Chapter 1579: Meeting with Abigail Rose II

The next day, Lory began preparing her disguise to enter the Grand Ivory Club. She had visited places like this before, though always in disguise. Back then, she had been too young to enter openly, so slipping in unnoticed had been the only option.

Over time, she had learned the rules of such places well. What to do, and what not to do, and most importantly, how not to attract attention.

Thus, the first thing she adjusted was her appearance. She couldn’t afford to look too striking. The most basic rule of disguise was simple: stay forgettable.

That was why many beautiful agents deliberately altered their appearance to look ordinary. Beauty drew attention, and attention meant people remembered your face. Unless the mission required seducing a target, attractiveness was often more of a liability than an advantage.

Fortunately, Lory’s purpose tonight was only to meet Abigail Rose quietly. There was no reason for her to stand out.

She dyed her hair a plain dark brown, one of the most common colors, and chose a simple black dress. It wasn’t particularly revealing, but it wasn’t overly modest either.

In short, it was the sort of outfit people would glance at once and forget immediately.

However, with Zhao Li Xin, she gives extra time. Because of his look, Lory had to alter several of his facial features. She had to make Zhao Li Xin look ugly because she knew what kind of men and women visited that place.

So she spent even more time working on his disguise, and the final result was almost tragic.

Zhao Li Xin’s once sleek black hair now hung limp and lifeless, as though it hadn’t been washed for days. His nose was subtly altered, just crooked enough to disrupt the harmony of his features. As if that weren’t enough, Lory had dulled his eyes and made them appear smaller behind a pair of plain, forgettable glasses.

Even his complexion had been lightened, drained of its usual vitality, leaving him with the pale, worn look of a bookworm who spent far too much time indoors.

Altogether, he no longer resembled the striking man he once was, but rather someone easily overlooked, the kind of person no one would bother remembering twice.

Lory stared at Zhao Li Xin’s reflection in the mirror and let out a heavy sigh. It felt as though she had just ruined a priceless masterpiece.

On the other hand, Zhao Li Xin seemed rather pleased with his new appearance. He even found it somewhat interesting. The narrowed eyes reminded him of the cunning prime minister of the Jiang Wei Kingdom, the place where he had been born.

He studied his reflection carefully for a moment before turning around and spreading his arms slightly.

"So," he said with a grin, looking at her expectantly, "what is my role now?"

Lory looked at the somewhat sleazy man standing in front of her and sighed in resignation, "Your role," she said helplessly, "is to be my henpecked husband."

Zhao Li Xin’s lips slowly curled downward. He looked genuinely disappointed.

"So... I’m simply acting as myself."

"Yup. You’re the best at it." Lory didn’t want to make it hard for him, after all, he’s not good at acting, and this has been proven many times in the past.

Night finally fell, and the city lights illuminated the streets in vibrant colors, sparkling like scattered jewels in a velvet box.

Lory parked the car in the basement parking area. After stepping out, she casually wrapped her arm around Zhao Li Xin’s, guiding him toward the entrance.

They passed through the tall glass doors guarded by discreet security personnel before entering the elevator together.

The elevator carried them smoothly to the first floor, where the main entrance of the club was located.

As the doors opened, they were greeted by a sight of pure extravagance. The vast lobby was designed in a luxurious neoclassical style. ℴ

The floor was paved with polished marble that reflected the warm golden lights above, while the cream-colored walls were adorned with intricate gold carvings and elegant moldings. Tall columns lined the sides of the room, their capitals sculpted with delicate ornamental patterns.

At the center of the ceiling hung a magnificent crystal chandelier, its countless facets scattering light across the hall like shimmering stars.

Every corner of the room whispered wealth and prestige, a place carefully crafted to make its guests feel as though they had stepped into a palace reserved only for the privileged few.

As they stepped further inside, a hostess soon approached them.

