Everyone thought that Count Alistar would say a few words to Zi Yi. Yet, he shifted his gaze away and raised his hand. The servant brought the wine over and he lifted a glass as he said, “Tonight’s dinner banquet is held rather late this time and I believe the various contestants are also tired. I have got my men to prepare a buffet and resting area for everyone to take a break, so that you can chat while having something to eat as you converse.

I’m an enthusiast of paintings and so, there’s no need for everyone to restrict yourselves due to my presence. You can simply treat me as your fan.”

After Count Alistair finished his speech, he raised his glass. “As a fan, I’m proposing a toast to everyone.”

Following that, the crowd drank the wine together.

Soothing music sounded at the same time. Count Alistair and the group of people emptied the center position and those who liked to dance took up the space.

Zi Yi glanced over at some of the men who were making their way over and said to Dou Xiangling, “Cousin, let’s go and get something to eat first.”

Dou Xiangling felt somewhat awkward. Even though everyone had yet to have dinner, the food that is served during dinner banquets is mostly used for viewing purposes and no one would really eat with everyone staring at them.

Zi Yi noticed her thoughts and simply grabbed her hand as they made their way over.

Dou Xiangling whispered to her about the unwritten rule at dinner banquets, “This will cause others to laugh at us.”

Zi Yi pretended not to hear her and soon, they arrived at the buffet area.

The food served was very abundant and everything looked particularly delicious.

Zi Yi grabbed two plates and handed one over to Dou Xiangling. “These types of unwritten rules are applicable for occasions where one has to entertain another. We’re here as guests today and what’s more, Count Alistair even said that he’s our fan. Why should we keep up our image at a fan’s house?”

Dou Xiangling was unexpectedly speechless. However, when she sensed the gazes staring in her direction from all around, she still tried to struggle a little. “No one is eating and it’ll be too embarrassing if we are the only ones eating.”

It just so happens that two women, who were standing not far from them, deliberately spoke in a tone of voice where they could hear.

“How do they have the cheek to eat? Aren’t they afraid of dirtying their clothes? It’ll be really embarrassing then.”

“With so many people looking at them, I don’t believe they won’t find it awkward and can continue to eat.”

The corner of her lips curled up when Zi Yi heard what they said and she replied to Dou Xiangling, “Why should we be embarrassed? The ones who should be embarrassed are those who find it awkward to come over despite the fact that they are salivating due to hunger.”

After Zi Yi said that, she grabbed a tong and picked up a small cake for her and Dou Xiangling.

Dou Xiangling hastily accepted it.

Zi Yi continued to walk forward.

Dou Xiangling originally found it embarrassing, but as she followed behind Zi Yi who did not feel the same way, she somehow started to let herself go.

It has been seven to eight hours since they have eaten and they were already rather hungry. If that was the case, why should they make things difficult for themselves?

Thinking of this, Dou Xiangling also picked up a tong and went to grab some fruit salad.

More and more women who wanted to see them make a joke out of themselves started to gather around.

However, when they saw Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling’s expressions as they enjoyed the food, the onlookers subconsciously swallowed their saliva.

Zi Yi swept her gaze over to them and those women who did not manage to look away in time felt extremely awkward.

Dou Xiangling gave them a friendly smile. “The food here in the Count’s house is very delicious. Are you sure you don’t want some?”

The group of women looked at each other and did not manage to resist the temptation. Following that, several other women joined them.

While they ate, they chatted about today’s competition and they were soon engaged in the conversation.

“It seems like Mr. Meng is very concerned about a certain lady over there?”

A sudden voice caused Meng He to tighten his grip on the wine glass. He shifted his gaze away from the dining area and looked towards Ansel who was heading towards him.

Ansel walked to him and first raised his glass. Clearly, he wanted to touch glasses.

Even though Meng He was unaware of Ansel’s intentions, he still raised his wine glasses.

Ansel looked towards Zi Yi and did not bother to beat around the bush. “I’ve taken a fancy to Miss Zi. Mr. Meng, do you want to cooperate with me?”

Meng He stared at him and revealed an expression as if he did not know what he was saying.

Ansel laughed. He took a step closer after laughing and deliberately said in his ears, “Your patron, Miss Feiya has come asking for me to think of a way to prevent Miss Dou from participating in tomorrow’s competition for your sake.”

Meng He’s expression sank at his words and he whispered angrily, “I’ve said that I will win with my own skills. Why is she doing this? Also… she’s not my patron!”

He said the last sentence by gritting his teeth.

Ansel looked at Meng He’s fierce gaze for several seconds before he laughed. He took a step back and said in a casual tone, “There’s something that Mr. Meng might not know of yet.”

Meng He asked, “What is it?”

“Miss Feiya has been kicked out of the board today. In other words, she is and also has nothing now but in order to let you get what you want, she is prepared to cooperate with me on something.”

The string in his mind snapped and he asked eagerly, “What are you planning to do?”

“Of course, it’s to invite Miss Dou to a place where she is unable to partake in the last round of the competition. After the competition ends, we will release her.”

“You can’t do this. Dou Xiangling is merely a weak and harmless woman…”

“Tsk tsk… so it turns out, Mr. Meng is a love saint.”

Meng He’s secret seemed to have been exposed and his expression turned livid.

“Mr. Meng, don’t be nervous.” Ansel leaned over and said in his ear, “Since you’re fond of Miss Dou, why don’t you give yourself a chance? After all… Feiya is nothing and has nothing right now and she is unable to control you anymore.”

His words were like a heavy hammer that struck Meng He’s heart heavily.

He did not respond to Ansel. Instead, he looked at him with a vigilant gaze.

Ansel smiled in response and his smile was full of certainty. “Aren’t you already tired of Feiya meddling in your private affairs and wish to get rid of her? I’m giving you a chance right now. As long as you bring Dou Xiangling to the backyard, I’ll get people to watch over Feiya and give you a chance to realize your wish. How does that sound?”

Meng He still looked at him with the same gaze, but his heart sped up.

Ansel’s smile deepened. “I’m not trying to help you. I just need someone to lead Miss Dou away while I’ll bring Miss Zi to find someone.

Meng He opened his mouth. The desire in his heart overpowered his reasoning and he asked, “Why should I trust you?”

Ansel gave him a reason. “Because you’ve been converting Miss Dou for a long time, while I wish to obtain Miss Zi. It works for both of us.”