As the banquet wore on, the hall filled with lyrical music, and pairs of elegant men and women took to the central dance floor for ballroom dancing. Naturally, the prime spot at the heart of the dance floor was reserved for the party's two protagonists, Zhao Qingshi and Qi Hemei. Even through the crowd, I could see Qi Hemei's arm around her slender waist, their movements perfectly synchronized—whether due to elite dance training or countless prior rehearsals, they were seamless.
In Qi Hemei's embrace, Zhao Qingshi glided gracefully, her hips swaying with sensual elegance, every step a hypnotic spell. To me, she seemed a fairy stepped out of a dream, every smile dripping with allure. An Zhishui had also pulled Li Luyou onto the floor. The wealthy heiress had mastered social dancing since childhood, while Li Luyou, though talented, moved with caution. Still, under her guidance, they managed well—though I noticed her brow furrow slightly during energetic spins, a hint of discomfort from last night's… activities. Li Luyou had clearly been enthusiastic.
Ning Yingxue turned to Luo Suohui, pleading softly, "Suohui, let's dance too?" Born into a modest family, she rarely attended such grand events. Watching couples twirl together, she longed to join in.
"Nah, boring." Luo Suohui didn't look up, glued to his phone game.
"Please? Just for a little while?" She leaned forward, her voice syrupy-sweet. The position strained her top, outlining her curves—full breasts like twin peaks, the deep crease of her hips framed by tight jeans. Even I felt a flicker of temptation.
He ignored her. When she gently tugged his hand, he snapped, "Stop messing with me! I died again because of you!"
"Ugh, we're about to get steamrolled—thanks a lot!" he snarled.
She released his hand, retreating to her seat with a dejected glance. He didn't even look up, too absorbed in his game. I sighed inwardly: how could he take such a beauty for granted? If Ning Yingxue were my girl, I'd dance with her even if I looked like a clumsy duck, mocked by all.
With Luo Suohui ignoring us, the silence between Ning Yingxue and me grew awkward. I shuffled closer. "Maybe try his games? You'd have something in common."
"I did," she said, glancing at him with a bitter smile. "He tried teaching me, but… girls aren't wired for this. I kept losing, and he refused to play with me. I gave up."
"Want me to show you? We've got time." I cringed at the risk—she was my friend's girl, after all.
"Sure!" To my relief, she agreed readily.
We pulled out our phones. "He plays Honor of Kings, right?"
"I have it too." She frowned. "But I'm terrible. Don't yell at me if I mess up."
I laughed. "No way. It's a game, and you're… you know, a goddess. Who'd yell at you?"
She opened the app. "What role do you main?"
I almost said "marksman," but bit my tongue. Saying that to a pretty girl felt… suggestive. "I can play anything. You pick first, Xue'er."
She chose Yu Ji. "I like her outfit. Is that okay?"
"Perfect. Play whatever makes you happy."
"You're so nice," she said, selecting the character. "Suohui always makes me play support, says I 'help' him. But every time I follow him out of the turret, we die, and he blames me."
"Then I'll play support today. I'll protect you."
Browsing the hero list, I paused at Xiang Yu—the historical lover of Yu Ji. Before I could think, I selected him. Idiot! I realized too late. They were canonical lovers in the game. Playing them with his girlfriend was crossing a line.
She blushed. "Chen Xiao… maybe pick someone else? If Suohui sees the logs… he might misunderstand."
"You're right. My mistake." I nodded quickly, feeling like a fool. What was I thinking? She was Luo Suohui's girl, not mine.
Glancing at Yu Ji's sleek design—curved hips in a jade-green gown, long legs, inviting cleavage—I sighed. Of course she resembles Ning Yingxue. And Xiang Yu, the armored warlord, was her fated match. Who was I?
"Let's go with Ox Head Man," I muttered, choosing the ugliest support.
"He's so weird-looking," she giggled.
"Yeah… suits me," I said, too dispirited to correct her—his name was actually Niu Mo Wang ("King Bull Demon"), not "Ox Head Man." A powerful support, but unloved by female players for his design. Just like me—all substance, no style.
To my surprise, we won the first match. Despite early setbacks, my timely flash and ultimate allowed Yu Ji to ace the final team fight.
"Yay! My first MVP!" Ning Yingxue beamed, delighted.
"You earned it. We'd have lost without you."
"No, you were amazing! I'd never have left the turret without you… uh, Ox Head Man."
I chuckled awkwardly at the nickname. Ox Head Man had… other connotations. But she meant no harm.
The second game was a rout. Her Yu Ji dominated, while I merely followed, soaking up assists. When the enemy Nexus exploded, she cheered loudly, then clapped a hand over her mouth, giggling. In that moment, her eyes sparkled like a child's—for a second, I thought she might kiss me.
"I haven't been this happy in ages," she admitted, tone softening.
"Really? Why so down lately?"
She looked away, studying her shoes. "I… don't know what to do next."
I ached to hold her, to comfort her—not out of desire, but genuine pity. But I couldn't. The boy who should comfort her was across the room, rage-typing at his phone over another loss.
She met my gaze. "I thought you'd get mad if I sucked. Most guys would."
"Never. I'm honored you'd play with me. And you're not bad—you're amazing."
"Suohui called me a pig for being bad at this." Her voice dropped.
I froze. He actually said that? Words failed me. Here she was, trying to connect with him, only to be insulted. How had she felt? Angry? Heartbroken?
But at the end of the day, she stayed. She tolerated it. Which made her…
"Yeah," I said quietly. "You are a pig."
Not for gaming. For staying with a man who'd never see her worth. For settling for scraps of attention from someone who'd never cherish her.
A pig… but a pig in love.