Chapter 113
The banquet hall was extravagantly decorated, with crystal chandeliers illuminating long tables adorned with flowers and a variety of delicious delicacies. There were colorful Japanese sushi, bite-sized Italian pizzas, French foie gras, and even Chinese spring rolls. Wine was also indispensable, both on the table and carried by a sommelier circulating among the distinguished guests. Western classical music echoed in the ears, and the air was filled with a blend of floral and perfume scents, creating a dazzling atmosphere.
However, in this glamorous venue teeming with celebrities, Su Bin didn’t recognize anyone other than Allen. He stood alone in a corner, feeling uneasy and restless. Although he could help himself to the delicious food and snacks on nearby tables, as Allen had indicated before leaving, Su Bin was as nervous as a squirrel in a fox’s den, staring anxiously at the only person who could save him—Allen.
Su Bin watched as Allen navigated through the crowd, heading straight to two young gentlemen in tailcoats. They handed Allen a glass of egg-white-colored drink, possibly brandy, and the group exchanged smiles and laughter.
Suddenly feeling a bit resentful, Su Bin had thought Allen had urgent matters to attend to, but it turned out he was just socializing with others! He kept an eye on them, observing their conversation for about ten minutes. During this time, Allen didn’t turn back to look at him.
In the process, a sommelier passed by Su Bin, kindly offering him a drink since he had nothing in his hands. Su Bin, standing there dumbfounded, accepted the glass and asked, “What is this?”
The sommelier smiled, “Whiskey.”
Su Bin, who had never tasted whiskey before, thought, “Anything will do as long as my hands aren’t empty.” The sommelier said something else, but Su Bin didn’t catch it. He simply said, “Thank you,” and continued watching Allen.
To his surprise, when he looked back, Allen had disappeared! Panicking, Su Bin quickly scanned the crowd.
Thankfully, Allen was quite conspicuous wherever he went, not because of his height, physique, or even looks—though Allen’s appearance was outstanding even among Westerners. It was his unique demeanor, perhaps influenced by the illnesses he had endured, that set him apart. His gaze, his attitude toward people and events, all exuded a calmness that seemed extraordinary.
Su Bin couldn’t find the right words to describe it. Perhaps it had to do with the trials Allen had faced, transforming him into someone different. His eyes, his demeanor—everything about him seemed refined.
As Allen conversed with the two young men, many people noticed him. Now that he was free, he was quickly surrounded by various socialites and ladies. Adorned with sparkling jewelry, poised, and graceful, they resembled lilies on the banquet table—fragrant and enticing.
Watching Allen interact with them, kissing foreheads, smiling, and exchanging pleasantries, Su Bin suddenly felt a sense of emptiness. It seemed like the first time he truly realized how popular Allen was. He used to believe that Allen was aloof and enjoyed solitude, but that wasn’t the case.
Allen was humble, polite, tolerant, and kind. As Jessie had mentioned, his aloofness was just a facade.
“Oh damn it, young women are one thing, but why is that middle-aged woman getting involved? Allen even kissed her forehead! And he looks so happy doing it!”
Su Bin took a gulp of whiskey, feeling the burn in his eyes. Although Allen had told him to focus only on him, he couldn’t help but feel a bit lonely.
It seemed like he was realizing for the first time how sought-after Allen was. Before, not knowing much about him, Su Bin thought Allen was reserved and enjoyed being alone. In reality, he was approachable, polite, and kind.
—Oh no, it’s not just young women, even that woman who looks like she’s in her thirties. Allen actually kissed her forehead! And he looks so happy doing it!
Su Bin took a big sip of whiskey, the spiciness making his eyes water.
Although Allen told him to just look at him, how much he wished Allen would only look at him…
“Hello,” a sudden unfamiliar voice interrupted Su Bin’s thoughts.
Su Bin turned his head and saw a man in a white suit standing in front of him. The man’s golden hair was dazzling, and his azure eyes seemed to be able to captivate souls. He looked very handsome.
