Fake smiles? He could manage those.
Xia Ze’s appearance instantly drew every eye in the room.
Some stared openly, others peeked furtively.
Looks of astonishment and disbelief all turned his way.
The banquet’s host was the youngest son of the emperor’s elder brother the imperial nephew, a genuine member of the royal family.
This twenty-year-old had recently presented as a high-ranking Alpha. Standing beside him was a beautiful Omega.
The imperial nephew, named Alva and addressed as His Highness, gazed at Xia Zhe with near obsession, only turning when he heard discontented murmurs beside him.
Alva glanced between the pouting Yisong and Xia Zhe, who had moved to admire the garden by the window.
Yisong had always seemed attractive before, but comparisons were cruel especially between Omegas.
Alva instinctively moved toward Xia Zhe, but as he approached, the lingering scent of a high-ranking Alpha’s pheromones washed over him.
Just these residual pheromones made his legs weaken.
Undoubtedly, these belonged to Qi Jing.
Xia Ze appeared quite innocent, but he had probably been marked by Qi Jing countless times already.
Alva barely managed to hold his ground. Fortunately, the oppressive feeling vanished the moment he approached Xia Ze, replaced instead by an incredibly soothing sensation.
“The royal garden is quite nice, isn’t it?” Alva said with some pride.
Everyone knew about the scarcity of greenery in the interstellar era.
As a close relative of the royal family, his family’s estate boasting so much greenery was enough to outshine all others.
Xia Ze glanced downward.
Withered branches, wilted flowers, and leaves that hadn’t been swept away.
Even the few plants looked unstable at their roots.
How to put it?
It definitely couldn’t compare to his little greenhouse.
Xia Ze smiled politely, and this smile boosted Alva’s confidence immensely. Unable to contain himself, Alva said, “There’s a miraculous white flower in our garden that blooms for only ten minutes a year, and only at night. The purpose of this banquet is to admire it. Why don’t I take you to see it in advance?”
Admire a flower?
So that was the purpose of the banquet.
Not surprising, really. In an era where greenery was scarce, holding a banquet for this reason wasn’t unusual.
But Xia Ze was genuinely intrigued.
A miraculous white flower that bloomed at night.
For only ten minutes a year.
Could it be an epiphyllum?
In his era, epiphyllums bloomed twice a year, each time for four hours.
Considering the accelerated decline of greenery in this era, it was entirely possible.
If he could see an epiphyllum, this trip would be worth it.
In terms of flower grading, an epiphyllum here would probably be classified as double S-rank. The only things surpassing it would be extremely rare varieties like desert roses.
Still, Xia Ze looked at him and said, “No need, I’ll wait to see it with everyone else.”
Seeing Xia Ze’s politeness, Alva grew even more excited. “Later, I’ll make sure to get you a prime spot for a close-up view.”
Xia Ze smiled.
Actually, epiphyllums belonged to the cactus family, and he had some experience cultivating them.
But he was also curious about how other horticulturists grew them.
Rather than admiring the flower, he was more interested in seeing their techniques.
After all, his methods for cultivating greenery might differ from the locals’.
Alva couldn’t take his eyes off Xia Ze. Even when silent, Xia Ze exuded a serene beauty.
He was just from a garbage planet.
Why did his demeanor feel so noble?
Many at the banquet were subtly glancing their way. Who would have thought a royal like Alva would be so amiable toward Xia Ze? Just how capable was he?
But it was undeniable that face made people want to get close.
And his outfit was clearly high-end custom wear, difficult to obtain. The gem on his chest was from the Qi family’s private collection.
The Qi family had many such gems, but after Duchess Dier remarried, they were mostly sealed away, never seen in public.
For Xia Ze to wear one at an ordinary banquet like this showed how much the Qi family truly accepted him.
Even Duchess Dier back then hadn’t reached the point of wearing them so casually.
Xia Ze rested his chin on his hand, his gaze wandering the garden.
Though the garden wasn’t well-maintained many plants had only just been transplanted it had a wide variety, which was somewhat interesting.
Alva couldn’t resist moving closer again. He didn’t find Xia Ze’s aloofness the least bit off-putting. “Why didn’t General Qi come? Military types like him are always like this never considering others’ feelings.”
