Xun Jia shuddered all over, slowly raised his head, and looked toward the newcomer.
The arrival wore a formal suit like the other guests, with a subdued, dark-toned tie. What set him apart from the passing guests was his jet-black hair, a trait common among East Territory citizens.
He was no longer young, with several deep lines etched around his eyes, appearing to be in his forties or fifties. His lips were thin, and without any expression, he exuded an intimidating aura of authority.
Emory stepped aside slightly, and the guests, seeing that they knew each other, also retreated, considerately not interrupting their reunion.
“Why aren’t you speaking, Mr. Xie?”
Emory raised an eyebrow and tsked. “Could it be that it’s been so long you don’t recognize each other anymore?”
Chen Yan lowered his eyes, scrutinizing Xun Jia’s youthful face without a smile, his expression as serious as if he were assessing a risk.
After a moment, he said in a low voice, “…What is your name?”
Emory and Xun Jia both froze, as if they couldn’t believe their ears.
No immediate accusation, no angry scolding—just a simple question: What is your name? What kind of talk was that?
Emory immediately looked at Chen Yan. The man was twenty years his senior and had served as the East Territory ambassador stationed at the Silver Watchtower for a full decade. There was no way he wouldn’t recognize the young master of his own lord.
Emory furrowed his brow deeply, wanting to ask what that sentence meant. Could it be that this young noble was truly so mysterious that even the directly appointed ambassador from his own territory had never seen him?
Then how were they supposed to verify the authenticity of his identity? Just with a name?
Under such a stern gaze, Xun Jia felt his entire body stiffen as if frozen solid, his blood vessels icing over, unable to move an inch.
Why was he asking for his name?
In that brief pause, Xun Jia thought rapidly and suddenly recalled what Xie Jianxun had said: Only a very few people had ever seen His Highness.
Enough mystery meant enough safety.
He suddenly understood, his thoughts clearing like a lightning bolt had struck.
The ambassador probably hadn’t seen His Highness either!
He didn’t even know what His Highness looked like—whether he was fat or thin, tall or short.
Perhaps he only knew a name and some traits, like the fact that His Highness was the same young age of eighteen…
Even if he gave the name “Xie Jia,” how would the other confirm it wasn’t a fake name he’d made up to travel incognito?
Just like hair could be dyed and eyes fitted with colored contacts, why couldn’t a name be changed?
He wanted to turn back, to see where Xie Jianxun was, to urgently confirm his position.
Or say nothing, grab Xie Jianxun first, dive into the crowd to create chaos, and escape from the manor amid the confusion.
He kept his mouth shut, his fingers flicking back slightly, grasping at empty air.
Xie Jianxun wasn’t behind him.
Had he already left? Xun Jia silently breathed a sigh of relief. Good, then he could handle it himself.
“It’s been a long time indeed, Xie Jia. Have you forgotten? I’m Xie Jia.” Xun Jia’s breathing steadied, his expression calm, his overall posture confident and composed.
He even added a little gesture, acting more like His Highness than the man himself.
Hearing him speak at last, Emory nearly burst out laughing.
He really wanted to ask what gave him the confidence to keep pretending in front of the East Territory ambassador. Did he think he could just bluff his way through?
To his surprise, Mr. Chen Yan didn’t deny it immediately but repeated, “Xie Jia…”
He hadn’t denied it!
The thought flashed through Xun Jia and Emory’s minds simultaneously—one side igniting a spark of hope, the other a foreboding premonition.
Could he really have gotten away with it?
Xun Jia’s eyes lit up, about to say more to muddle through, when he saw Chen Yan’s brow furrow deeply again, his mouth opening to ask, “You…”
This meant Chen Yan had spotted something wrong!
Xun Jia drew in a faint breath and took half a step back, ready to break through the encirclement and bolt.
In that instant, soft fingertips landed on his arm, stopping his movement.
The young Little Adventurer seemed to bump into him from behind, tray in hand, colliding into his chest and shoving the plate into his grasp. With a beaming smile, he said, “Cousin, try this. I think it tastes great!”
At the same time, he shifted his feet, standing in front of Xun Jia and blocking most of his line of sight.
Xun Jia’s eyes widened slightly as he sucked in a cold breath.
He hadn’t been too tense before, but seeing him still here, cold sweat immediately broke out.
He grabbed Xie Jianxun and hissed almost inaudibly, “Why are you still here… You go first!”
What a joke—if he got caught, fine, but who wanted Xie Jianxun actually going to jail with him?!
Xie Jianxun shook his head slightly at him, signaling to stay calm.
From behind, Emory introduced with a hint of mockery, “Oh, this is Mr. Xie Jia’s cousin, Young Master Xie Jianxun. Mr. Chen must know him; no need for further introduction.”
Chen Yan paused. “Xie…”
Emory reached out, grabbed Xie Jianxun’s arm, and forcefully turned the Little Adventurer around to face Chen Yan. “The ambassador heard the Eastern Border Young Noble had arrived and was thrilled yesterday, making a special trip to meet him. Why is everyone suddenly silent now?”
