C205 The Banquet(2)
Lee Zi's presence was the kind that sparked admiration at first glance.
Unlike the affection Mrs. Yanran inspired, Lee Zi possessed an ethereal charm that those flirtatious women couldn't hold a candle to.
"What are you staring at?"
Suddenly, as if a thought struck her, Lee Zi's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Chu Yi cleared his throat, "Can't a man admire his own wife these days?"
Her face turned a deeper shade of red. "Who's your wife?"
"Whoever responds is!"
"You..."
Chu Yi found that bickering with Lee Zi could be quite enjoyable.
Watching her flustered by his teasing, he felt an extraordinary sense of happiness and entertainment.
Instead of aimlessly wandering for the evening's banquet, Chu Yi led Lee Zi straight to the nearest department store.
Lee Zi hadn't had much in the way of new clothes over the years, aside from her school uniform.
But this time, Chu Yi was determined to treat Lee Zi to a proper shopping spree!
Soon enough, Chu Yi regretted that decision...
Lee Zi wasn't one to fuss over material possessions; otherwise, she could have easily snagged a wealthy suitor with her qualities.
Now that she was aware of Chu Yi's financial status, if he were still dependent on the Chu family, she'd probably settle for a simple, inexpensive outfit.
But this time, Lee Zi unleashed her shopping desires.
It must be said, when a woman's shopping instincts are unleashed, it's the man who suffers.
Chu Yi felt confident that he could handle it with his current stamina.
Unfortunately, when faced with the reality, he realized he had underestimated a woman's shopping prowess...
The clothes, which seemed trivial to Chu Yi, somehow became incredibly burdensome to carry.
He couldn't fathom why.
After a hectic day, it finally drew to a close.
Well, not entirely.
There was still the banquet to attend, but for Chu Yi, it promised to be a welcome reprieve.
Back home, he sifted through the mountain of clothes and found an outfit that was just right.
Lee Zi had not only shopped for herself but had also picked out the perfect attire for Chu Yi.
Bags upon bags, for all seasons, from outerwear to underwear, Chu Yi had undergone a complete wardrobe transformation.
Despite the considerable effort, it's undeniable that Lee Zi's taste is quite remarkable.
Gazing at his reflection, Chu Yi couldn't resist awarding himself a perfect score.
He couldn't help it; he had never been one to shy away from a bit of pride.
Chu Yi's appearance was already at the pinnacle of human beauty. If perfection were a hundred points, he'd confidently claim at least ninety-nine.
And today, the outfit Lee Zi had chosen for him added that final touch needed for a flawless look!
Perfection achieved!
Once he had finished getting ready, the clock read 5:15 PM.
The banquet was set to begin at 6:30 PM, and the journey to the venue would take a good ten minutes or more.
It was time to head out.
Without any hesitation, Chu Yi got in touch with Lee Zi, and they promptly set off.
...
Upon seeing the luxurious flying car parked at the entrance of his complex, Chu Yi paused in surprise.
A figure clad in an evening gown descended gracefully from the vehicle, her radiant and elegant smile greeting Chu Yi and Lee Zi, who were awaiting their ride at the doorstep.
"Young Master Chu, Miss Lee, please enter the car..."
She then gestured invitingly.
Lee Zi glanced at Chu Yi, assuming he had arranged this grand pickup.
Indeed, for the Chu family, securing such a grand flying car for their arrival was a trivial matter.
However, Chu Yi looked just as bewildered.
"Are you here for us?"
Lee Zi's realization dawned upon hearing Chu Yi's query.
This encounter was unrelated to Chu Yi.
"Young Master Chu, haven't you received the message?"
Message?
Seeing Chu Yi's baffled expression, she understood he was genuinely unaware.
"Please check your communication device; there should be a notification."
Chu Yi quickly retrieved his communicator and, sure enough, discovered an unread message.
Well, it couldn't be helped. Unless it was from someone he knew, Chu Yi typically ignored such messages.
It reminded him of his past life, where ignoring spam texts on his phone was second nature – a mere time-waster, with the occasional accidental click...
At that point, it would be quite the spectacle.
Chu Yi had retained his habits from another world to this day, so he hadn't noticed those messages at all.
"Oops, my apologies, I wasn't paying attention..."
The driver gave Chu Yi a meaningful look but refrained from further comment.
"Alright, you and Miss Lee can get in the car now..."
Chu Yi nodded and escorted Lee Zi into the vehicle.
Regarding safety concerns...
Chu Yi wasn't particularly worried.
He was aware that he might be a target for many, but Chu Yi wasn't overly concerned.
It's just the way it is; exceptional people often attract envy.
Of course, much of this was due to Chu Yi's confidence in his own abilities.
Having ascended to the rank of High Order Gold, once he unleashed his Stellar Combat Body, he could face a War God without fear, even capable of vanquishing such a foe.
Could those who bore him ill will really muster a few War Gods to take him down so easily?
Even if they did, Chu Yi would remain unfazed.
After all, he had an even more formidable ace up his sleeve!
The flying car sped off, quickly vanishing into the sky, leaving many onlookers gazing after it with envy.
They recognized that Chu Yi was no longer one of them.
Though they all lived in the same community, it wouldn't be long before Chu Yi would no longer be seen...
The government-provided flying cars were luxurious, custom models that balanced speed with opulence and style—vehicles you simply couldn't purchase with money elsewhere.
It must be said, these flying cars were incredibly comfortable and impressively swift.
In just half an hour, the flying car came to a halt.
Stepping out with Lee Zi, Chu Yi was greeted by the sight of a resplendent and imposing building.
While the structure wasn't particularly towering in comparison to its neighbors, one mustn't forget that it was merely a banquet hall.
Indeed, this place was known as the Banquet Hall.
Typically, it served to host individuals of esteemed status.
This included the influential figures from other districts, dignitaries, and even esteemed individuals from other civilizations.
Apart from such occasions, the hall remained closed.
Even the most elite personalities couldn't access this venue without a significant reason.
Chu Yi had never imagined that this banquet would take place here!
It's worth noting that this banquet hall is among the most sought-after destinations in all of Redmarsh City, consistently ranking in the top five!
"Come on, Lee Zi, let's experience this legendary state banquet!"
Even though the concept of a nation no longer exists in this world, the term 'state banquet' has endured.
The central district serves a role akin to that of a nation, and this banquet hall is comparable to the former Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
In fact, its prestige surpasses that of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse from the previous world, offering even greater grandeur.
Lee Zi, clasping Chu Yi's hand, gazed with curiosity at the resplendent edifice before them.
Entry was not a challenge.
Typically, the banquet hall was open to the public; anyone with a ticket could visit at their leisure.
Yet, there's a distinct difference between merely visiting and being an invited guest.
Furthermore, the banquet hall by day and by night presented two entirely different visages.
"Esteemed guests, welcome to our establishment..."
Over twenty attendants stood at the ready on either side of the grand entrance.
As guests arrived, they would bow respectfully, extending the utmost honor and courtesy.
The sight of so many people bowing startled Lee Zi.
Chu Yi, however, remained utterly unfazed.
Truth be told, this was Chu Yi's first time in such a scenario.
Though he had lived for more than five thousand years, with the entirety of that time spent within the Immortal Demon Temple, he was aware of the outside world but had never truly experienced it firsthand.
