BAI ZE almost spit out the wine he had just drunk when he read Shen Ji Yun's message. Su Yuqi and Luo Yan barely managed to keep straight faces, each fighting the urge to react. Meanwhile, Luo Jin, fully committed to his role as a seductive retired courtesan, nearly stumbled, but quickly steadied himself, slipping right back into character.
But he didn't hold back from complaining on the team channel.
AmazingYoungMasterJin: [What the heck was that for???]
YUN: [Did you forget my individual task? Just play along.]
Luo Jin barely had time to process this when a blond man with a sleazy grin started making his way toward him. There was no way... was this actually Shen Ji Yun?
The blond man halted before him, reaching out to take her hand with a practiced charm. Bringing it to his lips, he gave a light kiss.
"To finally meet the celebrated jewel of Paris," he murmured, his voice rich and smooth, "truly, Madame Duval, you are as radiant as the first blush of dawn."
Luo Jin lifted the fan to cover the lower half of his face. To others, the gesture might look flirtatious, but in reality, it was his way of stifling the urge to grimace and shudder. Seriously, that little kiss on the hand almost made him want to punch the other.
He put on an amused expression as he examined the blond man, studying him closely to confirm if this "charming" stranger was indeed Shen Ji Yun. Despite the man's polished, almost oily smile, Luo Jin caught a flicker of reluctance in his eyes—a detail only visible because they were standing so close. That hint of discomfort was all Luo Jin needed to confirm that this was, without a doubt, Shen Ji Yun.
"Why, if it isn't the Duke of Ashbourne," Luo Jin said, unfurling his fan with a graceful flourish, a soft, inviting smile playing on his lips. "How could I turn down such a charming invitation? It would be my pleasure to join you, Your Grace."
Shen Ji Yun extended his elbow with a smooth, confident gesture, offering it to Luo Jin. Luo Jin, staying perfectly in character, placed his hand lightly on Shen Ji Yun's arm, and together, they walked toward the table. A waiter, who was already standing there, pulled out their chairs as they arrived.
In the end, Luo Jin could only sigh inwardly. No matter how uncomfortable he felt in this role, it didn't matter; he just had to grit his teeth and play his part. Besides, it wasn't as if this was the first time he'd worn a dress in this blasted game, anyway.
At Luo Yan's table, they had already handed their orders to Su Yuqi, who had left for the galley to fetch their food. No sooner had she departed than Mrs. Thompson spoke up, her tone laced with disapproval.
"Did you see that? Imagine—a duke associating himself with a woman of such questionable reputation. Quite scandalous, wouldn't you say?"
"Mother, it's not as if the Duke of Ashbourne is known for his sterling reputation, either," Miss Thompson replied calmly. "I say, they complement each other quite well."
Mrs. Thompson pursed her lips, casting a sideways glance to her daughter. "One does wonder, my dear, how a reputable service like the Orient Express might permit... certain individuals aboard. Standards do seem to be slipping, don't they?"
Luo Yan sat quietly, listening to their conversation while maintaining the demeanor of a well-behaved, shy young girl. With his gaze lowered, he noticed Mrs. Winslow's hands tightly clenched in her lap, as though she were struggling to keep herself calm in response to the mother and daughter's remarks.
This made him wonder what exactly had unsettled her about that brief conversation. Was it the comment about Madame Duval, implying she had a poor reputation? Or perhaps the remark about the Orient Express's standards slipping? Or maybe it was something to do with the duke?
Maybe Mrs. Winslow felt a connection to Madame Duval's situation. Perhaps she understood, in her own way, the judgment women often faced for stepping outside society's rigid expectations.
Or perhaps, recalling one of Shen Ji Yun's individual missions, she might actually be the duke's new lover. In that case, her anger could stem from seeing him now acting so friendly with another woman.
Either way, keeping an eye on Mrs. Winslow's reaction seemed necessary. Luo Yan had a gut feeling it might lead to something important.
Before long, the waiters began serving lunch, the aroma of warm dishes filling the dining car as plates were placed before each passenger.