Just in case, Lin Chen still asked, and it was indeed a gift from Si Ang, who told him to arrive on time.
Since he had nothing else to do, Lin Chen put on the formal attire Si Ang had sent, complete with accessories, shoes, and socks.
Lin Chen always dressed casually. This was the first time he’d dressed so formally. Looking at himself in the mirror, he couldn’t help but feel like he was looking at a butterfly.
He let his carefully combed hair down, making himself appear more casual to avoid attracting a wave of ladies, and even gentlemen who wanted to patronize his business…
The thought alone made him shudder.
It was a grand banquet, extravagant and decadent. Lin Chen successfully entered with his invitation.
His attire and appearance were quite deceptive. No one would suspect that the balance in his bank account wasn’t even enough to buy the watch he was wearing.
His black hair, black eyes, and gentle, handsome appearance were quite eye-catching.
It can only be said that Lin Chen, with his youthful and handsome appearance, is indeed the type many middle-aged women would fall for. So much so that the moment he entered and raised a glass of champagne, he received numerous passionate and fiery flirtatious glances.
When Si Ang found Lin Chen, he saw him surrounded by three ladies.
The young man’s bewildered expression was a stark contrast to his usual confident and composed demeanor in Si Ang’s presence. Si Ang couldn’t help but chuckle, striding over and putting his arm around the young man’s shoulder to help him out of the situation.
“Ladies, you’ve scared my little brother!”
Parker followed closely behind. Having not seen him for several days, it immediately bumped into Lin Chen’s hip, acting unruly and seemingly complaining that Lin Chen hadn’t visited it for days.
Lin Chen felt guilty upon seeing Parker. In just a few days, Parker was no longer the only one in his heart; another seemingly already tragic white moonlight had taken up residence there.
The more untouchable something is, the more it lingers in one’s mind.
“Mr. Si Ang, hello.” The socially adept ladies paused for a second, then smiled knowingly. “We’re very sorry, so this is your younger brother. We were being presumptuous.”
Those slightly ambiguous smiles made Lin Chen’s heart race. He couldn’t help but ask himself, “Why? Why? Didn’t Si Ang say he was a younger brother?”
Could they really look like a couple?
No, it’s common knowledge that Si Ang and all his brothers are sworn enemies. How could he be so kind to his real brother?
So there’s only one truth: this isn’t a proper younger brother, but a lover.
“Brother Ang…” Lin Chen hesitated after the ladies left.
Si Ang shrugged, looking at his face. “Who told you to have a face that pleases the ladies? If I didn’t act this way, you’d have a hard time getting away.”
The outcome would simply be being taken as a plaything by some lady, and discarded when she’s tired of you. Powerless and without influence, Lin Chen had no chance of resistance.
Lady Shen Qiuyi, wife of Count Lu En, was right; there truly is a vast chasm between nobles and commoners.
Lin Chen rubbed his nose: “I don’t care, I’m just worried about damaging your reputation.”
“You’re overthinking it,” Si Ang said nonchalantly with his arm still around Lin Chen’s shoulder. “Even if I were with you, it wouldn’t damage my reputation.”
It’s just homosexuality, nothing to worry about.
The upper classes on Earth are very open about their private lives. Whether they prefer the same sex or the opposite sex is nobody’s concern, and even having multiple lovers after marriage is considered refined.
For a commoner to become a nobleman’s mistress is a prestigious resume.
This isn’t blind worship. Anyone who catches the eye of a well-informed nobleman must be exceptionally talented and possess valuable qualities.
Furthermore, nobles control most of the wealth and resources. Following them not only provides material benefits but also broadens one’s horizons and allows for greater learning.
After three to five years of exposure, even an ambitious lover can elevate their self-worth.
The ladies who approached Lin Chen earlier were excellent teachers. They were all wealthy married women who wouldn’t be stingy with their lovers.
Of course, their husbands were the same. They were probably present as well, and actively flirting with other young women.
Lin Chen had always lived in his own little circle, so he didn’t understand. He simply assumed Si Ang meant that no one discriminated against homosexuals anymore, which he thought was good; sexual freedom was a sign of civilization.
