow, her lips a striking shade of crimson, hesitated, “How could I? I’ve just graduated from high school and am about to go abroad for university. I want no part in such matters.”

“I love Zi Yao, as you well know. How could I possibly go on a date behind his back? It would be like inviting divine retribution,” the girl in red persisted, her mind set against the prospect of meeting a notorious playboy. “Why not let the braver Qian Liu go? She’s leaving the country soon, anyway. Even if he takes a liking to her, he won’t be able to find her.”

Eventually, under relentless persuasion, the girl in yellow agreed, “Alright, alright, I’ll do it. Since I’m leaving the country soon, I might as well help. Where’s this date taking place?”

“It’s an unusual one tonight. It’s a masquerade ball. With your height and figure similar to mine, just wear a mask, and no one will be the wiser,” the girl in red had clearly thought this through.

“But what about your brother? If I show up with him, won’t he recognize me?”

“No, he won’t. My brother, the organizer of the ball, dropped off the dress and mask earlier and has already left for the venue.” Besides, her brother always had ulterior motives—who knew what he was plotting?

At the Jin Yu Hotel's banquet hall, a masquerade ball showcasing wealth and power commenced. Ostensibly a charity fundraiser, it was an open secret that the event was a mere display of opulence and a microcosm of high society.

Standing at the edge of the dance floor was a softly beautiful young woman, Qian Liu. Her pure visage and star-like, bewildered eyes were barely concealed behind a white satin mask. Clad in a pink princess gown, she seemed out of place amidst the dazzling and seductive crowd. She was there at the behest of her friend, a recent high school graduate navigating unfamiliar waters.

Alone and unacquainted with anyone at the dinner, her eyes slowly filled with apprehension.

Unbeknownst to her, a pair of mesmerizing eyes had already fixed upon her, like a hunter zeroing in on its prey.

As the lights dimmed, Qian Liu was suddenly enveloped in a tight embrace before she could comprehend what was happening.

“You belong to me tonight,” a deep, melodious voice declared, as fervent lips found hers in the dim light. Blinded, panic tinged her cheeks. She struggled, only to be held tighter, her attempts to scream thwarted by an invading, passionate tongue.

Trembling, Qian Liu wondered, who was this audacious person who dared steal her precious first kiss in the shadows? As she fought back, he unexpectedly released her, leaving a biting kiss on her snow-white neck. No, this was not a kiss; a kiss couldn’t hurt like this. She pushed him away, ready to strike, teeth gritted in fury, “Get away from me, you fiend.”

As the lights returned, Qian Liu's eyes widened in an attempt to discern her assailant's identity, but he was nowhere to be seen. The mark on her neck still ached, prompting her to escape to the restroom.

Behind her, another unusual gaze followed. Zhou Xiang, satisfied with the development, raised an eyebrow, revealing a calculated smile. He turned to the man who had just approached him and asked, “How do you feel?”

The man's lips stretched into a sinister smile, “The taste was intriguing. I look forward to the moment she unveils her mask, and even more so, our night of entanglement.” His cold, handsome features and distinct eyebrows made him dangerously attractive.

Zhou Xiang nodded, “Glad you're satisfied. My efforts haven’t been in vain.”

The man frowned slightly, puzzled, “How did you come to notice her? Do you know her?”

Zhou Xiang's smile twisted unnaturally, “Sort of. She won't disappoint, I assure you.” His eyes gle