91: The Queen Filli

“Shen Yifei (a male protagonist’s name), do you… like Xiao Xue (a nickname for Su Muqing, the female protagonist)?” Liu Xiaoxiao (a female character’s name) took a deep breath, asking in a hushed tone.

Shen Yifei was momentarily stunned, surprised by the words that had escaped Liu Xiaoxiao’s lips. He chuckled, countering, “What do you think?”

Liu Xiaoxiao’s pretty face flushed. “How should I know?”

In truth, Shen Yifei had pondered this question many times himself. If he truly felt nothing for Su Muqing, why would he remain by her side?

Perhaps this feeling had been sown within Shen Yifei’s heart since childhood.

There was a time when Shen Yifei had found this woman too harsh, too aloof, too devoid of warmth.

But after spending some time with her, Shen Yifei realized this was merely Su Muqing’s veneer. Her attitude towards outsiders might indeed be so, but much of her aloofness, he suspected, was an act.

Furthermore, Shen Yifei could sense that Su Muqing’s attitude towards him had softened considerably.

Shen Yifei offered a faint smile. “I don’t know if this is what love feels like, but Su Muqing is someone I deeply value.”

“You fool, isn’t that precisely what love is?” Liu Xiaoxiao snorted softly.

“Alright. Regardless of what the future holds, for now, I will continue to protect her,” Shen Yifei said earnestly, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from Su Muqing’s face.

Shen Yifei’s tender words and gestures made Liu Xiaoxiao’s heart skip a beat. She had never expected this guy to be so earnest.

She had to admit, the Shen Yifei before her possessed a captivating charm that could truly take a woman’s breath away.

Liu Xiaoxiao took a deep breath and said seriously, “If you truly like Xiao Xue, I can help you.”

Though the man before her was prone to trouble and possessed a stubborn nature, Liu Xiaoxiao still acknowledged Shen Yifei’s character in her heart, finding him inherently reliable.

He was genuine, unpretentious, true to himself, and radiated a sense of security. Only a man like him could truly be worthy of Su Muqing. For the sake of her best friend’s happiness, Liu Xiaoxiao resolved to play matchmaker.

“How exactly will you help me?” Shen Yifei asked, momentarily bewildered.

“It’s a secret!” Liu Xiaoxiao’s lips curved into a smile, yet a hint of sourness lingered in her heart.

The top floor of the Tianrong International Tower (a prominent skyscraper).

Inside a simply yet elegantly decorated office.

A trace of worry creased Su Yunshan’s (an elderly male character, likely Su Muqing’s grandfather) aged face.

“Master (a respectful term for an elder or head of household), Luo Tianyao (a male antagonist’s name) has already sent out all the invitations for tomorrow night’s banquet,” A Fei (a male character, likely a subordinate or bodyguard) said, stepping forward with a frown.

“Hmm. Who has been invited?” Su Yunshan asked mildly, removing his gold-rimmed glasses.

“Apart from you, Master, all notable business and political figures in Huahai City (a fictional city name) are on the guest list. And yes, Mr. Shen Yifei has also received an invitation,” A Fei replied with a bow.

Su Yunshan sighed, “It is I, this old man, who has brought ruin upon Xue’er (Xiao Xue/Su Muqing). Even if I were to go to prison, it would be a deserved punishment for my sins.”

“Master, please don’t speak like that. The fault does not lie with you. It was that vicious woman from the Qiao Family (a prominent family name) who ruined the company,” A Fei hastily interjected.

Su Yunshan shook his head. “Dwelling on these matters will only bring more distress. Thankfully, Shen Yifei has returned. With him by Xue’er’s side, I feel at ease.”

“Master, forgive me for asking an impertinent question. Does Mr. Shen Yifei… truly possess such capabilities?” A Fei asked with a hint of curiosity.

A sharp glint flickered in Su Yunshan’s aged eyes. He said calmly, “A Fei, you are well-traveled and knowledgeable; you should understand better than I. In this world, sheer power can resolve almost any problem.”

At these words, A Fei’s body trembled, and a flicker of disbelief crossed his eyes.

Sunday afternoon, around five o’clock.

