Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei Returns from EVA

079 Overture

After the first dance, the dance floor was opened to everyone.

The band changed to a slightly faster-paced song, and couples began to flood into the dance floor.

Lu Mingfei was also pulled inside by Ling's hand.

Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, revealing her face and swan-like neck. Lu Mingfei held her right hand, unsure of where to put his left, which finally hovered a few centimeters from her waist.

"Put your hands up here," Zero said.

Lu Mingfei placed his hand on her waist.

"The infiltration is progressing very smoothly," Zero said. "Thanks to this engagement ceremony, Mai's men can go directly to the library to carry out their mission."

Lu Mingfei lowered his head, and Ling's face was very close to his; he could see his own reflection in her pupils.

"We were like the evil villains, adventuring alongside the hero's team, gaining their trust, and then breaking the Demon King's seal while everyone was celebrating their victory," he said.

"The villain is Angers; he orchestrated it all." Zero looked up at him.

"Haha, you're right, the real villains never show themselves," Lu Mingfei said with a laugh. "Killing the Dragon King at the engagement ceremony will surely make this engagement a legend in Kassel's history."

The song ended.

Zero pulled his finger from Lu Mingfei's hand and took a step back.

"I left as planned," she said.

Without turning around, he walked along the edge of the dance floor and disappeared into the dressing room corridor deep inside the auditorium.

Before Lu Mingfei could return to his seat, a hand slapped him on the shoulder.

"Zero's gone? Then you're mine."

Suddenly, Mai appeared out of nowhere, grabbed Lu Mingfei's arm, and pulled him back to the dance floor.

"Feed—"

Come again?

"It's just dancing." Mai had already put her hand on his shoulder and led him directly into the rhythm of the next song.

Lu Mingfei secretly scanned his surroundings and whispered, "Don't ruin my reputation, I already have a girlfriend."

"This is a dance party, exchanging partners is normal. Dancing with me will make you seem more popular," Mai said. "Otherwise, what if other girls ask you out? Are you just going to hide everywhere?"

"Then thank you," Lu Mingfei said.

"You're welcome. I'll accept Zero's gratitude as well."

"What utterly shameless talk," Lu Mingfei thought to himself.

"Where were your hands when you were dancing with Zero?" She glared at Lu Mingfei fiercely. "Put them up here."

Lu Mingfei placed his hand on it. Jiu Demai's waist was slightly wider than Ling's, and her muscles were firmer, feeling like a taut bow.

"Thank you for saving my sister," Mai whispered in his ear, "I'd even like to repay you with my body."

Lu Mingfei turned his head slightly to avoid her breath. "There's no need for that. Don't you have anything else to do?"

Mai chuckled and spun him around.

"Most people are here. People outside think I brought my own people, so I don't need to do anything."

"But we have to find a way to get everyone ready in advance," Lu Mingfei said. "Once the Dragon King comes out, these people have to be in combat mode, or at least the rules have to be lifted in advance."

"Okay," she said. "I was originally thinking of giving you some perks, but since you're so dedicated—"

She suddenly leaned in with a mischievous grin and kissed Lu Mingfei on the cheek, leaving a faint red mark.

"Oh dear, I'm going to get yelled at by that clueless girl when I get back."

Lu Mingfei stood there, rubbing his face, watching the tall figure walk through the crowd and disappear at the stairwell.

"Hi, Lu Mingfei, Lu Mingfei!" He had just breathed a sigh of relief when another girl grabbed his arm.

Is this ever going to end?

Lu Mingfei looked down and saw a girl about the same age as Ling, with long, light golden hair piled on top of her head, and a slightly chubby face, like a delicate doll.

Strange, what does "about the same size as zero" mean?

"Take me to dance!" the little girl said shyly but expectantly.

Huh? Lu Mingfei felt countless gazes poking at his back. People around him were looking at them intentionally or unintentionally, with very serious expressions.

"I would never commit a crime!" Lu Mingfei politely declined the offer from the daughter of a professor he didn't know.

"I'm your sugar daddy! It's too much to reject me~" the little girl pouted and said unhappily.

What? Lu Mingfei had no idea when he was being sponsored by a little girl.

"Gottingen, I am Charlotte Gottingen of the Board of Trustees."

Hiss—is she a behind-the-scenes bigwig at the SEELE level? How old is this child? Lu Mingfei shuddered, suddenly finding the little girl somewhat terrifying.

"Hey, what kind of look is that? Let me tell you, there's a magical technology..."

Charlotte!

A girl in her early twenties walked by, wearing makeup typical of European noblewomen, a fitted skirt suit, and high heels that made her sway gracefully as she walked.

"Elizabeth Laurent, it's a pleasure to meet you, S-class, Lu Mingfei."

"I am honored as well, madam," Lu Mingfei said politely.

The girl stopped talking and was taken away by Laurent.

He walked to the long table by the dance floor, grabbed a glass of sparkling water, and leaned against a pillar to catch his breath.

We are finally liberated.

In the center of the dance floor, Selma was dancing with a boy. Selma looked very happy, and she laughed as her skirt twirled. Lu Mingfei watched them and thought Selma was actually quite pretty; if she didn't always claim to be a dating expert, she should have a boyfriend long ago.

"Lu Jun."

Aki walked to his side, a silver ring now on the ring finger of her left hand, quietly reflecting the light.

"Thank you." Aki bowed slightly. "Thank you for saving me and Ye Sheng. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be standing here."

"Don't thank me, your sister has thanked you enough for you." Lu Mingfei waved his hand.

Aki pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, then took half a step closer and lowered her voice.

"Lu Jun, don't be fooled by my sister."

Lu Mingfei almost choked on the sparkling water.

"Stay true to yourself, Zero is the one who is most suitable for you." Aki's expression was very serious.

"Aki—" Susie squeezed through the crowd and grabbed Aki's arm. "Ye Sheng wants you to come over. It seems to be to talk about the wedding."

"Ah, okay." Aki was pulled away by Susie, but after a few steps she turned back and mouthed a name to Lu Mingfei: "Zero".

Lu Mingfei leaned against the pillar and sighed deeply.

"Isn't it boring?"

Nono appeared next to him at some point, twirling a key in her hand.

"Want to go for a drive?" She gestured with her chin toward the entrance of Amber Mansion. "Last time I drove you around in my Ferrari, this time it's your turn to drive me around in your Bugatti."

She tossed the keys to him, and Lu Mingfei caught them.

"Bugatti?"

"You won, the bet is a day of freedom." Nono shrugged. "Are you coming or not?"

Lu Mingfei glanced at the hall. Zero had already left. If he stayed any longer, he would be devoured by the girls.

"Let's go," he said.

Nuonuo walked ahead, having changed back into flat shoes, her steps light and quick. Lu Mingfei followed beside her, and the two of them made their way through the crowd toward the main entrance.

By the dance floor, Chu Zihang held a glass of mineral water, watching Lu Mingfei and Nuonuo's figures disappear outside the gates of the Amber Pavilion.

Susie walked over and stood next to him.

The two stood side by side, a fist's distance between them, each holding their own cup, watching others dance.