After getting in the car, the two of them sat upright in the back row. The person sent by the Royal Castle was in charge of picking them up.
Ning Anmiao sat in the car, her eyes involuntarily taking in the view outside.
It was 5 p.m. in Berlin. The streets were bustling. The night atmosphere outside the car was very lively, and the sound of people laughing and playing could be heard.
Inside the car, however, it was silent, with an invisible pressure.
On the way, Ning Anmiao wanted to ask about the designer of the cheongsam several times, but she held back.
Lu Yan's fingers were well - defined. He casually placed his hand on his knee. His body was slightly reclined on the back of the seat, and his eyes were half - closed as if he was resting.
He didn't even dare to open his eyes.
Even with his eyes closed, he could still smell the faint orchid fragrance wafting from the woman beside him.
For the first time, his once - boasted self - control seemed so vulnerable.
At the hotel, he had wanted to tear off that fiery red cheongsam and touch the even sweeter and more alluring parts beneath it.
"Sir and Miss, we're here."
It wasn't until the car pulled up at the castle gate that Lu Yan slowly opened his eyes and looked at the surrounding environment.
Although she had mentally prepared herself in advance, seeing the magnificent and luxurious buildings around her, she still couldn't help but be a little surprised.
So this was a European palace.
It was magnificent and truly awe - inspiring.
Her palms were slightly sweaty, and she couldn't help but fidget a little. "I'm a bit nervous," she said.
Lu Yan said nothing. He got out of the car first and walked to Ning Anmiao's side, opening the car door for her.
Along with that, came his warm and dry big hand.
He was so considerate. Ning Anmiao's face flushed hot. She gently placed her hand in his palm and slowly got out of the car.
Lu Yan was very calm. His big hand moved from holding hers to wrapping around her waist.
The burning touch of his hand on her waist made Ning Anmiao stiffen, but she didn't struggle at all and just let him hold her.
The distance between them was really intimate.
Feeling that the girl beside him didn't resist, Lu Yan's thin lips curved into a slight smile.
The castle looked luxurious enough from the outside, but inside, it exuded an air of luxury and elegance everywhere.
Wearing a classical cheongsam, Ning Anmiao stood out in the crowd.
Once she got used to the environment, her initial uneasiness and nervousness quickly dissipated. She was elegant and every look in her eyes carried the tenderness of an Oriental woman.
Her manner and etiquette were very proper. She was like a girl from a wealthy family, exuding nobility and grace all over.
Lu Yan stood beside her. His expression was calm, but his imposing aura was so strong that no one dared to approach.
Originally, there were a few blond and blue - eyed men who wanted to come and talk to this typical Oriental beauty, but Lu Yan beside her was enough to scare them away.
She could only be admired from afar.
Ning Anmiao was always rather slow in this regard. She stood beside Lu Yan all the time, thinking that she was just playing the role of a vase.
Little did she know that she was actually the center of attention.
"The host of tonight's dinner, Mr. Wilson and his wife, Irene, will be present later," Lu Yan said, looking seriously at Ning Anmiao. "If you don't like this kind of atmosphere, we can go back after meeting Irene."
He just stared at her, his eyes full of tolerance and consideration.
Ning Anmiao shook her head carefully. "I don't dislike it."
She really didn't like places with a lot of people, but her upbringing told her that leaving early in such an environment was disrespectful to others and especially to the host.
Moreover, she was here as Lu Yan's female companion today.
She should follow his arrangements instead of making conditions.
Lu Yan's thin lips curved slightly. "So obedient," he said softly.
It was just two very calm words, but Ning Anmiao could hear the spoiling in them. The calm lake in her heart rippled again.
She was still thinking seriously about those two words when suddenly someone gently pressed on her shoulder. She was startled and turned her head.
"Long time no see, Yan."
Behind her stood a blond and blue - eyed woman in luxurious clothes. She was probably in her thirties or forties, well - maintained, with not a single wrinkle on her face.
She wore a precious gemstone necklace that symbolized power and nobility. She looked elegant but still youthful.
Lu Yan slightly raised his eyebrows, tightened his hand on Ning Anmiao's waist, and pulled her into his arms.
Ning Anmiao was also vigilant towards strangers. She subconsciously shrank back and hid in Lu Yan's embrace.
Her unconscious dependence made Lu Yan very pleased.
"Long time no see, Miss Irene," Lu Yan said. His suit was spotless, and his words and deeds were gentle and elegant. "You're still as young as ever."
This remark pleased Irene. She couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, and her eyes kept sizing up the two of them.
Ning Anmiao felt the look from this foreign noblewoman and suddenly felt a bit flustered.
This was the host of today's banquet.
"Yan, is this your wife?" Irene looked at Ning Anmiao with a half - smile, her eyes carrying a taste that was hard to decipher.
Ning Anmiao was stunned and was about to explain when the man gently pinched her waist. "Yes, this is my wife, Miaomiao," Lu Yan said lazily, his expression full of spoiling. "I'm very sorry for introducing her to you so late."
Hearing the official answer, Irene immediately showed a satisfied smile and looked at Ning Anmiao a few more times thoughtfully.
"The cheongsam looks very good on you," she said.
Her compliment made Ning Anmiao feel flattered. She slightly nodded and said modestly, "Thank you for your compliment. You're also very beautiful. You're the most beautiful lady at the party today."
Seemingly not expecting Ning Anmiao to speak German, a look of surprise flashed across Irene's eyes, and then she praised, "Yan, you have good taste. She's a very excellent woman."
After saying that, she looked at Ning Anmiao appreciatively. After a few seconds, she said, "This is the first time I've tried to design Chinese clothing."
Ning Anmiao was stunned.
This cheongsam was actually designed by the royal noblewoman Irene herself?
She was a bit shocked.
Lu Yan was obviously calmer. He smiled slightly. "You're very talented. Trying a new design direction is no problem for you."
"Yan, you don't need to flatter me," Irene said. With such praise, her smile became even brighter. "At first, when you asked me to design a dress for your wife, I was in awe."
"Since Miaomiao is satisfied, I'm relieved."
Ning Anmiao smiled along. Her previous doubts and speculations were instantly resolved.
The initial restlessness, anxiety, and uneasiness were all alleviated at this moment, leaving only an indescribable warmth.
"Yan, I remember you told me that your wife is also in the design industry?"