Qi Xiu moved with a quiet grace through Shanghai's elite ballrooms and private members' clubs. She was quiet, but she had a sharp mind and a crush on Liang Chen that wouldn't go away. Her mother, Ying Yue, who was a close friend of Liang Chen's mother, Wang Xiu, always encouraged this unspoken love by subtly pushing Qi Xiu to go to social events where Liang Chen would be.
Qi Xiu once again saw Liang Chen from a distance at a recent gala hosted by a well-known business family. He was, as always, the center of attention, and he had no trouble talking to important people and business leaders. She watched his calm face, the way his eyes would crinkle when he was really amused, and the way his jaw would flex slightly when the conversation got heated. Even though she didn't want to, her heart fluttered with a familiar desire. She thought he was smart, had a lot of focus, and handled a huge burden with such grace.
Her mother, Ying Yue, always on the lookout, would sometimes get her to talk to Wang Xiu. During these talks, she would subtly point out Qi Xiu's grace and quiet intelligence and hint that Liang Chen needed a stable partner. Qi Xiu would smile politely and give short answers, fully aware of what was going on behind the scenes. She didn't like how Wang Xiu subtly arranged things, but she really cared about Liang Chen, so she was a willing but passive participant in the marriage plans.
For Qi Xiu, these social events were less about making connections and more about stealing moments to watch the man who was on her mind. She wasn't pushy or aggressive; her love for him was a quiet, lasting flame. She was just a part of his life, a hopeful presence supported by family ties, quietly watching the stress and responsibilities that were weighing him down, believing that she could one day be the steady anchor he really needed.