“That’s good,” Lin Chen said. “Why did you think of bringing me along? Is there something I can help you with?”
Si Ang shook his head and asked, “Is gardening another of your strengths?”
“Yes…” But how did Si Ang know?
“Man Di saw your job posting and reported it to me.” From this, Si Ang deduced that Lin Chen needed money. He could, of course, simply give Lin Chen money, but after calming down, introducing Lin Chen to connections might be more appropriate.
“I know a lady who loves gardening. You could be her consultant. Don’t worry, she won’t try anything with you.”
Lin Chen was touched: “Thank you, Brother Ang.”
Indeed, he would have preferred Si Ang to introduce him to a job opportunity rather than give him money directly.
Si Ang squeezed Lin Chen’s arm: “You’re welcome.”
The lady he was introducing Lin Chen to was named Sandy. She looked to be in her thirties, beautiful, and had a cool demeanor. However, she was devoted to tending to flowers and plants and was indeed not interested in pursuing men.
After handing Lin Chen over to Madam Sandy, Si Ang went to socialize. Besides promoting Lin Chen, he had many other tasks to complete that day.
Parker lingered by Lin Chen’s side, and did not leave with Si Ang.
Madam Sandy was surprised: “You two have a really good relationship.” She assumed this was Si Ang’s order, and deliberately had his companion beast establish authority for his lover—this was truly pampering to the core.
“Mr. Si takes care of me.” Lin Chen, quite interested in the red fox on Madam Sandy’s shoulder, smiled and said, “It’s beautiful.”
Madam Sandy replied casually, “Thank you.”
Lin Chen said gently, “It might not like the atmosphere here; it’s a bit restless. Why don’t we go upstairs and rest for a while?”
Madam Sandy stroked her fox, her face showing surprise. “You’re very thoughtful.”
Lin Chen smiled, and the two went upstairs, finding a seat by the window. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows was stunning—snow-capped mountains and flowing water. It was a truly breathtaking sight.
The red fox jumped onto the table, and tilted its head slightly, its alluring fox eyes watching Lin Chen with interest.
It looked adorable, and Lin Chen looked back at it with a gentle smile.
It hesitated for a moment before extending its paw, when Parker, glaring menacingly, suddenly squeezed in front of Lin Chen, staring intently at the red fox. The immense pressure immediately frightened the red fox back into Madam Sandy’s arms.
“No, Parker, we need to be polite. It’s no threat to you,” Lin Chen quickly warned the lion, then apologized profusely to Madam Sandy, “I’m sorry, I frightened your companion beast.”
Madam Sandy’s face turned cold: “…”
Lin Chen was truly sorry. He secretly slapped Parker through gritted teeth. The fox didn’t even weigh ten pounds; how could it have the nerve to threaten him?
Parker looked aggrieved: “…”
Wasn’t having it enough?
Why did he need to look at that fox spirit!
“I’m really sorry,” Lin Chen said gently. He looked at the red fox, trying to appease it.
The previously timid red fox suddenly poked its head out bravely, jumping onto the table again and slowly approaching Lin Chen.
This time, Lin Chen proactively extended his arm, while his other hand gripped Parker’s ear tightly, warning it that if it dared to move, it would rip its ear off.
Parker, beaten into submission, stayed still.
The red fox slowly climbed up Lin Chen’s arm and onto his shoulder, a sight that stunned Madam Sandy across from him.
“It likes you very much,” she said, her feelings complicated.
Lin Chen smiled: “As long as it’s comfortable.”
Madam Sandy chuckled: “You really like animals.”
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have observed her companion beast so closely, nor would she have spoken from the animal’s perspective.
Lin Chen nodded: “Just like you like flowers and plants.”
The two exchanged smiles, dispelling their previous unpleasantness, and began to chat amiably, finding themselves increasingly congenial.
The red fox remained on Lin Chen’s shoulder throughout, and Lin Chen would occasionally reach out and stroke its fur.
After an unknown amount of time, a waiter approached Lin Chen, bowing and saying, “Sir, Mr. Si Ang needs your assistance. Please come with me.”
