music　began，　and　Sukie　moved　gracefully，　her　every　motion　captivating　the　audience.　She　danced　with　a　passion　and　elegance　that　left　everyone　in　awe，　her　performance　a　perfect　blend　of　beauty　and　skill.

After　the　performance，　Lord　Wei　approached　her，　clearly　impressed.　“You　were　magnificent，”　he　said，　his　eyes　filled　with　admiration.　“I’ve　never　seen　such　grace　and　talent.”

Sukie　smiled，　her　heart　pounding.　“Thank　you，　my　lord.　I’m　honored　by　your　praise.”

Lord　Wei　took　her　hand，　his　gaze　intense.　“I’d　like　to　spend　some　time　with　you，　if　you’re　willing.　I　have　a　private　room　upstairs.”

Sukie’s　pulse　quickened.　This　was　the　opportunity　she　had　been　waiting　for.　“I’d　be　delighted，　my　lord.”

They　ascended　the　grand　staircase，　and　Sukie　followed　Lord　Wei　into　a　lavishly　decorated　room.　As　they　settled　onto　a　plush　couch，　Lord　Wei　poured　them　both　a　glass　of　wine.

“To　your　incredible　performance，”　he　toasted，　raising　his　glass.

Sukie　clinked　her　glass　against　his，　her　mind　racing　with　possibilities.　“Thank　you，　my　lord.　It’s　an　honor　to　entertain　someone　as　distinguished　as　yourself.”

They　chatted　for　a　while，　Lord　Wei　clearly　enjoying　her　company.　Sukie　listened　intently，　subtly　steering　the　conversation　towards　the　palace　and　the　Dark　Lord’s　plans.　She　learned　that　Lord　Wei　was　indeed　well－connected　and　often　attended　private　gatherings　at　the　palace.