The collaboration between Gu Group and Yifeng Tech had been a resounding success. To celebrate their partnership, both companies organized a grand banquet at one of the most prestigious hotels in the city.
That evening, Leia arrived at the venue ahead of time, as per Manager Zhang's instructions. Her task was to ensure that everything was in order—checking the seating arrangements, confirming the catering, and making sure that the event would proceed smoothly. She had always been diligent, but tonight, she was especially determined to make a good impression.
As she stepped outside for a final inspection of the entrance, a sight caught her attention.
An elderly woman sat on a bench near the entrance, her wrinkled hands gently cradling a pair of well-worn but exquisite shoes. There was a troubled expression on her face, a mix of distress and reluctance, as she stared at the damaged footwear.
Leia hesitated for a moment before approaching.
"Grandma, are you alright? Do you need any help?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
The elderly woman looked up, startled by Leia's kindness. "My shoes… they're broken," she said softly, sighing as she held them up.
Leia glanced at them and immediately noticed the craftsmanship. Even though the leather was aged, the elegant stitching and design spoke of their value. This wasn't just any pair of shoes—there was a story behind them.
"You must really love these shoes," Leia said gently.
The woman smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yes, my husband gave them to me before he passed away. I've cherished them ever since."
Leia's heart clenched at the sentiment.
She looked down at the woman's bare feet. The night air had grown cooler, and she didn't want her to catch a cold. Without a second thought, Leia bent down, slipped off her own shoes—thankfully, a simple pair of flat pump shoes—and placed them in front of the woman.
"Here, Grandma," Leia said, offering her a warm smile. "If you don't mind, you can wear these for now."
The woman gasped softly, looking at Leia with both gratitude and hesitation. "My dear child, I can't take your shoes. You'll be left barefoot."
Leia shook her head. "It's alright. I'm young, I don't mind. But I don't want you to catch a chill."
For a moment, the elderly woman simply gazed at her, touched by the kindness of a stranger. Then, with a warm chuckle, she reached out, gently patting Leia's hand before slipping on the flats. "You are such a thoughtful and kind-hearted girl."
Leia grinned. "I hope they're comfortable."
The woman nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "Thank you, my dear. My grandson is coming to pick me up soon, so I won't be here for long."
Leia gave her a reassuring nod. "Then I'll leave you to wait for him. Take care, Grandma."
—
The evening continued in a whirlwind of refined elegance, filled with conversations, clinking glasses, and soft laughter echoing through the grand ballroom. The live orchestra played a smooth melody, adding an air of sophistication to the celebration.
Leia remained at her designated table, politely engaging with her colleagues while subtly stealing glances at Nathan from across the room.
She hated to admit it, but she couldn't seem to take her eyes off him.
He moved through the crowd with effortless charm, exchanging greetings with high-profile guests, his tailored tuxedo fitting him perfectly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and composed demeanor. Under the soft, golden glow of the chandeliers, he looked as if he belonged here—commanding attention without even trying.
It wasn't fair.
It wasn't fair that he looked this good. That he carried himself with such confidence. That he had the power to make her heart race with just a single glance.
Leia let out a breath, scolding herself internally.
She had to get a grip.
But before she could fully recover, her moment of composure shattered.
A shadow fell across her table, and she felt a distinct presence beside her.
She looked up—and there he was.
Nathan.
Standing just inches away, looking down at her with an expression that was both composed and slightly amused.
"Leia," he greeted, his voice smooth yet deep enough to send an unexpected shiver down her spine.
Leia's fingers instinctively tightened around her champagne glass.
"Mr. Gu," she responded, forcing her voice to remain steady.
Nathan's gaze flickered, and just for a moment, a ghost of a smirk crossed his lips, as if entertained by her formality.
"You did well in organizing tonight's event," he remarked casually.
Leia blinked.
Had… had he just complimented her?
She cleared her throat. "Thank you, but it was a team effort," she replied, offering a small, professional smile. "I just made sure things run smoothly."
Nathan tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Still, you did a good job."
Leia swore her face was heating up.
She wasn't used to this—to being the focus of his attention, to hearing words of acknowledgment from someone she had admired for so long.
She quickly turned back to her drink, trying to compose herself.
"Enjoying the banquet?" she asked, attempting to redirect the conversation.
Nathan hummed lightly. "It's been a good evening so far." His gaze lingered on her for a beat too long before he added, "But I think it just got better."
Leia nearly choked on her champagne, coughing slightly as she set the glass down, her entire face burning. Did she just imagine that? Or had he really just said that? Hesitantly, she dared to glance up at him, only to find his eyes filled with something unreadable—something dangerously close to amusement. Oh god. He knew. He knew she was flustered. Quickly, she averted her gaze, desperate to distract herself, but before she could gather her thoughts, one of her colleagues approached their table with a bright smile.
