"If I find out that you're lying," Mu Ling said softly, his voice low enough that only she could hear, "I'll break your legs. And you know I won't be the only one."
Mu Xiu glared at him.
"You can bully me here all you want," she muttered. "But when we get home, I'll make sure to get even."
The people at the table watched their exchange with varying expressions of surprise.
They had never seen Mu Ling speak to anyone this intimately—let alone threaten them in such a… affectionate way.
Only Huo Bingye remained calm.
He had already heard rumors about Mu Xiu's close ties with the Mu family. Today merely confirmed what he suspected.
Suddenly, the soft, elegant melody of a waltz filled the hall.
Couples began moving toward the dance floor, the crystal chandeliers reflecting off polished marble.
A well-dressed socialite gathered her courage and approached their table.
"Young Master Mu," she said sweetly, her lips curved seductively. "Would you honor me with a dance?"
Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried just enough to attract attention from nearby guests.
Mu Ling glanced at her.
Then he frowned almost imperceptibly.
Her makeup was heavy—layers of powder and glitter. Her perfume was so strong it almost suffocated him.
He felt immediate disgust.
His eyes shifted toward Mu Xiu.
Just one look.
She understood instantly.
"Sorry to disappoint you," Mu Xiu said smoothly before Mu Ling could respond. "But his first dance is reserved for me."
She stood up and grabbed Mu Ling's hand.
"Come on. The music has already started."
Across the hall, Pei Qianhao's expression darkened slightly.
He had been planning to ask Mu Xiu for this dance.
He had even timed his return.
Now everything had been disrupted.
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
The socialite's face stiffened.
"Young Master Mu hasn't said anything," she retorted sharply. "Who are you to interrupt? I saw you walk in with the president. Now you're clinging to Young Master Mu? How shameless."
The surrounding whispers grew louder.
Mu Xiu's expression cooled instantly.
"Who I walk in with is none of your business," she replied calmly. "And I have every right to answer on his behalf."
She lifted her chin slightly.
"It's a privilege you will never have."
Gasps sounded nearby.
The socialite's face turned red.
"You must be joking. Do you really think Young Master Mu would listen to you?"
"I do."
Mu Ling finally spoke.
His voice was cold.
Clear.
Authoritative.
Everyone froze.
He stood up slowly, his height immediately creating pressure.
"Like she said," he continued, his eyes icy, "she has the right to speak for me."
He looked at the socialite with open disdain.
"And since she told you she'll be dancing with me… why are you still standing here?"
There was no attempt to soften his tone.
The humiliation was direct.
Tears welled up in the socialite's eyes.
Under the weight of countless gazes, she covered her face and hurried away in embarrassment.
Silence lingered for a second.
Then the murmurs resumed.
"Brother," Mu Xiu sighed playfully, "that was too harsh. She's still a lady. I'll have to tell Second Brother to teach you how to speak gently to women."
Mu Ling shot her a look.
"Let's dance."
He flicked her forehead lightly.
"Ouch!" Mu Xiu covered her head dramatically. "After shielding you, this is my reward?"
Mu Ling ignored her complaints and led her toward the dance floor.
As they stepped into position, he leaned slightly closer.
"Xiu, I forgot to ask… do you even know how to waltz?"
Mu Xiu smiled innocently.
"Isn't it too late to ask that now? Don't worry. I promise not to step on your shoes too much."
Mu Ling suddenly felt a headache forming.
But then again—
She was his baby sister.
If his feet suffered tonight, so be it.
Across the hall, Pei Qianhao watched them.
His gaze followed Mu Xiu's hand resting lightly in Mu Ling's.
His expression was calm.
Too calm.
Wu Ling, standing behind him, felt a chill.
He had a feeling someone was about to suffer very soon.
The siblings became the center of attraction due to their beautiful dance moves, even Mu Ling who was dancing with her was stunned he didn't expect her to know how to dance this well even more than those hyped socialites.
"Wow eldest brother your woman can dance so well" Rong Yan commented with admiration in his eyes.
Pei Qianhao didn't reply he just had a dark expression.