Chapter 134
Chapter 134: An awkward encounter
They entered Phoebe’s room and stopped in front of an enormous mirror. Phoebe then stopped by a pile of black evening wear hemmed with exquisite, rolled gold edges that included a full set of boots and undergarments.
“Change out of your clothes first and I’ll help you with the exterior wear in a moment.” Phoebe left after handing the pile of clothes to Han Shuo and went to wait outside.
Han Shuo looked at the dress shirt, boots, and bow tie with an aggrieved look. He hesitated, then followed Phoebe’s request anyway and put them on. He looked at himself in the mirror and felt that he’d noticeably become more vigorous and handsome.
“Are you done yet?” Phoebe asked outside.
“Yes, I’m done.” Han Shuo responded.
When she heard Han Shuo’s response, Phoebe walked in from outside and looked Han Shuo up and down with her clear eyes. She nodded, “It fits you very well. You look quite dashing in these clothes!”
“Oh, is that so? I feel quite good as well.” Han Shuo smiled faintly with a careless response.
“I’ll help you with the outer jacket.” Phoebe walked next to Han Shuo and picked up the jacket in Han Shuo’s hands with ease. She didn’t wait for Han Shuo to speak and took the initiative to help Han Shuo into the jacket, her expression quite happy.
The two of them were close to each other as the faint fragrance wreathed around Phoebe wafted into Han Shuo’s mouth and nose. Add to that Phoebe’s indescribably tender movements, this all made Han Shuo’s face flush and heart race.
Phoebe was unsure about more of Lawrence’s matters. She only knew that he dealt with people well and had a good relationship with their teacher. Lawrence was also a bit resourceful and seemed to have many secrets about him, but Phoebe was uncertain of that as well.
The two of them had unknowingly arrived at their destination as they chatted. It wasn’t until when Han Shuo got off from the carriage that he discovered they weren’t too far away from the palace.
Alighting from the carriage with Phoebe and walking to the door of a luxurious, opulent manor, there was a well mannered butler long since awaiting to welcome Han Shuo and Phoebe inside. They made their way through a corridor and arrived in a courtyard surrounded by artificial mountains and rivers. They discovered that all sorts of soft and comfortable chairs had been placed in the surroundings, with many exquisite sweet delicacies and fine wine set up in the plains around the artificial mountains.
People dressed in extravagant clothing were scattered in all areas, grasping wine glasses in their hands and conversing with a smile on their faces. When Han Shuo and Phoebe walked in, the stunning Phoebe immediately drew hot eyed stares from many gentlemen within the area as well as some envious glances from some noble ladies.
“Hello Phoebe, I’m very happy that you could come and participate in this time’s banquet.” An ordinary looking middle aged man with normal features called out softly from the grass next to the flowing waters, walking over with a smile.
“Uncle Eevee, how would Phoebe not dare attend an event that you’ve issued an invitation for?” Phoebe tugged on Han Shuo and walked in the direction of finance minister Eevee of the Lancelot Empire.
Eevee Egadi was the father of Lawrence Egadi. Han Shuo stared at Eevee, observing him closely and marveling at how Eevee could sire such a handsome son as Lawrence, given his own ordinary features. He felt it truly incredible.
“Is this handsome young fellow your boyfriend?” Eevee looked at Han Shuo with a smile and asked in surprise when he saw Han Shuo standing by her side.
“Yes, Uncle Eevee, he’s called Bryan and he’s also quite close with senior brother Lawrence.” Phoebe nodded and responded with a smile. She purposefully drew close to Han Shuo as they talked and reached out a hand to take his wrist, speaking with a look of happy contentment.
Although he knew that Phoebe was doing so to purposefully prove their relationship to Eevee, Han Shuo still felt something odd in his heart when Phoebe held onto him so intimately.
“Oh, so this is the case. Heh heh, Lawrence has returned from school today as well and is changing into his evening wear. I think he’ll be out in a bit. You can have a nice chat later.” Eevee spoke with surprise and then smiled at Han Shuo and Phoebe. “I’m a bit busy today and need to attend to other guests, I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you for now.”
“No worries Uncle Eevee, go attend to what you need to do!” Phoebe said graciously with politeness.
Eevee had just left when a middle aged man with a protruding belly walked towards Phoebe with a glass of wine in his hand. The man suddenly saw Han Shuo standing next to Phoebe before he’d reached her and his face immediately darkened, but he covered it quite well.
“It’s been a few days, but Miss Phoebe is as beautiful and enchanting as ever. I don’t know if you’ve considered the matter that I brought up to you last time?” When the person reached Phoebe, his ardent gaze stared at Phoebe without abandon as he spoke in question.
“Apologies Mister Cameron, our Boozt Merchant Guild is not willing to join your merchant guild.” Phoebe’s face resumed its cold expression as she flicked a glance at Cameron, speaking diffidently.
Cameron’s face changed as he stared deeply at Phoebe, saying, “Our merchant guild exists to oppose the Brut Merchant Alliance. As members of the Brut Merchant Alliance, the McGrady Guild seems to pose quite a threat to your Boozt Merchant Guild. I hope you can seriously consider my proposal.”
“Hello Mister Cameron! Who are you talking to?” A familiar voice suddenly sounded from behind as a curvacious and alluring Emily, all dressed up, suddenly appeared behind Han Shuo.
Her facial expression had been relaxed and carefree when it suddenly changed after she caught sight of Han Shuo when her body was turned. When her gaze landed on Phoebe holding onto Han Shuo’s arm, her eyes danced even more as a weird look focused fixedly on Han Shuo.