C14 How Long Do You Want to Bet?

Clearly, the audience was astounded. Whispers could be heard: "My God, who is this girl that she can get Mr. Gong to dance the opening with her?"

"Absolutely! I'd give anything to dance with Mr. Gong, even my life!"

"Keep it down! I heard someone tried to pursue Mr. Gong before. She just wanted to give him a hug, but he tossed her into the sea to the sharks!"

"All I can do is dream. I wouldn't dare actually do it." Despite her words, the resentment in her eyes was palpable. That woman already has Gong Mochen as her boyfriend. Why does she also get to dance with Mr. Gong?

At that moment, as the music began and the musicians on either side struck up their instruments, Soong Yiren gracefully took to the dance floor, led by Gong Lingye.

Light cascaded from the dome above, seemingly dancing along with Soong Yiren and Gong Lingye's every move.

Gong Lingye, tall and imposing, gently held Soong Yiren by the waist. Towering a head above her, his gaze was soft yet inquisitive, as if trying to read something in Soong Yiren's expression.

The girl before him, with her raven hair, porcelain skin, and the swan-like curve of her neck, was stunning in her rose-colored gown. As she twirled, Soong Yiren's vibrant elegance and Gong Lingye's reserved aloofness were in perfect harmony, making them the center of attention.

The music swelled, growing more fervent, and with it, Gong Lingye and Soong Yiren's steps quickened.

Having been raised in the prestigious Gong Family, Gong Lingye was well-versed in every dance style.

Seeing Soong Yiren's steps flow with such ease, his curiosity deepened.

Thus, Gong Lingye intentionally chose a complex dance sequence. It was one that would challenge anyone not trained for over a decade. Yet, to his surprise, Soong Yiren moved with effortless grace, not showing the slightest hint of distress, but rather, an even greater poise.

Soong Yiren was well aware that Gong Lingye was deliberately probing her, yet it didn't bother her in the slightest.

For Soong Yiren, such things were a breeze.

Not only was she adept at dancing and versed in social etiquette, but she was also skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

The Soong Family, after all, was once the preeminent powerhouse in Ningcheng.

As a Soong heiress, even though Soong Yiren devoted most of her time to her studies and career, she was naturally immersed in a world of culture and refinement from birth. It was inconceivable that she wouldn't be knowledgeable in these areas.

Ultimately, Soong Yiren executed a highly challenging bend that elicited gasps of amazement from the onlookers.

When the music ceased, Soong Yiren and Gong Lingye exchanged a glance on stage and simultaneously concluded their dance.

As the lights around them brightened, the audience seemed to snap out of a trance, filling the hall with sounds of awe and admiration.

After leaving the stage, Soong Yiren made her way to the restroom.

However, as she was about to exit the stall, she overheard a conversation about herself.

"Did you hear about what happened to Yu Ruonuan's family? Her dad sold off two daughters before. I wonder how much Soong Yiren's dad sold her for?"

"With that enchanting face of hers, she must have fetched a high price from the Gong Family!"

"Don't you see? The Gong Family is just playing with her. Once Young Master Gong tires of Soong Yiren, she'll be discarded like trash."

"Have you noticed Soong Yiren? She's ensnared Young Master Gong and even Uncle Gong hasn't escaped her charms!"

"Exactly, why would Young Master Gong dance with her? I've never seen Uncle Gong dance with anyone!"

"Waanting, didn't you realize? Uncle Gong was only stepping in temporarily because Young Master Gong was absent!"

"Right, if it weren't for Yu Ruonuan luring Young Master Gong, Uncle Gong wouldn't have given her the time of day. Let's bet on how long it'll take for Young Master Gong to ditch that brazen woman!"

"I'm betting one month!"

"A month is way too long. My bet's on ten days!"

"Three days—I'm certain he'll dump that shameless woman in just three days!"

Just then, the partition door behind the women swung open. Soong Yiren, the subject of the three girls' gossip, emerged with a composed and serene demeanor.

A wave of embarrassment washed over the girls' faces, particularly Jiang Waanting, whose expression soured momentarily before she regained her composure.

Jiang Waanting scrutinized Soong Yiren in the mirror, hoping to detect a hint of discomfort on her face.

Her attempt, however, was in vain.

Soong Yiren methodically washed her hands and, after drying them, turned to address the trio, "May I join your little wager?"

The girls were taken aback.

"I'll bet a year that in one year's time, it won't be Young Master Gong leaving me—it'll be me leaving him!" With a confident smile playing on her lips, Soong Yiren tossed the paper towel into the nearby bin, spun on her heel, and walked away with poise.