After Crossing Over, I Marked the Empress

c125 - The Opening Dance



Some people seem born to be the protagonists of this world.

As soon as she appeared, all cameras focused on her.

At this moment, every gaze in the banquet hall lingered on the Empress for a long time.

Those reverent, respectful, and fervent gazes intertwined in the air of the hall, like countless shooting stars, escorting the moon goddess of the Jade Pool.

As soon as Gu Junwan made her appearance, the Alphas who had come to trouble Shen Han immediately settled down.

Cao Zikun’s reaction was the most exaggerated.

He stared unblinkingly at Gu Junwan, who was slowly walking on the red carpet, his eyes brimming with tears.

Shen Han glanced at him sideways, letting out a slight snort from her nostrils, then quickly glued her gaze back to her Omega.

‘How envious of Teacher Tang, to be able to accompany Junwan on such an occasion.’

‘I heard Mom Qianqiu hasn’t been feeling well since last night. I haven’t seen her yet. I wonder if she’s any better?’

As Shen Han was thinking, the master of ceremonies began hosting the opening in two languages.

On one projection screen, birthday congratulatory messages from leaders of various countries were being played.

After a somewhat lengthy opening, the banquet welcomed the first and most anticipated highlight of the evening.

The Empress would invite someone to perform the opening dance with her!

This was a very important segment.

Because it was not only the birthplace of gossip but also a weathervane for various parties to gauge the Empress’s attitude.

Especially now, with the Federation having just completed the reunification of its regime, in a situation where crisis and opportunity coexisted.

Many of Gu Junwan’s choices and decisions in public represented more than just her personal preferences.

Discussions about this segment had exploded online half a month ago.

Half of the people guessed that the Empress would dance with her Alpha mother.

Because this would convey a balanced attitude, without emphasis, giving no opportunity for those with ulterior motives to speculate and analyze.

The other half believed that the Empress would invite the head of state of a powerful country present at the scene.

To leverage others’ influence to enhance the entire Federation’s international influence.

Shen Han was also aware of this opening dance segment.

She also knew that after a brief family discussion, it was decided that Gu Junwan performing this important procedure with Teacher Tang would be the best choice.

Borrowing the prestige of the powerful might enhance one’s own influence in the short term.

But only by becoming that powerful figure oneself can one truly be fearless in the face of storms.

One of the cruel truths of this world is: only when you are strong will others be friendly to you!

Now, the Federation’s renowned piano artist had begun to play.

Soothing music flowed through the entire hall, instantly transporting everyone’s senses to an ethereal, tranquil forest.

The warm morning sun, the fresh dew, everything exuded a rich and vigorous force of new life!

Tang Yucai turned to the side, just about to extend her hand in invitation, when Gu Junwan said something to her in a low voice, stopping her from raising her palm.

Then, everyone saw the Empress walk down the red carpet towards the guest area.

In an instant, the entire venue erupted.

The temperature, which had been adjusted to the most suitable level, suddenly began to rise rapidly at this moment.

Seeing this development, the piano artist immediately became energized.

The musical style changed to a deep and natural melody.

The moment Gu Junwan stepped down from the stage, Shen Han’s heart began to beat violently.

She could sense that her partner was coming for her!

Compared to Shen Han’s internally excited but externally composed demeanor, the group of Alphas standing beside her looked like they were about to explode on the spot.

Ning Xi and Ma Haoyu were already running wild with joy in their hearts, almost wanting to push Shen Han out.

Cao Zikun and others’ faces were flushed red, their shoulders trembling incessantly due to the intense emotional fluctuation.

Although they didn’t know why the Empress was walking towards their direction, each of them straightened their backs, trying to appear more confident and spirited.

Watching the goddess approach, Cao Zikun was almost in tears.

At this moment, he was suddenly pushed aside-

Shen Han didn’t actually wait for Gu Junwan to walk up to her and extend her hand.

She took two steps forward, bowed slightly, lightly placed her left hand behind her waist, and extended her right hand in an inviting gesture.

“Respected Empress, may I have the honor of dancing with you?”

Gu Junwan placed her delicate hand in her Alpha’s palm, her red lips parting slightly: “You may.”

Shen Han, dressed in her military uniform, appeared particularly upright and dashing.

She led Gu Junwan to the center of the hall, and following the beautiful melody, they began to dance.

Under the gaze of everyone present, the two had no unnecessary physical contact.

It even gave people a sense of formality and solemnity.

However, the few people in the venue who knew about their relationship could clearly feel the intimate atmosphere surrounding the two.

That perfect sense of integration was difficult to describe in words.

Xu Zhao was also in full formal attire today.

Standing gracefully among the crowd, watching the two dancing in the center of the venue, she inexplicably felt the urge to cry.

Xu Zhao had basically witnessed the entire journey of Gu Junwan and Shen Han.

She had always been aware of how difficult it had been for the two to reach this point.

Over the past two years, many major events had occurred.

Although various crises were eventually resolved smoothly, Xu Zhao would never forget that many inspiring victories were exchanged for by Shen Han at the cost of her own injuries.

