In the evening, Li Xin specially borrowed a carriage from Simmons to pick up Christie. The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Hex Bird Society, but didn't go inside. He waited outside. In the afternoon, Li Xin had planned to buy a set of more formal attire, but upon reaching the clothing store, he realized he had been naive. Shops in the Saint George District weren't particularly high-end, and a custom order would take at least a week. After inquiring about the price, Li Xin wondered if he had misheard. The shop owner kept explaining about this piece and that accessory, all sorts of essential items, each indispensable, otherwise it wouldn't be considered formal.

In the end, Li Xin chose the Night Patrol's uniform. It was relatively simple and provided by the Hex Bird Report. Li Xin rarely wore it, but it was clean and neat, fairly formal in style, and of good material. It might have a bit of a label, but at least it was a uniform.

Leaning against the carriage, looking at the sky, Li Xin fumbled in his pocket and eventually put both hands in. He had been so busy lately that he forgot to get some cigars from Simmons.

He thought he'd have to wait a long while, but in just over ten minutes, Christie emerged. She wore a white off-shoulder long dress, with a string of pearls around her fair and slender neck. Her golden hair was elegantly pinned up, with matching pearl earrings on her ears, and a pale yellow hat on her head, adorned with a fresh flower on the left side.

At that moment, Li Xin suddenly understood what the clothing store owner meant by "formal." Every detail was a sense of ceremony. Finesse and elegance were woven together through countless details; it was never simple.

Beautiful!

"Still looking?" Christie gracefully performed a half-curtsy, a noble gesture.

Li Xin shook his head helplessly, "Dressed like that, people might think I'm your attendant."

Christie extended her hand, "A real man never needs these external things. I'm your best adornment."

Li Xin held Christie's hand and helped her onto the carriage, "Sister, even though you speak to my heart, dinner still needs to be reimbursed."

"Understood." Christie laughed, "We don't need to save money for the president. He's made quite a bit from you recently."

Li Xin also boarded the carriage. The coachman shut the door. Having been raised by the George Family, he made a point not to look or listen, "Young Master Xin, we're off."

"Thank you." Li Xin nodded.

The carriage steadily headed towards the Ivory Bay.

"Has the manuscript been published?" Li Xin asked. The only concern he had about "The Enmity on Utopia Mountain" was whether it would resonate. If the beginning was fine, the people of Dao Yuan would only find it more exhilarating.

"As soon as I took it back, the editorial department was in awe, wondering why your manuscript was so short this time." Christie chuckled softly, "It's rare to see the entire editorial department so unified. It seems you truly aim to be a great literary figure."

His talent was overflowing, but only he seemed unaware of it.

"A literary figure? Just a short story," Li Xin knew he wasn't at that level. At most, he was a reader with a good memory. "If someone likes it, I'm lucky."

Unbeknownst to him, this very Li Xin was glowing in Christie's eyes, unconsciously exuding charm. Christie suddenly gave him a light kiss.

"Sis, what are you trying to do?" Li Xin widened his eyes. This was playing with fire. If not for the fact that it was someone else's carriage...

"I just suddenly thought you were a tiny bit handsome." Christie looked out the window.

Li Xin had a question, wanting to ask several times but never voicing it, thinking it might sound foolish if he did.

"With this manuscript published, will the president give me a pay raise?"

"He definitely will. With this volume out, it feels like great momentum has been achieved. Compared to being a Night Patrol, you'd make a better literary figure," Christie remarked. She was somewhat curious, assuming she understood, but the more she interacted, the less she knew.

"I'm not." Li Xin shook his head, "Any news from No. 2?"

"We've judged this as a plot set by the Earth Temple, but surprisingly, No. 2's members not only opened the Fifth Life Star but also had someone skilled in concealment aiding them. The Earth Temple failed to track them and lost both the lady and the troops." Christie adjusted her hair as she spoke.

"The Fifth Life Star?" Li Xin asked, intrigued. Different paths and Divine Relics bring different effects. From Cancer's perspective, the Fifth Life Star is a dividing line.

"Yes, opening the Fifth Life Star is a watershed for Hidden Power. Those who can open the Fifth Life Star are all exceptional. The elder we're meeting tonight is one such. In the secret world, opening the Fifth Life Star is considered truly extraordinary," Christie explained.

"What changes can the Fifth Life Star bring?"

"The most basic thing is the extension of lifespan, which is what humans are most interested in. If fortunate, there are two other possibilities: mythic form or soul messenger," Christie said. "Why are you interested in this?"

"No one can resist the allure of hidden knowledge, especially when it comes from your mouth," Li Xin said.

Christie giggled, her eyes sparkling, and deliberately shifted the position of her long, fair legs. Such an elegant curve, fair neck, glistening earlobes, an exquisite profile, and a subtle fragrance that packs a powerful punch.

