Liu Hao stood by, somewhat bewildered and at a loss. Lu Fan taking out the Supreme Black Card struck him as comical.
The Supreme Black Card was rare even in Qingzhou, yet Lu Fan carried one with him, sparking surprise.
"Sir, please this way!" the attendant's attitude became even more obsequious. He had initially thought Lu Fan to be an ordinary person but realized he had misjudged. Those who possessed Supreme Black Cards were hardly common folk.
The woman next to Liu Hao was about to speak when Liu Hao covered her mouth and dragged her towards the exit of the clothing store. "My dear aunt, please stop this. This is a Supreme Black Card."
"It's fake, that card must be fake!" She refused to believe Lu Fan had a Supreme Black Card; it was a symbol of status.
"Whether it's fake or real, it's not someone we can afford to offend!" Liu Hao stated solemnly.
The woman remained unconvinced, lingering outside the shop. He wanted to see if Lu Fan could indeed afford it.
Inside the store, after Lu Fan swiped his card, he finally received the dress. He then looked at Lin Ke'er's attire and said with a smile, "Today is your friend's birthday, you should dress appropriately. This dress suits you perfectly!"
"Brother Lu Fan, this dress is too expensive!" Lin Ke'er shook her head.
"It's already bought, are you going to return it?" Lu Fan chuckled. "Just wear it! I'd like to see it on you."
Lin Ke'er looked a bit shy, took the dress, and walked towards the fitting room, her movements careful.
A short while later, Lin Ke'er emerged from the fitting room, and Lu Fan stood frozen, completely stunned.
Lin Ke'er's figure, coupled with the fabric of the dress, made her appear exceptionally ethereal. The attendant also looked on in admiration; Lin Ke'er was like an immortal descending to earth.
"You look stunning. This dress is perfect for you!" Lu Fan said with a smile, and they walked out of the clothing store.
Liu Hao and the woman stood to the side, their eyes fixed on the two as they emerged. The woman, in particular, kept pinching Liu Hao, "Look at them, and then look at yourself. Following you is just suffering!"
Liu Hao felt wronged. He was, after all, a chief physician, yet he was being belittled. This was all thanks to Lu Fan. The last time on the street, he had been made to look foolish in public, and this time, in front of his wife, he appeared utterly incapable.
At Holiday Resort, in the Emperor's private room, many men and women were seated. Some were singing and dancing, while others sat chatting, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Lin Jia, isn't it time to cut the cake?"
A woman, smoking a cigarette, said with a smile, "I can't wait!"
"Let's wait a bit longer! Lin Ke'er hasn't arrived yet!" Lin Jia smiled. "She's nearby and will be here soon."
"She's quite the diva, making us wait for her!" Zhang Qian said faintly. "The campus belle of Qingzhou University is truly something else!"
Before the words had even fallen, Lu Fan and Lin Ke'er arrived at the Emperor's private room. Lin Ke'er held a gift, "Lin Jia, I'm sorry, we're a little late!"
Inside the private room, many gazes converged on Lin Ke'er. The dazzling dress and her beauty instantly made her the center of attention.
"It's fine, come and sit quickly!" Lin Jia said enthusiastically. "I'm already happy that you could make it!"
"Why is there an extra person?" Zhang Qian observed. "Didn't we only invite you?"
"He's my brother!" Lin Ke'er explained. "Although not a biological brother, he's someone I acknowledge!"
"It's fine, the room is large enough, one more person is nothing," Lin Jia quickly smiled.
Lu Fan was also tactful and didn't say much, sitting on the sofa and eating sunflower seeds. His purpose for being here today was not to join the revelry, but primarily to protect Lin Ke'er.
"Lin Ke'er, you are the campus belle of Qingzhou University. Someone you fancy must be extraordinary. What does his family do?" Zhang Qian asked curiously.
"Yes! I'm also very curious!" Zhang Yong chuckled. "Lin Ke'er, back in school, I treated you well, but you didn't fancy me. Now it seems, I'm no worse than him!"
The teasing remarks continued, with Zhang Yong speaking without restraint. Holiday Resort was his family's property, and he was footing the bill today. He was Lin Jia's boyfriend, but he seemed to care little about such things.
As a scion of a wealthy family, he could find a girlfriend anytime he wished.
"Today is Sister Lin Jia's birthday, let's not discuss other matters," Lin Ke'er said awkwardly.
Zhang Yong had pursued her in school, but she had rejected him. Later, Lin Jia and Zhang Yong got together, and she had tried to dissuade them, but it was unsuccessful.
Seeing Zhang Yong's current demeanor, Lin Ke'er was displeased but couldn't say much.
"Lin Ke'er, I've heard a lot about you!"
From a corner of the private room, a handsome young man stood up and politely greeted, "I'm from the English department of Qingzhou University! My name is Liu Xuanhao."
"Young Master Liu, when did you become so low-key?" Zhang Yong said with a wicked grin. "This doesn't sound like you."
"Don't say that, you might scare Miss Lin," Liu Xuanhao smiled.
Lin Ke'er nodded slightly. She wasn't overly enthusiastic with these people she didn't know well.
Liu Xuanhao, however, was quite forward. He picked up several glasses of wine, "Miss Lin, your name is like thunder in my ears. Today is also Lin Jia's birthday, you must have a drink!"
"I don't drink!" Lin Ke'er shook her head, looking troubled.
"You'll get used to it as you drink," Liu Xuanhao said softly. "If you get drunk, I can drive you home."
Lin Ke'er was caught in the middle, in quite a predicament. Lin Jia was about to intervene when Lu Fan stood up and snatched the wine glass. "I'll drink with you instead. As for driving her home, you don't need to trouble yourself!"
Seeing Lu Fan drain three cups, Young Master Liu frowned, as if something good had been interrupted.
"What a reckless fellow," Zhang Qian said, taking a drag from her cigarette. "To dare to step forward at this moment, he won't even know how he died!"
"Who said that!" Zhang Yong said gleefully. "Offending Young Master Liu will bring no good fortune!"
Lu Fan, however, remained unconcerned. He could crush a swarm of such grasshoppers. How could he not see Liu Xuanhao's intention in trying to get Lin Ke'er drunk?
"Let's sing some songs!"
Lin Jia quickly smiled. If she had known the situation would be so awkward, she wouldn't have held her birthday banquet at Holiday Resort.
Several other classmates nodded and began to sing. Lin Ke'er sat beside Lu Fan, like a little lamb, feeling a great sense of security.
For some reason, the way Liu Xuanhao looked at her made her feel uneasy. His gaze was like that of a predator sizing up its prey.
"Young Master Liu, what do you say?" Zhang Yong smiled. "Do you want me to handle this for you?"
"No need, I prefer to use my charm. She will definitely like me in the future," Liu Xuanhao waved his hand.
"Young Master Liu is truly confident!" Zhang Yong chuckled.
Just then, within Holiday Resort, sounds of smashing and crashing suddenly erupted. The lights in the Emperor's private room also went out. No one knew what had happened.
"Young Master, this is bad! Someone is causing trouble in the resort!" the manager rushed in, looking quite flustered.