Gan Yuan’s gaze swept past the man by her side, catching sight of Qian Xueying and Moses who were already approaching, her breath suddenly disordered.
Moses, why was he here too?!
Qian Xueying, smiling, pulled Moses along as they walked over, "Duke, Gan Yuan, the two of you really shine brightly tonight."
Huangfu Jue nodded lightly, his eyes then landing on Moses.
"Oh, let me introduce you," Qian Xueying looked to Moses at her side, "I think Gan Yuan must have mentioned him to you before, this is..."
Huangfu Jue interrupted Qian Xueying’s words, "No need for introductions, we have met before, at a funeral. Didn’t the Duke come?"
Qian Xueying’s expression darkened slightly, "My father isn’t here tonight, I hope you don’t mind."
Huangfu Jue nodded gently, "Is he well?"
Qian Xueying smiled gratefully, "Nothing serious, thank you for your concern."
At that moment, Moses had already bent slightly, raising his right hand towards Gan Yuan.
"You truly look stunning tonight."
Gan Yuan, being treated with such courtesy, could only courteously respond, lifting her right hand lightly onto his palm, Moses raised her palm to his lips and gently kissed it.
From the speakers, the voice of the emcee came through.
"The banquet is about to begin, please could all guests take their seats according to their assigned places, thank you!"
Gan Yuan immediately withdrew her palm.
With a faint nod to the two, Huangfu Jue stretched out his hand to encircle Gan Yuan’s waist and led her away with swift strides.
Watching them leave, Qian Xueying, arm in arm with Moses, followed the flow of people forward, then lightly asked him.
"Mr. Moses, are you sure Miss Gan Yuan isn’t the one you’re looking for?"
Moses withdrew his gaze, "Most likely, I got the wrong person."
"That’s a pity!" Qian Xueying shook her head lightly, "Such a shame."
Moses just smiled faintly, saying nothing.
Under the guidance of the staff, guests made their orderly way into the banquet hall according to their seating arrangements.
Inside the banquet hall, the white long tables already prepared with chairs and tableware, exquisite silver candelabras reflecting the glassware sparklingly.
Huangfu Jue led Gan Yuan towards the middle of one of the long tables, pulling out a chair for her and gentlemanly arranging her napkin.
Gan Yuan quickly glanced around, noticing Moses sitting diagonally opposite her. She hesitated, wanting to speak, as Huangfu Jue straightened up and took the seat to her left.
Not long after everyone had been seated, the emcee’s voice rang out again.
"The King and Queen have arrived!"
All rose from their chairs and Gan Yuan turned to look toward the entrance.
Soon, a man and woman appeared in her sight.
To these two people, she was not unfamiliar; on television, in newspapers... She had seen their faces countless times before, but seeing them in person, Gan Yuan was still struck by their presence.
Compared to Huangfu Jue, the man did not appear old, but his demeanor was even more subdued and mature. The woman walking beside him appeared even younger than the image Gan Yuan had seen on television.
All present voluntarily bent down to salute the two.
As they arrived at the main seats of the long table, Huangfu Yaoyang adjusted a chair for Leng Xiaoye, then took his own place.
Surveying the room, his voice was deep.
His succinct opening, without superfluous words, carried an innate authority.
Then Leng Xiaoye spoke.
"Tonight, everyone sitting here is our honored guest. The King and I wish for you all to have a pleasant evening. Now, I declare, the banquet officially begins."