The crowd looked over.
The voice came from a sprightly young lady with golden hair that glowed brilliantly under the hotel’s light. She had blue eyes that resembled the deep ocean. Her graceful dress suggested that she was from a powerful family.
Zu An was perplexed. Why was the other party offering to tag along when he didn’t know her?
Could she be Firework’s friend? But Firework has never mentioned her, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two of them together.
While he was feeling confused, someone had already recognized her. “Isn’t she the granddaughter of the Acadia House’s patriarch, the first in line to inherit the house?”
“The Acadias, who are ranked top three in the Round Table Council?”
“You’re talking about the Universal Conglomerate’s brightest pearl?”
“Who else other than her?”
“Wow. Isn’t it often said that the Acadias possess wealth that can match a nation?”
...
Zu An was surprised.
Employee 9527 had told him that the Universal Conglomerate’s highest leadership was the Round Table Council, which consisted of seven people. Of the seven people, there were three that wielded considerably greater influence and authority.
Those three were of equal stature. They were the founders of the Universal Conglomerate, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that they were its true owners.
The Acadia House was one of the three founding houses. If that lady was the Acadia House’s first miss, it would be a gross understatement to say that her family wealth matched a nation's.
A white-haired butler anxiously stepped forward to dissuade the golden-haired miss. “Miss, you mustn’t put yourself in danger for a stranger.”
The golden-haired miss shook her head. She walked straight up to Zu An and curtsied. “Pleased to meet you. I am Isabella Acadia.”
Zu An returned the greeting. After a quick self-introduction, he asked, “Miss Acadia, may I ask why...”
“Please, call me Isabella,” the golden-haired lady said with a sweet smile. “I sense the aura of our Universal Conglomerate’s golden friendship emblem from you. It shows that we’re indebted to you. As a member of the Acadia House, I can’t turn a blind eye when you’re in need of help.”
Upon hearing those words, the other guests looked at Zu An in a different light.
They hadn’t expected this humble-looking chap to have the Universal Conglomerate’s legendary golden friendship emblem. As long as he had this emblem in hand, he would be taken care of wherever the Universal Conglomerate’s influence extended.
And now that he had struck a connection with the Acadia’s first miss, he was practically on a rocketship bound for greatness!
Zu An was grateful. “Thank you, Isabella!”
The old butler stepped back with a sigh, though he continued to look worried.
With Isabella joining the crew, other guests began enthusiastically offering their help, hoping to forge a connection with the Acadias’ first miss. It helped that Isabella was beautiful and adorable as well.
Seeing that, Diodora said with a smile, “Our big miss will be holding her coming-of-age ceremony two days later. She’ll be hosting the Dream Gathering this time. If you have any wish, you can relay it to our big miss there. If you can pay the price, Dreamland will fulfill your wish.
“Unfortunately, you won’t be able to participate in the Dream Gathering if you miss the timing. There are too many variables to this rescue operation. Captain Yani, you’re more experienced in this field. Do you think two days will be enough to make a return trip?”
Yani leaned against the pillar as she lazily replied, “Dreamland has always had a hostile relationship with the ocean races. We’re venturing into their turf this time. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to make it back within two days.”
Those words prompted many guests to retract their offer to help.
“Ah, I just remembered I have other matters to attend to. I’m afraid I won’t be able to join you for the rescue operation.”
The others gave similar excuses too. The volunteer count for the rescue operation plummeted.
Zu An frowned. He had traveled to Dreamland to find a way to save Chu Chuyan and reunite with the Goddess of Wu Mountain and the ancient Mermaid Queen. There was no saying when a second opportunity would arise if he missed this one.
I’m not as close to Firework, and there’s no guarantee she’s still alive after being captured by the sea monster...
In the end, his gaze hardened in determination. Firework had helped him a lot along the way. How could he turn a blind eye to her when she was in need of help?
I’ll find another way to save Chu Chuyan and the others...
Having made up his mind, he stepped forward and said, “Captain Yani, let’s set off quickly.”
The longer they waited, the more danger Firework would be in.
Yani was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to give up this opportunity for a woman. A mischievous smile crept onto her face as she said, “I didn’t think you’d be the sentimental type. Let’s go.”
Tingxue calmly said, “I’ll go with you.”
Zu An was surprised. “But you might miss the Dream Gathering.”
“Firework is my friend as well,” Tingxue said flatly. “I already don’t have many friends. I don’t want to lose another one.”
Zu An felt a warm surge in his heart. Tingxue had appeared nonchalant or even impatient to Firework’s incessant chatter. He hadn’t expected Tingxue to already consider Firework a friend.
Isabella stepped forward and said, “Don’t forget about me.”
The old butler was startled. “Big miss, the Dream Gathering is of utmost importance...”
Isabella interjected, “What dreams do you think I could have that requires Dreamland to fulfill?”
The old butler was rendered speechless. With the Acadias’ immense fortune, Isabella could even get someone to pluck the stars in the sky for her. In the many years he had served her, nothing had been beyond her reach.
A few other guests joined the rescue operation. To them, Dreamland’s promise felt unrealistic, not to mention they wouldn't necessarily be able to afford their wish. In contrast, the Universal Conglomerate’s Isabella Acadia was very real, and forging close ties with her could bring about great benefits in the future.
Even better, if one could win Isabella’s heart, they could soar through the skies like a phoenix.
“Feel free to follow us if you aren’t afraid of death.” Yani grabbed a coat, flung it on her shoulders, and made her way to the harbor.
A combat ship was waiting there. It resembled a modern military frigate, equipped with cannons, missile launchers, and radar. There were older-looking weapons inscribed with runes too, possibly weapons from magic civilizations.
This bolstered Zu An’s confidence. With the aid of this powerful ship, Yani, Tingxue, and other experts onboard, his chances of rescuing Firework were much higher now.