The banquet had been going on for nearly two hours.
From an initially solemn and serious affair, it had devolved into a chaotic free-for-all.
Various drunken men and women cracked indecent jokes, testing each other’s limits.
Of course.
This situation was more prevalent among people with white and black skin.
After all.
Such uninhibited behavior.
Was not a big deal in Western countries.
After all.
They called it freedom, following one's heart, and pursuing love.
Naturally.
As long as it didn't break the law or involve any malicious deeds.
An unaccompanied man and woman engaging in some "lovey-dovey" activities was not considered an issue.
Meng Hao was no stranger to such absurdities.
Why bother dwelling too much on others' lifestyles?
However.
This did not mean he enjoyed such a scene.
After having some more tea and slightly filling his stomach.
Meng Hao walked out of the hotel.
Outside.
The cool breeze felt pleasant on Meng Hao's skin.
It had to be said.
Behind him was immense noise and revelry.
Many representatives from various countries, unaccustomed to the atmosphere, had already left in twos and threes.
As for the Western men and women who remained.
The real show was just beginning.
"Dear Meng."
"Are you planning to head back already?"
The American woman who had pestered Meng Hao with conversation for an hour and a half was named Luna.
He had no idea where she found so many topics or the patience for it.
Despite Meng Hao's obviously indifferent demeanor, she had stayed by his side for an hour and a half without leaving... giving the impression they had hit it off.
"Yes."
"I've been here for over an hour, and I see some delegation members are already leaving."
"So, I don't want to stay any longer."
He wouldn't refuse a smile.
Towards the extremely enthusiastic Luna, Meng Hao still responded with a semblance of courtesy.
"Strange, where is the vehicle that brought me?"
The empty hotel entrance was devoid of the car that the Indian delegation had prepared for him.
"Perhaps the driver has temporarily returned to their accommodation... after all, such a feast usually lasts for three to four hours!"
Luna smiled sweetly, appearing exceptionally sincere.
However, her occasionally flickering eyes inadvertently revealed that she might be lying.
"My car is parked just ahead!"
"Why don't I give you a ride back?"
"Your accommodation is about seven or eight kilometers from here!"
Huh?
This Luna had been drinking.
No drinking and driving.
This rule, Meng Hao adhered to strictly, even when he was not in Da Xia.
"Don't worry."
"I only had a glass of sparkling wine at the beginning."
"It's not a big problem."
Enthusiastic as ever, Luna linked her arm with Meng Hao's and headed towards the nearby parking lot.
Uh.
Australia was vast and sparsely populated.
On the roads, let alone pedestrians, very few vehicles were to be seen.
Moreover, Luna had indeed only drunk one glass of sparkling wine, so driving should not be a major issue.
Looking at the empty street, Meng Hao estimated that it would be impossible to hail a cab... and Australia did not have ride-hailing apps or anything similar.
To return to his accommodation as soon as possible.
He had no choice but to accept Luna's offer of a ride.
"Then, I'll be imposing!"
Meng Hao replied courteously.
"Not at all."
"I feel an immediate connection with you."
"It's my honor to be able to continue our in-depth conversation!"
Continue our in-depth conversation?
Why did that sound so strange?
Without overthinking it, Meng Hao, still linked with Luna, was led towards the parking lot.
...
The back entrance of the hotel.
Extremely lively.
Vehicles for the various country delegations were waiting here.
Of course.
Including the vehicles from the Indian delegation.
It was clear.
The Australian staff, under the guise of facilitating guest pick-ups, had moved the waiting area closer to the banquet hall at the back entrance.
They had also notified members of each delegation... except, it seemed, for Meng Hao.
Watching the endless stream of delegation members gradually departing.
The person in charge of this mission from the special forces team, who had been hidden in the shadows, found it peculiar.
"Hmm?"
"Why don't I see Meng Hao?"
"Didn't he already leave the banquet hall?"
Soon, a response came through the walkie-talkie.
"Captain."
"Meng Hao left through the main entrance, and he was with an American girl."
"Furthermore, their interaction suggested extreme intimacy!"
"This woman had been by Meng Hao's side since the start of the banquet, even offering him a glass with lipstick on it."
Drank my water?
Sleep with me!
The special forces captain appeared to understand, shaking his head and smiling ambiguously.
It was evident.
He mistakenly assumed that Meng Hao had been successfully courted by the American girl.
"In this situation, do we need to follow them?"
Facing the team member's inquiry.
The captain retorted with a laugh and a curse.
"Follow, follow what?"
"We're all young, occasional release of energy is not a big deal."
"Arrange for a few people to secretly protect them, but absolutely do not disturb Meng Hao's interest!"
...
In the car.
Meng Hao sat in the passenger seat, looking around idly.
He had to admit.
Luna was a woman of great allure.
She seemed to be of mixed heritage.
Her beautiful face possessed the boldness of Western women, combined with the gentleness of Eastern women.
Her skin was not delicate, but extremely fair.
Her wavy blonde hair was casually draped over her shoulders.
Her custom-tailored evening gown, though loose, clearly accentuated her curves.
The slit in the evening gown was very high, revealing her shapely legs clad in black stockings... all the way up.
In short.
She was a woman who embodied the best of both Western and Eastern qualities.
She had looks, she had a figure, and most importantly, she was quite bold, even giving Meng Hao the impression that she treated him as an admirer.
Seemingly sensing Meng Hao's gaze lingering on her.
Luna deliberately, and with a slight movement, swayed her leg.
"Dear Meng, don't I look good?"
"Why didn't you want to drink my water?"
Damn it.
Are all Western and American women this uninhibited?
"We only just met."
"Isn't it a bit too soon for such an in-depth exchange?"
Luna pouted.
"I understand, you like it when things are initiated!"
What was this?
How did it become liking to be initiated?
"Forget it, let's not discuss such matters."
"Do you know the way? Where are we now?"
Luna did not respond.
After driving for another few seconds.
She slammed on the brakes, stopping in front of a villa by the sea.
"Hmm."
"I don't know the way."
"But, we've arrived!"
What?
Doesn't know the way?
And yet she said they'd arrived?
More importantly.
This didn't look like the accommodation for the Indian delegation.
As if sensing Meng Hao's confusion.
Luna smiled and got out of the car, walking around to Meng Hao's side and personally opening his door for him.
"We've arrived at my place."
"Why don't you come in for a drink?"
"Anyway, this villa is huge, and there are many rooms!"