She was the mysterious woman from the Xiesheng clothing store lounge. Her voice that sounded like a frigid wind from the ice fields was unmistakably distinctive. When it brushed past your ear, it felt as if it would steal all the warmth from your body and seize your beating heart, leaving you as a cold corpse.
The moment she spoke, Li Xiaofei felt as if he was encased in ice. He shivered uncontrollably. At the same time, the hall erupted in excitement.
"Goddess Ye Liuying."
"Oh my God, the elusive Goddess Ye is actually attending this banquet."
"Ahhh, she personally pinned the badge on that guy. I'm so jealous."
"His ancestors must be smiling down on him to be able to meet Goddess Ye face-to-face."
"The Goddess spoke to him."
"Why? Why did the Goddess personally present him with the award?"
Countless people recognized the woman immediately. Goddess Ye Liuying was the pride of Liuhe Base City. Some were shocked, some wailed, some were envious, and some were jealous.
Goddess Ye Liuying's popularity was simply too high. She was widely recognized as the best swordswoman, the best power armor pilot and also acknowledged as the most beautiful woman in Liuhe Base City. Many believed that her actual combat power to be the best in the city.
When Ye Liuying soared through the blue skies of Liuhe Base City as she piloted the Battle Angel power armor, she became the most beautiful sight in the hearts of Liuhe's people. In fact, Ye Liuying's influence extended beyond Liuhe Base City. She was well-known throughout the entire northwest region.
There was a saying on the light-network, “North of Qilian, Liuying is the most beautiful’. Her admirers spanned across the northwest region. The young woman who possessed both beauty and strength naturally drove people wild.
Ye Liuying was admired by people of all ages in Liuhe Base City. Her online influence surpassed even that of the city leader, the commander, and the inspector. However, she was usually very low-key. Most of her time was spent cultivating in the military camp. She had no social life, and wasn't interested in power struggles. She had no interest in official positions, was indifferent to authority, didn't care much about her own family and only rarely appeared in public. But this did not stop the public from enthusiastically discussing, praising, and idolizing her.
On the main stage, Li Xiaofei caught a few words amidst the noise and realized who the woman before him was. A bolt of lightning flashed through his mind as he suddenly remembered. The reason her face seemed familiar was because he had briefly helped her and caught a glimpse of her elfin face through the power armor helmet visor the previous night on the city wall.
Yes. This woman was the Battle Angel. Many thoughts flashed through Li Xiaofei's mind in an instant.
"What brand is this outfit?" Ye Liuying asked again.
Li Xiaofei glanced at her.
Sure enough, the more beautiful a woman, the better she is at acting. How could she not know the brand of his clothes?
"This is the Starry Sky Tower’s Xiesheng boutique’s latest Noble Gentleman set, a rare Great Xia traditional style outfit on the market. I've always believed that Great Xia martial artists should wear our own brand of clothing," Li Xiaofei stated clearly, his voice reaching the entire hall.
"No wonder," Ye Liuying said. "I liked it at first glance."
Li Xiaofei, sensing the moment, added, "Xiesheng boutique doesn't just sell men's clothing, they have women's clothing as well. My friend Tan Qingying's dress tonight is from their Green Lotus collection." Li Xiaofei waved confidently in the direction of his table.
Tan Qingying immediately stood up and waved back. Countless eyes followed the interaction, landing on Tan Qingying. The beauty of the city leader's daughter, accentuated by the white and green stripe Green Lotus dress, was simply stunning. She exuded an indescribable charm and allure.
As gazes shifted between Li Xiaofei and Tan Qingying, the contrast of the black Noble Gentleman and the white Green Lotus outfits created a picturesque moment. The two of them were stunning and ethereal models.
With Goddess Ye Liuying's endorsement, the name Xiesheng Boutique left an indelible impression on everyone in the hall. Ye Liuying then turned and left, taking countless eyes with her. As she disappeared backstage, almost everyone felt a silent pang of loss.
Li Xiaofei saluted Ding Longao once more and walked off the stage. His footsteps seemed to resonate in the hearts of some people, making them uneasy with each step.
Just like before, Li Xiaofei didn't directly head for his seat. Instead, he took a detour, passing by Zhao Bufan's table.
"Zhao—" said Li Xiaofei calmly.
But this time, before Li Xiaofei could even continue, Zhao Bufan immediately conceded.
"I'm sorry, Li Xiaofei. I didn't know my place before and offended you. I admit my mistake. Please, be magnanimous and don't hold it against a small businessman like me."
Sweat trickled down his forehead. Zhao Bufan's face was pale and his eyes were filled with unmistakable fear. Li Xiaofei looked at him coldly. He didn't accept the apology. He suddenly felt that mocking such a despicable person was meaningless. He simply turned and walked away.
Zhao Bufan gasped for air like a fish out of water. He was genuinely afraid. A teenager who had the friendship of both the city government and the garrison, a genius high school student with both the Kunlun Badge and the Qinling Badge, was not someone a nouveau riche businessman could contend with.
Li Xiaofei's departing glance made Zhao Bufan feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles. Zhao Bufan realized he had to do something. He couldn't just wait for his fate. So, he hurriedly opened his light core.
At that moment, Li Xiaofei returned to his seat. Tan Qingying rushed over with a smile and gave him an enthusiastic hug in front of everyone, exclaiming, "Congratulations! You’ve set a new honor record for high school students in Liuhe Base City."
"Thank you," Li Xiaofei replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.
The key issue was that the city leader was watching nearby. Hugging his daughter in public felt a bit... excessive.
Back at his seat, Li Xiaofei slapped the certificate heavily on the table, crossed his arms, and looked at Xiong Zhigang and the other boys who had been mocking him.
Xiong Zhigang's head was almost buried in his lap. Someone who didn't know better might have thought he had a peculiar posture. The other boys turned their heads away, pretending not to see him. Some covered their faces with their hands. A few looked visibly ashamed.
"I'm sorry," one of the boys said shamefully. "Li Xiaofei, I was wrong. You are the true role model for high school students. I apologize for my previous behavior and words."
"You don't have to forgive me, but I genuinely feel ashamed of my ignorance. I'm sorry, Li Xiaofei."
Li Xiaofei smiled faintly and replied, "Keep it up."
The three words invigorated the boys who had apologized. There was a hint of admiration in their eyes as they looked at Li Xiaofei.
At that moment, Xiong Zhigang suddenly raised his head.
"Li Xiaofei, don't be too pleased with yourself." He said through gritted teeth. "The honors you've received, I can achieve too. I just lack the opportunity... Don't be surprised when I tell you, tonight's banquet will see me as a main character too. Just wait and see."
Xiong Zhigang displayed a curious, self-assured confidence.