Observing their retreating backs, Lu Feng turned to his brother, probing, "Does it bother you?"

Lu Lijun responded with equanimity, "Not more than when she would have rejected me if I had asked for a dance with her."

His gaze followed Jiang Yuyan as she moved gracefully alongside An Tian. If it was some other man, he would have cut that man's hand even before it could hold Jiang Yuyan's hand but it was An Tian, who held unique place in their lives. "An Tian had created an opportunity for you," Lu Feng remarked pointedly, "You better make use of it."

"Let her enjoy herself," Lu Lijun responded coolly, his eyes tracing her movements as she danced effortlessly with An Tian.

Catching An Tian's eye, Jiang Yuyan narrowed her gaze. "You did it intentionally, didn't you?"

He met her challenging stare with a playful twinkle. "Shouldn't you be thanking me instead of shooting those cute cat like glares my way?"

"Cute? You underestimate the distinction between 'cute' and 'warning' in a glare," she retorted sharply.

His laughter was light, teasing. "To me, every expression of yours exudes cuteness." His laughter was light, teasing. "Besides, I spared you the discomfort of rejecting him."

She pressed her lips together, opting for silence instead of further argument. If Lu Lijun had asked her for dance, she would have rejected as it would not sit well with people around. She felt guilty. "This is the last time I am helping you," An Tian's expression hardened as he leaned in, his voice laced with finality, "After this, get used to being seen with him intimately even if there are thousands of people those you know or your relationship is not going to move anywhere."

The once defiant look in Jiang Yuyan's eyes softened, replaced by a semblance of compliance as they moved seamlessly to the rhythm.

An Tian's voice remained steady, guiding her through the dance both physically and verbally. "If you're allowing societal judgments to cloud what you feel for Lu Lijun—be it the age difference or he is your late husband's brother—you're granting others the power to dictate your happiness. Let them chatter like inconsequential background noise. Focus on what truly matters: the bond between you and Lu Lijun. Consider others mere a background noise."

"I'll do my best," she murmured, reassured by his words.

As the music shifted, which also meant the change of partners for many on the dance floor. Lu Lijun approached them. Without a word, Jiang Yuyan took his hand, signifying her readiness to switch partners like the others.

An Tian gracefully handed her over to Lu Lijun and redirected his steps toward his friend, Lu Feng. With a teasing glint in his eyes, he quipped, "Did my absence leave you feeling lonely?"

Without looking up, Lu Feng retorted with a smirk, "You are not my woman. I won't mind even if you leave me alone forever," casually sipping his wine and engrossed in his phone.

"Put down that phone and take a look at them," An Tian remarked, gesturing discreetly towards Lu Lijun and Jiang Yuyan.

Curious, Lu Feng shifted his focus to where An Tian indicated. The couple seemed lost in each other's company, sharing smiles and an undeniable connection.

"Don't they make a splendid pair?" An Tian commented, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Lu Lijun observed them briefly before responding with a hint of playfulness, "Indeed, they do."

An Tian turned his attention back to Lu Feng, a teasing grin forming on his lips. "I can't help but wonder when I'll witness a similar chemistry between you and someone special."

With a confident smirk, Lu Feng replied, "I won't keep you waiting for long."

-----

Meanwhile a certain couple found themselves enveloped in a moment that seemed to transcend time. The gap of their separation seemed to vanish as Jiang Yang pulled her closer, his grip conveying an urgency, a desire not to let this fleeting reunion slip away.

Nicky could feel the familiar warmth emanating from him, his hand gently placed on the small of her back while the other cradled her delicate hand. The palpable chemistry they once shared hadn't waned; it stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her, making her heart race erratically.

After a prolonged silence filled with shared glances and unspoken sentiments, Jiang Yang finally broke the stillness. "What are your plans now that you're back?"

"I'm still figuring it out," she responded, meeting his gaze.

He raised an eyebrow playfully. "Returning after all this time, you must have a list of things to accomplish," he mused.

She nodded, a touch hesitantly.

"Among those plans," he ventured, his gaze intense yet teasing, "is there room for me?"

She hesitated momentarily before replying, "I intend to reconnect with everyone—Brother Feng, Yuyan, Lian, Lanlan..."

Cutting her off gently, he interjected, "While that's commendable, I'd like to think I've earned priority status. Can I?"

With a soft hum of affirmation, she responded, "Hmm."

"Then can I use that chance today itself?" he asked.

"Hmm?" she felt puzzled.

"I will drop you home after everything is over," he offered.

"Okay!"

Her willingness to accept any of his demand, made him overjoyed. His soft laughter echoed in her ear, a clear sign of contentment as they continued to sway harmoniously to the rhythmic cadence, both relishing the moment and what the future might hold.

After the wedding was over and Bride and Groom had left, Jiang Yuyan left with Lu Lijun. Though they had enjoyed dancing together, Jiang Yuyan still had a guilt in her mind. Lu Lijun made her sit in went to the driver seat. Inside the car, he pulled of his jacket and put in on her legs as her dress was thin and night felt chilly. The warmth from his jacket enveloped her cold legs and guild in her heart rose.

"Are you still feeling cold?" he made sure before rising the temperature in the car. "No," she replied and glanced at the man who drove the car. "Lijun?"

"Hmm?" he glanced at her for a moment before turning his attention back to the road. "That...About dance...."

"I know. I understand," he offered her a reassuring smile and focussed on driving. "Don't worry." "I will try to change soon and for today, I will make up for it."

Lu Lijun raised a brow, teasing smile suddenly appearing on his lips, "I will wait for that making up session..."

She slapped his hand to stop him, "I don't mean in that way."

He chuckled, "Whatever it is, I look forward to it."

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