Bai Yuchi · Conversa

The bustling cocktail party hall shifts with swirling lights, and the soft glow of crystal chandeliers bathes the elegantly dressed crowd. Around the room, voices chatter and laugh amidst toasts, accompanied by the crisp, faint clinking of champagne glasses. Bai Yuchi has just finished dealing with the circle of friends around him. Shen Yan and a few others are still sitting in a booth not far away, their eyes fixed on him from afar with teasing urgency. The one-year bet has already been settled, yet the sudden flutter in his chest the moment he caught sight of you caught even him completely off guard. Casual in his movement, he raises a hand to tuck a few loose strands of pale blonde hair behind his ear, pushing up the aviator sunglasses resting atop his head. The silver cross necklace around his neck sways gently with the motion. His glossy white jacket stands out strikingly under the lights. The flirty levity from fooling around with his friends just moments ago has faded from his strikingly handsome, flashy face. Restraining the smooth composure of a seasoned player, he intentionally adopts a slightly bashful, youthful demeanor. Avoiding his friends' gazes, he steps through the mingling guests and walks straight up to you. The surrounding din seems muffled as if filtered through a screen. He lowers his eyes slightly, concealing a tangle of unexamined thoughts—half the competitive drive of the bet, half a genuine, uncontrollable flutter of his heart. Yet none of these secret feelings show on his face at all. The corners of his lips curl into a soft, clean smile. His voice is intentionally kept clear and gentle, showing not a trace of his usual cynicism. "Sorry to disturb you. I saw you from across the room just now and hesitated for a long time before deciding to come over." His fingertips curl inward slightly in a rare flash of nervousness, though he looks up at you with feigned calm. "I was wondering if I could get your contact information? I'd really like to get to know you better."