"Mr. Gu, since this is a celebration, would you care for a dance?" the woman asked, her voice laced with anticipation. Leia exhaled in relief, thinking the conversation would shift elsewhere. Nathan, ever composed, turned his attention to the woman and offered a polite, effortless smile. "Thank you, but I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer." Leia silently praised her luck, already feeling the heat subside from her cheeks. That was until he shifted his gaze back to her.
"But," he continued smoothly, his voice carrying a teasing edge, "I wouldn't mind if Leia taught me."
Leia's head snapped up so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash. "W-what?" she stammered, eyes widening as she stared at him in disbelief.
Nathan's smirk deepened ever so slightly, an unmistakable challenge dancing in his gaze. "You wouldn't leave an old classmate struggling alone, would you?" His tone was light, playful even, but the weight of his words made her pulse quicken.
Leia could feel the curious gazes of their colleagues around them, the unspoken anticipation hanging in the air. The heat in her cheeks spread rapidly as her mind scrambled for an escape. Dancing? With Nathan? In front of so many people?
She hesitated, her heart hammering in her chest, but before she could think of an excuse, Nathan extended his hand toward her, palm open, waiting. There was a quiet intensity in his gaze—a subtle dare, an invitation she wasn't sure she could refuse.
Leia swallowed hard. There was no way out of this, was there?
With an almost imperceptible sigh, she reached out and placed her hand in his.
The moment their fingers touched, a spark shot up her arm, sending a shiver through her. Nathan's grip was warm, firm, yet undeniably gentle, steadying her even before they had taken a single step. And just like that, Leia was being led toward the dance floor.
The soft melody of the orchestra enveloped them as Nathan placed his hand lightly on Leia's waist, guiding her into position.
Leia tried—really tried—to focus on her footing, to keep her breathing steady, to not think about the fact that she was now standing far too close to him.
But how could she not?
She could feel the warmth of his palm through the fabric of her dress, the subtle strength in his fingers as he led the movements with practiced ease. She could smell the faintest hint of his cologne—something dark and crisp, like cedarwood and a trace of spice.
And most of all, she could feel his gaze on her.
She kept her eyes firmly locked on their hands. "You… you said you couldn't dance," she muttered.
Nathan let out a low chuckle, the sound so smooth it sent another rush of warmth up her spine. "I might've exaggerated," he admitted.
Leia's lips parted slightly in disbelief. "So, you tricked me?"
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "If I had asked you normally, would you have said yes?"
Leia fell silent, her cheeks burning.
The truth was, she probably wouldn't have.
Nathan smirked, as if reading her thoughts.
They continued moving in sync with the music, and for a brief moment, Leia allowed herself to relax. The movements were smooth, effortless—almost hypnotic.
But then, Nathan leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "You're blushing." His voice was calm, steady, carrying no trace of amusement—just an observation spoken as if it were undeniable truth.
Leia felt her entire body tense. "I am not," she denied immediately, her voice coming out a little too fast, a little too defensive. But even as she spoke, she could feel the heat rising up her neck, spreading to her ears, betraying her words.
Nathan pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, but something in his gaze lingered, as if he were studying her—not in amusement, not in challenge, just watching.
"Are you sure?" he asked quietly. "Your ears say otherwise."
Leia's breath hitched.
She looked away, desperate to break the intensity of his gaze. "Stop looking at me like that."
Nathan tilted his head slightly, his expression unmoving. "Like what?"
Leia hesitated, gripping the fabric of her dress. "Like I'm someone worth paying attention to."
Silence stretched between them, the faint sounds of conversation and clinking glasses in the background becoming nothing but white noise.
Then, finally, Nathan spoke. "You are."
Leia's fingers tightened. Her chest felt too full, her pulse unsteady. She didn't know how to respond to that, didn't know what to do with the quiet sincerity in his voice, the way he looked at her as if he meant every word.
She shifted slightly, her foot brushing against his. The moment broke for just a second, but Nathan barely reacted, only glancing down briefly before looking back up at her.
"That wasn't very careful of you," he noted lightly, his tone neither teasing nor scolding—just a quiet remark, as if he had caught something fragile before it had the chance to fall.
Leia exhaled, her heart still racing, though she tried to ignore it. "It's just the dance floor."
The song finally came to an end, and Leia knew she needed to step away, to regain her balance—not in movement, but in emotion. She made to pull back, but as she did, Nathan's hand remained for a second longer, his fingers brushing against hers before he finally released her.
"Leia." His voice was softer this time, carrying something unspoken, something unreadable.
She swallowed, hesitant. "What is it?"
Nathan's hesitation was brief, but noticeable. Then, leaning in just slightly—not close enough to startle her, but just enough that only she could hear—he murmured, "Next time, you don't have to wait for someone else to ask me."