If any link had gone awry, it wouldn’t have been the outcome that everyone was seeing now.

The opening dance soon ended, and Shen Han retreated back to the guest area.

Gu Junwan still had important guests to receive. She winked secretly at her Alpha before lifting her skirt and going elsewhere.

Although reporters were not allowed to broadcast the Empress’s birthday banquet, the series of events that occurred at the venue were still transmitted to the outside world through various channels.

Almost at the same moment the opening dance ended, several social platforms within the Federation had already built high towers of discussion.

On entertainment platforms, the long-dormant topic “Female CEO and Her Super Soldier King” began to rocket up the trending list.

[I’ve lived to see it! I’ve been waiting for this day for so long!]

[I’m so happy, the CP I’ve been shipping is actually real!]

[I’m going to bring the Federation’s Civil Affairs Bureau here, can you please get married on the spot?]

[Watch your words above! Don’t get the topic banned.]

[Does anyone have high-definition photos of them dancing? Please DM me, I’ll pay for them!]

[Count me in, the photos I just saw were too blurry, I couldn’t even see their expressions clearly.]

[Heh, be content, you guys. It’s already pretty good that there are photos of the Empress leaked. Did you expect those heads of state and high-ranking military and political officials to take out their cameras to snap photos?]

Just as this person finished posting, when they wanted to say more, they found that they had been muted by the administrator.

And the comment they had replied to was also immediately deleted.

Besides entertainment platforms, discussions on military forums were also exceptionally heated.

[This is the philosophy of political strategy! Never rely on others for self-development.]

[What a beautiful move. I initially thought G would open with her mother, but unexpectedly she completed this part with her close aide. Both offensive and defensive!]

[I agree with the above. G’s action can unite people internally and clarify her stance externally. She’s not giving an inch on sovereignty issues!]

The interpretations of the Empress inviting her guard captain to dance at her birthday banquet varied across major online platforms.

But in fact, Gu Junwan’s action wasn’t as complicated as everyone thought.

She just wanted to dance the opening dance with her Alpha.

She actually had this plan early on, but kept it secret without telling anyone.

Even Tang Yucai only found out at the last minute that she had been ‘abandoned’ by her daughter.

The entire evening, Shen Han was immersed in great joy.

She didn’t mind that their relationship still needed to be kept secret for now, but Gu Junwan’s public display of favor towards her still made her ecstatic.

After the banquet ended, they left the manor separately, taking airships back to the Peace Palace.

[I’m waiting for you at home, come back quickly!]

Looking at the text message from her Alpha, Gu Junwan’s lips curved slightly, and she quickly replied: [Mm, I’ll say goodbye to mother, then come find you.]

The home Shen Han referred to was, of course, their exclusive villa.

Seeing that it was already 11 p.m. and she still hadn’t been able to give her birthday gift, Shen Han felt a bit anxious.

But she also didn’t want to rush her partner.

After all, Gu Junwan’s identity was special, and she had to arrange everything properly before doing many things.

After returning to the villa, Shen Han didn’t dare to go take a shower.

She paced back and forth in the living room, holding the fountain pen she had polished by hand, not even bothering to take off her military cap.

Gu Junwan returned to the Peace Palace with her two mothers.

As the airship slowly descended, Gu Qianqiu suddenly spoke: “You don’t need to accompany us back to the residence. Go on, Shen Han is waiting for you.”

A mother knows her daughter best.

Gu Qianqiu had also been young once and knew what AOs in the passionate stage of love were like.

On the way back, although her daughter’s face remained as calm as ever, her thoughts had already flown elsewhere.

Having her intentions directly pointed out by her mother, Gu Junwan felt quite embarrassed.

At this moment, Tang Yucai couldn’t help but add fuel to the fire: “Alas~ My little cotton-padded jacket has been stolen away by another Alpha, mommy is so heartbroken.”

Seeing her daughter’s ears turn red, Gu Qianqiu gave Tang Yucai a glare, and the latter immediately fell silent.

……

The driver skillfully dropped the Empress off at the underground parking lot, watching her enter the elevator before promptly leaving.

Gu Junwan was still wearing the white gown from the banquet.

She had quietly come from the bustling venue to this silent villa, like a runaway princess who had just escaped from the castle.

After entering the villa, the entire building wasn’t as bright as usual.

The entrance and living room were quiet, with the lights dimmed as if in sleep mode.

Gu Junwan could barely see the environment beyond two meters.

With her vision obstructed and unable to see the person she wanted to meet, she couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.

Gu Junwan changed her shoes and walked towards the living room while softly calling out: “Shen Han.”

Just as she was about to reach the living room, a pair of arms suddenly extended from behind, embracing her waist.

Gu Junwan was startled and was about to speak when her lips were covered by a palm pressed close.

The scent of snow cedar enveloped her like clouds and mist, teasing the Omega’s somewhat flustered nerves.

In the darkness, Shen Han’s burning lips kissed her sensitive earlobe, whispering: “Sister, may I bite you?”


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