Lady Jones

Zhou Yi originally planned to explore the city with Xie Tingwan, but she was assigned a task by their teacher and couldn’t accompany him.

The remaining teammates had also invited Zhou Yi to join them, but he declined with a faint smile.

He had already arranged his itinerary and didn’t find it convenient to go with others.

Though their teacher had warned that going out alone at night wasn’t safe, Zhou Yi’s combat skills made that a non-issue for him.

His plan for the afternoon was to wander around the city, visit an art exhibition, take some photos to show off on social media—and also to make sure Qiao Xi saw them.

In the evening, he’d sample some local delicacies before heading to a bar.

Being abroad, he naturally couldn’t pass up the chance to meet some girls.

After stepping out, Zhou Yi strolled through the city, casually snapping pictures of the scenic views and architecture before sending them to Kong Huaijin.

Kong Huaijin replied almost instantly.

[Kong Huaijin: Why only scenery and not you? I want to see you.]

[Zhou Yi: I can’t take a photo of myself and the scenery at the same time alone.]

[Kong Huaijin: Didn’t Xiaohe say you were free this afternoon? You went out by yourself?]

Truthfully, Kong Huaijin had already heard from Kong Xiaohe that there was an exceptionally beautiful girl in the competition team who even called Zhou Yi "A-Yi." A sense of crisis immediately flared up in her.

To her surprise, Zhou Yi had gone out alone.

But that was fine—better than him going out with a beauty.

[Zhou Yi: I saw an art exhibition online and wanted to check it out. Also, I’m buying a painting for a friend.]

[Kong Huaijin: If you find one you like, I’ll buy it for you, okay?]

Zhou Yi then sent a voice message, his tone a mix of amusement and indulgence.

"Sister, are you really treating me like a kept male model now?"

To Kong Huaijin, Zhou Yi was like a little brother who needed pampering. She couldn’t help but shower him with gifts and spend money on him—it was her way of expressing affection.

Hearing his reply, she chuckled and let it go, reminding him to stay safe abroad before returning to her work.

Zhou Yi looked up the exhibition on his phone—a 30-minute taxi ride away.

It wasn’t a solo exhibition but featured works from multiple artists, including one whose paintings Qiao Xi adored.

The exhibition wasn’t large. Zhou Yi specifically sought out that artist’s work and asked about the price—around 200,000 RMB.

For him, it wasn’t expensive.

He first took a photo and posted it on social media with the location tagged. Within minutes, likes and comments poured in, and he replied to a few.

Then he continued browsing, stopping in front of an oil painting, seemingly absorbed.

In reality, he was just chatting with his system.

"Can I encounter a target to conquer abroad, System?"

"Targets aren’t limited by geography or borders."

"So there’s a good chance I’ll meet one here? And now that I’m Level 50, I should be able to attract an SSS-tier goddess, right?"

"Yes. If one appears, I’ll alert you immediately. Don’t worry."

Behind him, a beautiful girl had been watching him, mesmerized by his focused demeanor.

She whispered to her companion, "Hey, Lina, see that guy over there? He’s gorgeous."

The girl’s name was Jones. She had delicate features—a petite face with striking eyes—and a tall, slender frame. She wore an elegant Chanel dress and a chic little hat.

Lina, sporting freckles and curly hair, had big, bright eyes and adorable little fangs. Covering her mouth, she gasped softly, "Oh my... what a refined man."

Since they were at an exhibition, approaching him directly would be impolite.

They decided to keep an eye on Zhou Yi and strike up a conversation once he left.

When Zhou Yi finally purchased the painting and stepped outside, the two girls intercepted him.

They introduced themselves and asked if he was from China—his sharp, well-defined features were unmistakably Chinese.

Zhou Yi, charmed by their politeness and beauty, smiled and introduced himself in return.

They were surprised to learn it was his first time in the city.

"Your pronunciation is so good—we thought you were a local Chinese expat."

"It’s my first visit. I’m here for a competition and had some free time to explore. Never expected to meet two such lovely ladies."

Flattered, the girls beamed, graciously accepting his compliment before praising his looks in return.

"Zhou, do you have plans later? If you don’t mind, we could explore together."

"Of course—it’d be my honor. How about I treat you both to dinner tonight?"

Jones and Lina were delighted by his generosity.

Since Zhou Yi wasn’t familiar with local restaurants, they recommended a romantic French place.

On the way, Lina chatted animatedly with Zhou Yi.

Between the two, Jones was the quieter one, while Lina was bubbly and outgoing—yet there was an unspoken deference in how Lina treated Jones.

Zhou Yi sensed that Jones might come from a privileged background. Her demeanor and attire gave it away.

"System, Jones isn’t a target?"

With her looks and poise, she should at least have a rating, right?

But then again, if every beautiful woman abroad was a target, the list would never end.

"Sadly, no. But she is stunning. If you like her, go ahead and flirt. I won’t restrict you to just targets."

"That makes it sound like I’m some playboy who hits on every pretty girl."

"Aren’t you?"

"..."

Zhou Yi ignored the system and focused on the conversation.

After Lina’s enthusiastic questioning, Jones finally spoke up.

"Zhou, do you have a girlfriend?"

"No, I’m single. What about you?"

"Same."

Jones smiled elegantly, her eyes gleaming.

A man this handsome is still single? How unexpected, she thought.

When they arrived, Jones adjusted her hat. Lina naturally opened the car door for her, and Zhou Yi, ever the gentleman, offered his hand to help her out.

In foreign cultures, chivalry went a long way in winning women over.

Inside the restaurant, a pianist played softly in the center of the room.

"Zhou, do you enjoy piano music?"