It was almost unbearable. Li Xin barely managed to resist, relying solely on the uprightness cultivated by nine years of compulsory education in China. Even if the legendary gentleman Liu Xiahui were reborn, he'd have to acknowledge her as his senior.

Of course, despite his attraction, he maintained his composure. Interacting with Christie always involved a constant battle of wits between the sexes.

"The mythic form is also known as the mythic creature form. It's a phenomenon existing within the soul. Both gods and humans were essentially created by the Supreme God. Our souls contain a part of the Supreme God's divinity, of course, more so for gods. When a Divine Relic activates the Fifth Life Star, it releases this power. There are both successes and failures," Christie explained. "Another possibility is a soul messenger. When the Fifth Life Star is activated, the power emitted by the Divine Relic attracts certain hidden creatures. They possess considerable power and abilities but also face certain problems and dilemmas. They can only break free by relying on others. They choose to form a contract with those who activate the Fifth Life Star, assisting them in their growth, and benefit from this growth themselves, thus escaping their predicament."

Li Xin listened intently. That day at the Great Cathedral, the soul body lying behind him was likely what they called a soul messenger, meaning the secretary of the Court was at least a strong individual who had unlocked the Fifth Life Star.

Indeed, patience brings peace, whereas acting impulsively might have led to a situation where I wouldn't know how to respond, hands in my pockets.

"Finer, from the Court, possesses a soul messenger skilled in tracking and perceiving souls. It's said to be very powerful. It wasn't easy for you to return unscathed," Christie said with a smile.

"If I were caught, would you come to save me?" Li Xin asked.

"What do you think?" Christie blinked playfully.

At this moment, the carriage slowly came to a stop. As expected of the George Family, it came to a steadier stop. In ordinary taxis, the driver would almost throw people out.

Li Xin opened the carriage door and gently helped Christie down. Their attire was somewhat mismatched, yet both felt it was fine. The servers at the Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant were already waiting at the entrance, with a red carpet laid out.

Li Xin and Christie exchanged puzzled looks. Was there an important guest coming tonight?

Christie knew much more about the Gourmet Association than Li Xin did. All ancient secret organizations held unique positions. Among these secret organizations, transactions were the norm, forming a stable underlying order.

Mundane money wasn't valueless but depended on the context. The Gourmet Association was precisely one of the wealthiest organizations in Dao Yuan. Anyone they treated with such pomp must be a significant guest that Bocuse valued — someone eligible to trade with him. These ancient associations placed great importance on ceremony.

Li Xin and Christie were still hesitating whether to leave until the manager, Ansell, came rushing over with a beaming smile. "Mr. Li, Miss Christian, I welcome you on behalf of the Gourmet Association Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant. Mr. Bocuse has made meticulous preparations for you two. Please, come in."

"Is there a distinguished guest coming today?" Li Xin casually asked.

"Today is your exclusive reservation; other guests will not be received," Ansell said somewhat apologetically. "I overlooked it. The first official dining for a guest of the Gourmet Association is without other patrons. The chef will prepare creative dishes with passion, and all expenses are on us. Of course, you needn't worry about that; it's the sincerity of our association."

Li Xin's facade finally cracked into a grin. Damn it, why wasn't this mentioned earlier, wasting a chance to show off in front of Christie. Bocuse, that old fellow, really knows his stuff. No wonder the Gourmet Association is thriving so well. With this level of service, he had to indulge fully tonight.

Although Christie knew about the Gourmet Association, she was unaware of the guest-specific treatment. Despite her smile, she didn't feel much about it. In dealings with secret organizations, there was no such thing as a free dinner.

Li Xin knew this too, but having come this far, he decided to enjoy it first, even if it was a potential trap.

Li Xin and Christie walked hand in hand along the red carpet to the same, largest, and finest private room. It had been redecorated; the ambiance was completely different from last time, filled with romance and rich with the atmosphere of a date. Whatever Bocuse intended, it truly showed his regard.

Li Xin pulled out a chair for Christie to sit, while Ansell did the same for Li Xin.

Ansell clapped his hands, and a maid came up with a golden bowl to clean their hands. The towel was cool, soaked in ice water, with a refreshing fragrance that invigorated, making one's eyes feel brighter.

"Please wait a moment; first, there will be aperitifs and cold dishes. Mr. Li is from the Li Long United Kingdom, so Mr. Bocuse has specially prepared champagne created by Governor Luthor, a cherished collection of his."

As he spoke, he clapped, and the maid brought crystal glasses. Christie evidently hadn't tasted it before, which didn't surprise Li Xin.

Ansell observed this peculiar guest closely. Having followed Bocuse for a long time, this indeed was a heavyweight occasion. Others would have been curious about such champagne, but Mr. Li seemed very calm.

Li Xin raised his champagne glass and clinked it in the air with Christie's, taking a sip. Ah, such a familiar taste.

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