Sheng Chenjin returned to Shi Xinxin's side with a drink, handing her the juice. The guests invited to the banquet were all from the upper echelons of society. The fact that Sheng Chenjin himself had personally responded to the invitation meant the host had gone to great lengths to ensure everything was perfect, and naturally, no expense was spared on the drinks.
As soon as she sat down, Shi Xinxin had already noticed the colorful array of beverages at the drinks counter. When Sheng Chenjin offered to get her something to drink, she had been curious, wondering what kind of drinks people in this high-class banquet would partake in.
To her surprise, Sheng Chenjin returned with a mere glass of juice. Seeing her disappointed expression, Sheng Chenjin forcefully placed the juice in her hand. "You've just recovered from a serious illness. Don't think about finding opportunities to touch those alcoholic drinks, or I'll deduct your salary."
The mention of salary deduction again made Shi Xinxin feel a warmth in her heart. She wondered when Sheng Chenjin's words had started to not bother her, perhaps because she knew he was concerned about her.
It seemed so. Let her have a sweet dream today. Her disappointment was replaced by sweetness, and she willingly accepted the juice. Sheng Chenjin raised his champagne, took a sip, and then surveyed the banquet hall.
Why were there so many people today? He hadn't thought this dance would be any different at the time, but arriving here, he realized the crowd far exceeded the expected number.
Looking at the people around him, Sheng Chenjin hesitated, wondering if he should still take Shi Xinxin to the dance floor later.
Shi Xinxin looked at the champagne in his hand, longing to taste it. As if sensing her gaze, Sheng Chenjin withdrew his eyes from the banquet hall, slowly sat down, and deliberately swirled his champagne. "What is it?"
Shi Xinxin whispered, "Can I have a taste?"
Sheng Chenjin pretended not to hear, leaning closer. "What did you say?"
Shi Xinxin, gathering her courage again, said, "Can I have a taste?"
"Are you talking about this?" Sheng Chenjin brought the champagne closer to Shi Xinxin. She nodded. She didn't have a penchant for alcohol; she just wanted to taste the champagne.
Since Sheng Chenjin had said she couldn't approach the drinks section today, she thought a small taste in consultation with him would be acceptable. It wouldn't hurt, so she bravely made this request.
With the champagne just inches away, Shi Xinxin leaned forward slowly. But just as she was about to reach the glass, Sheng Chenjin swiftly withdrew it and downed the entire glass of champagne himself.
By the time Shi Xinxin realized what had happened, the champagne flute was empty. She looked at Sheng Chenjin angrily. He swirled the empty glass again. "Oh dear, my apologies. The glass is empty."
Shi Xinxin knew he had done it on purpose, but she wasn't angry at all. Was this man teasing her the same person as the stern chairman from the legends? Why could he smile so naturally with her?
Seeing Sheng Chenjin's captivating smile return, Shi Xinxin felt that this sweet dream she was experiencing today was truly the sweetest dream she had ever had since childhood.
The two were lost in their own little world, completely unaware of the hateful glances coming from all directions throughout the banquet hall.
If looks could turn into daggers, Shi Xinxin would have been pierced through a thousand times by now. Unfortunately, the socialites couldn't do that. Every single unmarried lady present was grinding her teeth in hatred, except for Ye Yun.
After Ye Yun returned to her seat from the drinks area, she had been staring at Sheng Chenjin and Shi Xinxin's corner. She saw Sheng Chenjin's concern and his deliberate playful actions towards Shi Xinxin, but she didn't get angry at all.
Because she saw Sheng Chenjin drink an entire glass of champagne. That little pill, its effects were very potent. No one would drink champagne in one gulp normally, so she had specifically chosen a strong drug.
When she saw him take a small sip, she had been relieved. She hadn't expected him to drink the rest to tease Shi Xinxin.
His act of teasing Shi Xinxin just now had inadvertently helped Ye Yun a great deal. As they were playfully interacting, the music in the banquet hall suddenly changed tempo and eventually quieted down.
Everyone rose and gathered, facing the stage. The host came on, gave a brief introduction, and announced the opening of the dance. As Sheng Chenjin had made a special request beforehand, the host did not go into detailed introductions of the guests present.
But almost everyone present knew that Sheng Chenjin was here tonight. After the dance began, Shi Xinxin inexplicably became nervous. Although she had entered with great confidence, the next part was to showcase her dance, which she had only learned for a short time.
Even though the butler had assured her she had mastered the steps and there were no issues, she was still worried, especially after sensing the eyes of the other ladies.
Shortly after the dance began, Sheng Chenjin started to feel dizzy, very confused. Given his tolerance for alcohol, a single glass of champagne should not have been a problem at all.
When the first dance began, Shi Xinxin's heart pounded. She expected Sheng Chenjin to lead her onto the dance floor and was already contemplating finding an excuse to decline.
However, to her surprise, Sheng Chenjin remained seated quietly by her side. She wanted to go and ask him, but she didn't want Sheng Chenjin to see her fear, so after some thought, she decided to sit still and follow instructions.
By the time the second dance began, Sheng Chenjin still showed no intention of taking her to dance. Shi Xinxin became a little curious. At home, Sheng Chenjin hadn't told her the rules of dancing at a ball. Shouldn't they go on the floor after getting ready?
Why wasn't Sheng Chenjin taking her? She secretly glanced at Sheng Chenjin. He was sitting on the side, seemingly without any unusual behavior, but Shi Xinxin noticed fine beads of sweat on his forehead. Was he nervous? She covered her mouth and chuckled.
After the second dance concluded, there was a break. Shi Xinxin turned around, intending to tease Sheng Chenjin, but as soon as she turned, Sheng Chenjin spoke first. "I'm going to the restroom. You wait here for me."
Shi Xinxin nodded, but she felt a slight unease. Sheng Chenjin's voice was unusually gentle, almost weak. She couldn't be sure.
Sheng Chenjin stood up and quickly made his way to the restroom. He had been doing his best to maintain his balance on the way, and he couldn't understand what was happening. After drinking that glass of champagne, he had felt dizzy.