Unfortunate Romance

In front of the mirror, Feng Ting tugged at the helm of her dress.

She had called Wenxin for one, who immediately sent a full set of jewelry and clothes for her. She recalled the cheerful voice over the phone, "Don't worry! It's perfect for you! Exactly what you ordered eheh."

The rippling dark purple dress was specked with tiny gold and silver flecks. A thin silver winged bird necklace hung above a lilac gossamer illusion that left her shoulders b.a.r.e. The dress fell just above the knee, revealing long slim legs. It looked low-key but elegant. Looks like Sis Wenxin did something right for once.

The gala was masquerade style so she donned a simple silver bird mask that covered the upper half of her face.

Feng Ting jumped up and down a few times and punched a few times. Good, the dress allowed for good mobility.

Now shoes . . . her face had black lines as she stared at the tiny flats. She sighed, slipping them on. She glanced at her watch. Just on time.

Masquerade Gala . .

Feng Ting stepped out of the taxi and stood at the entrance. The gala was held at an upscale hotel. Various people in formal attire were walking inside.

Feng Ting slipped in quietly into the room. Snatching a flute of champagne, she retreated into a quiet corner, taking tiny sips as she surveyed the room.

Socialites and businessmen milled around, engaging in quiet conversation. Waiters carried around glasses of wine, while a buffet table ladled with food stood at the center of the room. Light classical music could be heard from the grand piano.

Boring. She hated pretentious gatherings like these. What a waste of time.

Feng Ting stepped out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing. She popped a lollipop in her mouth, then started to check games. Below her, the courtyard was shroud in shadows.

Suddenly a figure appeared, walking in a slow gait. He was dressed in a black suit, a simple mask covering his entire face. An icy aura surrounded him. Evidently, dangerous.

He looked up and their eyes clashed. Time seemed to stop as a clear phoenix eyes met a domineering glacial gaze. The night wind blew as the two observed each other. The man's eyes bore into her like he was peering into her soul.

Familiar. Where had she seen him before?

"Big brother!" A loud voice interrupted the stare off. The masked man immediately ran toward her. Feng Ting watched in surprise as he leaped up, using the window ledges to swing himself onto the balcony where she stood.

Feng Ting twirled the lollipop in her hand and continued to study the stranger. Judging from the jawline, this guy probably had a pretty good face points. She gave a slight smile. "Handsome brother, do you fear your little sister that much?"

The masked man lunged forward, grasping her hand. "You —" Feng Ting stumbled back, cursing. These shoes where going to be the death of her!

The man pulled her into a dark corner, pushing her against the wall. He leaned forward, his breath falling on her neck. She shivered.

She heard hurried footsteps, and a girl rushed past. The girl scanned around, eyes falling on the duo above her in the corner. "Disgusting, get a room," she sneered. Feng Ting's hand twitched, shooting her lollipop into a distant grove of trees. A subtle rustling noise. "There!" The girl quickly left.

Feng Ting frowned. "She's gone, let go." The masked man gripped her wrist harder instead, pulling her flush against his body. She felt a hand snake around her waist, heat burning through her dress. "Oi!" She stomped on his foot and twisted away. What a pervert, trying to take advantage of her!

Backing away a few steps, she glared at him. The man continued to stare heatedly at her. . .

Feng Ting squashed the rage within her, letting a smirk appear on her mouth. "Are you attracted to me?"

The man stepped closer to her, his mouth curling into an identical smirk. "So what if I am?" His baritone voice sent heat rushing through her. He leaned down dangerously toward her face.

Feng Ting gulped, her heart racing. No! She immediately controlled her heartbeat, and steadied her breathing. "You look beautiful tonight." Feng Ting's mind turned stormy at that classic line.

Eh? For real? Feng Ting rolled her eyes inwardly. This must be those so-called players Sis Wenxin warned her about. Invaders of personal space and always trying to seduce girls. Humph!

She leaned forward, giving a peck on his masked face. Closing in on his ear, she whispered, "Unfortunately, I'm not into you!" She slammed her knee where the sun doesn't shine, and stalked back inside, ignoring the muffled groan of pain behind her.

Ugh, what bad luck to run into a jerk like this. She walked over to the buffet table, downing a glass of fruit juice to quell her emotions. Unknown to her, under the warm lighting, her dress slightly shone, giving her an ethereal look.

Around her, people eyed the dazzling petite figure who was evidently alone and fell into whispers. Men and women eyed her, shooting interested gazes.

"Is that dress ZERO's limited edition design Cosmos? I heard it wouldn't be available until next year."

"Look that the necklace around her neck. It's a silver hummingbird necklace from Tiffany! I heard only 5 of them exist in the world!"

"Which wealthy socialite is that? She looks absolutely stunning."

"Ah, I finally met a fairy today. . ."

Feng Ting, hearing the mutters around her, had black lines on her face. This outfit . . .

She quickly stepped back, only to clash headfirst into another women. Feng Ting reeled back, her mask falling off.

The women's mask had fallen off as well. She stumbled back with a shout, glaring at Feng Ting. Getting a clear look at her face, her eyes widened in shock. "Song Feng Ting?!"