126: Best time

As the two engaged in what seemed like a friendly conversation, the atmosphere gradually grew tense, so much so that neither of them noticed an elegant lady approaching them.

The lady paused slightly upon seeing Xu Ning's Asian features, then smiled politely and turned to Mr. Harvey, saying, "Mr. Harvey, you're here? I've been looking for you for a while."

Her voice carried a unique charm.

Talia turned to Xu Ning, paused again, then realized he was an Asian man.

Harvey turned and explained to Talia, "Sorry, Miss Talia, you know there's a place in the United States called Chinatown, where many Asians came to our free country to escape hardship."

Mr. Harvey's words carried a hint of sarcasm: "They contributed to our development, such as building railroads and prospecting for gold, so whenever I see Asian friends, I always want to chat with them."

Talia looked a little confused, only saying, "Oh, I see."

Mr. Harvey smiled and nodded, clearly his words contained a lot of condescension; seeing Xu Ning's face turn unpleasant, Mr. Harvey didn't give him a chance to retort, and pulled Talia away.

After getting away from Xu Ning, Mr. Harvey said to Talia, "Today I've prepared some Western music for you, I believe you'll like it."

Talia said hesitantly, "But, I'm not quite..."

Mr. Harvey immediately interrupted her, "It's alright, I can teach you."

After he finished speaking, he deliberately glanced back at Xu Ning, a triumphant smile on his face.

Xu Ning watched them leave and softly murmured the name: "Talia..."

Before coming, Xu Ning had already learned the name of the Commander's daughter from Kadeyafu, and now he finally saw her in person.

She was the purpose of Xu Ning's trip, but now it seemed someone had gotten ahead.

It seems I'll have to put on a good show next, to let that person know that times have changed.

On the way here, Xu Ning received comprehensive guidance from Kadeyafu.

Kadeyafu, who had been taught by various Teachers since he was young, was clearly more experienced in ballroom etiquette than Xu Ning.

In this country known as "Dog Bear," art has complex rules.

Even in the most difficult times, they did not abandon the tradition of going to the theater to watch performances.

Art seemed to be a part of their nation, yet their weapons were so simple and direct, pursuing strength and efficiency.

According to Kadeyafu, at the beginning of the ball, everyone's attention would be focused on the hostess.

Everyone would wait for the hostess to dance the first dance, and guests could invite the hostess to dance with them at this time; usually, the hostess would not refuse out of politeness.

Unless several guests requested at the same time, this situation rarely occurred; generally, upon seeing someone invite, others would step aside.

No one wanted to make a fool of themselves on such an occasion; if rejected by the hostess, that person might not participate in the activities for the entire evening.

After the first dance ended, the other etiquette was pretty much complete, and guests could freely converse and dance with each other.

According to Kadeyafu, if Xu Ning wanted to approach Miss Talia, then the first dance would be his best opportunity.

Initially, Xu Ning didn't pay much attention to Kadeyafu's suggestion.

However, because Mr. Harvey's provocation angered him, Xu Ning decided to treat the first dance as his first confrontation with Mr. Harvey.

But he seemed to have forgotten that he actually couldn't dance...

If Kadeyafu knew about this, he would definitely think Xu Ning was an idiot.

He probably wouldn't believe that someone like Xu Ning, who was fluent in multiple languages, held a prominent position among The Rabbits, and was handsome and dashing, was completely clueless about dancing.

Shouldn't someone like Xu Ning already be a frequent visitor at balls and a master in romance?

Not far away, after Mr. Harvey finished telling a typical American joke and successfully made Talia laugh, he gently adjusted his lapel and said with a polite smile, "Excuse me, I need to leave for a moment."

Talia smiled understandingly, knowing he might be going to the restroom, so she nodded.

As soon as the two separated, a female attendant carrying a silver tray passed by Mr. Harvey; a sly expression flashed across her face, and then as if she had tripped over something, she stumbled and bumped into Mr. Harvey.

The drinks on the tray splashed out; luckily, she adjusted her direction in time, and most of the drinks spilled to the side, with only a little splashing onto Mr. Harvey's clothes.

The female attendant immediately put on a surprised look, but the surprise seemed a bit exaggerated.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Mr., are you alright?"

Mr. Harvey looked at the female attendant in front of him, wearing glasses and with a face full of freckles; although she wore a simple uniform, she had a unique aura about her; however, these details did not attract Mr. Harvey's attention; he smiled and replied:

The beautiful music in the ballroom drifted, covering the surrounding noise, and also making Mr. Harvey's smile appear more elegant.

"It's alright."

Just then, a crisp sound broke the tranquility; unexpectedly, Mr. Harvey suddenly turned around and forcefully shook off the female attendant's hand, a movement that made her appear very frightened.

"Go away."

Mr. Harvey's voice was still calm, but to the female attendant, it was chillingly cold; when she didn't leave immediately, Mr. Harvey raised his hand again.

At this moment, a firm hand grasped Mr. Harvey's wrist.

"Don't tell me this is how you treat women equally?"

Mr. Harvey's face darkened; he looked back and saw it was the Asian man from earlier, Xu Ning.

Seeing Xu Ning, Mr. Harvey calmed down slightly, quickly glanced around to confirm he hadn't attracted others' attention, and then said:

"Freedom and equality also have their scope of application; if pets at home make mistakes, they must be taught a lesson, otherwise they will become lawless.

Also, Mr. Xu, you can let go now, right?"

"Of course."

Xu Ning slowly released Mr. Harvey's hand.

Mr. Harvey snorted discontentedly and walked towards the restroom without looking back; as he walked, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully wiped his hands, not even missing the spot on his wrist touched by Xu Ning.

Xu Ning watched Mr. Harvey's receding figure, squinted slightly, and found it a little funny; he thought, this kind of clichéd hero-saving-the-beauty plot actually happened to him.

However, when he intended to speak to the female attendant, he found she was already gone.

"Hey, at least I don't have to explain to her," he thought, "I just don't like that guy's attitude."

Kadeyafu had appeared beside him at some point; he also saw this scene, looked around, didn't find the female attendant, and then turned to Xu Ning and asked:

"Who is that guy? It looks like he really dislikes you."