She wore a fitted black gown made of delicate lace that clung elegantly to her figure, the design both refined and subtly alluring, perfectly suited for a place that thrived on luxury and charm. Her makeup was flawless, and a professional smile rested lightly on her lips.

But before she spoke, her eyes briefly swept over the two of them.

It was quick, barely a second, but unmistakable. Her gaze moved from their shoes to their clothes, then to their faces, silently measuring and judging. In a place like this, such instinctive appraisal had likely become second nature.

Perhaps satisfied with whatever conclusion she reached, the hostess’s expression shifted smoothly into a warm, welcoming smile.

"Good evening," she greeted politely. "May I have your name, please?"

Lory returned a polite smile of her own. "Sylvia Bennet and John Bennet, I made a reservation."

The hostess nodded and took out her phone, her slender fingers quickly scrolling across the screen as she checked the reservation list. After a brief moment, recognition flashed across her face.

"Ah, yes." Her smile widened instantly.

"Welcome to the Grand Ivory Club, Mr. and Ms. Bennet." She gestured gracefully with her hand. "Please follow me."

The hostess then led them deeper into the establishment, guiding them past the grand lobby and into the club’s high-end bar and dining lounge, where the low murmur of conversation, soft music, and the clinking of crystal glasses blended into the refined atmosphere of the night.

After being seated, Lory and Zhao Li Xin settled into their places at one of the elegantly arranged dining tables. From where they sat, they had a clear view of the room, the soft lighting, the quiet murmur of conversation, and the steady flow of guests coming and going.

Lory casually picked up the menu, though her attention wasn’t truly on it. Her gaze drifted across the room, sharp and observant beneath her calm exterior.

Then, the atmosphere shifted, subtly but noticeably. A woman had just entered. She didn’t need an announcement. Her presence alone was enough to draw attention.

Abigail Rose.

She moved with effortless confidence, her wavy black hair cascading over her shoulders in soft, deliberate waves. Her warm brown skin glowed under the ambient lighting, contrasting beautifully with her striking blue eyes, which seemed to catch and hold attention with ease.

Her makeup was flawless, a carefully crafted blend of smoky eyes and nude-toned lips that enhanced her natural features without overpowering them.

High cheekbones framed her face elegantly, while her supple lips curved faintly, as if she carried a quiet, knowing smile meant only for those who dared to meet her gaze.

Her tall figure was accentuated by a perfectly fitted dress that followed the natural lines of her body, highlighting her graceful curves without ever appearing excessive.

She moved through the room with practiced ease, greeting the guests, most of them men, with effortless charm. A soft smile played on her lips as she leaned in just enough to seem intimate, her voice low and warm, yet never crossing the line into impropriety.

There was a delicate balance in the way she carried herself.

Coy, but not cheap. Inviting, yet controlled. Every gesture, every glance, was carefully measured, enough to draw people in, but never enough to give them the illusion that they owned her attention.

’She’s good,’ Lory thought.

"That’s Abigail Rose," Lory whispered to Zhao Li Xin.

Zhao Li Xin glanced at the woman, studying her for a few seconds before muttering indifferently, "Oh."

Lory shot him a teasing smile. "You don’t think she’s beautiful?"

"No," Zhao Li Xin answered without a slight hesitation. "But I suppose her aesthetic suits the people here."

He lifted his teacup and took a sip, only to frown almost immediately. With a hint of distaste, he set the cup down and wiped his lips with a handkerchief. The flavor clearly did not suit him.

Lory watched the entire exchange and chuckled softly.

At that moment, one of the club staff approached Abigail and gave her a subtle look. Abigail excused herself gracefully before stepping aside. The staff leaned in and whispered something into her ear.

Abigail listened without changing her expression. She gave a small, composed nod, then returned briefly to her guests, exchanging a few polite words before making her exit.

Lory nudged Zhao Li Xin lightly. "Let’s follow her."

"En" Zhao Li Xin rose from his seat with practiced elegance, pulling out Lory’s chair as she stood. Lory slipped her arm through his, and together they left the room, casually trailing behind Abigail as she ascended the staircase to the second floor.

