Would You Be My Companion? (4)

"Youyou, it is all right. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. You're only getting what you pay for; it's just plain business. Xiao Hong and I have already decided on it. Besides, you're going to end up becoming a laughing stock if you attend the ball alone. We can't be of much help to you that night now that we've found ourselves company. It's an issue concerning your reputation as well!"

Mu Shaoqing could not help overhearing their conversation, and he frowned as he heard the name of the club - Mu Se.

"Xiao Lan, I'll figure it out."

"How stubborn, Youyou."

Ning Youyou hung up the phone without further ado.

With a sigh, she began picturing Xiao Lan and Xiao Hong standing next to the men who they hired from the night club. Quickly, she shook her head to get rid of the disastrous thought. She lifted her head, and all she saw was Mu Shaoqing's grim, but handsome face. 

Ning Youyou was stunned for a moment.

Without a doubt, the man was striking and imposing, and so were his manners.

If.

What if.

She had a sudden idea but was not quite sure how to share it.

As a bodyguard from Zhou Feng, will he be available that day? Is he going to the ball as well? Has he got himself a companion?

She was immobilized by the series of questions that popped out in her head, but one deep breath later, she decided to say it. "Mu."

Mu Shaoqing turned his head to look at her.

"I have something to ask you."

"What?"

Ning Youyou hesitantly spoke, "I was wondering if you'll be available three days from now in the evening."

Mu Shaoqing only gave her a brief look without any answer. In fact, he was offended by her earlier impudence.

Ning Youyou continued with a sigh, "You should know that the annual ball of Zhou Feng Corporation is in three days. Everyone from the company is invited, mostly with a companion, just to seem more decent."

"So what?" Mu Shaoqing could not hide the annoyance on his face.

Ning Youyou spent a moment plucking up the courage to ask him. "I'd like to ask. Would you be my companion to the ball?"

Mu Shaoqing sat motionless and silent.

Ning Youyou continued, "I know that you're a bodyguard for a senior executive. I also know that the request sounds rather odd. Please bear with me until the end of the ball. It'll be over by 10 pm at the latest; I assure you. If you still find it unacceptable, I'm more than happy to pay you on an hourly basis. Well, only if you have the time. Assuming you do not have a companion for the ball yet," she muttered the last sentence under her breath.

Mu Shaoqing saw the flush of embarrassment on Ning Youyou's face and was pleasantly surprised.

"Sure," Mu Shaoqing said nonchalantly.

"You've agreed!" Ning Youyou was overjoyed.

Mu Shaoqing then said, "Surely, I've agreed, but I'm afraid that you're unable to afford my hourly rate." 

Ning Youyou hesitated for a moment. He was right, though. As a bodyguard of such excellent skill and flair, his salary must be very high, which could be way out of her range.

"However, I'm not looking to earn any money. You may treat me to a meal." Mu Shaoqing then took another at the food on his table and promptly said, "As long as it's not street food."

"Really?" Ning Youyou beamed with delight.

"Yes."

"That's great! Thank you so much for your help! I'll be sure to take you out for a scrumptious meal." Ning Youyou could finally heave a sigh of relief, now that she had finally found herself a companion. Instead of hiring someone from the nightclub, she would rather go to the ball with someone she was comfortable with.