Going to the Banquet

Jones gave Zhou Yi a gentle smile: "Zhou, am I late?"

Today, she looked even more beautiful than the first time Zhou Yi had seen her.

Back then, she had only been wearing casual clothes—still pretty, but her aura hadn’t been as striking as it was today, making her seem almost untouchable.

Now, Jones was dressed in a white fairy-like gown, adorned with a large diamond necklace at her chest. The dress hugged her waist perfectly, with feather embellishments on either side and a skirt that shimmered like flowing stardust as she moved.

The gown was clearly worth a fortune.

Her makeup was also exquisitely done, and Zhou Yi could see the obvious difference.

Lina, on the other hand, was dressed more modestly, lacking the breathtaking allure of Jones—she wouldn’t dare steal Jones’ spotlight.

"Zhou, I spotted you from the car earlier. You stood out so much just standing there," Lina greeted him with a sunny smile.

"Not late at all—you arrived just in time. Miss Jones, you look exceptionally beautiful today, enough to make anyone fall for you at first sight."

"And Lina, you look lovely too."

Zhou Yi responded warmly to both of them.

Jones extended her hand to him with a playful grin. "My handsome escort, shall we get in the car? Standing on the roadside like this is drawing too much attention."

Zhou Yi took her hand and stepped into the car together.

"I’ll take you to Lucas first. I’ve picked out a suit for you there—I’m sure you’ll love it."

"So now you’re taking me for a makeover? Feels like a movie scene, like I’m about to transform."

"Exactly, Mr. Zhou Yi. I want you to be the most dazzling man at tonight’s banquet."

"With a companion like you, Jones, I already am."

"You really know how to charm, Zhou."

Jones’ eyes curved with amusement as she praised Zhou Yi’s impromptu piano performance at Albedo’s banquet.

Then, as if remembering something, she added with a smile, "I think some people at tonight’s event might recognize you."

"Recognize me? I’m not a celebrity—why would they know me?"

"Zhou, you might not realize it, but they adore Albedo, and he holds you in such high regard. Not just him—many pianists have been sharing that video of you, calling you a 'genius pianist.' You’re about to become their new obsession."

Jones guessed these people might even argue over who could invite Zhou Yi to perform at their homes first.

Truthfully, high society could be just as frivolous—if not more hypocritical and status-driven—than ordinary people.

How much of their admiration for artists was truly genuine?

"I see. Well, if they recognize me, no harm in making some friends."

Zhou Yi shrugged it off with a casual smile.

Jones, worried he might feel pressured to accept unwanted invitations, reminded him:

"If they ask you to play the piano and you don’t want to, just refuse. Don’t let their status intimidate you."

"Understood."

Their conversation flowed until they arrived at Lucas’ studio.

Lucas was a professional runway model stylist and fashion designer, responsible for countless stunning creations.

He was also the go-to stylist for many celebrities and aristocrats—someone not easily booked by just anyone.

The moment Lucas saw Zhou Yi, he called him a "natural mannequin," praising his model-perfect physique and Jones’ impeccable taste.

Jones basked in the compliment.

"I’ll take this handsome gentleman for his makeover now, Miss Jones. Please wait."

"I’m eager to see what magic you’ll work on Zhou."

"Just wait and see, Miss Jones."

Lucas grinned before leading Zhou Yi into another room.

The suit Jones had chosen was intricate. With the help of Lucas’ two assistants, Zhou Yi changed into it, then sat down for hairstyling.

While the assistants worked on his hair, Lucas prepared to apply makeup.

Zhou Yi instinctively stopped him. "Lucas, are you going to put makeup on me?"

Lucas chuckled. "Zhou, it’s completely normal. Don’t resist the idea—I bet half the men at tonight’s banquet will be wearing makeup."

Zhou Yi shook his head. "No, thank you, Lucas. I’ll pass on the makeup."

Lucas sighed but relented. "Fine. Handsome men have the privilege of being picky. For the sake of that face, I’ll back off."

He still felt it was a shame—Zhou Yi’s features were perfect for makeup, capable of enhancing his already striking looks. But since Zhou Yi refused, he couldn’t force it.

When Zhou Yi finally emerged in his suit and styled hair, Jones was speechless.

Covering her mouth, she gasped, "Oh my—Zhou..."

No exaggeration, Zhou Yi could have passed for a prince from some faraway kingdom.

"Do I look good, Jones?"

"Unbelievably handsome, Zhou. My heart’s racing out of control."

Lucas added, "Too bad Zhou wouldn’t let me do his makeup. He’d have been even more striking."

Jones laughed. "It’s fine. Zhou is already perfect. Any more charm, and some princess might try to kidnap him."

Though she said it jokingly, she truly believed in Zhou Yi’s magnetism.

After leaving Lucas’ studio, they arrived at the banquet venue just in time.

It was held at Princess Carrie’s estate—a sprawling property with luxury cars parked outside and reporters snapping photos.

When Zhou Yi and Jones stepped out, journalists swarmed them, but Jones merely offered a polite smile before walking past, declining interviews.

After presenting their invitation, the gates opened, and a servant escorted them by car to the banquet area.

The estate was so vast that walking would have taken ages—and they might have gotten lost.

Zhou Yi glanced around discreetly.

At the center stood a grand castle, its front adorned with a fountain featuring a humanoid statue. Beyond the castle lay an expansive lawn.

Well-dressed men and women mingled there, chatting and laughing.

Tables were set up on the grass, laden with drinks and delicacies.

Tonight’s event had two main areas—the outdoor lawn and the banquet hall inside the castle.

A garden path connected the two, with open access to explore the surroundings in between.

The arrival of Zhou Yi and Jones immediately drew attention.

A pair as stunning as them was bound to turn heads.

After all, not every prince or princess was blessed with good looks—plenty were far from it.

Spotting them, a woman in a blue gown and a hat approached.

She was the host of the evening—Princess Carrie.

"Jones, it’s been a while."