He lured her deep into his trap, using both overt and covert methods to seduce her.

Just then, several guests came up to greet them.

Zhou Fu quickly composed herself and stood gracefully beside Fu Lu, smiling as she joined him in responding to the guests' greetings and introducing them to him.

Her demeanor was elegant and poised, just like that of a true hostess.

However, throughout, Fu Lu's expression remained indifferent and aloof, only nodding politely or giving brief replies.

This indifferent attitude made the atmosphere somewhat subtle and awkward, but Zhou Fu seemed completely unconcerned.

As long as Fu Lu is here and by her side, that's enough for her.

Just then, Zhou's father stood steadily on the magnificent stage, a smile on his face and a microphone in his hand.

He said in a loud voice: "Distinguished guests, first of all, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to every friend who has come to the scene to participate in my daughter Zhou Fu's birthday banquet."

Today, I, Zhou, am honored to have this opportunity to formally introduce my beloved daughter to you all.

After speaking, he looked at Zhou Fu below the stage and gently called out, "Baby, come to Daddy quickly."

When Zhou Fu heard her father call her, she turned her head slightly and whispered to Fu Lu beside her, "Ninth Brother, I'm going over there for a bit. I'll be right back. Please wait here for me for a moment."

Upon hearing this, Fu Lu nodded slightly.

Then, Zhou Fu stepped gracefully onto the stage and stood obediently beside her father.

In fact, she knew very well that today's birthday party was not just a simple celebration, but an important moment that her father had carefully planned to formally introduce her to all the guests present, with the aim of paving a wider and smoother road for her future.

Therefore, when her father gestured for her to say a few words, Zhou Fu was not intimidated at all and gracefully took the microphone from her father's hand.

She parted her lips slightly and spoke in a clear, melodious, yet composed and dignified tone, delivering a series of appropriate remarks.

His words conveyed a sincere welcome and gratitude to the guests, while also demonstrating his excellent manners and extraordinary demeanor.

As her speech drew to a close, Zhou Fu paused slightly, then slowly turned her body and looked in the direction where Fu Lu was.

At that moment, everyone's attention seemed to be focused on that corner, following her gaze.

Then, Zhou Fu continued softly, "On such a special day as today, there is someone else I especially want to thank."

As she spoke, her eyes remained fixed on Fu Lu.

She continued, "I am so grateful that he came to my birthday party. I feel so happy at this moment."

As she spoke, applause erupted around her.

People started discussing who Zhou Fu was talking about.

"Who is Miss Zhou referring to?"

"I don't know, could it be her boyfriend?"

"It should be, but I just saw her chatting and laughing with that person from the Fu family. Could it be him?"

"I heard they got engaged."

"Yes, they grew up together since they were little, childhood sweethearts, so it's normal for them to get engaged."

Zhou Fu overheard the surrounding chatter, and perhaps to verify what they were saying, she lifted her skirt and jogged towards Fu Lu.

She stood in front of Fu Lu and said with a coquettish smile, "Ninth Brother, today is my birthday. I wonder if I could have the honor of inviting you to dance the opening dance with me?"

Fu Lu held a glass of crystal-clear champagne steadily in his hand. After hearing Zhou Fu's words, he first gestured slightly to Han Zhou not far away before elegantly bringing the glass to his lips and taking a small sip.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and every second felt incredibly long.

Zhou Fu, who was originally full of joy and anticipation, gradually changed from excitement to unease as time went by.

She thought to herself, if Fu Lu refused her request without any mercy in front of all the guests, wouldn't she lose face and become a laughing stock in everyone's eyes?

Just as Zhou Fu was racking her brains trying to figure out how to salvage the situation, she suddenly saw a faint smile appear on Fu Lu's cold face.

The weight lifted from Zhou Fu's heart instantly, and she involuntarily let out a long sigh of relief.

As expected, she had guessed right after all.

Given Fu Lu's status, manners, and composure, he would naturally not allow her to be put in an awkward or embarrassing situation in front of so many eyes.

Thinking of this, Zhou Fu's lips unconsciously curled up even higher.

She took a light step forward, gently took the glass of champagne from Fu Lu's hand, and placed it on the table beside her.

Then she slowly extended her right hand towards Fu Lu, waiting for Fu Lu to take her hand in front of everyone and step into the center of the dance floor together.

However, when she reached out her hand expectantly, Fu Lu seemed oblivious, remaining expressionless and standing there without responding in the slightest.

In that instant, the entire scene seemed to be paused, and the originally lively and cheerful atmosphere instantly became unusually dull and awkward.

The people around them, who had been chatting and laughing, stopped talking and began to whisper among themselves.

The sweet smile that had been radiating from Zhou Fu's exquisite and beautiful face gradually froze, replaced by an undisguised embarrassment and shyness.

A hint of disappointment and confusion flickered in her large, watery eyes, and her slightly trembling lips seemed to want to say something, but in the end, she couldn't utter a sound.

Just then, Zhou's father strode out from the crowd.

With a smile on his face, he walked calmly to the two of them, patted his daughter's shoulder affectionately, and said softly, "Xiao Fu, let your father and your ninth brother talk about work first. As for the opening dance, you can go find your other friends to dance with. Just lend your ninth brother to your father for a few minutes."

Hearing her father's words of help, Zhou Fu felt relieved and nodded gently in agreement.

“Okay, Dad, I’m going to find my friends.”

Before she finished speaking, she turned around gracefully, preparing to leave this embarrassing place.

Just then, a man in a sharp suit with a refined and scholarly appearance stood in front of Zhou Fu.

With a smile on his lips and tender eyes gazing at Zhou Fu, he said softly, "Miss Zhou, would I have the honor of dancing this opening dance with you?"

Zhou Fu was taken aback at first, then nodded and replied, "Of course!"

As she spoke, she gracefully extended her right hand to the man.

Seeing this, the man gracefully extended his left hand to grasp Zhou Fu's hand and led her toward the center of the dance floor.