Xia Ze finally looked over and retorted, “General Qi is out there handling military affairs to protect the empire’s security. Without them, there wouldn’t be this grand banquet with glasses clinking today.”
The eavesdroppers around them instinctively took half a step back.
What Omega would be as aggressive as him!
Just moments ago, he appeared gentle and obedient, but now he was being so fierce yet Prince Alva didn’t say a word.
“His Highness was just speaking casually, no need to take it so seriously,” Yisong interjected, stepping between them with a wine glass held elegantly in hand.
He resembled a pampered swan, the delicate diamonds on his formal attire dazzlingly exquisite.
Before Xia Ze appeared, many had believed Yisong’s outfit would undoubtedly set the fashion trend.
Unfortunately, Xia Ze arrived with a completely different style.
Xia Ze didn’t know who this person was and replied casually, “Hmm, next time, say it in front of General Qi.”
Who would dare do that?!
Xia Ze appeared calm and composed, but inwardly, he was cheering himself on.
How was he so good at comebacks?
Truly a social genius!
There was no way he’d let himself be taken advantage of!
Knowing someone would target him, how could he not be prepared?
Since entering, Xia Ze had quickly grasped the rules here power against power.
But hardly anyone dared to speak recklessly in front of General Qi.
Sure enough, both Alva and Yisong fell silent.
Even among Alphas, there were hierarchies.
Ding Ruijie and Xu Chuan, who had been ready to step in, relaxed.
Their general’s wife was truly impressive!
And the general there was no need to worry so much.
Xia Ze could handle it just fine.
Glancing back, they saw Xia Ze wink at them, confirming it was all intentional.
No need to worry!
This was nothing!
As for the awkward atmosphere now that wasn’t his problem. He’d rather admire the garden.
As long as he wasn’t embarrassed, the embarrassment belonged to others!
Alva was still scratching his head, trying to find a way to strike up a conversation when a servant approached and whispered, “Your Highness, the flowers have bloomed early. Please lead the guests over.”
Xia Ze checked the time. Normally, night-blooming cereus flowers opened around 8 p.m., but it was only 7:30 now. Given their accelerated decline, early blooming made sense.
Alva probably hadn’t expected this either and hurriedly announced to the banquet hall, “As many of you know, my estate has cultivated a rare flower. We’ve even invited the esteemed Dean Colin from the Interstellar Academy of Natural Sciences to oversee its care.”
“Today, the flower has bloomed, and I invite you all to witness it.”
“Please remain quiet in the garden. Those with strong perfumes must stay back. Guests will view it in groups.”
Strong fragrances could disrupt the flower’s condition and mingle with its natural scent, ruining the experience.
Those who had known about the viewing in advance naturally had no objections. Xia Ze, who rarely wore perfume, was among the first group.
Others had to use fresheners to neutralize their scents before entering.
Now, Xia Ze was genuinely excited.
He had a strong hunch, it was the night-blooming cereus.
Also known as the “moonflower” or “qionghua,” it was admired under moonlight even in ancient Earth times.
His enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed, drawing disdainful glances.
Just moments ago, they’d thought him refined now he seemed like an ignorant bumpkin.
It was just a flower, why get so excited?
Then again, while greenery was scarce on the capital planet, it wasn’t unheard of.
But on a garbage planet? He must have never seen anything like it.
Someone sneered, “Your Highness, you’d better keep an eye on the cereus wouldn’t want it stolen.”
“Exactly, ignorant people are terrifying. They shouldn’t have been allowed to come.”
Before the words even finished echoing, a dagger was pressed against the speaker’s neck. The Omega, dressed flamboyantly, had his lace clothing pierced by Ding Ruijie’s blade before it found his throat.
“You!you! How dare you bring a dagger to a banquet!”
Ding Ruijie held the blade steadily against his neck, her entire demeanor relaxed: “Oh? Who doesn’t carry a dagger when they go out? How strange.”
You’re the strange one here!
Xu Chuan said coldly, “Apologize to General Qi’s fiancée.”
“What were you trying to achieve by slandering the general’s fiancée?”
He was just speaking carelessly!
Xia Ze blinked, fully aware that Ding Ruijie and Xu Chuan were protecting him. This wasn’t the time to undermine them, so he simply spoke his mind: “Sister Jie is amazing. Can you teach me later?”
Ding Ruijie raised an eyebrow at him: “Of course.”