Shen Yifei and Su Muqing had changed into their formal attire, preparing to attend the banquet hosted by Luo Tianyao.

Su Muqing felt a twinge of apprehension. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this banquet was akin to a ‘Feast at Hong Gate’ (a historical Chinese banquet famous for an attempted assassination), convinced that Luo Tianyao would make his move. She hoped that she and Shen Yifei wouldn’t encounter any danger.

Shen Yifei, while not overly worried, wasn’t entirely complacent either. His internal energy (a mystical life force, common in martial arts and cultivation novels) was not functioning smoothly, his strength reduced to less than a tenth of its usual capacity. Encountering certain powerful martial artists would still prove troublesome.

However, there were very few true masters who could truly challenge Shen Yifei, unless Luo Tianyao could somehow bring in someone truly extraordinary.

The two stepped out of the villa.

“Xiao Xue, be careful!” Liu Xiaoxiao’s pretty face held a trace of worry.

“Don’t worry, Xiaoxiao, it’s just a banquet,” Su Muqing said, forcing a faint smile.

“Hmm,” Liu Xiaoxiao nodded, then turned to Shen Yifei beside her, biting her lip. “Shen Yifei, you absolutely *must* protect Xiao Xue, understand?”

Shen Yifei said airily, “Xiaoxiao, are you doubting my capabilities?”

Liu Xiaoxiao frowned slightly. She wasn’t doubting Shen Yifei’s ability as a bodyguard, but an unsettling feeling persisted in her heart.

“Try to come back early,” Liu Xiaoxiao advised.

“Got it,” Su Muqing said with a smile.

Soon, the Audi convertible drove out of the villa complex.

The banquet was to be held on the Queen luxury cruise ship, docked by the Golden Dragon Port (a fictional port name).

The Queen luxury cruise ship, officially named the Queen Filli, was a renowned vessel, built over a decade by France’s most celebrated shipbuilders at a cost of several billion US dollars. It was a famous and luxurious venue, often used by the Luo Family (a powerful family or clan) and the Haizheng Group (a powerful corporation) for entertaining foreign dignitaries.

Such a top-tier luxury cruise ship as the Queen Filli was a rarity; likely only a handful could be found across the entire Huaxia (an ancient name for China, used here as a fictional country/region name) nation.

The cruise ship, over three hundred meters long, surpassed even a five-star hotel in opulence. It was fully equipped with every conceivable facility: banquet halls, casinos, nightclubs, cafes, swimming pools, and luxurious suites.

Besides hosting foreign guests, the Queen Filli also operated commercially, though its prices were exceedingly steep. Only the wealthiest tycoons could afford entry to such an exclusive venue—a true paradise for the elite.

As evening approached, the docks sparkled with myriad lights.

The Audi convertible entered the Golden Dragon Port, pulling into the parking area along the side of the road.

The parking lot was filled exclusively with luxury cars, including top-tier supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Even an Audi seemed somewhat out of place.

The two stepped out of the car.

Shen Yifei, dressed in a casual Givenchy suit, exuded a certain aristocratic air, though his face still bore a hint of carefree nonchalance.

Su Muqing was clad in a black evening gown that hugged her perfect figure, its ruffled hemline rising above her knees to highlight the graceful length of her legs. A black gemstone pendant rested on her delicate, pale neck, accentuating the fairness and smoothness of her skin. The pendant settled perfectly between the voluptuous peaks of her chest, drawing an involuntary gaze that yearned to delve deeper.

Her flawless beauty, exquisite figure, and meticulously chosen attire allowed Su Muqing to radiate an aura of elegance and nobility with every movement.

Su Muqing extended her fair, delicate arm and linked it through Shen Yifei’s, her body pressing close against him. The soft touch against his side sent a ripple through Shen Yifei’s composure.

Shen Yifei, savoring the moment, remarked, “Miss Su (a respectful address for a young lady from a prominent family), if you were this proactive every day, how much happier would I be?”

A faint blush bloomed on Su Muqing’s exquisite face. She scoffed softly, “Dream on! This is just for show, to keep up appearances. Remember our agreement!”