<h4>Chapter 164: Chapter 164: Serene as a Flower Mirrored in Water</h4><h4></h4>


    The banquet began punctually at six o’clock.


    Dressed in a crisp suit, Lin Fan apanied County Magistrate Luan to the event.


    Once the city leaders had left, he naturally became the most senior figure remaining. Thus, he was the prime target for investors, but the attention towards Lin Fan was not any less intense. People handed him their business cards, hoping to seize the opportunity towork. Lin Fan simply maintained a smile throughout.


    Since it was a cold dinner party, everyone either held a ss of red wine or champagne, milling about and sharing their insights on various uing inspection routes.


    Taking advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention, Lin Fan quickly grabbed a champagne ss and made his way to the buffet table. He hadn’t eaten his fill at lunch with Zhu Defu, and the afternoon’s exertions with Bai Xue had left him genuinely hungry.


    Thus, he grabbed several pastries and dishes and slipped away to an unobserved corner to tuck in ravenously. Just as Lin Fan was enjoying his meal, a figure in a red dress appeared before him—it was none other than the Cultural Troupe’s pir, who performed the Peacock Dance in the city.


    "Mayor Lin, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time."


    The fiery red dress, destined to be the center of attention in the hall, hinted at a face as delicate and graceful as Lin Daiyu. Her fair skin seemed almost breakable by a blow, her cheeks slightly flushed like newly blossomed peach flowers, as if the Goddess herself had stepped out of a painting, mesmerizing all with her beauty.


    Her shoulders were softly rounded, carrying a cool elegance, and the partial reveal of her cleavage traced appealing curves. Her pert behind suggested endless temptation, and her long hair, soft as a waterfall, fell gently upon her shoulders. Light curls at the ends added a touch of flirtatiousness, and her tall figure was even more slender in the evening dress, setting off a willowy waist that seemed as if it might break with a gentle embrace.


    She wore high heels, and ck stockings encased her long legs, exuding a mysterious charm. Holding a ss of champagne in her hand, the graceful lift of her wrist showed off her poise and elegance.


    "Sorry, I just had a brief meeting with the county leaders to discuss uing matters, so I got a bit hungry."


    Lin Fan awkwardly looked at the strikingly beautiful woman before him but didn’t know her name.


    "No wonder I’ve been waiting and waiting but haven’t seen you add my WeChat. I thought Mayor Lin was being so arrogant."


    The womanughed, extending her jade-like hand, "I’m Yao Wan Jiao. It’s a pleasure to meet you."


    "Yao Wan Jiao... Your Peacock Dance was very well performed, and when you mentioned adding WeChat earlier..."


    Lin Fan took Yao Wan Jiao’s slightly cool hand but didn’t understand her meaning.


    "I’ve already written my phone number on the back of the photo; you didn’t just throw it away, did you?"


    Yao Wan Jiao pouted, her eyes full of a intive look that was truly heart-tugging.


    "No, of course not... I put it directly into my bag and didn’t have the chance to see it because of the meeting."


    Lin Fan quickly shook his head; he indeed hadn’t noticed the back of the photo.


    "That’s good. I knew Mayor Lin wouldn’t be so heartless. I’ll wait for your friend request then."


    Yao Wan Jiao smiled, raising her ss of champagne, "I hope Mayor Lin doesn’t consider me frivolous. This is the first time in my life I’ve taken the initiative to give someone my contact details. I just think yourments are so full of wit; verses flow from your mouth effortlessly and are absolutely beautiful, ’In all of eternity, no absolute beauty, pleasing to the eyes is the fairdy; a nation-toppling look, astonishing all, truly a beauty to behold.’"


    This incident urred right after Bai Xue finished her dance, and during a random interview by the host, Lin Fan spontaneouslyposed a poem, winning the admiration of the audience.


    "That’s merely the wisdom of the ancients; I just borrowed a verse from our forefathers. You tter me too much—I am quite unworthy."


    Lin Fan smiled awkwardly; after all, the poem was specially meant for Bai Xue, yet it had moved someone else.


    "That’s because Mayor Lin has true talents and learning. I really hope you couldpose a poem for me, too."


    Yao Wan Jiao looked at Lin Fan, her eyes full of admiration.


    "That’s... let me think..."


    Having received such praise, Lin Fan couldn’t possibly refuse. After a pause, he said, "With beauty and charm, you stand apart; like autumn water, pure and fine, a snowy symbol. As serene as a flower’s reflection on still water, and as graceful as willows swayed by a breeze, how about that?"


    "Great poetry, how beautiful, thank you for thepliment, Mayor Lin."


    The praise turned Yao Wan Jiao’s cheeks a beautiful shade of red, "I won’t disturb Mayor Lin any further... Let’s chat on the phone when you’re free."


    "Okay, I’ll add you in a bit."


    Lin Fan smiled and clinked his ss with Yao Wan Jiao, watching her graceful figure as she departed. It had to be said that this beauty truly carried herself with an effortless elegance. Just exchanging a few words with her had been delightful.


    However, as he prepared to continue eating, Lin Fan noticed Ke Yunan ring at him from a distance. Her look clearly expressed dissatisfaction with him. Just as Lin Fan was preparing to exin, he saw Lucki, holding two sses of wine, walking towards Ke Yunan.


    Judging from the mischievous smile on his face, the wine he held must have been tampered with. This man was indeed nning to drug Ke Yunan, an absolute scoundrel.