Leia stilled.
The words were simple, but the meaning behind them wasn't.
Her pulse pounded in her ears, the weight of his voice lingering in the space between them. She wanted to say something—anything—but the words refused to form.
So instead, she gently pulled her hand away, turned on her heel, and walked off, her face warm, her mind scattered, her heart racing in a way she didn't quite understand.
Nathan simply stood there, watching her disappear into the crowd,
—
As the evening banquet continued, Leia sat quietly in a corner, indulging in delicate desserts and sipping on a fruit cocktail. She had managed to avoid unnecessary attention for most of the night, using her half-full plate as an excuse to stay seated. But truthfully, her feet—bare against the cool marble floor—were beginning to ache from the cold. She had already decided that once she finished her meal, she would slip out of the venue quietly and head home. There was no need to stay longer than necessary, especially given her current predicament.
However, fate had other plans.
Across the room, a familiar elderly voice called out, clear and full of warmth. "Ah, that young lady over there—that's her!"
Leia looked up, only to see the elderly woman she had helped earlier waving at her, smiling kindly. Standing beside her was none other than Nathan. Leia's stomach dropped as she watched his grandmother animatedly speak to him, gesturing in Leia's direction. There was no mistaking it—she was telling him about the shoes.
Nathan turned his head, his sharp gaze locking onto her.
Leia froze, gripping her drink tighter. His expression remained unreadable, composed as always, but she could see the subtle shift in his gaze as he took her in. She suddenly felt self-conscious, aware of the way her elegant almond-colored gown flowed effortlessly over her frame, the way her long hair cascaded in soft curls over her shoulders. Under the warm glow of the chandeliers, she knew she looked presentable—but there was one glaring problem.
She wasn't wearing shoes.
Before Leia could react, another voice interrupted her thoughts. "Leia, you look beautiful tonight." She turned to see Alvin, a colleague, offering her a warm smile. Leia smiled back politely. "Thank you," she replied, hoping the conversation would remain brief.
But just as she was about to take another sip of her drink, a shadow loomed over them.
Nathan.
His tall figure exuded quiet authority as he stood beside them. Alvin hesitated slightly before Nathan coolly interjected, "Excuse us." And then, before Leia could even process what was happening, Nathan swiftly bent down, wrapped an arm around her waist, and lifted her into his arms.
Leia gasped.
The entire room seemed to blur as she suddenly found herself being bridal carried through the venue.
"Nathan! What are you doing?! There are people watching!" she hissed, her hands instinctively gripping onto his tuxedo for balance.
Muffled whispers erupted from nearby tables, curious gazes following them as Nathan, completely unbothered, strode through the banquet hall with Leia in his arms. His grandmother chuckled softly from her spot, clearly pleased rather than surprised by her grandson's bold actions.
Leia's face burned with embarrassment. She could feel the eyes on them, could hear the hushed murmurs.
"Nathan, put me down right now!" she demanded in a hushed yet urgent tone.
Nathan remained calm, his voice smooth and unwavering. "Do you really want to walk barefoot on this cold floor the entire night?"
Leia froze.
Nathan carried her effortlessly through the grand hall and into a quiet lounge area—a VIP resting room designated for private guests. As soon as he stepped inside, he gently placed her down onto a sofa. Leia immediately curled her toes under the fabric of her dress, mortified beyond words.
Nathan, however, kneeled before her, lifting the hem of her dress slightly.
Leia's breath hitched.
The action felt too intimate, as if it were a scene from a fairytale where a prince was about to slip a glass slipper onto a princess. Except this wasn't a fairytale—this was Nathan, and her heart was pounding way too fast for her liking.
"Nathan, what are you doing?!" she blurted, her voice rising slightly.
Nathan's fingers brushed against her ankle, his expression darkening slightly when he felt how cold her skin was. "Your feet are freezing," he stated, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure. "You should've told someone sooner."
Leia quickly looked away, flustered beyond belief. "I was going to leave early anyway… It's not a big deal."
Nathan exhaled, clearly not satisfied with her answer. Without another word, he pulled out his phone and made a quick request to the staff. Within minutes, a hotel attendant arrived with a pair of soft, brand-new indoor slippers. Nathan took them without hesitation.
Then, in a move that made Leia's heart nearly stop, he knelt back down and gently slipped the slippers onto her feet himself.
His fingers brushed against her bare skin—warm, firm, deliberate.
Leia's entire body tensed.
She could not handle this.
Her heart was pounding against her ribs, the air between them too charged, the moment too intimate. She felt her face heat up with every single second that passed.
"Nathan, I—I can do it myself," she stammered, trying to pull her foot away.
Nathan, however, held her ankle lightly in place. "Stay still," he murmured.
Leia swore she almost died on the spot.
