Chapter 51: The Banquet, Subtle Temptation

"Li Chao, it's Sister Dan. Do you have a moment?" Liu Dan's voice came from the other end of the line.

"Good evening, Sister Dan. Is there something I can do for you?" Li Chao replied politely.

"Hey, are you free tonight? Come over for dinner at my place, let's make it lively!" Liu Dan invited warmly.

Li Chao hesitated, pausing for a moment before answering, "Sister Dan, you're too kind. You really don't have to go to all that trouble."

He laughed heartily into the phone. "Come on, don't be so formal with me! What could I possibly do to you?"

Li Chao half-joked, "I'm just worried I might disturb you."

"Disturb? Not at all! In fact, I have a friend over tonight too. The more, the merrier. It's settled then, I'll be waiting for you!" Liu Dan's words carried both warmth and a gentle insistence.

Li Chao felt conflicted. He knew Liu Dan was a warm-hearted person, but he also understood that there should be a certain distance between them.

"Sister Dan, I appreciate your kindness, but I've really been busy lately and might not have the time."

"Oh, busy, busy—no matter how busy you are, you still need to eat! Just do me this small favor and join us for a meal. It won't take up much of your time," Liu Dan said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Li Chao forced a helpless smile, realizing that if he refused again, he might truly upset her.

"All right, Sister Dan, then I'll accept your invitation."

"Great, it's settled. I'll be waiting for you!" Liu Dan's voice brimmed with joy.

After hanging up, Li Chao rubbed his nose thoughtfully.

He wasn't sure whether he'd made the right decision, but faced with Liu Dan's earnest invitation, he simply couldn't refuse.

He reminded himself that it was just a simple meal—nothing more.

After freshening up at home, he set out for Liu Dan's house as the sun dipped below the horizon, his steps slow but tinged with a trace of anticipation.

When he arrived, the lights outside her home glowed warmly, and the air was filled with the inviting aroma of home-cooked dishes, as if silently welcoming every guest.

Li Chao gently pushed the door open and entered the cozy, welcoming space.

"Ah, Li Chao, you're finally here! Come in, have a seat!" Liu Dan greeted him enthusiastically, taking his arm and leading him into the main room as though he were the guest of honor.

The table was already laden with a feast, the rich scents making his mouth water.

Seated at the table was a young woman in a camisole and shorts, her makeup subtle—a familiar face from the Swan KTV: Xiang Xue.

The moment Li Chao saw her, his expression changed and he had the urge to turn and leave.

He hadn't expected Liu Dan's friend to be her, and immediately regretted his decision.

After all, their previous encounter in town had left him with anything but a good impression.

Xiang Xue seemed to anticipate his reaction. She quickly stood up, her face innocent and pleading, her voice both soft and earnest: "Brother Chao, about last time—I was just scared by Xie Long and his group. I didn't mean to act that way, please believe me."

She twisted her waist slightly as she spoke, as if to convey her sincerity and vulnerability.

"I came to the village especially to apologize to you and Sister Dan," she continued. "I hope you'll give me a chance to make things right, okay?"

Liu Dan chimed in, "Li Chao, look at how sincere Xiang Xue is this time. She knows she was wrong and made a special effort to come and apologize. Let it go, let's have dinner together and put the past behind us."

Li Chao thought to himself, "Oh, now you say you were wrong, but why didn't you say that at KTV?"

He glanced from Xiang Xue to Liu Dan, torn.

He knew Liu Dan was a kind soul who hoped for harmony between everyone.

But his impression of Xiang Xue was simply too poor; he wanted nothing to do with her.

After a moment's silence, he finally decided to give her a chance.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "All right, since you've said so much, I won't dwell on the past. But don't let me down again."

Liu Dan's persuasion gradually calmed his resentment, and he realized perhaps everyone deserved a chance—after all, to err is human.

He nodded, accepting Liu Dan's proposal, and sat down to share this meaningful dinner.

"Li Chao, you're a man, be broad-minded! Don't hold grudges like a girl," Liu Dan teased as she noticed his expression soften.

She herself had already let go of much of the past, for Xiang Xue's recent actions had shown real contrition.

At the table, the mood grew ever more congenial. Liu Dan's cooking was as renowned as ever—even the simplest ingredients became mouthwatering dishes under her skillful hands, drawing praise after praise from Li Chao.

The three of them ate, chatted, clinked glasses, and laughed, the earlier unpleasantness seemingly swept away.

But this harmony didn't last long.

Li Chao gradually sensed something odd beneath the table—a toe brushing his calf, almost imperceptibly at first.

He thought it accidental and paid it no mind.

But as time went on, the touch not only continued but grew bolder, sliding up toward his thigh.

Li Chao's expression grew unnatural; he swallowed nervously and glanced across at Liu Dan.

Could it be her?

The notion startled and, strangely, excited him.

After all, in such a setting, this kind of intimacy was undeniably thrilling and ambiguous.

He wondered, "What does this mean? Is Liu Dan interested in me? Or was it just an accident?"

His heart pounded. Unsure what to do, he tried to keep his composure, chatting with He Li in a light tone, hoping to glean some clue from her reaction.

Liu Dan's eyes sparkled with mischief; it seemed she was playing with him, enjoying his embarrassment and confusion.

