All around was nothing but rolling waves. The seawater was crystal clear, and from time to time, some larger fish could be seen swimming past.
Gu You simply stood quietly, gazing at the scenery.
The giant ships sailed smoothly. Two massive ocean liners traveled thousands of meters apart, yet because of their enormous size and lack of obstacles, they could still clearly see one another—almost like companions keeping watch over each other.
The sky gradually darkened. Watching the sunset's glow over the ocean was a unique kind of beauty.
"Attention, everyone, attention, everyone." A broadcast suddenly rang through every cabin.
"Welcome aboard the Xingluo transoceanic liner. Tonight, we will be holding a grand banquet to welcome everyone. Please attend in formal attire. This will be a networking event to promote everlasting friendship between the two continents. At the same time, we will also have some fun little games. We warmly welcome everyone to participate."
Now that sounded interesting.
Gu You smiled faintly and left his cabin.
The banquet later required formal wear. Fortunately, Gu You had packed quite a few outfits beforehand.
He pulled out a suit—snow white in color. Aside from a splash of blue at the chest, it was entirely white.
After putting it on, adjusting his bow tie, and standing before the mirror, Gu You felt that perhaps it was best not to look too long… otherwise he might just die from his own handsomeness.
Everyone heard the announcement through the broadcast.
In his own room, Yue Zhengyu was beaming with joy. He was fiddling with his outfits. Thanks to his spatial storage device, he had brought quite a lot of clothes—far too many to fit in the wardrobe.
"This one. Tonight I'll definitely outshine everyone!" His eyes lit up as he pulled a suit from the closet and laid it on the bed.
The suit was made by a master designer. With golden clan emblems embroidered upon it and his head of flowing golden hair, it was a perfect match.
"Tonight, I'll be the most dazzling person here." Yue Zhengyu proclaimed proudly.
After putting it on, he stood before the mirror, gazing obsessively at his reflection. Muttering to himself, he said:"So it's possible for someone to be this handsome… handsome enough that even I want to violate myself! Simply too handsome."
Adjusting his bow tie, he pulled out a white pocket square embroidered with golden patterns, tucked it into his chest pocket, and, fully satisfied, opened the cabin door.
As fate would have it, the cabin door opposite opened at the same time—Xu Xiaoyan stepped out.
The two caught sight of each other and froze.
Seeing Yue Zhengyu in his white suit, with every strand of hair neatly combed, Xu Xiaoyan felt momentarily dazzled.
Likewise, Yue Zhengyu was stunned. Xu Xiaoyan was dressed in a knee-length white dress—part short gown, part pleated skirt. The top was a simple off-shoulder design, elegant yet youthful, decorated with specks of golden stars.
It was common for soul masters to design their clothes with their martial spirits in mind. Both Yue Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan had done the same.
But now, facing each other, they realized in surprise that their outfits matched perfectly—almost like coordinated couple's attire.
"You look beautiful today." Yue Zhengyu said sincerely.
Xu Xiaoyan rolled her eyes at him. "You too."
He nodded, but then frowned slightly. What's that supposed to mean? I complimented her on being pretty. Is she saying I'm… pretty too? Shouldn't it be handsome?!
The Xingluo's grand banquet hall was located on the second floor. The spacious hall could easily hold over a thousand diners. At this moment, it was already packed.
Because this was a social exchange, all tables and chairs had been removed, leaving only a number of tall cocktail tables scattered about, topped with finger foods and drinks.
It had to be said, both the Star Luo Empire and the Douluo Federation had put in a lot of effort. Both sides clearly intended to foster closer ties. The hall was lavishly decorated, golden and resplendent. Delegates in formal attire filed in one after another, and soon the atmosphere grew lively.
The drinks served at the banquet were all sparkling wines. Sparkling wine was said to be the most effective in inducing pleasure—the carbon dioxide carried the alcohol quickly throughout the body, making it the most euphoric of wines.
By now, many people had already arrived. Without a doubt, those chosen as delegates to represent the two continents were outstanding figures in their fields, from all kinds of backgrounds. In terms of age, though, the students of Shrek Academy were definitely among the youngest present.
Gu You arrived with this group and happened to see Cai Yue'er and Wu Zhangkong.
Cai Yue'er wore a long silver-white gown, elegant and noble. A faint, indescribable brilliance seemed to radiate from her body. The moment she appeared, she drew every gaze in the room.
Though her face was lined with age, for some reason, everyone still felt an aura of peerless grace about her.
Wu Zhangkong stood silently in a corner of the hall, slowly sipping a glass of ice water. If not for Elder Cai's insistence, he wouldn't even have attended. He never liked crowded places.
His attire was no different from usual—plain white shirt and trousers, ordinary to the eye, yet on him they appeared extraordinary, setting him apart from everyone else.
Despite standing quietly in the corner, within moments at least seven women—each confident in her looks—had approached him to strike up conversation.
Wu Zhangkong responded politely yet firmly, his cold expression and curt refusals leaving no room for hope. Still, the women refused to go far, hovering nearby, sneaking glances at him with starry-eyed looks.
Tall, slender, with handsome features, flowing hair, and an aura of cool detachment—Wu Zhangkong was, without a doubt, the perfect image of a woman's dream prince.
Although the hosts had asked for formal attire, it wasn't strictly enforced. A few attendees in casual clothing could also be seen mingling.
"Welcome, everyone, to tonight's banquet. Greetings, I am Sima Lanxiao, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Star Luo Empire. I am delighted to see so many friends from all walks of life in the Douluo Continent. Tonight, let us not leave until we're drunk!
"This evening, we will also hold some lighthearted games. We will select the best-dressed gentleman and lady, the most handsome man, the most beautiful woman, and the most elegant dancing pair of the night. All will receive rewards provided by our Star Luo Empire."
Sima Lanxiao was a tall, well-built middle-aged man with striking golden hair and an air of charisma. His voice was magnetic, full of warmth and energy.
(End of Chapter)