Otherworldly Companions: Every Handsome Man is Extraordinary

Jiang Yu saw what her friend was doing and sighed inwardly. This time, she had to persuade her properly; things couldn't go on like this.

Amidst the pleasantries of the group, the large ship slowly docked. Fan Qingyin stood on the pier waiting for them. Surrounded by the crowd, he stood there aloof and elegant, the sea breeze ruffling his hair and robes, appearing detached from the world, as if about to ascend to immortality.

"I didn't get to see the Divine Envoy Fan Qingyin last time, but I finally did this time. She truly has the bearing of an immortal. Just look at her demeanor, tsk, she's a celestial being!" Because she was so close to Jiang Yu, Chen Xin didn't hold back her words at all.

Jiang Yu was alright; she knew her friend was just being sarcastic and didn't have any ulterior motives. But in Lin Yi's and the others' eyes, her words were a bit too rash.

Criticizing men who are already in relationships, especially her best friend's partner. Lin Yi glanced at Zhong Qin's beautiful face out of the corner of her eye and subtly pursed her lips. No wonder she was so easily swayed.

Xiang Lan, perhaps already used to it, didn't move closer to Chen Xin and Zhong Qin at all, and stood far away to the side the whole time.

So when they disembarked, Jiang Yu and Lin Yi walked side by side, followed by Chen Xin and Zhong Qin holding hands, while Xiang Lan walked alone behind them. Fan Qingyin's eyes flickered at the sight.

"Lord Chen Xin, you've come from afar, you must be tired." Fan Qingyin nodded slightly, then nodded to Xiang Lan behind her, before finally looking at Zhong Qin, "Welcome."

"Leave the arrangements to the servants. The dining room is ready; please come and have something to eat first." Fan Qingyin stepped aside to invite him, her manners as perfect as a work of art. Zhong Qin glanced at her, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes.

Without Jiang Yu's introduction, Fan Qingyin acted as if she were already familiar with everyone. When the group moved towards the restaurant, she saw Jiang Yu walk to Chen Xin's side and immediately stepped back to Xiang Lan's side to chat with her.

Lin Yi noticed Zhong Qin's increasingly unpleasant expression and felt even more disdain. This woman who uses her looks to please others actually has an inappropriate sense of self-respect.

"I've heard that your father is a very famous architect. Where in the Ocean Empire does he live now? Is it the royal city?" Xiang Lan was somewhat flattered. If Lin Yi was an unapproachable figure at the gathering, then Fan Qingyin was an even more noble figure who would never attend the same banquet as him.

“My father lives in the royal city. Our family has served the royal family for generations, but we are only responsible for some minor projects and are not well-known.” Xiang Lan was also surprised that the divine envoy would notice his family, but he still spoke very honestly.

Fan Qingyin glanced at Xiang Lan with appreciation and said, "You don't need to be so modest. Your father was skilled at designing temples. Most of the temples in the capital of the Ocean Empire were designed by your father, and many temples in other regions also adopted your father's designs."

"I didn't know you knew so much detail. I'm sorry you had to laugh at me. I don't have my father's talent, and I'm quite mediocre now." Xiang Lan said somewhat embarrassedly, her usually stern and serious face becoming more lively.

“There’s no need to be so self-deprecating. You’re still young, and you’re sure to achieve great things in the future,” Fan Qingyin comforted him sincerely.

The group soon arrived at the restaurant, where servants had already set the table. The dishes personally selected by Fan Qingyin perfectly showcased the characteristics of the Ocean Empire.

The authentic flavors not only satisfied the taste buds of Chen Xin and Zhong Qin from the Forest Empire, but also made Xiang Lan finally feel at home.

"Mmm, this is delicious. As expected, the Ocean Empire is the best at cooking seafood. Although we can eat seafood where we are, the taste is really just so-so." Chen Xin praised him politely.

"There's nothing on this table that I don't love to eat. I really wish I could eat these delicious foods every day."

"Then let's stay a little longer, and go back when we've had enough fun and eaten our fill," Jiang Yu said with a smile.

"I would like to, but unfortunately I have to go back to the capital to report on my duties. It's an important occasion that I can't miss," Chen Xin said with some regret. "I originally planned to come and relax here for a while after I finished my report, but your accident really scared me to death. If Gilbert and the others hadn't persuaded me, I would have left that very day."

"With the incident just now, Lord Jiang Yu's family must be in a flurry of activity. We'd be just adding to the chaos if we came here. Lord Jiang Yu knows how concerned you are."

Zhong Qin picked up a napkin and gently wiped the crumbs from the corner of Chen Xin's mouth, almost immediately drawing Chen Xin's attention.

"Yes, yes, you're all right, you've thought things through quite thoroughly." She took Zhong Qin's hand and shook it gently, as if she were being coquettish.

Then she smiled at Jiang Yu, "That's why I set off immediately when I heard you were feeling better. Zhong Qin thought I was worrying too much about you and advised me that I didn't have to wait until after the performance review to come."

Xiang Lan was still single-mindedly struggling with the crab claws on her plate.

“Speaking of Gilbert, why didn’t he and Dovica come?” Jiang Yu asked curiously.

“Gilbert is a historian, and he’s been revising historical records lately. He has a fixed work schedule and is always in meetings, so he really can’t get away.”

"As for Dovica, he said he wanted to stay home to take care of Pegasus." Chen Xin poked at the pudding on her plate, looking somewhat sullen.

Jiang Yu and the others understood from Chen Xin's words that Dovica did not want to come; he preferred to stay at home.

"Lord Jiang Yu, the feast you and your family have prepared is truly amazing. I come from a humble background and have never left the Forest Empire. It has been an eye-opening experience for me to be here today. Please allow me to express my gratitude." Zhong Qin smiled, his sincerity and elegance more dazzling than the pearl-adorned plate in front of him.

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Not wanting to embarrass her friend, Jiang Yu smiled and waved her hand, "I'm glad you like it. I hope you have a pleasant trip and a lot of fun in the Ocean Empire."

Surprisingly, after the meal, Xiang Lan took his leave. He said that since he had returned to the Ocean Empire, he wanted to go home and visit his family.

Jiang Yu saw that Chen Xin did not speak, and she didn't know if they had planned it in advance, but in any case, she couldn't let Xiang Lan go home alone.

Jiang Yu frowned and exchanged a glance with Fan Qingyin, but still managed to persuade him to stay.

"No matter what, there's no reason to send guests away so quickly after just one meeting. Let them rest for a few days before they leave. Then we can set off together for the capital. I'll go to report on my duties and also take the opportunity to go home for a short stay."

Lin Yi then added, "Yes, Xiao Yu will definitely be accompanying me to stay at the Lin family's place. Since Lord Chen Xin is with you, we can spend a few more days together in the royal city."

Xiang Lan thought for a moment, glanced at Chen Xin's somewhat embarrassed expression, and agreed.

Everyone present was shrewd; though their expressions didn't betray them, they were already calculating their next move.