Teacher by day, Farmer by passion

As the event began, excitement filled the air. Cheers erupted from different corners of the festival grounds as winners celebrated their prizes.

"Oh my god! I actually won!" someone shouted in disbelief, clutching their prize with both hands.

From another booth, another voice rang out, "A spirit chicken! I won a spirit chicken!"

Laughter and cheers rippled through the crowd as the energy grew more infectious.

In yet another section, a player stood up holding a paper and a stick, eyes wide in shock. "I won the grand prize! It's a full house!"

The host grinned, pulling a large Spirit Pig's head from behind the booth. "Here's your prize! Now, let's begin the 7th round of the lottery!"

The man who won hold the pig head up in excitement which only fueled the interest of his other peers who were still playing.

As the sun set and the moon took its place in the sky, the festival's earlier bustle gave way to a calmer, expectant energy.

People gathered in the open grounds, murmuring in anticipation.

This was the highlight of the night.

"The best dance troupe will receive a thousand Spirit Apples!" the announcer declared.

The crowd went crazy as they chatted among themselves on how grand this whole thing was. Who wouldn't want such a rare and valuable prize?

The first performance was given by a merchant guild. Four dancers—two women and two men—stepped onto the stage.

As the music began, the women moved with elegant grace, their flowing sleeves tracing delicate arcs in the air.

Their movements were smooth, deliberate, as if weaving an unseen story with every step.

The men mirrored their pace, guiding them through the slow, intricate turns with effortless precision.

The dance was like a gentle breeze over a tranquil lake—each step measured, each movement seamless.

The audience watched, mesmerized, as the dancers seemed to glide rather than walk, their synchronization near perfect.

As the final note lingered in the air, the four performers struck their last pose, hands outstretched in a silent display of completion.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, applause thundered through the crowd, cheers erupting as the first act concluded.

Next the Hua family introduced their daughter, Hua Lin.

She was breathtaking—an ethereal beauty that seemed almost unreal.

Her every movement was a masterpiece, her steps graceful and fluid, like a leaf carried effortlessly by the wind.

The music wrapped around her, guiding her through an elegant rhythm that held the audience spellbound.

Some onlookers, lost in her performance, found themselves unconsciously swaying, their feet tapping in sync with the melody.

It was as if she had cast a spell upon them, drawing them into the dance itself.

As she took her final bow, a wave of admiration swept through the crowd.

They were convinced—this was going to be undoubtedly the winner..

Then, another dancer stepped onto the stage.

Her face was veiled, yet the sheer presence she exuded was enough to steal the breath of every spectator.

Even hidden behind the fabric, her beauty radiated like moonlight through the mist—mysterious, untouchable, and utterly mesmerizing.

Her figure was the embodiment of devastating temptation, a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.

Yet, even that was an understatement compared to her.

The music soon started, and she began to move.

Each step, each turn, each delicate motion was perfection incarnate. The silk of her veil fluttered like mist in the wind, teasing the crowd with fleeting glimpses of the goddess beneath.

A quiet awe settled over the audience, as if they were witnessing something beyond mortal comprehension.

And when the dance performance ended, a hush fell upon the festival grounds.

Even Hua Hua, who had so proudly presented his grand-daughter on stage, could only sigh in quiet defeat.

Hua Lin next to him stood frozen, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions. She clenched her fists, struggling to swallow the disappointment rising in her chest.

The performances continued, each contestant delivering their own splendid displays, yet none could rival the veiled dancer's otherworldly grace.

As the night carried on, Hua Lin sought out Ace, pulling him into a quiet corner, away from the celebrations.

Her expression was conflicted, but she took a deep breath and met his gaze.

"Master Zhi," she began, her voice steady but clearly strained. "I know my grandfather has already promised to betroth me to you, but… can you reconsider? I don't want to marry y—"

She caught herself mid-sentence, panic flashing across her face.

"I mean! I have someone I love!"

She was really about to say she didn't want to marry me. I'm sure of it. Wow… this sure is insane, Ace blinked.

Well, then that makes it three now.

To be fair, the first time, he got friend-zoned; the second was completely uncalled for—he was unconscious at the time.

And the third? This? They were never even engaged to begin with! That old man was only opening his mouth.

For a split second, he was tempted to scoff and say what was truly on his mind—Oh, please, do you think I'd ever marry someone like you?

But then, an unexpected thought hit him.

Wait… why did it sting to be rejected before he even had a chance to reject her first?

Ace held back, choosing his words carefully.

"If that's what you want, I'll speak to your grandfather. You don't have to worry—you won't be marrying me."

Hua Lin exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, murmuring a heartfelt, "Thank you."

Ace then took another mental note.

This girl is crazy; if the person I loved was this relieved to break an engagement, I'd probably lose my appetite for atleast a week.

Maybe I'd even be considering a life of solitude in those snowy mountains.

Yet here she was, thanking him like he'd just saved her from a life-threatening disaster.

Thank the heavens I didn't even know her before this, he thought. Imagine actually being emotionally invested—what a nightmare.

"Brother, it's okay, I'm here for you."

Ace suddenly felt an embrace from behind, catching him off guard. He stiffened as the soft, unmistakable presence of two peaks pressed against his back.

Ace turned around, only to realize it was his sister, Ruby.

"What do you mean 'it's okay'?" he asked, confused.

She patted his head as if consoling a heartbroken man.

"You just broke off your engagement with her… but don't be sad! I'll be your—"

Flick!

Without hesitation, Ace flicked her forehead.

"How much did you drink to be this drunk?"