He paused, seeing Xie Jianxun look up directly at Chen Yan with a smile that showed no embarrassment.
Xie Jianxun thought to himself, he only hoped the embassy hadn’t sent word of his presence here back to the East Territory manor. Otherwise, Julius would definitely come to fetch him, and his two older brothers would come looking too—it wouldn’t be good, signaling things were about to get complicated.
His voice was calm and soft, as usual. “Good evening, Uncle Chen Yan. Long time no see.”
As he lifted his head, he exposed those eyes even more clearly under the bright crystal lights of the banquet hall, refracting brilliant golden flecks from the depths of his golden pupils.
—Such uniquely special eyes, a color and texture impossible to imitate with artificial contacts, inherited from his bloodline.
Golden pupils, Chen Yan murmured inwardly.
He had dyed his hair, but his features were unchanged, matching the information passed along perfectly. And those eyes could only be fully appreciated in person, revealing just how extraordinary they were.
He lowered his head and heard the older ambassador say, “So you haven’t altered your appearance. What is your name?”
“Jianxun, sir,” Xie Jianxun said lightly. “Xie Jianxun.”
Everything matched.
Chen Yan finally smiled deeply and slowly recounted, “Indeed, it’s been a long time… Over a decade ago, when I was still serving as a diplomat on Capital Star, I saw you once. Back then, Your Highness was overjoyed.”
Xie Jianxun: “We’ve met since then too, though you probably wouldn’t recognize me. At your farewell ceremony before leaving Capital Star for the Western Border, I was hiding on the third floor watching.”
Chen Yan said in surprise, “That time, you actually managed to come out…” He trailed off without finishing.
Xie Jianxun smiled vaguely. “My guardian was in a good mood, so I got lucky too.”
With that, he didn’t let the topic stray, stepping aside to reveal Xun Jia and laughing. “Uncle Chen, my cousin and I sneaked out to play at the Silver Watchtower. Don’t tell Your Highness, or our trip will be ruined.”
Chen Yan frowned, not entirely approving. “I’m not too reassured about the safety… Of course, if it’s His Highness’s request, I will naturally comply.”
His last sentence was directed at Xun Jia, as if speaking to him, but Xun Jia knew full well it was meant for Xie Jianxun.
Emory stood frozen in place, still unable to process—
What were they talking about?
Emory thought in a daze, not yet recovered from the “scam and lies.”
They were really reminiscing, discussing things only they would know. And calling him “Your Highness” out loud—what did that mean if not official recognition?!
The con artist he’d pegged, the black household he planned to deal with personally, the smuggler who’d sneaked in from the planet’s border—he was actually real?!
Smuggled in.
…What the hell were you doing that for? Just to mess with him for fun?!
Emory stood there, faintly hearing a buzz in his ears, dizzy and unable to even think of a way to save himself quickly.
Wait, don’t panic—he’d only been a bit rude earlier, but he’d done his duty throughout. Whether inviting them to tour the warehouse, attending the gathering, or that barely satisfactory dinner.
Even the Space Knot had been his gift to the Eastern Border Young Noble.
Emory relaxed inwardly, unconsciously grateful for his thoroughness.
Had he done anything wrong or torn faces openly? No! At least on the surface, he’d done everything he should!
Not only wouldn’t he be blamed—he’d be a great contributor!
In that case, the person he’d met and introduced was a real big shot! Realizing this, Emory’s fingers trembled as belated joy surged through him.
Nearby, Miss Nevi, who hadn’t spoken, glanced at them thoughtfully.
Seeing their conversation wind down, she interjected appropriately. “The banquet is about to begin. Gentlemen, please take your seats.”
Everything felt like a dream.
Xun Jia was led to a front-row guest seat, still holding the cake plate Xie Jianxun had shoved into his hands, in a complete daze. Meanwhile, the Little Adventurer beside him coaxed, “There are chocolate beads inside. Try it quick—it’s delicious!”
Your grandpa’s.
Was this the time to talk about chocolate beads?!
Anger flared in Xun Jia, and he viciously scooped a huge bite of chocolate cake into his mouth, utterly devoid of any “Eastern Border Young Noble” elegance. He shot Xie Jianxun a sideways glare.
The Little Adventurer greeted it with a smiling face, so well-behaved and pretty that one itched to pinch his cheeks.
…Woo woo, the chocolate beads really are delicious.
Too many people around now—settle the score later, Xun Jia thought viciously.
Xie Jianxun craned his neck, beckoned a server, and got a piece of chocolate cake too, eating until his eyes narrowed in bliss.
Thud.
The lights dimmed, shining on the side of the high platform’s spiral staircase, illuminating Miss Nevi’s figure.
The young girl placed her hand on her father’s arm, lifted her skirt, and ascended the platform. Her mother crowned her with flowers, symbolizing her formal coming of age and entry into Silver Watchtower’s elite social circle.
Scattered, polite applause rose from the guests below.