Not just this female Alpha was strange!
Xia Ze, this Omega, was also bizarre!
What kind of Omega learns how to use a dagger?!
Seeing that chaos was about to erupt and fearing they’d miss the night-blooming cereus, Alva glanced between the troublemaking Omega and the composed Xia Ze. A thought struck him, and he said directly, “Apologize to Xia Ze immediately. Why would you slander a guest I invited?”
Huh?
What’s going on with Prince Alva?
Didn’t you invite General Qi’s fiancée here specifically so Isong could give him trouble?
Now you’re defending Xia Ze?
Isong was equally shocked, his gaze fixed intensely on Xia Ze and Alva.
The Omega with a dagger at his neck was on the verge of tears, regretting his loose tongue. “I’m sorry, truly sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Xia Ze, eager to see the cereus bloom, couldn’t be bothered with prolonged apologies and simply nodded: “Noted.”
Noted?!
Shouldn’t a proper Omega receiving an apology be more gracious?
At least say something like “I know you didn’t mean it” or “Let’s not blame him.”
In less than an hour at the banquet, Xia Ze had shattered numerous expectations.
What kind of Omega was this provoking? What kind of Omega wanted to learn dagger skills? And who accepted apologies with such indifference?
While most Omegas present were still stunned, Xia Ze had already led Ding Ruijie and the others to the garden.
Enough arguing!
Was anything more important than the cereus?
Xia Ze walked briskly toward the garden’s center, which had been specially prepared. The lighting was kept at a distance, ensuring no direct beams touched the magnificent plant at the heart.
Under the moonlight, the two-to-three-meter-tall plant stood out vividly green, towering over typical shrubs. About twenty flower buds hung from it, some already beginning to unfurl slowly.
The night-blooming cereus was breathtakingly beautiful under the moon pure white petals with delicate yellow stamens, utterly enchanting.
Then, an overwhelming fragrance enveloped everyone present.
So fragrant.
It seemed even those not yet in the garden could catch the scent. Though the buds hadn’t fully opened, their aroma was astonishing.
It really was the cereus, he hadn’t been mistaken.
Xia Ze couldn’t resist stepping closer, though he kept a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the flowers.
Gradually, the quarreling crowd quieted, turning their attention to the stunning blooms.
“Flowering at night, yet so exquisitely beautiful.”
“This is incredible, I can feel its vibrant vitality.”
“Seeing this flower makes my whole life worthwhile.”
Xia Ze couldn’t help but nod in agreement. Indeed, witnessing the blooming process of the epiphyllum was truly a joyous experience.
The second group of guests entered, expressing similar admiration.
As more people gathered, some began complaining about the darkness: “Why aren’t the lights on? Let me use my communicator’s flashlight.”
Lights! And shining them?!
Xia Ze quickly intervened: “No, you can’t turn on the lights.”
“Strong light will prevent the flower from blooming.”
The person frowned skeptically: “Are you some flower expert? What plant is afraid of sunlight?”
Just as they were about to turn on the light anyway, an elderly voice spoke up from the front: “He’s absolutely right. No lights.”
Actually, the moonlight tonight provided ample illumination, but some still insisted on artificial lighting.
Only then did the crowd notice the concealed pavilion near the epiphyllum, the prime viewing spot where the speaker stood: Colin, dean of the Interstellar Academy of Natural Sciences.
Colin was the empire’s foremost expert in plant cultivation, having bred many plant species. The now-common cactus succulent was his creation, developed from ancient Earth genes.
Xia Ze naturally knew of Dean Colin’s reputation, but what surprised him more was…
He recognized this elderly gentleman!
He was the same old man he’d met days ago outside the Qi family villa, who’d asked why he was watering the large rock at the entrance.
What an incredible coincidence.
To his surprise, Colin glanced at him and said gruffly, “You, come closer for a better look.”
Xia Ze pointed at himself in surprise: “Me?”
“Who else?” Colin muttered under his breath, “Little rascal stole my flower seeds, wonder if he can even keep them alive.”
This whisper was so quiet only those nearby could hear.
Alva looked on in astonishment. Though he owned the estate, even he wasn’t permitted to approach closely. Colin had claimed he might disturb this extraordinary flower. Not only that, the garden’s lighting had been specially redesigned at great effort before the exhibition was approved.
