Chapter 95: A Gathering of Beauties
Xiao Yan's decision to host the banquet under the Mittel family's name was a clear declaration of his support for Ya Fei, a move that aligned him with her interests in the imperial capital.
"Thank you," Ya Fei said with a charming smile, her delicate face lighting up the courtyard like a blooming flower.
"Thank me for what? I'm the man standing behind you," Xiao Yan replied with his signature mischievous grin.
"You're so annoying!" Ya Fei's cheeks flushed a deep red as memories of the previous night's intimate moments surfaced in her mind.
"Annoying? What's annoying?" Xiao Yan chuckled and swept her into his arms.
"I feel like a vase," she said softly, her eyes drifting into thought. "I have to rely on you for everything now."
"If you're a vase, then you're the most exquisite one in the world, a divine masterpiece gifted to me by the heavens," Xiao Yan quipped, his hands wandering playfully.
"I don't understand," she sighed, her body twisting slightly in protest. "Not only are you absurdly talented for someone your age, but you're also so cunning when it comes to women. How many girls have you tricked along the way?"
"Tricking little girls is boring. Tricking a mature older sister like you is much more satisfying."
The next day, a grand banquet was held in one of the Mittel family's luxurious estates, a scale of opulence rarely seen in the imperial capital.
Under the night sky, the estate was brilliantly illuminated with lanterns. Servants bustled nervously to ensure every detail was perfect. After all, tonight's guests were the most powerful figures in the empire. A single misstep could spell disaster, but success meant earning enough rewards to last a lifetime.
Xiao Yan, dressed in the same elegant white robe he had worn at the Alchemist Tower, exuded the aura of a graceful and dashing noble. His presence alone stirred the hearts of many young women in attendance.
"You've dressed up like this tonight. Are you trying to attract every butterfly and bee in the room?" Ya Fei teased, her eyes narrowing playfully at him.
"Would I, a gentleman, ever do such a thing?" Xiao Yan responded solemnly.
"A gentleman? Then why were you staring at that woman's backside?" Ya Fei rolled her eyes, glancing at a graceful woman across the room.
"I was just thinking that hers isn't as nice as yours," Xiao Yan whispered with a smirk.
"I can't deal with you," Ya Fei huffed, exasperated yet unable to suppress the warmth in her gaze.
As she admired Xiao Yan's composed and striking demeanor, a thought crossed her mind.
"How wonderful," she said softly.
"What's wonderful?"
"Having you by my side." Ya Fei leaned in to hug him gently, her voice tender.
"I know you won't have only me," she admitted, her tone tinged with resignation. "But no matter what, promise me you won't forget me."
"Of course not. I spent a fortune winning you over. How could I ever forget?" Xiao Yan reassured her, stroking her hair.
As the banquet began, the estate filled with influential figures, each offering polite greetings to Ya Fei before bowing respectfully to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan responded with polite nods, his demeanor aloof yet composed. Many of these individuals wouldn't even have the chance to meet him if not for tonight's event. For him, this was merely a show.
In truth, seduction and negotiation often shared the same principles. To win over a woman or a client, the simplest way was to fulfill their needs. While appearances and resources were important, the true key lay in emotional value creating a connection that forged deeper bonds.
For someone like Ya Fei, whose life was defined by independence and ambition, Xiao Yan offered not just solutions to her struggles but emotional support. These were things she couldn't resist, and over time, her feelings for him grew genuine.
As Xiao Yan played the role of the centerpiece, an unexpected guest entered the banquet hall.
A gray robed elder arrived, his presence immediately silencing the lively atmosphere. The heads of the attending families bowed deeply in respect.
"Senior Jia, you honor us with your presence," someone stammered.
It was the first time the guests showed such deference to someone other than Xiao Yan.
The elder merely nodded in acknowledgment and walked directly toward Xiao Yan.
"This must be Jia Xing Tian," Xiao Yan thought, his attention, however, quickly shifting to the woman accompanying the elder.
The woman, clad in light armor, had a striking figure and a commanding presence. Her beauty rivaled Ya Fei's, but where Ya Fei exuded seductive charm, this woman radiated an aura of boldness and strength.
"Senior Jia," Ya Fei greeted respectfully.
Jia Xing Tian, the oldest living member of the Jia Ma royal family, was rumored to be on the brink of breaking through to the Dou Huang peak. Without Xiao Yan's appearance, he would have been the undisputed powerhouse of the empire.
"Ah, I've heard of the esteemed guest gracing our empire. I couldn't miss the chance to meet him myself," Jia Xing Tian said, his tone polite. His sharp eyes examined Xiao Yan, noting the dangerous aura that even he found unnerving.
"Senior Jia, it's a pleasure to meet you," Xiao Yan replied with a smile, shaking his hand.
"This is the empire's brightest star, Princess Yao Ye," Jia Xing Tian said, gesturing to the woman at his side.
"Ah, Princess Yao Ye. A pleasure," Xiao Yan said, shaking her hand as well.
"I've heard of your heroic feats, Xiao Yan," Yao Ye said, her smile bright. "I wonder if I might have the chance to learn from you someday."
"Of course," Xiao Yan replied casually.
"Ah, attempting to seduce me? Let's see how well you succeed," Xiao Yan thought with amusement.
"Learning from Xiao Yan can happen anytime, Princess Yao Ye," Ya Fei interjected with a sweet yet sharp smile. "You're always welcome at the Mittel family estate."
"Ya Fei, are you jealous?" Yao Ye chuckled before bowing slightly and walking away with Jia Xing Tian.
"Are you interested in the princess too?" Ya Fei asked, her voice laced with playful irritation.
"Well, look who's getting jealous now," Xiao Yan teased.
"I'm not jealous!" Ya Fei retorted, her protest cut short as she noticed Xiao Yan's gaze shifting toward the entrance.
Under the soft glow of moonlight and lanterns, two women in flowing white robes walked into the hall.
Their beauty, like a pair of celestial beings, dimmed even the brilliance of the moonlight.
(Chapter End)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/LightKira10