Chapter 014: Pestering

Seraphina turned at the sound of the voice. A group of young men was approaching. Seraphina didn't know the leader in

this

life, but she certainly did from her previous one.

Lucien Lu. He wasn't a major figure, but he had founded Yunteng Film & Media during college. In the entertainment industry, he was considered Solas's rival. Seraphina remembered him not because of his talent—which was negligible—but because in her past life, she had encountered him several times at galas while with Solas. Every time, Lucien would make some bitter, snide remarks and try to sabotage Solas’s business. In reality, he was no match for Solas; Solas simply found him too insignificant to bother with.

As a well-bred lady, Seraphina wouldn't ignore a greeting, even if she had zero affection for the man. She offered a slight nod. "Hello."

Zelda leaned in and whispered, "Sera, you know him?" Zelda was much more of a socialite than Seraphina, yet even she didn't know who this man was. Seraphina, who usually lived in a world of sheet music, shouldn't have known him either.

Seraphina shook her head. Zelda then scrutinized Lucien. It made sense; Seraphina mostly socialized with older, respected artists. Zelda knew almost everyone in Seraphina’s professional circle. There were no young men like this in it. He also wasn't a member of any prominent Seahaven family, or Zelda would have recognized him from the banquet circuit.

"And you are?" Seraphina asked.

"Miss Pierce might not know me, but I have admired your reputation for a long time. It’s an honor to meet you here today. I am Lucien Lu, CEO of Yunteng Media." He handed her a business card.

Seraphina took it, glanced at it, and said, "Pleasure. My apologies, I don't have a card on me." In truth, she did, but she didn't want to give it to him.

"No matter, no matter. As I said, I've admired you for a long time; no card is necessary." Lucien maintained a gentlemanly smile, but internally, he was fuming.

A national-level Konghou player and lead member of the Starry Orchestra... doesn't have a business card?

She was clearly snubbing him.

Seraphina’s expression remained neutral. She gave a curt nod. "If there’s nothing else, we’ll be heading in. I hope you have a pleasant evening at The Dawn, Mr. Lu." She turned to leave without waiting for a reply. Zelda followed quickly.

But Lucien wasn't about to let such a rare opportunity slip away. He hurried after them. "Miss Pierce, please wait!"

Seraphina frowned. When she turned back, her impatience was obvious to anyone watching. "Is there something else, Mr. Lu?"

The staff member leading them was internally reeling.

So this is the eldest Miss Pierce!

He recalled the gossip about her blind date with his boss. He decided he should secretly report her presence to the management. A man pestering a beautiful woman usually had ulterior motives. Whether or not his boss was serious about the blind date, the fact that Solas had even agreed to meet her suggested she wasn't just anyone. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to the club manager.

Lucien pretended not to notice Seraphina's annoyance. "Since we’ve had the luck to meet, would I have the honor of buying you a couple of drinks?"

Normally, Seraphina’s upbringing wouldn't allow her emotions to show so clearly. But this man was wasting her time. If Harvey was here, Solas likely was too. She wanted to try her luck at a "chance encounter" in the hallway or find an excuse to peek into Harvey’s suite. Lucien was an obstacle.

"Apologies, I don't drink."

Lucien was stunned. He had assumed that in a public place, Seraphina would maintain her social graces to save him some face since he was being "gentlemanly."

Not drink?

He had seen her at banquets with a glass in her hand! Being rejected with such a blatant lie in front of a crowd made him feel humiliated. He could feel the mocking gazes of the onlookers.

"Miss Pierce doesn't drink? My apologies, I didn't know. My mistake." He pressed on. "If you don't drink alcohol, I can buy you a soft drink. The Dawn has many excellent non-alcoholic beverages."

This was bordering on harassment. Seraphina’s face darkened. "Mr. Lu, we have just met. I accepted your card as a gesture of courtesy. Don't make things ugly."

Lucien’s smile stiffened, but he forced himself to stay composed. Too many people were watching. He couldn't afford to lose face. "Miss Pierce misinterprets me. I have no ill will; I simply wish to be friends."

"Those who know me are aware that I am not fond of making new acquaintances," Seraphina said, her voice refined yet firm.

Zelda thought to herself that only Sera could remain this polite. If it were her, she would have started cursing by now. The guy was taking an inch and wanting a mile.

"I say, Mr. Whatever-Lu, are you finished?" Zelda snapped. "Our Sera is polite and has given you plenty of face, but you keep pushing. Do people think just because Sera doesn't go out much, anyone can just walk up and 'befriend' the eldest Miss Pierce?"

Her words were arrogant, but no one in the crowd disagreed. If she were that easy to approach, others would have swarmed her long ago.

"Miss, I truly mean no harm. You've misunderstood. I've heard so much about Miss Pierce and simply wanted to introduce myself. I am inviting her in good faith. If my actions have made you uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize." He looked incredibly earnest.

Zelda frowned. This guy was a good actor. His humble act might make others think they were being snobbish and using their status to look down on him. While that was technically true, it wasn't good for Seraphina’s reputation.

Just as Zelda was debating how to flip the narrative, Seraphina spoke.