After that, the banquet host even ordered a server to follow Yan so that she’d be able to order him however she wanted. Yan thought it felt over-the-top, and so she waved her hand to reject him. “No, no need. There’s honestly no need. I’ll handle it myself.” I would be uncomfortable if someone were to follow me. Besides, I’d attract more attention in the end.
However, Han Qing broke the silence suddenly. “Let him follow you for now.”
“Huh? Why, though?” Yan was confused. Why does he want someone to follow me? I will feel uneasy. However, she was too shy to say anything, and so she stared at Han Qing wide-eyed, willing him to understand her intentions.
However, Han Qing didn’t get it and merely stated, “Let him follow you. I need to leave for a bit later to handle some matters.”
Yan finally understood what he meant, and so she had no choice but to nod helplessly. “Alright.”
After that, the server followed Yan, whereas the banquet host whisked Han Qing away. After Han Qing left, Yan did not receive less attention. On the contrary, more people started staring at her.
Yan scanned her surroundings, and she walked toward a corner where there were fewer people. I think I might not be able to breathe if this goes on. She increased her speed when she thought of that. However, she missed a step and almost tripped. Fortunately, the server beside her supported her swiftly. Yan was shaken up, and she broke into a cold sweat. “Thank you…” It would have been embarrassing if I were to have fallen face-first, but luckily, I didn’t.
“No worries. It’s great that you’re fine, Miss Zhou. Please walk slower.”
“Mm-hmm.” Yan took a seat in the corner. She had not eaten anything before coming today because she was worried that her belly might show. She did not want to ruin the beautiful dress with a protruding belly. Hence, her stomach started growling when she saw the delicious food on the table. However, there were still many people staring at her, and so Yan didn’t dare eat anything.
Sigh… The feeling of not being able to eat despite feeling hungry and tired is horrible. Yan sighed in her heart. However, the server brought over some delicious food to her. “Miss Zhou, please try this.”
Yan’s eyes sparkled in delight. The server served her an especially small and dainty cake. There was sliced fruit on top of the cake. There were many different types of fruit on top since cream tended to be slightly greasy. She gulped subconsciously, and she was moved.
“Miss Zhou, feel free to enjoy your food. No one would come and disturb you.”
“Really?” Yan was still worried. After all, she was feeling rather awkward since so many people were staring at her. Hence, she asked after pondering a while, “Do you know anywhere that is quieter and has fewer people around?”
The server thought for a while before nodding. “I know such a place. I can take you there if you’d like, Miss Zhou.”
“Can we? In that case, later…” She wanted to ask, What would happen if Han Qing can’t find me when he returns later?
However, the server was very considerate. “I can take you there first, Miss Zhou. After that, I will inform my friend to pass on the message to President Han. Then, President Han will come to you directly.”
“Thank you!”
Since she was planning to go somewhere with fewer people, Yan selected a few food items that she was interested in and placed them on the server’s platter. After that, she left with the server. The server brought her to the banquet host’s courtyard.
Compared to the loud noises in the banquet, this was much quieter in comparison. There was a large tree in the courtyard, and there were a huge variety of plants too. There was a large swing underneath the tree, and just beside that was a set of a small stone table and chairs. It was an especially tranquil courtyard.
Yan was immediately intrigued by the swing. It was undeniable that the server had keen eyes because he stated almost instantly when Yan focused on the swing, “Miss Zhou, if you’d like, you can have your meal on the swing.”
“Can I? Won’t it be inconvenient?”
“No, it won’t be, Miss Zhou. The host mentioned that you are the guest of honor tonight, and that I should serve you well. You call the shots here. You can even have your meal in our host’s room if that’s what you want.”
Yan was rendered speechless by the server’s response. That would be an overkill. I would never have my meal in the host’s bedroom. Who on earth would ever do that? Nevertheless, the server managed to reassure her, and so Yan sat on the swing comfortably. After that, she took a piece of the small cake. This experience is awesome, Yan thought to herself.
Initially, Yan assumed she’d be able to maintain such peace until Han Qing came looking for her, and she had decided to stay here until the banquet ended. However, an uninvited guest showed up out of nowhere.
It was none other than Su Yaoyao, who was adamant on finding out who Yan was. Su Yaoyao was here alone, and since she was a woman, no one paid her much attention. The server noticed her, but he didn’t pay her any attention either.
Su Yaoyao approached Yan in silence. “Excuse me.” She flashed a perfect smile at both Yan and the server. “I’m out here to use the bathroom, and I think I’m lost. The place is too big.”
Yan was stunned to silence when she heard that. “You’re lost?” However, she nodded after considering the possibilities. “The place is large, indeed.” It took us quite a long time to arrive at this place when I followed the server just now. I doubt I’d find my way back to the banquet hall without the server. I’d most probably… get lost as well.
“That’s right! What are you doing? Why are you sitting on the swing?” Su Yaoyao looked at Yan warmly while approaching her.
The server had the urge to stop her, but since Su Yaoyao didn’t look like she had any evil intentions, the server suppressed his action. Furthermore, Su Yaoyao looked like a guest who took a wrong turn and was truly lost.
Yan seemed embarrassed at the mention of that. “There are… too many people inside. I feel uneasy, and that is why I’m out here for some fresh air. The swing looks pretty, and so I couldn’t help myself.”
Su Yaoyao checked out the swing when she heard that, and she nodded in agreement. “It is truly pretty, indeed. Your master is so interesting! I can’t believe he has a swing in the courtyard. Is it because there’s a child in the family?”
The server nodded. “That’s right! Our Young Miss requested for the swing.”
Huh? Yan’s expression changed slightly. It turns out to be a swing for kids. I’m an adult, yet I can’t believe I’m still eager to play this. I must look childish.
“Miss Zhou, please have a seat. Don’t worry; our Young Miss is not home for the time being. Besides, you fancy this swing so much. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”
Su Yaoyao looked excited while staring at the swing. She exclaimed suddenly, “This swing looks big enough. Do you mind if I join you?”
“Uh…” Yan was not sure, and so she glanced at the server questioningly.
Su Yaoyao chuckled in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, I think I went overboard with my request. I just don’t want to go back to the banquet. Besides, I saw such an interesting scenery while I’m lost, and I figured I could enjoy it with you. I have no hidden agenda.”