Why should this Omega get special access?
And how did he know about the light sensitivity? Alva himself had only learned after Colin’s repeated warnings.
Xia Ze had already figured it out.
The old gentleman had seen him cultivating moss on that peculiar rock, and had even examined it closely. Recalling now, the man had checked the soil beneath the stone clearly a professional who must have recognized his plant cultivation skills.
What Xia Ze didn’t know was that Colin had also taken interest in the rose seeds he’d treated, only to have Qi Jing claim them first. This had led to a lengthy complaint session when Butler Qi came to collect them days prior.
Xia Ze approached with a smile and polite greeting.
“Hello sir, I didn’t realize who you were when we last met.”
Colin huffed, “Tell me then, why shouldn’t we shine lights directly on this flower?”
The surroundings fell silent instinctively.
Was this a test for Xia Ze?
Why him?
Nearby, Yisong, another plant cultivator, clenched his sleeves in frustration. He’d repeatedly sought to become Colin’s apprentice, only to be ignored. Yet here was Qi Jing’s fiancé receiving special attention at their first meeting , how unfair!
Yisong was about to speak when he noticed two more people sitting in the pavilion. Recognizing one of them, he secretly smiled.
With the willful young lady of the Dier family present, she was sure to give Xia Ze a hard time!
Xia Ze was still earnestly answering the old gentleman’s questions. “If exposed to light, the night-blooming cereus’s flowering process could be affected, even causing it to wither prematurely.”
“Such a rare flower it would be a shame if it couldn’t bloom fully.”
That was the nature of the night-blooming cereus, so one had to be extra careful when admiring it.
But as soon as he finished speaking, Colin fixed him with a sharp gaze. “How do you know the name of this flower? The Interstellar Academy of Natural Sciences has never publicly disclosed it.”
Xia Ze blinked. The name hadn’t been announced yet?
This was like writing the answer before even reading the exam question—was that scientific? No, it wasn’t.
When Colin spoke again, there was a hint of excitement in his voice as he pulled Xia Ze closer. “Come, come, step closer and tell me what else you know.”
All the guests exchanged bewildered glances.
Wasn’t the director of the Natural Sciences Academy known for his terrible temper?
He never allowed anyone near his plants.
So why was Xia Ze allowed to get so close?!
This wasn’t fair!
It had been a while since Xia Ze had encountered night-blooming cereus, but he still remembered some of its characteristics.
“The night-blooming cereus is an epiphytic succulent shrub that can grow up to six meters tall. This one is relatively short, but judging by its flowers and leaves, it bears at least a ninety percent resemblance to ancient specimens. However, further research would require analyzing its leaves and petals.” Xia Ze spoke seriously. “The temperature here is ideal warm, humid, and semi-shaded perfect for the cereus to thrive.”
Old Man Colin nodded in satisfaction. “You’re absolutely right. This plant does bear a striking resemblance to ancient specimens.”
“Where did you learn all this?”
Where had he learned it?
From his father, of course.
But in this world, Xia Ze vaguely replied, “On the StarNet.”
Old Man Colin didn’t press further, though he couldn’t help adding, “Fine. Since you clearly have knowledge of plants, you must take good care of those rose seeds.”
Rose seeds?
Only then did Xu Chuan step forward. “Uncle Qi mentioned that those seeds were originally reserved by our general for his fiancé. You can’t just use your status to snatch them away.”
Colin’s face reddened.
He had indeed been a bit unreasonable.
But the thought of such precious seeds finally back in stock being wasted by some youngster had pained him deeply.
In this era, plants were far too important.
Colin stubbornly retorted, “If that old man Qi had just told me earlier that Qi Jing’s fiancé was this capable, would I have taken them?!”
So now it was their fault!
Xia Ze couldn’t help but laugh. He knew the old man before him genuinely loved plants.
Back when he had been examining the moss at the gate, his tone had softened.
If it had been him seeing someone mishandle precious seeds, he would have been angry too.
Their harmonious exchange left the banquet guests utterly stunned.
Xia Ze, a nobody from a backwater planet, had actually earned the recognition of the director of the Natural Sciences Academy?
Not only that, but General Qi had even gone out of his way to cater to his interests by reserving rare plant seeds for him.
Who knew the cold and aloof General Qi had such a side?
Jealousy was inevitable.
Why him?!