Curiosity overwhelmed him and he couldn't help but ask, "Liu Dan, what are you doing?"

She laughed softly, "Nothing, I just thought it was fun."

Her voice was playful, as if relishing the little prank.

Li Chao was baffled by her response.

He thought, "What is she thinking? Why is she doing this?"

Quickly, he shook his head, trying to dismiss such thoughts as fanciful.

He deliberately shifted in his seat, hoping the "mischievous" toe would lose its target.

To his surprise, the toe seemed almost sentient, following relentlessly, continuing its playful journey up his leg.

He was filled with confusion and curiosity, longing to solve this little mystery...

Li Chao was secretly relieved that his discreet gesture had prevented any further embarrassment.

He knew well that in such company, even the slightest indiscretion could lead to misunderstanding and trouble.

Especially with Xiang Xue present—if she noticed, the situation would be impossible.

After dinner, Liu Dan busied herself clearing the table, while Li Chao politely announced he would take his leave.

Just then, Xiang Xue offered to walk him home. Her eagerness made it hard to refuse, so in the end, he agreed.

The two of them stepped out into the quiet village night.

The village was unusually peaceful, only the occasional distant bark of a dog breaking the silence.

Moonlight washed over the country lane, lending the night a dreamy romance.

In the midst of this tranquility, Xiang Xue did something unexpected.

She walked close beside him, occasionally pulling down her camisole strap to reveal expanses of pale skin and a deep, enticing cleavage.

In the moonlight, the sight was almost blinding, making Li Chao's thoughts wander.

"Xiang Xue, what are you doing?" he asked.

"Li Chao, do you think I'm beautiful?"

"Xiang Xue, don't be like this. I have a girlfriend."

"I know, but I just like you."

"Xiang Xue, please, it's impossible between us."

"Why? Am I not pretty enough?"

"It's not that—you're very beautiful. But I already have a girlfriend, and I can't betray her."

"I don't care. I'm willing to be your lover."

"Xiang Xue, please, it's just not possible."

Li Chao was torn. He found Xiang Xue attractive, alluring even, but he knew he couldn't betray his feelings.

He gently widened the distance between them, trying to make his stance clear.

Meanwhile, he silently reminded himself to remain clear-headed and rational, not to be swayed by sudden temptation.

"Brother Chao, does this mean we're on good terms now?" Xiang Xue asked in a soft, coy voice, as if seeking reassurance.

Li Chao couldn't help but give a wry smile, trying to keep his tone light. "Of course, I've long since let it go."

"I knew you were the best!" Xiang Xue beamed, looked around to make sure no one was near, then boldly wrapped her arms around his waist, as if to hold onto her joy.

Li Chao, caught off guard, quickly pulled her away, a trace of astonishment on his face. "Xiang Xue, what are you—"

A fleeting sadness passed through Xiang Xue's eyes, but she quickly replaced it with playful mischief. "At the dinner table earlier, you were secretly 'taking care' of my feet. Why act shy now?"

Li Chao inwardly groaned, recalling the awkward moment—so it was his familiarity with Liu Dan that had led to the mistake, making him think it was her rather than Xiang Xue.

Such coincidence indeed—now he couldn't even explain himself.

"Xiang Xue, listen, I really didn't mean to. It's just that I'm more familiar with Sister Dan, so..."

Xiang Xue smiled, not seeming to mind. "You don't need to explain, I know it wasn't on purpose. Still, you looked pretty cute sneaking glances at my feet."

Li Chao blushed, embarrassed. "Xiang Xue, don't tease me."

He shook his head helplessly, sincerely explaining, "It was really a misunderstanding! I was thinking about Sister Dan, and my hand just... well, it's embarrassing to admit."

Xiang Xue gazed at him, her eyes glittering with mischief and expectation.

"Just think of me as Xiao Dan for now, okay?" she said, half-joking, half-serious, her confidence shining through.

She smiled lightly and added, "Honestly, my figure is second to none. If you don't believe me, you can find out for yourself."

Li Chao stared at her in shock, eyes wide, unable to believe what he was hearing.

His mind spun; he didn't know how to respond.

Seeing his reaction, Xiang Xue felt a surge of triumph.

She was convinced her charm was irresistible—even someone like Li Chao couldn't help being drawn to her.

She thought, perhaps she really could make Li Chao forget about Xiao Dan and fall for her.

But Li Chao was telling himself he couldn't betray Xiao Dan. His love was genuine; he couldn't let himself be swayed by Xiang Xue's allure.

He took a deep breath, steadying his voice. "Xiang Xue, please don't say things like that. My feelings for Xiao Dan are real, and I won't let your temptation change that. I hope you understand and don't put me in a difficult position."

Xiang Xue's eyes filled with disappointment, but she persisted, "Do you really love Xiao Dan that much? Haven't you ever thought about being with me?"

Li Chao shook his head firmly. "My feelings for Xiao Dan can't be replaced. I hope you find your own happiness, instead of wasting your time on me."

Xiang Xue's face turned pale, her heart filling with pain and despair.

She hadn't expected Li Chao's feelings for Xiao Dan to be so steadfast, impossible to shake.

Yet, deep down, she vowed to herself that she would make Li Chao love her, and not let Xiao Dan win him away.