Contract Marriage: The Tycoon's Pampered Wife
Chapter 32 - 032: Couldn’t stand the person’s skillful technique.

Chapter 32: 032: Couldn’t stand the person’s skillful technique.

The Fenghua Building, overlooking the Linjiang River, had retained its original exposed red brick facade for over a century.

「Saturday.」

At eleven in the morning, Ning Guiwan sat by the window. Her gaze was fixed on the river view outside, while Lai Yang and Su Liang chatted animatedly beside her.

Her left elbow rested on the table’s edge, her bent knuckles lightly supporting her chin. She gazed casually at the distant river view with a detached air, looking as though she were the one accompanying Lai Yang on this blind date.

Su Liang had heard quite a bit about Ning Guiwan. But now that he saw her, she didn’t seem as bad as the rumors suggested.

"What does Miss Ning usually like to do?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Guiwan withdrew her gaze and met Su Liang’s interested eyes, a slow smile playing on her red lips. "I don’t have any particular hobbies. What about you, Young Master Su?"

In this moment, Ning Guiwan seemed different from just a second before.

The flirtatious charm in her eyes and at the corners of her lips reminded him of a seasoned expert in the art of love. Su Liang couldn’t help but think of the phrase ’beauty that rivals Wutai Mountain’ and associate her with a bold, unrestrained style.

His gaze slid from Ning Guiwan to the curve of her waist, visible beneath the edge of the table. Stroking his teacup, he smiled.

He had initially come to meet the girl the Quan Family matriarch held dear, simply complying with his family’s wishes. But now, he found himself genuinely intrigued by this young woman before him, who could change her demeanor faster than one could flip through a book.

"I’m a lively person; I enjoy hanging out with friends when I’m free."

Ning Guiwan maintained her smile, though she wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. Still, she replied, "You must have many friends, Young Master Su."

Su Liang laughed. "Not too many."

He paused, then added, "A friend of mine is organizing a masquerade ball at Bihu Villa tonight. I was wondering if Miss Ning and Miss Lai might be free to attend?"

"A masquerade ball?"

Ning Guiwan showed little interest, but Lai Yang was visibly excited. "That sounds fun!"

She turned and grabbed Ning Guiwan’s arm, coaxing, "Let’s go, please? Let’s go have some fun."

Ning Guiwan stared at Lai Yang’s puppy-dog expression for a moment, then helplessly poked her forehead.

...

In the afternoon, Lai Yang dragged Ning Guiwan out to buy an evening gown. At seven o’clock, Ning Guiwan, wearing a simple red slip dress, arrived with Lai Yang at the masquerade ball, held in a detached villa at Bihu Villa.

A simple red mask concealed half her face, but her captivating figure and flame-red lips still caused a stir the moment she entered.

Ning Guiwan wasn’t particularly interested in such occasions. She found a quiet corner to sit and silently watched Lai Yang weave through the crowd, soon taking the hand of a gentleman in a blue tailcoat and silver mask as they stepped onto the dance floor.

Just as Ning Guiwan declined an invitation to dance from the sixth gentleman, Su Liang walked in through the entrance.

His eyes immediately found Ning Guiwan.

Her red dress and snow-white skin were truly striking.

After exchanging greetings with a few friends, Su Liang approached and sat down beside her, raising his glass in a toast.

"My apologies for being late; something held me up."

Ning Guiwan returned the gesture with a soft smile. "We only just arrived ourselves."

Su Liang glanced at the dance floor. An elegant waltz unfolded with the graceful movements of the couples. When he looked back at Ning Guiwan, his heart stirred.

This woman was even more captivating than the rumors described. That allure of hers was fatal. Not just anyone could play the ’bad woman’ role so effectively.

Just then, one song ended, and the next was about to start. Su Liang seized the moment, rising to his feet. "Miss Ning, you are so beautiful; your dancing must be even more exquisite. Might I have the honor of witnessing it?"

Ning Guiwan gazed at the overly delicate hand extended toward her. For some reason, Quan Yu suddenly came to mind. His hands, she recalled, had distinct knuckles, deep palm lines, and light calluses. The memory of their touch, a clear, tingling sensation against her skin, resurfaced.

"Miss Ning?" Su Liang asked, his tone puzzled.

Ning Guiwan snapped back to her senses, a flicker of turmoil in her eyes.

She couldn’t believe she was remembering that time in the car... Back then, she had resisted internally, yet she’d been powerless against his skilled advances. It was just like four years ago; if the news of Old Master Quan’s critical illness hadn’t arrived when it did, they would have likely crossed that forbidden line long ago.

Composing herself, she smiled with perfect poise. "I..."

The words of refusal were on the tip of her tongue when Su Liang’s attention suddenly shifted to the entrance. A look of surprised delight spread across his face. "Isn’t that President Quan? What’s he doing here?"

Before the words were fully out, Su Liang was already heading towards the entrance.

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