CHAPTER 98: CHAPTER 98: THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY BANQUET

The next morning, Ruan Li was sleeping surprisingly soundly with arms resting on her front and back. She turned over, almost kicked the little fox sleeping at her feet off the bed.

The early-rising little fox tiptoed across the blanket and finally stopped by Ruan Li’s face, its fluffy tail accidentally sweeping across her face.

The little female was sleeping sweetly, and the tail brushed her face again.

After confirming no one in the room was going to bother him, the little fox curled up in the nook of Ruan Li’s neck, using its thick, long tail as a scarf.

After waking up, Ruan Li shook off the three mountains on her body, slipping down from the middle of the big bed.

Bai He and Xi Han also got up shortly after she did.

"This is the invitation the postman delivered yesterday." Bai He placed the luxurious red envelope invitation in front of Ruan Li.

In the interstellar era, few people use such primitive forms of invitation anymore.

Of course, some aristocrats still love this kind of ceremonial style.

"Her Majesty the Queen’s fiftieth birthday celebration." Ruan Li read the invitation’s content slowly.

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Was it delivered to the wrong person?"

Bai He said, "Your name is on the invitation, so it’s quite unlikely."

"Could it be for mother? I’ll call and ask." Ruan Li called Su Luoyin and found she didn’t know about it either, but still suggested Ruan Li attend.

The date on the invitation was three days later, at a royal hotel located downtown.

Ruan Li soon let go of the matter, as she was more concerned about something else now.

"Strange, why hasn’t Shi Jue replied to my messages?" Ruan Li scanned through their chat history. Shi Jue never usually let her messages sink to the bottom, yet he hadn’t responded for so long now.

Ruan Li tried to call him, but it went unanswered.

Xi Han noticed her growing anxiety and turned off her Smart Brain, "Don’t worry, Shi Jue has the Seven-Star Superpower. Unless the planet explodes, he won’t die so easily."

Bai He cleared the dishes, also reassuring her, "Since he’s in the operations department, it’s normal for him to be too busy to reply."

Though Ruan Li initially felt uneasy, she could only comfort herself with the thought that Shi Jue was alright.

The TV turned on, and the sound of news broadcast filled the room.

Xi Han played with Ruan Li’s hand in his palm, indifferent to the outside world.

[Latest news report, a tremor occurred beneath W Star causing multiple surface collapses, affecting satellite communication. Family members need not panic, as there are currently no casualties among the military Beastmen dispatched to W Star.]

The following news items were entertainment-related, and Bai He switched the channel to a drama.

"Ruannuan, you can relax now," Xi Han said slowly.

Bai He added, "Indeed, ground collapses wouldn’t pose a threat to a Seven-Star Beastman, and might not even injure him."

Ruan Li felt somewhat reassured, "I just saw news about the Empire recruiting female volunteers to treat injured Beastmen for free."

Xi Han interlocked his fingers with Ruan Li’s, disagreeing after hearing her, "Ruannuan, you’re not thinking of becoming a volunteer, are you? It’s unsafe and harsh outside; if the Beastmen injured are many, it suggests numerous High-star Fierce Beasts there, and the treatment centers are overwhelmed, unsuitable for female dwellers."

Bai He agreed on this point, "Except for females from families facing hardship, generally, females wouldn’t want to go, and Xi Han is right, those places are perilous, besides, so many Beastmen can bring inconvenience."

"Alright," Ruan Li suppressed the impulse to selflessly volunteer.

Bai He noticed the little female’s unconcerned lounging on the sofa and thought of the news about recruiting volunteers, his eyes darkened a bit.

Females are inherently soft-hearted, spoiled from young age, unaware of the world’s dangers.

But Bai He had witnessed the destruction of Heavenly Bird Clan, knowing neither the Empire nor Federation were benevolent.

Are the so-called volunteers truly just for helping injured Beastmen?

Three days later.

Ruan Li was picked up early by Su Luoyin to the Lu Family Manor, where makeup and styling experts awaited to select understated yet luxurious outfits that suited their noble female guests’ temperaments.

Three hours later, Ruan Li was dressed in a cream pink cake dress, her long black hair curled into fluffy tassel-like cake rolls, decorated with star accessories that gently swayed as she moved.

Su Luoyin wore a red dress, noticing Ruan Li adorable like a freshly baked milk-scented cake; if not for fear of smudging the makeup on her face, she’d want to plant kisses on her gentle, white cheeks right then.

"Little Li, let’s go."

The elongated black luxury car opened, inside sat three men in different styles of suits.

Lu Mufeng in a black military uniform, his sharp ink pupils softened like melting glacier upon seeing Ruan Li, his stern face devoid of excess expression, nodded slightly.

Lu Mujie in a plain white suit, simple but embroidered patterns hinted at his unusual status, he turned slightly, eyes faintly landing on Ruan Li, lips curving slightly, a persistent indifference in his eyes, "Little Li looks delicious today."

Indeed, usually Ruan Li liked wearing light makeup and energetic cute dresses, approachable without lacking silliness.

But now...

Lu Muyu’s lips curled, eyes tracing her tightly cinched waist, the perfect curve portraying the girl’s body line, a hint of blush like budding flowers on her cheeks, eyes angled up, her brown pupils gleamed with clear adorableness.

Lu Muyu crossed his legs, his gaze indulging in watching Ruan Li, "Little Li, sit next to your brother."

Ruan Li took a glance at the twins, then tentatively sat by Lu Mufeng.

The older brother was more dependable.

Lu Muyu saw this, his smile growing.

Silly sister.

The Queen’s birthday banquet was very grand, besides royal family nobles, prestigious clans, military high officials, other countries sent prominent figures to pay respects.

Getting off the car, Ruan Li noticed there weren’t many people at the welcome section, curiously peeking a few glances.

Lu Mufeng saw her curiosity, his deep voice commanding, "Don’t run around at the banquet."

Ruan Li nodded, she wasn’t foolish, at such important gathering, she’d surely find a corner to lay low.

Lu Mufeng’s military attire, crown embedded on his shoulder represented Empire’s uniqueness, he undoubtedly drew everyone’s attention.

Ruan Li stood by his side, likewise receiving countless stares.

She straightened her back, the delicate white butterfly bones behind her resembling fluttering butterflies in the hollowed ceremonial outfit, not to mention the gentle glow of her smooth skin.

Lu Muyu saw her current posture as a tiny swan, steps stiff like newly learned walking, he chuckled, stepping forward and linking arms with Ruan Li.

"Big brother, tonight, Little Li will be my companion."