"I occasionally attend musical performances when I have time."

Zhou Yi chatted with Jones while having the system send him information about world-famous musicians and other relevant data.

"Host, for just 500,000 attribute points, not only will I give you the information, but I can also give you a cheat ability, making you a piano master no less skilled than those renowned figures."

"500,000?! That’s a bit too steep, don’t you think?"

"Think about it—after this, if you go on a variety show and casually reveal your incredible piano skills, won’t your charm points skyrocket? You’ll earn those attribute points back in no time."

Though Zhou Yi knew the system was dangling a carrot in front of him, its reasoning wasn’t entirely wrong.

When it comes to wooing women, spending a few attribute points is just part of the game.

"You’re really turning into a shrewd merchant, aren’t you? Fine, I’ll take it."

After the three of them took their seats, while waiting for the server to bring the menu, the two beauties across from him began conversing in the language of Country F.

Zhou Yi couldn’t understand, and the feeling made him uncomfortable.

"System, can you—"

"Of course. This one’s cheap—just 5,000 attribute points. If you want to speak the language too, double the points."

"You really do understand me well. Sold."

A few seconds later, Zhou Yi could already comprehend what they were saying.

Now, he could understand every word exchanged between the two women.

"Would you like to invite this gentleman, miss?"

"He’s so handsome, Flora would be green with envy."

"But would Zhou agree?"

Lina glanced up at Zhou Yi.

He smiled at her and replied fluently in the language of Country F, "If it’s an invitation from Miss Jones, I’d be delighted."

Zhou Yi’s flawless command of the language stunned the two beauties across from him.

Jones’s beautiful, glass-like eyes widened slightly as she gazed at him in amazement.

"My goodness, this is incredible, Zhou..."

At this point, she lowered her head slightly in apology. "I’m so sorry. We shouldn’t have assumed you didn’t speak the language of Country F. And I should have extended the invitation properly, not... I truly apologize."

Jones’s cheeks flushed red.

The etiquette ingrained in her made her deeply embarrassed by her earlier behavior. She wondered what Zhou Yi must think of her now.

She had even admitted that she wanted to bring him to the banquet just to spite another woman—driven purely by her attraction to his good looks. How mortifying.

Jones clenched her skirt, her face burning with shame.

Zhou Yi offered a gentle smile. "It’s alright. Everyone appreciates beauty, and Miss Jones is so stunning that it’s only natural for people to notice appearances first. I don’t mind—it’s a compliment, isn’t it?"

"Besides, attending a banquet with a beauty like you is an honor for me."

A woman finding him handsome and wanting to show him off was no different from a man flaunting a pretty girl—vanity was universal, after all.

Jones was deeply moved by Zhou Yi’s magnanimity. Not only had he spared her further embarrassment, but he had also accepted her invitation. It made her incredibly happy.

"Zhou, you’re truly wonderful—not just with your perfect looks, but also your beautiful heart. You’re a true gentleman. I sincerely invite you to accompany me to a banquet three days from now."

By then, Zhou Yi’s competition would be over, so he had the time.

He nodded in agreement.

Overjoyed, Jones decided to reveal her true identity as a gesture of sincerity.

It turned out she was a descendant of nobility in Country F, while Lina was a distant relative who lived in a semi-servant role.

Jones considered Lina a close friend, so Lina stayed by her side willingly and genuinely respected her as her lady.

As for the banquet in three days, it was a grand event attended by distinguished figures from various countries.

Among them was a woman Jones despised—someone who had always tried to one-up her since they met, arrogant and ill-mannered.

According to Jones, some princes and princesses would also be present, with the underlying purpose of arranged marriages.

In other words, it was essentially a high-society matchmaking event.

"I have no interest in marrying any of those men. With Zhou by my side, they’ll all be too intimidated to approach. After all, how could they compare to my escort?"

Jones could already picture Flora’s envious, sour expression.

"Here’s the menu, guests."

A server approached, interrupting their conversation.

Jones handed the server a thick stack of bills with a smile. Her generous tip earned her an even brighter smile and the address of "lovely lady."

When serving the food, the server took the opportunity to share the restaurant’s backstory.

They learned that the establishment was founded by a renowned pianist.

The pianist playing earlier was one of his students, and different students frequently performed here as part of their training.

In the pianist’s eyes, the piano wasn’t just for the wealthy—he believed in equality, that everyone who loved music should have the chance to enjoy the piano.

In most parts of the world, piano performances and lessons were luxuries reserved for the rich and powerful, leaving ordinary people unable to afford them.

But this pianist had risen from the slums, overcoming countless hardships to achieve his success.

That’s why he insisted on performing for free everywhere and taught his students to view their audience without prejudice.

Playing at this restaurant was a mandatory part of their curriculum.

Though the prices here weren’t exorbitant, the elegant ambiance and excellent cuisine made it accessible to ordinary people, who could also enjoy beautiful piano music.

After hearing the server’s explanation, Zhou Yi and Jones both felt deep respect for the pianist.

"I’ve been here many times but never knew this story. Thank you for sharing it—now I can appreciate this remarkable pianist even more."

Jones wore an expression of admiration. Such individuals naturally commanded respect.

The server smiled. "Actually, the owner prefers we don’t publicize this. He worries it might attract people who come only for his reputation, leaving ordinary patrons unable to truly enjoy the food. But for a noble and beautiful lady like you, knowing the story is no issue."

"Could you tell me his name? I’d love to know which master he is—I’ve studied piano for many years and have a deep interest in it."

The server hesitated but ultimately shook his head with an apologetic smile.

Zhou Yi, however, instantly guessed the answer. "It’s Mr. Albedo, isn’t it?"