Chapter 538: Showing Affection in Public

"Today, we are fortunate to witness the performance of our school’s goddess, Fiona, alongside Miss Rosalind White from a Vesperian Ivy League School, presenting ’The Butterfly Lovers’. Let’s welcome them with applause!"

As soon as the announcement was made, everyone looked towards the center of the stage.

Perhaps due to the need to set up the instruments, the stage lights suddenly dimmed, leaving only the faint corner lights under each seat.

...

Meanwhile, those in the VIP seats were not focusing on the stage; instead, their attention was on Cecilia Vaughn and Adrian Law. The reason being, international song queen Lilith Judy had unexpectedly come to join them.

Initially, because Adrian Law’s aura was so cold, no one dared to stare. But recalling the earlier dispute between Fiona Vaughn and Rosalind White, everyone was curious about what really happened and strained to listen in.

To everyone’s surprise, Lilith Judy showed no enthusiasm for Adrian Law; instead, she excitedly approached Cecilia Vaughn.

"Miss Vaughn, the navigation app you asked me to download is indeed useful. I didn’t expect a university in Veridia to have its own campus navigation."

Cecilia Vaughn was about to cheerfully explain that it was because new students often got lost, considering Stellerton University is one of the largest campuses in Veridia and all of Aethel.

Just as Cecilia Vaughn was about to speak, the man beside her shot a chilly glance over.

But it wasn’t directed at her, it was aimed at Lilith Judy.

"..."

Cecilia Vaughn felt awkward, remembering Adrian Law had previously warned her that Lilith Judy might have an affection for women, and even a slight interest in her. Cecilia then lost her initial enthusiasm for the conversation.

"Yes, as long as you found your way. I’m sorry I couldn’t accompany you earlier."

Cecilia Vaughn smiled gracefully, simultaneously hugging the man’s wrist, as if to soothe him.

The onlookers witnessing this scene couldn’t help but sigh.

Why did this seem a bit odd?

Usually, when two beauties and a handsome man are together, shouldn’t the women be fighting over him?

Why is it here, the atmosphere between Lilith Judy and Adrian Law feels tense, almost as if they were adversaries?

What shocked them more was that the aloof song queen Lilith Judy, in Cecilia Vaughn’s presence, seemed to have no airs at all. Even though some of their conversation was in rapid English, the word "thank you" was clearly heard by many students at Stellerton University.

Could it be that Cecilia Vaughn and Adrian Law were indeed delayed because of this international song queen?

How peculiar.

In this light, helping out a foreign friend shouldn’t be considered an embarrassment for Veridia, right?!

...

Just as Lilith Judy wanted to continue conversing with Cecilia Vaughn, Adrian Law suddenly extended his hand, pulling the girl beside him closer into his embrace.

The man possessively glanced at Cecilia Vaughn, noticing a bead of sweat on her nose. He then carefully took out a tissue to gently wipe it away.

"Cecilia, let’s not waste time with irrelevant people here; let’s take our seats."

Irrelevant people?!

Everyone looked at Adrian Law in disbelief, hesitating for a few seconds before realizing he was referring to Miss Lilith Judy.

For goodness’ sake, she’s a national treasure of Vesperia!

Though her releases have dwindled in recent years, and she’s almost semi-retired, every song she puts out is a surefire hit everywhere, Veridia included.

Though it’s been heard that The Law Group’s Crown Prince is inherently proud, considering Lilith Judy’s special status, especially as a distinguished guest at Stellerton University today, it seems rather delicate.

...

Lilith Judy, not understanding Chinese, couldn’t miss the disdain and wariness Adrian Law held towards her in his expression.

Lilith Judy pouted, "Tsk, men, so petty."

Girls are far better, soft and fragrant, and you can hug them.

Lilith Judy couldn’t help but feel a sense of pity over Adrian Law’s protectiveness. Even though she no longer intended to interfere, seeing the beauty she admired, she couldn’t resist wanting a closer interaction, which Adrian Law quickly thwarted.

"Miss Vaughn, since your husband isn’t welcoming, let’s chat next time."

Cecilia Vaughn nodded with a smile.

...

Cecilia Vaughn and Adrian Law finally took their seats, while Lilith Judy restlessly kept glancing back, seated at the Vesperian VIP section.

Seemingly unimpressed by the performers on stage.

Cecilia Vaughn, on the other hand, recalled Fiona Vaughn’s earlier invitation to enjoy her performance at the campus entrance, genuinely curious about what was so remarkable.

Even though she held no particular fondness for either Fiona Vaughn or Rosalind White, Cecilia never underestimated her opponents.

As the curtain on stage rose, two instruments appeared on the west side, one being a piano with a sleek black exterior, its keys flowing smoothly, and its exquisite finish shining beautifully under the stage lights.

The other was a violin, its wooden hue understated and elegant.

Yet, strangely, despite it being a music performance, only instruments were visible, with no sign of the performers.

...

Cecilia Vaughn couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

"What on earth are Fiona and the others up to?"

Adrian Law glanced at her indifferently.

"Just watch quietly and you’ll find out."

"..."

Isn’t that obvious?!

At that moment, Adrian Law’s broad, warm hand suddenly reached over the divider between their seats and precisely grasped her hand.

In an instant, their fingers were interlocked.

Hey, isn’t public display of affection a bit much?

Cecilia Vaughn’s cheeks reddened as she lightly tried to free her hand from Adrian Law’s grip, but failed, only to get a mischievous glance from him.

Cecilia felt embarrassed, thinking he was perhaps jealous over her earlier conversation with Lilith Judy, but given that husbands feeling jealous isn’t necessarily a bad thing, she let it be!

...

While Cecilia Vaughn was internally grumbling, a mournful tune akin to the misty rain of Riverdell echoed through the expansive auditorium.

A girl started reciting poetry.

It was a soliloquy from the ancient Han Music Bureau.

Unto the Sovereign.

I wish to know you,

Endlessly everlasting.

Until the hills erode, rivers run dry, winter thunders and summer snows, heaven and earth unite,

Then dare I render our bond broken.

...

Cecilia Vaughn was taken aback, recognizing the voices of Rosalind White and Fiona Vaughn. Indeed, this ancient lyrical poetry holds power, yet in their rendition, it carried a touch of sorrow and melancholy.

As the recitation continued, the graceful figures of the two young ladies emerged from behind the curtain.

Fiona Vaughn wore a newly released Chanel early spring couture mermaid dress, her smile radiant, the hem slightly lifted by a fan, teasing a glimpse of her smooth, porcelain legs.

Meanwhile, Rosalind White donned an ivory evening gown, her slender waist subtly outlined, the inked orchids embroidered on her slanted shoulder further accentuating her elegance.