Chapter 134: An Awkward Encounter [Please Cast Your Monthly Vote]

In Phoebe’s room, standing before a massive mirror, Phoebe paused. A stack of black formal attire, trimmed with exquisite gold-threaded lace, lay ready, accompanied by a full set of boots and undergarments.

"Change into the underclothes here first; I’ll help you with the formal wear in a moment." Handing the stack to Han Shuo, Phoebe left the room to wait in the hall.

Looking at the shirt, boots, and bowtie in his hands, Han Shuo felt a slight pang of awkwardness. After a moment of hesitation, he followed Phoebe’s instructions and dressed. Checking his reflection in the mirror, he felt he looked quite sharp and significantly more handsome.

"Are you dressed?" Phoebe called from outside.

"Yes, I’m ready," Han Shuo replied.

Hearing his response, Phoebe walked back in. Her bright eyes swept over him, and she nodded. "It fits perfectly. You look very spirited in this outfit!"

"Oh, is that so? I think it looks pretty good myself," Han Shuo replied with a casual smile.

"Let me help you with the formal jacket." Phoebe stepped to his side and calmly picked up the jacket. Without waiting for him to speak, she began helping him put it on, her expression looking rather pleased.

Standing so close, the faint, lingering fragrance of Phoebe’s perfume filled Han Shuo’s senses. Combined with her incredibly gentle movements, it made his heart race and his face flush.

Once Phoebe had finished adjusting the jacket and tying his bowtie, she took a small step back. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with a brilliant light as she gazed intently at him.

"I didn't realize you had such a good physique. This suit looks tailor-made for you," she exclaimed with a hint of surprise.

"So, have you taken care of the matter you promised me?" Having endured the wait, Han Shuo finally couldn't help but ask about the thing he cared about most.

Phoebe shot him an annoyed look and said crossly, "Can we not talk about that right now? Let's wait until after the banquet, all right?"

Not expecting his casual question to provoke her, Han Shuo reflected that a woman’s mind was indeed impossible to guess. Since he needed her help, he could only smile bitterly and nod.

"Alright, alright, don't make such a reluctant, sour face. I promise you, as long as you accompany me to the banquet and back, I will ensure you leave the Buster Trading Firm satisfied," Phoebe added, seeing his bitter expression.

Phoebe then asked him to wait a moment and turned toward her bedroom. After a rustle of fabric, she emerged a while later, looking stunning in a pale green, elegant dress with light makeup applied.

The simple, pale green dress was tight-fitting at the bodice, perfectly showcasing the curves of her chest and slender waist. From the waist down, the skirt cascaded in folds like the petals of a flower, swaying like waves as she walked. With her light makeup, her beautiful face was breathtaking. For a moment, Han Shuo was truly stunned.

"What's wrong? Why are you staring at me so blankly?" Phoebe asked, looking slightly smug as she held her head high with pride.

"Nothing, it’s nothing." Han Shuo’s lips felt dry, and he swallowed hard before answering.

With a light laugh, Phoebe headed toward the exit. As she brushed past him, she left a trail of faint fragrance. Only when she reached the door did she say, "Let's go. It’s time to head to the banquet."

Following behind her, Han Shuo and Phoebe boarded a waiting carriage. Driven by two mid-level swordsmen, they set off into the distance.

"Where are we going?" Sitting in the carriage, Han Shuo noticed Phoebe staring ahead as if lost in thought, and he couldn't help but ask.

"A banquet held by the Imperial Minister of Finance. He has invited some of the empire's prominent merchants. It’s a great opportunity for business leaders to gather and discuss trade," Phoebe explained, looking over at him.

Han Shuo was startled. "Isn't that the banquet hosted by Lawrence’s father?"

"Oh? How did you know Lawrence is the son of the Imperial Minister of Finance?" Phoebe asked, looking somewhat surprised.

"Lawrence and I are on good terms. We are both at the Babylon Academy of Magic and Warriors, and we've done some business together, so of course I know a thing or two about him," Han Shuo replied naturally, acting as if they were very close, without mentioning that Lisa had been his source of information.