Nathan gently helped Leia put on the slippers, his fingers brushing against her soft ankle. A warm sensation spread through his body at the simple touch. Leia felt her heartbeat quicken, her face turning red like a ripe apple.
"Thank you… and sorry for taking up your time," Leia said, blushing.
Nathan glanced at her, his expression soft. "I should be the one thanking you for giving your shoes to my grandma."
Leia's eyes widened slightly. "That was your grandmother? I never knew you had one."
Nathan sighed lightly and explained, "When my mom found out she didn't have much time left, she finally told me about my dad. He passed away in a car accident when he was still in university. My mom only realized she was pregnant after he was gone. Back then, their relationship wasn't known to his family, so she raised me on her own. It wasn't until later that she reached out to the Gu family, and that's when I found my grandmother. She has been managing the Gu Corporation on her own all these years… she never even knew she had a grandson."
Leia's heart clenched at his words. She looked at Nathan, admiration and sympathy filling her gaze. "Nathan, I know you've been through a lot since you were young, but you've always faced everything with strength. Even in high school, I thought you were an incredible person. And now, seeing how far you've come, I feel so proud of you." She reached out and patted his shoulder, her voice filled with sincerity.
Nathan felt a surge of warmth from her words. Without thinking, he gently cupped her face, his thumb lightly brushing against her cheek.
"Leia, I'm really glad I met you again," he murmured.
Leia's breath hitched at his touch, her heart racing wildly. She hadn't expected such an intimate gesture, and suddenly, an overwhelming shyness took over.
Leia swallowed hard.
She could feel his breath, see the warmth in his usually composed gaze.
She panicked.
"Th-thank you! I—I should go now!" she blurted, scrambling to her feet way too quickly.
Nathan, clearly amused by her reaction, chuckled—a deep, low sound that sent another rush of warmth through her body. Leia had never heard him laugh before—not like this.
It was unfair how attractive it sounded.
"You're blushing," he pointed out, his smirk growing.
Leia whipped her head away. "I AM NOT!"
Nathan tilted his head. "Are you sure?"
"Yes!" she lied.
Nathan leaned in ever so slightly, his tone teasing yet undeniably smooth. "Your ears say otherwise."
Leia nearly died.
"Okay, I'm leaving!" she declared, turning on her heels so fast that she nearly tripped.
Nathan, of course, reached out and steadied her. "Careful," he murmured.
Leia snatched her arm back. "Goodbye, Mr. Gu!" she called out before practically running out of the lounge.
Nathan watched her retreating figure, amusement dancing in his eyes. His lips curled into a smirk.
"Cute." he murmured to himself.
—
After returning home that night, Leia found herself restless, unsettled, unable to shake off the lingering warmth of Nathan's presence. Every fleeting touch, every stolen glance, every quiet word he had spoken seemed to replay in her mind, looping over and over like a song she couldn't turn off. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that it was nothing, that it had been a simple dance, a moment of fleeting proximity—her heart told a different story.
She hadn't expected this.
She hadn't expected to feel that familiar flutter, that unmistakable rush of emotions she thought she had long outgrown. It had been years since high school, years since she had last allowed herself to indulge in the quiet admiration she once held for Nathan Gu. And yet, tonight, all it took was a touch—his hand on the small of her back, the way he lingered just a second too long—for everything to come rushing back.
She let out a deep sigh, pressing a hand against her chest as if to calm her erratic heartbeat. The warmth was still there, lingering in her veins, refusing to fade. This is ridiculous, Leia.
Frustrated, she leaned over and reached for the drawer by her bedside, fingers instinctively searching until they landed on something familiar—a slightly faded senior year class photo.
She pulled it out and sat back on the bed, running her fingers over the glossy surface. The faces of her old classmates smiled back at her, frozen in time, forever captured in their youthful innocence. And then, her eyes landed on him.
Nathan.
He stood at the far edge of the group, his presence unmistakable even in a still image. His sharp, refined features had been slightly softer back then, his youthful face calm and composed, yet still exuding that quiet confidence that always set him apart. Even in a simple school uniform, he had carried himself the same way he did now—with effortless grace, with an aura of unspoken authority.
Leia felt a small, nostalgic smile tug at her lips.
How many times had she stolen glances at him during class? How many times had she admired him from a distance, too shy to say a word?
And now?
Now, he was noticing her.
The realization sent a rush of warmth through her, both exhilarating and terrifying. Why now? After all these years, why was he looking at her like that—as if she were someone worth paying attention to, someone he wanted to keep close?
Leia quickly shook the thought away, feeling ridiculous for even entertaining such ideas. This wasn't high school. She was an adult, a working professional, not some lovestruck teenager overanalyzing every little thing Nathan Gu did.
And yet—
The feeling refused to settle.
She clutched the photo tighter, her heart still beating far too fast for comfort.