The Turmoil at the Conference Hall

Rhine pulled Qiao Wei this way and that, completely shedding her usual princess demeanor. Luo Xuan and Luo Chen followed at a measured pace behind them, their attitudes forming a stark contrast—Luo Xuan always wore a gentle, warm smile, while Luo Chen remained cold-faced and aloof. Passersby watched these newcomers with curiosity, but the chill radiating from Luo Chen kept them at a distance.

As dusk settled, Rhine led a breathless Qiao Wei out of a shopping mall. Before them appeared a blond youth, Lan Kui, who greeted Luo Xuan and Luo Chen with respectful ceremony. "Your Highnesses," he said, "the Elder has prepared a grand banquet for you and the two young ladies tonight. We would be greatly honored by your attendance."

Unusually, Luo Xuan did not reply at once. He turned to look at Qiao Wei instead, gently asking, "Qiao Qiao, do you want to go?"

Qiao Wei was taken aback, puzzled. "How should I know? That’s up to you, Luo Xuan."

Luo Xuan still gave no answer, his gaze shifting to Luo Chen. Luo Chen nodded ever so slightly, and Lan Kui finally let out the breath he’d been holding.

Lan Kui led the group into an enormous hall. As they entered, silence fell across the entire venue. Lan Kui withdrew to the side, and the nobles’ eyes immediately fixed on Luo Xuan and Luo Chen. In unison, all placed their right hands on their left shoulders, kneeling on one knee in a gesture of utmost respect.

Luo Xuan’s crimson eyes swept swiftly around the hall, finally settling on a silver-haired Elder seated at the far end. He walked elegantly toward him. Luo Chen, frowning, was about to follow, when he felt Qiao Wei’s nervous hand tugging at his own. Lan Kui appeared beside them, bowing deeply to Luo Chen. "Your Highness Luo Chen, let me look after the young ladies."

Luo Chen nodded, patted Qiao Wei’s hand, and walked toward the Elder.

Once Luo Xuan and Luo Chen were seated on ornate vine chairs, the Elder settled beside them and began an aimless conversation. Suddenly, he shifted topics, feigning casualness as he said, "Neither of you are yet married. Recently, we have selected several outstanding noble ladies for you. Would you be willing to choose one from among them?" At his words, several beautiful noblewomen approached.

Watching this scene, Qiao Wei suddenly understood why Luo Xuan had asked her opinion. Seeing the dazzling girls surrounding Luo Xuan, she felt a pang of jealousy and feared what Luo Chen might say.

"No need, thank you for your kindness," Luo Chen replied coolly. Rising, he said to the Elder, "Excuse me, I’m going to take a walk." He glanced toward Qiao Wei and walked out of the hall.

"Why is that? Do you like Brother Luo Chen too?" Before Qiao Wei could recover, Rhine’s plaintive voice floated over.

"I…" Qiao Wei had no idea how to respond. Rhine continued, "From the moment Brother Luo Chen transformed me, I’ve always liked him. But he never once noticed me. Only when he fell in love with Su Mo did I realize I never had a chance. Even after Su Mo died, he still wouldn’t give me a second glance. At least… he cares about you. Think carefully, don’t end up hurting yourself."

Rhine fell silent, draining her wine glass in one gulp. Qiao Wei’s bangs veiled her confused eyes, uncertainty clouding her expression. She left Rhine behind and stepped out of the hall.

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Today is Children’s Day—may all the young at heart, big and small, have a happy day!