Chapter Thirty-Two: Courting Death!

Junior Sister, stop joking. Someone with no dance background at all cannot possibly waltz," Han Ziyu hastily objected.

What a joke! He had carefully planned tonight's practice session and would never let the benefits fall into the hands of that second-generation brat.

"It's fine, I'll just practice first," Luoshui said, placing her hands on Qin Mu's shoulders and inviting him to dance.

Unexpectedly, Qin Mu shook his head without hesitation, "I don't know how to waltz."

Hearing this, Luoshui bit her silver teeth in frustration and drew closer, whispering, "You can't just stand by and watch me dance with someone like him, can you?"

With that, Luoshui tugged Qin Mu onto the stage.

"If you can't manage, step down immediately. Don't force yourself," Han Ziyu advised earnestly. "You know better than I do—a poor partner will ruin the rhythm of the dance."

But then he reconsidered. Luoshui was trying to be clever; on the surface, she was politely refusing him, but in reality, she was helping Han Ziyu. If she practiced with Qin Mu, it would only expose Qin Mu's incompetence, and then Han Ziyu could naturally become her partner. As for guidance, that would be up to him.

Thinking this, a smile crept onto Han Ziyu's face.

But as soon as they stepped onto the stage, Luoshui warmly took Qin Mu's hand and placed it on her slender waist, carefully instructing him on how to dance.

Seeing this, Han Ziyu felt displeased and quickly signaled for the music to begin.

The melodious music began, and Luoshui led with a graceful opening. Her movements were natural and elegant, her steps light. With just one demonstration, Luoshui had already mastered the waltz technique.

"Senior Sister is truly remarkable. They say she's only learned some basic dancing, never the waltz, and now, after seeing it once, she's as proficient as a professional. Her talent is enviable," some dance majors remarked in admiration.

A graceful beauty moved as if she were a masterpiece come to life.

But looking at Qin Mu beside her, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

"Ha ha! What is that? Are you just marching?"

"He's so stiff—even a child would dance better!"

"Come down, stop embarrassing yourself. Let Han Ziyu take over."

Han Ziyu was secretly delighted, nodding repeatedly, "Junior Sister, you see, time is precious. Let me take over."

But Luoshui seemed not to hear him, continuing to dance with Qin Mu in time with the music.

Han Ziyu's face darkened as he stood and strode toward the stage, intent on interrupting them.

Just as he took a step, a curious girl pointed at Qin Mu. "Huh? Normally, someone with no dance experience would step on their partner, right? But he hasn't stepped on Senior Sister Luoshui at all."

With her comment, everyone noticed it too: though Qin Mu's movements were stiff, he made no mistakes.

"So what? He's just forcing himself," Han Ziyu scoffed, when suddenly Luoshui cried out coquettishly.

"Mm!"

Luoshui glared at Qin Mu, her beautiful eyes flashing with anger. Qin Mu had suddenly tightened his hold, pulling her waist close to him, as if holding warm jade in his arms, her fragrance enveloping him.

Han Ziyu's face turned ashen, wishing he could tear Qin Mu to pieces. The one who should be holding Luoshui and dancing gracefully was him!

Then the music reached a climax.

Qin Mu moved before Luoshui could, their hands entwined as they followed the rhythm. His awkward steps gradually became skilled, as if an artist lightly brushing the canvas of music.

Luoshui was perplexed; though she seemed at ease, she could only move in harmony with Qin Mu, unable to assert control, like a lost bird seeking a leader.

Her competitive spirit bristled. With a soft hum, she placed her hands on Qin Mu's body, determined to match him.

To the onlookers, it was simply a pair of lovebirds, entwined and tender—a perfect match.

When the music stopped, the watching crowd finally snapped out of their trance.

They had been utterly captivated.

If in the first half, Qin Mu was an inelegant outsider, in the second, he seemed a hidden master, commanding the stage with unmatched flair.

"Well, you kept it hidden from me!" Luoshui pouted, refusing to concede.

Even in the end, she couldn't wrest control back from Qin Mu.

"You said you couldn't dance—were you just pretending to show off?" she demanded.

"Speak up!"

Han Ziyu stepped forward, pressing Qin Mu.

Qin Mu put his hands in his pockets and gave Han Ziyu a cold glance. "Why should I explain myself to you?"

"You—" Han Ziyu bared his teeth but restrained himself.

"Senior Brother, I think I work well with my neighbor. I'll practice with him, and we can adjust as needed," Luoshui intervened to smooth things over.

Yet she was curious—where had Qin Mu learned such perfect dance moves? Many details had been flawless; only someone immersed in dance for years could achieve that.

"It's fine," Han Ziyu waved generously. "I thought the dance was impressive. Let these juniors practice first. I have a few points I'd like to discuss with your neighbor."

Han Ziyu turned to Qin Mu with a sly smile. "For the sake of the performance, I trust you won't refuse?"

Luoshui saw Han Ziyu's unfriendly expression and was about to refuse for Qin Mu, but Qin Mu smiled and said, "Alright."

"Don't agree—can't you see he's out to trouble you?" Luoshui whispered.

Qin Mu said nothing, giving Luoshui a reassuring look, then followed Han Ziyu away.

If Qin Mu refused, Han Ziyu would probably continue to make trouble for Luoshui.

They walked to a soundproof room before Han Ziyu stopped.

"I advise you to stay away from Luoshui," Han Ziyu declared, righteous and stern.

"Oh? Why? Go ahead, I'm listening," Qin Mu replied calmly.

To him, Han Ziyu was nothing more than dust swept by the wind.

"I know you have some money, and it's normal to pursue pretty actresses. But Luoshui is different—she's being strongly promoted by Glorious Entertainment and is destined to leave River City. She's at the peak of her career, and the company will never allow her to date or become embroiled in any scandal. Being with her only harms her," Han Ziyu said, moving both with emotion and reason, almost convincing Qin Mu himself.

"First of all, she and I are simply neighbors."