My Identities Were All Exposed After I Was Pampered by Everyone at My Grandfather's House! Chapter 365 - Chapter 365: The Ball

“Andy, tell me, why has Qiao Jing appeared here?” Qiao Yue whispered through the communicator, her thoughts swirling. Qiao Jing’s presence was entirely unexpected.

“You haven’t heard about the Qiao family’s situation yet, have you? Why don’t you directly ask him why he’s here?” Andy’s voice responded in her earpiece.

With a mask now in place, Qiao Yue approached Qiao Jing, who was engaged in conversation with a blonde woman. The woman gestured towards Qiao Yue as she spotted her.

Qiao Yue met Qiao Jing’s gaze. “We need to talk.”

Qiao Jing extended a hand in an inviting gesture for a dance. “Let’s set aside business for now. How about a dance?”

Qiao Yue looked at him, then slowly extended her own hand.

Taking her hand, Qiao Jing placed his other hand on her waist and led her to the dance floor. A waltz began to play, and they started to move together. Qiao Yue was adept at ballroom dancing, a skill honed during her godfather’s rigorous training, which had included dance lessons.

“How is it? Are you alright?” Qiao Jing’s voice was unexpectedly cold. “Are you on this ship to find your godfather?”

“Yes.” Qiao Yue spun lightly under his guidance, her black skirt swirling elegantly.

“I would have thought someone like the Godfather would have flown you there directly? After all, you seemed eager to give yourself to him.”

“Qiao Jing, what are you implying?” Qiao Yue clenched her jaw and deliberately stomped on his foot.

Qiao Jing pulled her closer. “You’re working with Andy, so why not work with me? I also wish to eliminate Austin.”

Qiao Yue looked at him in astonishment. “You shouldn’t be telling me this. I’ve already sworn my loyalty to the Godfather, and I cannot help you kill him.”

Qiao Jing let out a sigh. “Stop lying to me.”

He twirled her around a few times, their synchronized movements drawing cheers from the surrounding guests.

“Don’t worry, I’m not doing this to complete your revenge. The Godfather has presented me with an offer I cannot refuse, compelling me to align with Qiao Li and Qiao Yi. What? You seem displeased?”

“What?” Qiao Yue’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you talking about?” She couldn’t fathom Qiao Jing collaborating with the despicable Qiao Yi and Qiao Li, nor could she comprehend if he was partnering with Austin to eliminate Andy.

“My objective is to eliminate Andy, just as yours is. Why don’t we join forces?” Qiao Jing leaned in slightly, his lips brushing her ear. “You are working with Andy, yet you informed the Godfather you intend to get rid of him. Thus, I need to know where your true allegiance lies.” The music faded from her awareness as she focused on his words.

She had never imagined a day would come when she'd face such a critical choice. Was Qiao Jing truly out of his mind to cooperate with the Godfather?

“I will not work with you. Dealing with Andy is my responsibility alone. The cruise ship is scheduled to dock in X-Country tomorrow morning. Please disembark there and return home. I do not wish for you to be involved.”

Qiao Yue attempted to pull away, but Qiao Jing held her hand with unwavering strength. “Working with me is essentially the same outcome, isn't it? Won’t you reconsider?”

She struggled to break free, but his grip felt as unyielding as steel.

“Qiao Jing, I don’t want you to do anything that would bring disappointment to Grandpa.”

Qiao Jing drew her into his embrace and then lowered his head, his lips meeting hers in a kiss.

By this time, the majority of the ballroom attendees were intoxicated, paying little attention to the couple on the dance floor.

Qiao Jing’s kiss was not aggressive but rather a gentle, searching exploration. It felt profoundly different from any kiss they had shared before. Qiao Yue experienced a surge of excitement mingled with deep heartache. She loved Qiao Jing and desperately didn’t want him to endanger himself for her sake. Even if they managed to eliminate Austin, it seemed unlikely they would ever be together. This kiss felt like a poignant celebration on the brink of an apocalypse, laden with a sorrow that made breathing a struggle.

“Qiao Jing, you must leave as soon as possible. Do not jeopardize my plans.” Qiao Yue gently pushed him away when his guard was down and turned to exit the ballroom.

Standing on the deck, she gazed out at the vast, rippling sea, tears welling in her eyes. This journey aboard the cruise ship had never been envisioned as a safe one, and she couldn't predict the ensuing conflicts. The thought of Qiao Jing facing danger filled her with dread. He absolutely had to leave this place.

“What do you think? This arrangement is quite satisfactory, isn’t it?” Andy’s voice suddenly echoed in her ear.

“Did you intentionally lure Qiao Jing here?”