“First, I’ll share some news with everyone—about the Group, and also personal.”
Miss Nevi was a typical Western Border native, with deep features, glossy golden curls, and eyes that burned like gems.
When she smiled, pursing her lips, Xie Jianxun heard several male guests below let out long sighs.
Xie Jianxun marveled, “Miss Nevi is really beautiful. She seems very popular.”
Xun Jia: “Don’t talk to me.”
Xie Jianxun: “Xun Jia—”
Xun Jia: “…Fuck, this guy’s acting spoiled!”
“Our company will collaborate with Surging Group next quarter to launch a brand-new Combat Mecha to the market.”
With a wave of Miss Nevi’s hand, a holographic projection descended from the ceiling like a waterfall, displaying the new mecha from all angles.
Unlike standard Combat Mechas, it had no cockpit, relying on brain domain neural control for operation.
Most guests had received advance word, so they weren’t too surprised, just murmuring to each other in low voices.
“…I will serve as the person in charge for this Brain Domain Mech product, bringing it to the Western Border and even more planets plagued by Mineral Beasts.”
She elegantly lifted her skirt and leaned forward, eliciting another round of applause from below.
When she straightened, her cheeks were slightly flushed, but she continued graciously. “And this is Mr. Emory, responsible for Northern Frontier trade routes. He’s from Mande Technology Company and will be meeting everyone as my official boyfriend. We plan to get engaged next winter, and I hope you’ll all grace us with your presence at our engagement banquet.”
Light footsteps sounded on the spiral staircase. Emory ascended steadily from below to greet the guests, standing beside Miss Nevi.
The young and beautiful lady placed her hand on his arm, while Emory lowered his head slightly, his gray-blue eyes brimming with affection, like a perfect pair.
Xun Jia bowed his head, turned off the Light Brain’s recording function, quietly snapped a photo, and sent the video and picture to his sister.
The Light Brain showed it received, but no reply.
A moment later, a short message came: “I don’t believe it! Go ask him yourself.”
“This child, does he even want him anymore?”
A server was summoned and bowed slightly. “Sir, how may I assist you?”
“Please tell Mr. Emory that after the banquet ends, we’ll meet alone in the room at the manor.”
After saying that, the waiter departed upon receiving the order. Xun Jia sulkily propped up his face with his hand.
Xie Jianxun secretly poked his arm, drawing an angry glare from Xun Jia.
He said embarrassedly, “Still angry?”
Xun Jia replied, “Isn’t it all because of you…” His voice rose slightly, making it a bit noticeable in the hall, but his momentum deflated right away.
“Anyway, you know for yourself. I don’t want to talk to you.” He pouted, his face full of reluctance.
Xie Jianxun indulged him. “Alright, alright, no talking then. Um… want some cake?”
Xun Jia said, “Yes, the part with lots of chocolate beads.”
The speech-like remarks on stage continued. Now they were introducing their current partner—the person in charge of Surging Group, which possessed a complete Brain Domain control technology production line—
Seles!
Spotlights beamed down, illuminating the young man’s path onto the stage. Seles’ sturdy frame was wrapped in a refined suit. He ran a hand through his hair, surprisingly looking quite dapper—a far cry from how he’d been when hanging out with them before.
The two young men in the audience had very different thoughts, both clicking their tongues in amazement.
Xie Jianxun was so shocked he blurted out, “His hair’s shining so much it’s reflecting light. How much gel did he use?”
Xun Jia thought to himself, Hmph, pursuing a crush is tough enough already. Now it looks like the road to winning them over just got even narrower.
Seles didn’t have much to say, so Miss Nevi continued introducing the next guest.
“He was once the Group’s Chief Technical Chief. He provided the original design blueprints for the Brain Domain Mech and later offered countless effective technical suggestions to optimize them.”
Miss Nevi nodded to the side. The faint sound of wheelchair wheels rang out, and the young genius mechanic appeared at the very edge of the high platform.
The guests’ reactions were even bigger than they’d been for Seles.
“They’ve shelled out big time—even bringing Idis back on board?”
“No wonder it always felt like this thing wasn’t something current tech could produce. Turns out he drew the blueprints.”
The lights seemed to respect Idis’s preferences, illuminating only a small patch of ground in front of him while keeping the young man’s face shrouded in shadow.
He merely gave Miss Nevi a slight nod before stepping down again.
Xie Jianxun nearly shot up from his seat. He hadn’t expected Idis to show up here today.
It was the perfect chance for a face-to-face with Mr. Idis!
Xun Jia forgot all about his earlier tough words. He twisted around in surprise and whispered, “Hey, Xunxun, where are you going?”
Xie Jianxun gestured toward Idis, who had already retreated to the edge. The young mechanic’s back vanished into the corridor.
“See that? I’m going after that gentleman.”
The Little Adventurer said devoutly, “If I can get his approval, that’d be perfect.”
With that, he dodged all the brightly lit aisles. Like a little bird spotting an early worm, he happily darted toward that corridor.
Xun Jia was left with furrowed brows. “?”