Su Bin felt a bit familiar with him, but he attributed that to the typical Western handsome features. Besides, his attention was fully on Allen, and he didn’t pay much attention to this man.
“Hello,” Su Bin replied, gripping his glass, recalling Allen’s instructions, and planning to use the “I’m Lance’s friend” excuse.
But unexpectedly, the man said, “How’s the drink?”
Su Bin was momentarily surprised, thinking he was asking for his opinion. So, he took another sip and said, “Not good. I don’t recommend it. Oh, by the way, it’s called whiskey, I think.”
The man raised an eyebrow, “Really…”
Su Bin looked at the man’s puzzled and slightly amused expression and said, “I thought you might like it.”
The man chuckled, “Too bad. I thought you would enjoy it.”
Su Bin raised his glass, “Thanks.”
The man continued, “By the way, why are you standing here alone? Isn’t it boring?”
Su Bin was about to say he was waiting for Allen when the man said, “I’m a friend of Duke Lance. What’s your name?”
Su Bin finally managed to say, “Michael.”
The man shook his head, “Oh no, I meant your real name. Are you Chinese?”
Su Bin, with a blank mind, could only obediently reply, “Su Bin.”
The man bit his tongue, repeating, “Su Bin?” The pronunciation of these two words wasn’t very difficult, and he pronounced them quite accurately.
Su Bin looked at him uncomfortably.
The man smiled and said, “Can you show me your invitation?”
Su Bin felt awkward, “I… don’t have an invitation.”
The man stared at him with a somewhat suspicious expression.
Su Bin, feeling the pressure, quickly thought of using the language barrier. “Actually, I don’t understand much of what you’re saying… My English isn’t very good.”
The man raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. “Is that so?”
Su Bin continued pretending to be clueless, “(=_=)”
The man sighed and snapped his fingers. Soon, a man with black-framed glasses and wearing a gray suit appeared. This man also looked Chinese.
“Your Highness, is there anything you need?” he asked.
The man said to Su Bin, “This is Hua Ling. He’ll translate for us.”
Su Bin: “(=_=)”
Not far away, Allen, who had just extricated himself from Ophelia’s wedding, breathed a sigh of relief. His “friend” had returned.
“Sean, what do you want to do again?” he asked.
Sean: “Don’t you want to introduce your little boyfriend to us?”
Allen: “I don’t plan to. I think I’ve made it clear. He’s not ready yet. Maybe next time.”
Sean: “But we really want to meet him.”
Allen: “Thinking about it won’t help. He’s mine.”
The other person beside Sean said, “We just want to chat with him for you. You’re so busy, and he must be lonely alone.”
Allen: “He can think about me.”
Sean: “He’s alone over there. Won’t he get bored and run away?”
Allen confidently asserted, “He won’t.”
The other person said, “He’s a cute and silly guy, according to Hua Ling. Aren’t you afraid he’ll be deceived by someone else?”
Allen was momentarily stunned, furrowing his brows. He swiftly moved away from the dense crowd to a slightly clearer area, looking towards the corner where Su Bin was. Indeed, Su Bin was surrounded by Hal and Hua Ling, seemingly engaged in conversation. Allen cursed silently, realizing Sean and the others weren’t up to any good. He hadn’t expected them to involve Hal in this. Their audacity was truly remarkable.
About to go over and rescue Su Bin from their clutches, Allen was halted by a familiar voice.
“Oh, look who I’ve found! Dear Lance, I’m so glad you could make it. I’ve missed you so much…”
“…,” Allen fiercely glared at the person behind her, Donald, with a wicked smile. His eyes conveyed a warning.
But there was no choice. Allen quickly put on a warm smile and turned to face the one person he couldn’t refuse—the hostess of the banquet, his aunt, Josephine Louis.
Donald made a face at Allen and the others and headed towards the direction where Su Bin was located. It was a rare sight to see Lance so nervous. How could they miss this opportunity!