Lin Chen was puzzled but didn’t think much of it, replying, “Alright.”
He stood up, returned the red fox to Madam Sandy, and gave a polite, apologetic bow in farewell, “Madam, we’ll talk again sometime.”
The waiter returned the bow gracefully and smiled, “Alright, I’ll invite you another day. Jenny likes you very much.”
Lin Chen followed the waiter away, noticing they were heading upstairs. He was puzzled; when had Si Ang gone upstairs?
However, with Parker with him, he didn’t dwell on it and calmly continued following the waiter. They were eventually led to a large, luxurious room. A fireplace roared, and several young men who looked like nobles sat on the sofas.
One of them was occupying a double sofa all to himself… In an instant, Lin Chen’s pupils contracted, and he was stunned.
His heart pounded as he thought, so this is what the Black Panther’s master’s face looks like. It’s even more stunning and captivating than he had imagined.
The man was about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, tall and long-legged, with the Howard family’s signature blond hair. His face was handsomely defined with a sexy yet elegant jawline. His aura was as pure and crisp as snow, exuding the superiority of someone in a high position.
It happened to be snowing that day. Wenzel, holding a crystal glass of spirits, was intently looking out the window, oblivious to who had entered the room.
Lin Chen snapped out of his reverie and quickly scanned the room. Si Ang wasn’t there, and he quickly realized his situation. He couldn’t understand who he had offended, especially someone associated with Wenzel.
“Si Ang’s lover?”
The young man who spoke was Spencer, the Duke’s son. He stood up and sized Lin Chen up and down: black hair, black eyes, fair skin—truly Si Ang’s type.
He glanced at the lion flanking Lin Chen and clicked his tongue, “He even has his lion protect you. He really dotes on you.”
Lin Chen thought, could this be Si Ang’s enemy?
But then the man’s tone changed abruptly, coldly saying, “Stay away from Sandy. If I see you with Sandy again, don’t blame me for being impolite.”
So, it turns out it was all about Lady Sandy.
Lin Chen didn’t want this misunderstanding to continue, so he politely said, “Your Excellency may have misunderstood. Lady Sandy and I are friends, we share common interests…”
“Shut up, you lowly commoner,” Spencer interrupted him, his gaze disdainful. “Who do you think you are? Just a gigolo warming someone’s bed. What right do you have to be friends with Sandy?”
Lin Chen’s face darkened. This man’s mouth was truly foul, and he called himself a nobleman. However, unsure of the other party’s identity and not wanting to cause trouble for Si Ang, he simply said, “It’s my freedom to befriend whomever I want. Farewell.”
“Parker, let’s go.”
Spencer shouted, “Stop!”
He commanded his companion beast, “Gus, stop him!”
Spencer’s companion beast was a large and powerful tiger. It instantly leaped to the doorway, blocking his path. Its appearance immediately enraged the equally large and imposing Parker.
“Roar—” Parker bared its fangs without warning, its body tensing, and entering a fighting stance.
Companion beasts are not allowed to harm humans, but battles between companion beasts are legal and justifiable depending solely on who is more skilled.
However, in the current situation, they were clearly outnumbered. Lin Chen desperately tried to stop Parker from fighting: “Parker, calm down!”
But Parker couldn’t calm down; it only knew that the tiger was blocking their path and intended to harm Lin Chen.
“Roar—” Parker angrily pounced on the tiger, Gus, and a fight was about to erupt.
This was something no one had expected; Si’s lion, just like its master, had a fiery temper!
“Gus!” Spencer panicked, quickly turning back for help: “William, Owen! You two, hurry and help!”
The two nobles who were called hesitated. After all, this was Spencer’s private matter.
They knew nothing about it and shouldn’t interfere.
But given the relationship, they had no choice but to order their companion beasts to help.
A brown bear and a monitor lizard emerged, slowly approaching the battle.
Both were powerful beasts…
Lin Chen was frantically trying to contact Si Ang, but there was no response. The situation was too bad and he couldn’t let anything happen to Parker!
What to do?
At the critical moment, a black panther silently leaped in front of the brown bear and the monitor lizard, blocking their path.