In the era of fetal wear, she became the first socialite in Hong Kong

Chapter 467 Buckingham Palace Luncheon: Why is Wilda sitting here?

Fu Ziyan had attended many grand occasions and banquets with her father since she was a child, but this was her first time attending a banquet at Buckingham Palace.

I am curious, but not to the point of being anxious or overjoyed.

After all, it's just a state banquet, and it's not like she's never attended one before. She's even been to the Great Hall of the People, a great nation with five thousand years of cultural heritage.

Guided by the waiter, Fu Ziyan gently took her father's arm and walked slowly.

As you walk through the long corridor adorned with crimson and gold, the air is filled with the rich fragrance of flowers, the sound of string music grows ever closer, and the double carved doors slowly open inward.

Several high-class long dining tables, adorned with fresh flowers and silver cutlery, were arranged in a "U" shape. The nobles, celebrities, and dignitaries who arrived at the banquet hall earlier wore black morning suits for men and exquisite dresses and hats for women. They were dressed dignifiedly and appropriately, with smiles on their lips, and socialized in elegant hushed tones.

The attendant who had led the way bowed and quietly withdrew.

"Mr. Fu, Ms. Fu, good afternoon. Your seats are over here. Please follow me." A royal attendant in court uniform took over the duties, smiling as he stepped forward to greet them and respectfully led Fu Ziyan and her father to the second seat on the right side of the main table, their assigned seats with name cards.

"Oh, Fu, long time no see." The male knight beside Fu Qiyuan tilted his head slightly to greet him.

Fu Qiyuan nodded and smiled, his voice warm and gentle: "The Duke of Kent..."

Fu Ziyan was also busy.

I don't know how the royal family arranges the seating, but coincidentally, she was sitting next to someone she knew, emm... someone she knew so well that they were practically exchanging pleasantries.

"Selene." The young man's elegant voice held a hint of tenderness as he spoke, "We meet again. Was your anticipation genuine?"

Fu Ziyan quickly closed her eyes, then looked up again, offering a gentle, elegant, and slightly surprised smile: "Of course, Wilda, it's a pleasure to see you again."

Good heavens, why is Wilda sitting right next to her?!

The young man before me exuded an air of nobility. His shoulders and back were broad and slender, his spine straight as a pine tree, and his emerald green eyes were warm and seemed to shimmer with light. Every gesture he made was composed and elegant, and his noble air was undeniable.

She seemed like a completely different person from the silly boy she dated back then who liked to bend down and let her stroke his curly hair, who would look at her with a pitiful and coquettish expression, and who would pester her to kiss him again with sparkling eyes.

“Long time no see,” Wilda seemed to curl the corners of her lips. “Over the years, I’ve finally learned Chinese.”

Fu Ziyan:!!!

It was all rather disjointed, but Fu Ziyan's memory was truly remarkable. She hadn't forgotten that Wilda had learned Chinese for her sake, and even offered to go to Hong Kong with her when they broke up.

After learning that Wilda had broken up with her two years ago, Fu Ziyan had not dated anyone else. In order to make Wilda give up, Fu Ziyan deliberately avoided him when she came to the UK for business trips in recent years. Unexpectedly, after four years, he still hadn't given up.

Fu Ziyan quickly calmed herself down and showed the smile that one should have when hearing good news from a friend: "That sounds like good news. Wilda, you are really amazing. If I weren't Chinese, I think Chinese would be the most difficult language in the world to learn."

“Yes, but…” Wilda’s elegant London accent switched to Chinese in an instant, “Hard work pays off.”

"Such standard Chinese. If you came to China, you probably wouldn't need a translator."

"May I come?"

“Of course,” Fu Ziyan smiled slightly, “Isn’t it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar?”

"Would Selene be happy about that?"

Fu Ziyan pursed her lips, met his gaze, and chuckled lightly, deftly deflecting his question: "Of course, we agreed to race again next time. Although Hong Kong isn't a big place, we can still have some fun."

Wilda lowered her eyes and stared at Fu Ziyan, about to say something, when a white door inlaid with gold on the side of the banquet hall opened.

There was no special music or prior announcement; the entrance was completely silent, but everyone in the audience stopped talking and focused their attention on one spot.

The Queen, dressed in a light blue suit and wearing a double pearl necklace, exuded regal majesty and entered first.

Following closely behind was Prince Philip, dressed in a dark blue uniform, looking relaxed with a slight smile on his lips.

The Crown Prince, dressed in a black morning suit, and the Crown Princess, dressed in an off-white knee-length gown, lagged behind a step, the newlyweds smiling and whispering arm in arm.

Following them, the Queen Mother, Princess Anne, and other members of the royal family entered in an orderly fashion.

After the Queen took her seat at the head of the table, her family members followed suit. At the same time, in accordance with etiquette, all the guests present adjusted their posture almost simultaneously.

The Queen tilted her head and nodded slightly to the head of the entourage.

The luncheon officially began.

The next instant, the scarlet swallowtail-tailed servants moved in unison, silently darting between the long tables.

Empty champagne glasses were filled with wine, and dishes were served one after another, creating a light and elegant social atmosphere around the long table.

Fu Ziyan smiled politely and elegantly as she looked at the four courses before her—the appetizers, main courses, desserts, and fruits served on silver-plated plates, and a porcelain tray. She had only one thought: compared to the lavish "Manchu Han Imperial Feast" of China, the British royal banquet with only four courses was so simple!

But considering that no one would actually eat a lot on such an occasion, Fu Ziyan had a wild idea: perhaps the tradition of only having four dishes at this banquet many years ago was originally intended to save food.

After dealing with the other social interactions around her, Fu Ziyan took advantage of a moment when Wilda, who had also been socializing, had stopped talking and turned his gaze back to her, saying earnestly, "Selene, I'll be there."

Fu Ziyan's lips paused for a moment, then she smiled and agreed, "It's perfect timing to introduce you to my boyfriend."

Did you hear that? I already have a boyfriend!

“Okay, as long as you’re not married, I can wait until you break up.” Wilda smiled gentlemanly. Because they were close, he spoke softly, his gaze seemingly sweeping lightly across the main table before lowering his voice again. “Even if you’re married, it’s fine.”

Fu Ziyan, who was taking a sip of champagne to ease the awkwardness, swallowed carefully to avoid choking.

If she wasn't mistaken, Wilda was actually referring to the emotional entanglement between the Crown Prince and his married mistress.

“Wilda, you…” Fu Ziyan paused for a moment, hesitating about how to say it. Prince Philip at the head table stood up, tapped the side of his glass lightly, and attracted the attention of all the guests present.

It's time for the speeches.

Fu Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure..."

After Prince Philip finished his speech, the Crown Prince rose to express his gratitude.

His words were eloquent and tactful, expressing gratitude to his parents, family, and guests, before finally turning his gaze to the Crown Princess: "I especially thank my wife, thank you for your courage..."

After he finished speaking, everyone raised their glasses.

"Cheers!"