C5 You Were Chosen

Qiao Yiyi steadied herself and turned to see that the man had released her. He stood tall and straight, clad in a dark blue suit with silver buttons, his pale hands resting at his sides. His gaze from behind the mask seemed scrutinizing.

Before Qiao Yiyi could respond, Qiao Xinya's voice broke through, tinged with tears, "Qiao Yiyi, how could you? First, you steal my boyfriend, and now you're trying the same tricks? You've always been like this. Don't you even consider me your cousin anymore?"

Her words clarified the situation for the onlookers, who now regarded Qiao Yiyi with contempt.

Mr. Mo reflected briefly before declaring, "There might be a misunderstanding, but the lady who will stay is her." He indicated Qiao Yiyi.

The crowd buzzed with surprise, and Qiao Xinya, visibly enraged, drew the eyes of many men with the dramatic rise and fall of her chest. Mr. Mo, however, spared her no glance and gestured for Qiao Yiyi to follow him.

Qiao Yiyi instinctively looked for the man with the icy touch who had stood behind her, but he had vanished without a trace in the brief interlude.

Amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd, Qiao Yiyi had no choice but to accompany Mr. Mo. She noticed Miss Mo in a purple dress trailing behind them, flanked by two young men.

They left the hall, ascending a sweeping staircase to enter a grand antechamber. Beyond it lay a dim, meandering corridor, leading to a series of towering archways. She was ushered into an expanse of white.

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Qiao Yiyi inquired, "Mr. Mo, where are you taking me?"

"Miss Qiao," Mr. Mo replied icily, "you must face the consequences of your dishonesty."

"What have I done wrong?" Qiao Yiyi halted abruptly, "It's late, and I wish to return home."

Mr. Mo turned to regard her with a steely gaze. "You should learn to comply; it will spare you further hardship."

Qiao Yiyi's heart raced with confusion at his inexplicable words. "Mr. Mo, I came to this ball by invitation, and I have the right to go home. You can't do this to me."

Mr. Mo chuckled. "Miss Qiao, you've been selected. That's an honor."

"Selected for what? To be Miss Mo's new best friend?"

Mr. Mo stepped forward. "You'll find out soon enough."

Despite his advance, Qiao Yiyi remained rooted to the spot, only to feel a pair of hands push her from behind. She spun around to see a young man standing there, while Miss Mo and another young man had slipped away unnoticed.

Even after being nudged, Qiao Yiyi stood her ground. The young man extended his hand as if to take action, but Mr. Mo, leading the way, didn't look back as he commanded, "Zinuo, don't touch her."

Zinuo shrugged, the corners of his mouth curling into a smirk as he lowered his hand.

Mr. Mo let out a soft sigh. "Miss Qiao, as I've mentioned, learning to comply will save you from hardship."

But Qiao Yiyi was defiant by nature; threats only made her more resistant. What was more, she felt the looming danger and desperately needed to find a way out.

Mr. Mo circled back to her, remaining silent as he simply gazed at her. After a moment, he removed his mask, revealing a look of puzzlement as he studied her reaction.

Qiao Yiyi scrutinized him in return. He was younger than she'd imagined, likely in his thirties, with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes beneath thick eyebrows. His intense gaze exuded an undeniable authority.

After several minutes of silent observation, Mr. Mo gestured to Zinuo, who turned and walked away. Qiao Yiyi watched him go with a mix of surprise and relief, only to turn back and find that Mr. Mo had also disappeared.

Incredibly, they had just left her there alone!