Chapter 41. Egagement
The ballroom glittered under a thousand crystal lights, laughter and music weaving together into a shimmering backdrop. Jason leaned casually against the marble railing of the upper floor, half-watching the flow of people below, half-listening to the gentle clink of glasses and the faint notes from the string quartet.
A soft rustle of silk drew his attention.
Fan Yulan approached, her smile perfectly measured—polite on the surface, but heavy with something unspoken.
"Jason Yun," she greeted, voice smooth as honey. "You’ve... improved." Her gaze lingered on his face a fraction too long. "A haircut suits you. Makes you... presentable."
Jason arched a brow. "I wasn’t aware I was applying for your approval."
She stepped closer, tilting her head. "Approval?" A faint, amused laugh. "No. I was thinking more... opportunity."
"Opportunity?" he repeated.
"As the only daughter of the Fan family head, my position comes with... certain advantages." Her eyes gleamed. "I could offer you a place. Not as an equal, but as someone... useful. Loyal."
Jason’s gaze cooled. "You’re asking me to be your dog."
She didn’t flinch—only smiled, lips curling faintly. "A well-fed dog lives longer than a starving wolf."
"No," he said flatly.
Her smile faltered for the first time, the faintest crack in her composure. "Perhaps you didn’t understand—"