He couldn't bridge the gap between them. While he was confident he could shrug off the gossip and the judgmental stares, he needed to ensure Shi Xinxin felt the same way. If he couldn't provide her with that sense of security, he might just face rejection.
Shi Xinxin, unaware of Sheng Chenjin's thoughts, was focused on her expensive shoes. She absolutely couldn't scuff them. She finally reached the restaurant.
Despite a full meal the night before, she seemed to have a hearty appetite after her recovery. Looking at the lavish breakfast, she couldn't help but drool. The housekeeper had already set the table. As soon as she sat down, she looked at Sheng Chenjin.
"I've already eaten, you don't need to worry about me," Sheng Chenjin said, understanding her intentions. He didn't mind. With his permission granted, Shi Xinxin immediately began to feast.
After her fill, Sheng Chenjin led her to the banquet hall at the end of the second floor. This place was usually used for parties. When there were no events, it was furnished like a small library.
It was a spacious room with a single large door. Upon opening it, one faced another staircase leading down to the first floor. Shi Xinxin was astonished. What kind of structure did this house have? After more than a month here, she still couldn't figure out why there was a staircase.
Before she could ponder further, Sheng Chenjin approached her, "We're starting lessons now. You still know the basic posture, right?"
Sheng Chenjin's tone wasn't mocking. Shi Xinxin raised her hand, assuming the basic pose for a lady in dance. Sheng Chenjin nodded, "Good, you still know the stance. Come, relax your body, just apply gentle pressure to your wrist. Place this hand on my shoulder, let your elbow be natural for elegance."
As Sheng Chenjin spoke, he guided Shi Xinxin's posture, his hands on hers, making her feel a little embarrassed. She knew that once he adjusted her, their distance as dance partners would become much closer.
The mere thought of such intimate contact sent her heart racing uncontrollably.
On the few occasions she had woken up, the housekeeper had told her it was Sheng Chenjin who had brought her back. He had carried her to her room. Though these touches had happened before, they were when Shi Xinxin was unconscious and unaware.
This was the first time they were this close while she was awake. Seeing Sheng Chenjin suddenly lean in, Shi Xinxin's heart pounded.
His handsome face appeared right before her eyes, making Shi Xinxin feel as if she were in a dream, just like last night when she could quietly watch him in bed. That warm feeling washed over her again.
Sheng Chenjin straightened her posture, stepped forward, and gently took Shi Xinxin's waist, pulling her closer. Shi Xinxin was very slender, and her waist was soft.
Despite being well-fed during her recent illnesses, she hadn't gained any fat. The evening gown was secretly custom-made for her by the designer, based on measurements taken by Aunt Yun while helping her change. It fit her perfectly.
The fabric clung to her body flawlessly. As his hand gently grasped her waist, Sheng Chenjin's heart softened. "Do you know the basic steps?"
He almost didn't know how to continue. The sight before him was too tempting, but he couldn't act on any impulse. If he did, it would only give Shi Xinxin the impression of being a playboy. He wanted to give her enough security, to make her confident that they could be happy together. So, he struggled to suppress his desires and returned to teaching.
Shi Xinxin didn't realize her face was already half-flushed from the images in her mind. She hadn't heard what Sheng Chenjin asked and hastily shook her head.
"It's okay, we'll take it slow. Follow my steps. If I step back, you step forward. If I step forward, you step back. Understand?" Shi Xinxin didn't reply, just nodded absently.
"Alright, follow my lead," Sheng Chenjin said. He was also curious why she had suddenly gone silent. He guessed it was likely due to the scene before her, which made her shy. He didn't want to pressure her. If he could teach her to dance sooner, and she learned to enjoy it, she wouldn't be so shy. Since Shi Xinxin kept her head down, it was difficult for him to explain complex techniques. He simply told her the basic principle of one moving forward and the other back.
Then, he held Shi Xinxin's hand and controlled her waist, guiding her forward and backward. Without much explanation, mistakes were inevitable. In just a short morning, she had stepped on Sheng Chenjin's feet countless times.
The first few times were fine. Since she hadn't learned before, Sheng Chenjin understood that it would be difficult for Shi Xinxin to adapt immediately. He had also prepared himself mentally. However, after two or three hours, he found that she still couldn't remember the pattern at all. She'd remember the first set of steps, forget them by the second round, and then forget the first set again after remembering the second. Sheng Chenjin was in pain. Even though he was wearing leather shoes, he couldn't withstand being stepped on by high heels repeatedly. He now regretted buying her such slender high heels.
After stepping on Sheng Chenjin's foot for what felt like the umpteenth time, Shi Xinxin became a little embarrassed. She lowered her head, stood still with a hint of grievance, and whispered, "I'm sorry, I keep stepping on your foot. Why don't you step on mine back?" Sheng Chenjin found it both exasperating and amusing.
"You stepped on my foot because you danced incorrectly, not on purpose. If I stepped on you even when we weren't dancing, then it would be intentional. Do you want me to be known as a bully?"
Shi Xinxin didn't quite grasp it. She had just asked him to step on her back, not realizing the convoluted logic involved. Seeing her look up with a blank expression, Sheng Chenjin couldn't help but chuckle. "Everyone steps on their partner's foot when they're first learning to dance. It's fine, I can endure it. After all, I'm the one who asked you to attend this dance party. Even if it's revenge, it's just being stepped on a couple of times."
Sheng Chenjin casually made a joke again, wanting to help Shi Xinxin relax. It was inevitable to step on someone's foot when starting to dance. He wouldn't mind too much. If he were going to mind, he wouldn't have insisted on her learning to dance.
This feeling was wonderful. She hadn't called him "Mr." just now. Although she felt a little apologetic and perhaps a bit wronged, she hadn't said "Mr.," which pleased him greatly.