The queen's estate was enormous. Although it didn't cover the entire island, it was almost as large as Jiangnan University. The central area featured castle-like buildings, and the surrounding areas consisted of orchards, farmland, and some relatively desolate spots.
While the banquet area was brightly lit and bustling, other parts of the estate felt quite deserted.
Hashimoto Kanako was very short. Standing next to Fang Jueyu, she looked like a daughter with her father. However, as the "lolita goddess" in the hearts of countless otakus, to say she held no attraction for Fang Jueyu would be nonsense unless he wasn't a man at all.
"I heard that Mr. Fang is a very famous philanthropist in Huaxia!" Hashimoto Kanako had various business collaborations in Huaxia, as well as many friends there. From them, she had heard of a very young tycoon, but she hadn't expected to meet Fang Jueyu here.
As an entertainer, regardless of the country, social status was never that high. In the eyes of true big shots, many female stars were seen as playthings. In fact, they were often arranged to dine and drink with big figures, with many choices beyond their control.
Hashimoto Kanako, a former child star, was relatively sheltered for various reasons. At twenty, she hadn't yet experienced those events, but having been in this entertainment whirlpool for long, she knew these matters were inevitable.
Invited by Queen Yisha'er of England to this premiere gathering, she naturally had hopes of finding a strong backer. Her companions, Mizuhara Rimi and Ayase Haruka, shared the same goal. Landing any connection could potentially spare them from such a fate in the future.
Surprisingly, she encountered Fang Jueyu here, an Asian billionaire. Naturally, Hashimoto Kanako was more inclined to get closer.
"To be honest, I wouldn't call myself a philanthropist. When I did those things, I never intended for them to become public," Fang Jueyu said with a smile. "It's just because someone wanted to tarnish my reputation for certain objectives. The charity folks couldn't stand it, so they spoke up for me."
"That's still amazing. No one has ever made such a large donation without wanting recognition," Hashimoto Kanako said, playing with her skirt. "With Mr. Fang being such an outstanding person, there must be many wonderful girls around you?"
Fang Jueyu glanced down at Hashimoto Kanako, thinking, Why did she drag him into this dim spot unless she aimed to do something indescribable? Why suddenly shift to such earnest questions?
"I already have a girlfriend, so I don't pay much attention to others."
To be honest, Fang Jueyu was a normal man, and after being with Guo Xinyu, he had transformed from a boy to a man. At this age, which young man wasn't full of energy? Having thoughts about beautiful women was perfectly natural.
He wasn't a saint—he had also watched some adult films before, which wasn't a secret. If he were still single, he wouldn't mind something with Hashimoto Kanako, or even more people.
However, everyone had their bottom line, convictions shaped by once less-than-perfect love histories, making boundaries easier to uphold.
Though Xiao Yi said his mindset would eventually change, so far, Fang Jueyu wasn't going to act that way.
"That's unfortunate," Hashimoto Kanako said, disappointed upon hearing Fang Jueyu's words, but she didn't seem ready to give up. Some mundane norms only constrained ordinary people.
Clearly, Fang Jueyu wasn't ordinary. For example, Mr. Hilton might showcase only one wife, but there were likely undisclosed women behind the scenes.
Hashimoto Kanako wasn't overly ambitious. She just wanted to find a pillar of support, nothing more.
"Mr. Fang, what do you think of the girls from Sun Country?" Hashimoto Kanako asked with a flirtatious look.
"Sun Country's girls, huh," Fang Jueyu indeed had an affinity for girls from the Sun Country. "My dad used to say, Choose Huaxia chefs, English butlers, and Sun Country wives!"
"Mr. Fang, your father is quite amusing."
"Amusing? More like an old pervert!" challenged Fang Jueyu inwardly.
"I don't require much, nor do I want anything," Hashimoto Kanako suddenly wrapped her arm around Fang Jueyu, even daringly pressing her body against his without warning.
"What the hell, that's bold!" Fang Jueyu froze as he felt a hand on his thigh.
"Shall we... find another place?" Hashimoto Kanako looked up at him, her face surely blushing if not for the night's cover.
"This..." Fang Jueyu was momentarily at a loss for an exit strategy. Walking away might result in doubt about his capabilities, but if he engaged, it would surely betray Guo Xinyu.
"Gu Yi! Come out, help me!" Fang Jueyu shouted internally, hoping Gu Yi would appear to assist him promptly.
Suddenly, he felt the soft body collapse into his embrace as Hashimoto Kanako fainted. And there Gu Yi was, appearing almost magically at his side.
"My god, how did you know?" Fang Jueyu confirmed he hadn't spoken aloud.
"It's not difficult, sir. As long as you need my assistance, I can sense it," Gu Yi said calmly.
"Oh, damn, can you read my thoughts? Wouldn't that mean all my secrets are exposed to you?" Fang Jueyu felt his secrets were nonexistent before Gu Yi.
"Rest assured, sir. As a qualified Guardian, I wouldn't invade your mind uninvited. I can capture some mental signals you emit when in need of help, allowing me to arrive immediately," Gu Yi explained.
"Phew, that's good!" Fang Jueyu sighed with relief.
"But sir, such a beautiful woman has thrown herself at you, and you're really going to do nothing?"
"Puh! I'm a decent person! I'm not the pervert my dad is!" Fang Jueyu asserted righteously.
"I won't disclose anything to Ms. Guo. My loyalty lies wholly with you," Gu Yi insisted.
"Still, it's not right!" Fang Jueyu picked up Hashimoto Kanako. "Find her a place to get some rest!"
"Yes, sir. What about you?"
"I'll continue attending the event!" Fang Jueyu began walking toward the orchard.
"Sir, the event is that way. That's the orchard," Gu Yi reminded him.
"I know!" Fang Jueyu growled angrily. "I can't just return , can I? Wouldn't Mr. Hilton and the others mock me as a 'five-second man'?"
"I'll wander for half an hour... no, an hour before going back!" Fang Jueyu added, "In the meantime, don't let her wake up!"