Chapter 89: Even Heroes Fall for Beauty

Everyone turned in unison to Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan, asking, “Gentlemen, which of us will you choose to have dinner with you tonight?”

“Ladies, really… there’s no need for this,” Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan said, a little helpless as they watched the Su sisters squabble for their attention. Both men waved their hands apologetically.

“Gentlemen, please keep it down,” Su Wan said sharply, shooting them a piercing look and pressing her finger to her lips.

In the next instant, the Su sisters burst into a tangle of arms and shouts, each one fighting to win Gu Xiaoyao or Xie Jinxuan as their dinner companion.

Up in the loft, Su Yao let out a long sigh as she watched the chaos below. She pressed her fingers to her temples, her lips twitching with exasperation. “Honestly… these silly sisters of mine, always scrapping over a couple of men. Will they ever kick this habit?” She coughed loudly to break up the ruckus, then called out, “Sisters! How can you behave like this in front of our guests? Are you not embarrassed at all?”

“Sorry, big sister. We know we were wrong…” The girls instantly froze when they heard Su Yao’s voice. They bowed their heads, not daring to meet her eyes as she strode closer.

All five sisters quickly parted to let Su Yao pass, each looking terrified that their eldest sister might direct her anger at them.

“Gentlemen, I apologize on behalf of my unruly sisters. To make it up to you for this spectacle…” Su Yao breezed past her sisters, stopping right in front of the two men with a warm, apologetic smile. “Tonight, I’ll cook for you myself—and all my sisters will join you for dinner. What do you say?”

“You’re far too kind, Miss. There’s no need to go to all this trouble,” Gu Xiaoyao said with a glance at Xie Jinxuan, who nodded in agreement. Gu Xiaoyao smiled at Su Yao. “We’re only here for dinner and will stay one night—tomorrow morning we’ll be on our way. Please don’t put yourself out for us!”

“Not at all! With all the delay, you both must be starving. Consider tonight on the house—everything is free, as our apology for the trouble!” Meeting her sisters’ eyes, Su Yao gave them a quick signal, then turned to the two men beaming.

Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan tried to protest, but before they could get another word in, the Su sisters swarmed in, linking arms with the two men and leading them away before either could object.

Watching the group head out, Su Yao grinned, then headed back to her room to put on her makeup.

……

The dinner table was loaded with a dazzling variety of dishes—the colors rich, the aromas mouthwatering. Waves of fragrant wine drifted through the air, tantalizing Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan until their stomachs rumbled and their mouths watered.

Neither man cared about whether the feast was real or not. They exchanged a quick look and dove in, eating with wild abandon and raising their cups for hearty drinks.

“Wow, that wine is strong—good stuff!” Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan downed a cup each, then snatched up their chopsticks for another bite. “And this food, every single dish is just right—rich but never greasy, so flavorful, I can’t get enough. The more I eat, the more I want! Hahaha!”

“Gentlemen, let me pour you some more wine—enjoy yourselves.” Su Wan approached with a bright smile, refilling their cups.

“Gentlemen, if it pleases you, may I perform a little talent? Just to make the evening livelier.” Su Qin walked over with light, measured steps, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Under everyone’s gaze, she slipped away to her room to change outfits.

Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan were raising their cups when a beautiful, melodious tune swept through the room.

Both men froze, scanning the room in surprise at the sudden music.

A slender, graceful figure slowly appeared.

It was Su Qin, now dressed in a dancer’s costume. Peacock feathers crowned her head, a long veil covering her face, her slender waist swaying with each step. Silver anklets rang out in rhythm as she danced barefoot.

Su Qin’s movements felt like a dream—her body seemed boneless, every joint swirling with sinuous beauty, each motion rippling from fingertip to shoulder and across to the other hand. The silver bells at her wrists chimed in time.

Her dance wasn’t forced or showy—every move flowed naturally, with an effortless grace.

Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan quickly set down their wine, clapping and cheering. “Hahaha! Good wine, delicious food, and a beautiful lady’s dance—life hardly gets better than this!”

Catching their dreamy, half-dazed smiles, Su Qin’s lips curled up just a bit. She drifted past them in a blur, then suddenly stumbled. With a delicate crash she fell straight into their arms.

Looking up at both men, Su Qin’s eyes shimmered with affection. Blushing, she said, “Forgive me, gentlemen. It’s been too long since I danced—I’m a bit out of practice, I hope you won’t mind.”

“Miss, you’re far too modest! That was easily the most stunning dance we’ve ever seen. You really don’t give yourself enough credit,” Gu Xiaoyao and Xie Jinxuan said at once, helping her back to her feet. Their faces turned a little red, and they couldn’t quite meet her gaze.

Su Qin’s face went scarlet as she ducked her head shyly. “Do you really mean it, gentlemen?”

“Gentlemen, I hope my sisters’ hospitality has met your expectations?” A clear, sweet voice floated in, drawing everyone’s eyes.

Su Yao entered in a brilliantly red dress, every detail of her makeup and hair flawless. She walked toward them with a gentle smile.

Both men hurried to praise her. “Miss Su Yao, your sisters are truly talented, and tonight’s dinner was absolutely wonderful.”

Suddenly, the scene around them blurred. The two men tried to point at the sisters, slurring, “Ladies, why are there so many of you all of a sudden? This is so strange…”

“Hahaha, Xiaoyao, there are a whole bunch of you too!” They looked at each other and both burst out laughing. “Jinxuan, you’ve turned into a crowd too!”

With two heavy thuds, they both collapsed onto the table.