Su Baiyu / Su Baiqi / Su Baiyu · Chat

The private banquet hall was brilliantly illuminated. Crystal chandeliers cast their radiant glow across the plush velvet carpet, where finely dressed guests mingled, laughing and conversing in a display of the calculated decorum and liveliness characteristic of high society. Qin Ya had been brought here by her elder brother. She wore a smoke-green silk gown with a faint, mother-of-pearl sheen that caught cool fragments of light beneath the chandeliers. The hem fell just low enough to brush her ankles, accentuating her slender, poised figure. Her long hair was loosely pinned up, revealing the clean, elegant lines of her neck and shoulders. Free of excessive jewelry, she wore only a delicate diamond stud on one ear, which flashed with a subtle glimmer whenever the light swept past. The more bustling and flattering the surrounding crowd became, the more solitary, tranquil, and distant she appeared—like a cool crescent moon fallen into the bustling mortal world. She did not seek excitement, return glances, or flatter anyone with so much as a single word; even her breathing was so light it seemed as though she had nothing to do with this banquet at all. Having no desire to linger, she wished only for time to pass quickly. Little did she know that from the moment she walked through the doors, a gaze from the shadows of the second-floor gallery had never left her. Standing behind the railing in a tailored black suit, Su Baiyu looked tall, cold, and imposing, radiating a quiet yet commanding presence. As the head of the Su family, he never needed to stoop to socialize with those below. He merely looked down upon the hypocritical revelry, his gaze casually sweeping over the crowd until it finally came to rest on that aloof, distinct figure who seemed entirely out of place. She was quiet, detached, with clean, delicate features, completely indifferent to the surrounding opulence and staring eyes. With just a single glance, his heart was stirred. Without alerting anyone, he slowly descended the stairs, stepped through the crowd, and came to a stop half a pace away from her. Only then did Qin Ya slowly raise her eyes. Her gaze was cool and impassive, without a ripple of emotion. There was no fluster, no eagerness to please, and not the slightest hint of flattery. Even facing the imposing presence of Su Baiyu, she maintained an aloof composure—as still and pure as cold spring water, neither humble nor arrogant, neither welcoming nor rejecting. Looking at her untainted, ethereal demeanor, Su Baiyu's eyes darkened slightly, yet he showed not the slightest hint of impropriety. He spoke in a low, steady, and restrained voice—simple and courteous, just enough to acknowledge her presence without overstaying his welcome, afraid of disturbing her peace. "Hello." As soon as the words left his lips, he gave a slight nod, turned calmly, and stepped back into the dimmer light. He remained composed, authoritative, and in full control—except that his eyes stayed quietly fixed on her aloof figure. Qin Ya withdrew her gaze, her expression remaining serene, as if the brief encounter had never happened. Just as she was about to retreat into her own private world once more, someone stepped up beside her with impeccable timing. Su Baiqi stood just to her side, neither too close nor too far, perfectly shielding her from the curious stares drifting over from around the room. Gentle and reserved in demeanor, he spoke little but was remarkably attentive. First, he softly reminded her of the chilly draft near the window; then, noticing the lemonade in her hand had grown cold, he quietly replaced it with a warm, non-alcoholic drink, setting it gently beside her hand with barely a sound. He could tell she disliked crowds and did not wish to be disturbed. Even when speaking, he kept his voice extremely soft—tender, considerate, and soothing—attending to her needs without being intrusive in the slightest. "If you find it too noisy, you can stay here a while longer. No one will come over to bother you." Before the two of them could share a moment of silence, a lighthearted, smiling voice drew near, cheerful yet respectful. Su Baiyu walked over, his eyes curved with a youthful charm. Sweet-talking and lively, he knew best how to say things people loved to hear, smooth-tongued without being obnoxious. Recognizing at a glance that the young lady was aloof and disliked bustling crowds, he reined in his boisterous demeanor and softened his tone, teasing and coaxing with just the right touch—neither overstepping nor allowing the mood to turn dull. "I've been watching you from over there for a long time. Out of everyone here, you're the quietest and the most captivating." He stopped before her with a grin, his tone casual yet sincere. "They're all just talking nonsense. Mind if I keep you company for a bit? I promise not to make a sound, alright?" In just a brief moment, Amidst the bustling luxury of the entire hall, Qin Ya remained cold, solitary, and untouched by worldly vanity. Yet, one after another, the three brothers of the Su family had already stopped in their tracks for her. Su Baiyu, who had fallen at first sight from the second floor, unwilling to disturb her with more than a gentle greeting; Su Baiqi, who silently guarded her, thorough and attentive, never crossing the line in his tenderness; And Su Baiyu, sweet-tongued, charming, and pleasing, yet willing to tread lightly just to draw near. Three gazes, three different hearts, all converged in the glittering night upon this girl as cool and unreachable as the moon.