Phoebe didn't doubt him. She nodded and said, "I see. I’m surprised you’re so close to my senior fellow apprentice."

The two then discussed Lawrence for a while, with Han Shuo seizing the chance to ask questions while Phoebe provided the answers. To his surprise, Phoebe didn't know much about Lawrence beyond the fact that he was the Finance Minister's son; although they shared the same master, they rarely saw each other.

According to Phoebe, Lawrence didn't seem very dedicated to martial arts training, spending more time researching other miscellaneous things with their master than practicing. It was no wonder his combat skills weren't particularly outstanding.

Phoebe didn't know much else about him, only that Lawrence was well-mannered, had a good relationship with their master, and seemed to have many connections and hidden secrets that she couldn't quite fathom.

They chatted along the way until they reached their destination. Stepping out of the carriage, Han Shuo realized they weren't far from the Imperial Palace.

After alighting, a butler greeted them politely at the gate of a lavish estate and invited them inside. They passed through a corridor into a courtyard filled with rockeries and flowing water. Soft chairs had been arranged around the area, and the flat surfaces of the rockeries were laden with exquisite sweets and fine wines.

Dressed in luxurious attire, the guests mingled, holding wine glasses and chatting with smiles. As Phoebe entered, her breathtaking beauty immediately drew the intense gaze of the men present and the jealous glares of the noblewomen.

"Hi, Phoebe! I'm so glad you could make it to the banquet," a middle-aged man with an unremarkable, plain appearance called out from a lawn by the stream, walking toward them with a smile.

"Uncle Ibbot, how could I dare miss an invitation from you?" Phoebe tugged on Han Shuo and walked toward the Minister of Finance.

Ibbot Eagart was Lawrence’s father. Han Shuo studied the man carefully, wondering how such an ordinary-looking man could produce a son as handsome as Lawrence—it seemed truly incredible.

"Is this handsome young man your boyfriend?" Ibbot asked with a smile, looking at Phoebe and then glancing curiously at Han Shuo.

"Yes, Uncle Ibbot. His name is Brian, and he is very close with Senior Lawrence," Phoebe replied with a nod and a smile. As she spoke, she leaned into Han Shuo and linked her arm through his, looking entirely sweet.

Though Han Shuo knew she was doing this to prove their relationship to Ibbot, he still felt a strange sensation from her intimate touch.

"Oh, I see. Haha! Lawrence returned from the academy today and is currently changing his clothes. I expect he'll be out shortly; you two should have a good chat later." Ibbot gave them a brief smile. "I’m quite busy today and must attend to other guests, so please excuse me for now."

"Not at all, Uncle Ibbot, please go ahead," Phoebe said graciously.

As soon as Ibbot left, a middle-aged man with a potbelly and a broad frame approached them, holding a glass of wine. Before he even reached them, his gaze fell upon Han Shuo, and his expression darkened, though he quickly masked it.

"It’s been a few days, Miss Phoebe. You are as beautiful and moving as ever. I wonder, have you given any more thought to what I proposed last time?" The man stared at Phoebe with undisguised, intense interest.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Cameron, but our Buster Trading Firm is not interested in joining your trade alliance," Phoebe replied coldly, casting a fleeting glance at him.

Cameron’s expression shifted. He stared at Phoebe intensely before saying, "Our association exists precisely to counter the merchants of the Bart Trading Alliance. Since the Medivh Trading House is part of the Bart Alliance, they seem to pose a significant threat to your firm. I hope you will reconsider my proposal."

"Oh? Mr. Cameron, who are you talking to?" A familiar voice rang out from behind them. Emily, looking plump, alluring, and dressed in full finery, suddenly appeared behind Han Shuo.

Emily, who had been relaxed and carefree, changed her expression the moment she saw Han Shuo. When her eyes landed on Phoebe’s arm hooked through his, her gaze flickered, and she fixed a strange, piercing look directly at Han Shuo.