Chapter 31: I Am Very Interested in You

Clara breathed heavily, beads of sweat sliding down from her temples and dampening the stray hairs around her ears.

She had just finished an intense session of choreography practice. She felt as though she had been fished out of water; even her breath carried a scorching heat.

The studio mirror reflected her slender silhouette, the black practice wear clinging to her waist and outlining her graceful curves.

She raised a hand to wipe away the sweat and was about to reach for her water bottle when the studio door was suddenly pushed open.

"Clara, still practicing?"

Sister Li, the head of the troupe, walked in with a beaming smile, followed by a tall figure.

Clara looked up instinctively, her gaze colliding directly with a pair of deep, dark eyes.

Alistair Vance stood at the door, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark gray suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and long legs, exuding an air of noble detachment.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, the corners of his lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile.

"Master Vance, this is our troupe's most outstanding dancer, Clara," Sister Li introduced him enthusiastically. "Clara, this is Master Vance, the head of the Vance Group. His company is interested in selecting a dancer from our troupe to be a product spokesperson."

Clara was momentarily stunned, but she quickly managed a polite nod. "Hello, Master Vance."

Alistair gave a slight nod, his gaze remaining fixed on her with a hint of scrutiny and playfulness.

His eyes slid from her face down to her neck, and further still, resting on her chest, which was rising and falling slightly from the heavy exertion.

Clara felt uncomfortable under his stare and instinctively pulled at the collar of her practice clothes.

"Miss Jian’s dancing is very beautiful," Alistair suddenly spoke, his voice low and magnetic. "I wonder if I might have the honor of seeing a performance?"

Clara bit her lip, feeling a sense of resistance in her heart, but Sister Li was already urging her from the side: "Clara, quickly show Master Vance something. This is a rare opportunity."

She frowned slightly but had no choice but to nod and walk to the center of the studio.

The music began, and her body slowly unfurled with the rhythm, like an elegant swan gliding through water. Every movement was a blend of strength and grace, as if she had merged entirely with the music.

Alistair’s eyes followed her every move, a flash of genuine admiration shimmering in his gaze.

Her dancing was indeed captivating—especially when she spun and her skirt flared, revealing a glimpse of her snowy, slender waist that made one want to reach out and touch it.

As the music reached its climax, Clara’s movements grew faster. Her breathing became ragged, and a light flush bloomed on her cheeks.

With the final spin, she came to a steady halt. Her chest heaved slightly, and the sweat on her brow sparkled like diamonds under the studio lights.

"Excellent." Alistair clapped lightly, his eyes never leaving her. "Miss Jian’s talent certainly lives up to its reputation."

Still catching her breath, Clara offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Master Vance."

Seeing the interaction, Sister Li hurried forward to strike while the iron was hot. "Master Vance, what do you think of Clara’s performance? She is the pillar of our troupe. In terms of both image and skill, she is the perfect fit for your company’s requirements."

Alistair didn't answer immediately. Instead, he walked slowly toward Clara, looking down at her from his height.

His gaze carried a weight of pressure that made Clara instinctively take a step back.

"Miss Jian," he said suddenly, his voice dropping low. "I wonder if you’d be interested in a private conversation?"

Clara froze, instinctively looking toward Sister Li.

Sister Li clearly hadn't expected Alistair to make such a request, but she reacted quickly, nodding with a smile. "Of course! Clara, go ahead and chat with Master Vance. Make sure to make the most of this opportunity."

Clara felt a wave of unease, but she couldn't refuse. She gave a small nod.

Alistair led her out of the studio. The corridor was so quiet that only the sound of their footsteps could be heard. His pace was steady and unhurried; Clara followed behind him, her heart thumping with trepidation.

"Miss Jian," Alistair suddenly stopped and turned to face her. "Do you remember what happened last night?"

Clara’s heart tightened as the images from the night before flooded back. Alistair seizing her wrist, leaning in close until they were breathing the same air. Her heartbeat quickened, and her cheeks began to burn.

"Master Vance, last night was just a misunderstanding," she said softly, trying to regain her composure.

"A misunderstanding?" Alistair let out a short laugh, his eyes dancing with mockery. "But why do I feel that Miss Jian’s reaction didn't seem like a misunderstanding at all?"

Clara bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. Alistair’s gaze was far too burning, as if it could pierce right through her thoughts. She instinctively wanted to back away, only to find the cold wall behind her. There was nowhere left to run.

Alistair leaned in slowly, bracing his hand against the wall beside her ear, trapping her within his arms. His scent washed over her—a faint, woody fragrance that sent her pulse into further disarray.

"Miss Jian," his voice was low and heavy with flirtatious intent. "I am very interested in you."

Clara’s breath hitched, and her fingers tightly gripped the hem of her clothes. She didn't know how to handle the situation; Alistair’s proximity brought an unprecedented sense of overwhelming pressure.

"Master Vance, please conduct yourself with dignity."

She fought to keep her voice steady, but the slight tremor in her tone betrayed her nerves.

Alistair let out a soft chuckle and slowly withdrew his hand. "My apologies. I was too forward."

He took a step back, opening up the distance between them. Clara breathed a sigh of relief, though the unease lingered.

"Miss Jian, I hope you will seriously consider the endorsement deal."

Alistair had regained his poised, professional air, as if the recent intimacy had never occurred.

By the time Clara returned to the studio, Sister Li had already left. She stood alone before the mirror, looking at her reflection, her mind in a state of turmoil. She took a deep breath and decided to push those thoughts aside for now.

The next day, rumors began to swirl through the troupe.

Some said she had used "connections" to secure the Vance Group endorsement; others hinted at a scandalous, secret relationship between her and Alistair.

Hearing these stories, Clara felt a surge of irritation. Could these people do nothing but engage in malicious speculation?

"Clara, don't listen to them," her friend Xia comforted her. "They're just jealous."

Clara offered a bitter smile and shook her head. "It’s fine. I’m used to it."

However, it didn't end there.

A few days later, another dancer, Lin Yao, suddenly confronted her, her tone sharp and accusatory: "Clara, what exactly did you do to make Master Vance choose you?"

Clara frowned, responding calmly: "I didn't 'do' anything. Master Vance’s choice was his own."

Lin Yao sneered. "His own choice? You think I don't know about your relationship with him? I saw the two of you leaving the studio together the other night."