The second floor led them into a quieter, more secluded space, the cigar room. The air was thick with the rich scent of tobacco, mixed with aged wood and expensive liquor. Dark wooden panels lined the walls, and the polished oak floor added to the room’s old, refined charm.

Leather armchairs were arranged in small groups, where well-dressed men sat smoking cigars and sipping whiskey or brandy from crystal glasses. Soft, low conversations filled the room, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate... and quietly dangerous.

Abigail moved without hesitation, heading straight for a secluded corner of the room, a private lounge partially concealed behind a glass partition and a row of ornamental plants. Not fully hidden, but just enough to keep conversations... discreet.

When she reached the guest, her demeanor shifted subtly, but noticeably. Her smile grew warmer, more attentive. The playful ease she had shown downstairs was replaced with something more refined, more deliberate. She inclined her head slightly as she greeted him, a gesture of respect she did not offer so freely to others.

The man himself remained obscured behind the layered plants, his figure little more than a silhouette from Lory’s angle.

But that alone said enough.

Abigail did not waste time on just anyone. The fact that she went straight to him, bypassing every other guest, and offered him a private audience spoke volumes.

Whoever he was... he wasn’t just important, he was someone worth prioritizing.

Lory subtly pushed Zhao Li Xin toward the nearest seats, positioning them within view but not close enough to raise suspicion.

Even so, she knew it wouldn’t be easy. At this distance, eavesdropping was nearly impossible without assistance. Normally, a simple spell would have solved that problem, but not here.

Places like this were always protected. Anti-spell measures were woven into the structure itself, quietly suppressing any form of magical interference.

And if that wasn’t enough, discreet cameras were placed throughout the room, their presence subtle but constant, watching for anything out of the ordinary.

But that was to be expected for a place that wasn’t only built for indulgence, but also to keep secrets.

But thankfully, Lory had brought a cheat with her.

"Honey, can you hear their conversation from here?" she whispered softly.

Zhao Li Xin’s brows knitted slightly as he focused. The surrounding noise seemed to fade for him as he filtered out the irrelevant sounds, narrowing his attention to a single point.

For a brief moment, he said nothing.

Then—

"She called him... Robert."

Lory’s eyes immediately lit up. "Robert Augburn... he’s really here."

Zhao Li Xin tilted his head slightly, still listening. "It sounds like this isn’t his first visit," he added calmly. "She said... ’you’re here again.’" He relayed the words in a low voice.

Lory raised her hand and signaled for a servant. When the man approached, she ordered a drink and asked for one of their finest cigars. It was a small detail, but necessary. In a place like this, coming into the cigar room without smoking would only invite suspicion. Better to blend in.

Meanwhile, Zhao Li Xin remained still, his attention fixed elsewhere as he continued listening in on the distant conversation.

When the cigar arrived, Lory handled it with practiced calm. She had seen Fargo and Leon smoke before, so she more or less knew the process: cut, light, inhale.

It should be simple, but then, the moment the smoke hit her throat, she coughed loudly. The reaction came so suddenly that it drew a few glances from nearby guests. A couple of them threw a faint smirk, clearly recognizing the telltale signs of a first-timer trying to act experienced.

Zhao Li Xin’s focus immediately shifted. He looked at Lory worriedly, then he reached over and gently patted Lory’s back before taking the cigar from her fingers without a word.

Bringing it to his lips, he took a slow, measured inhale. A moment later, he exhaled, watching the smoke curl lazily into the air with mild curiosity. His expression shifted slightly, as if evaluating the taste.

’Not bad.’

Without another comment, he kept the cigar, taking another drag as though it now belonged to him, while his attention quietly returned to eavesdropping.

Meanwhile, Lory stared at Zhao Li Xin in awe.

The way he handled the cigar, calm, composed, effortless, made it seem as though he had done it a thousand times before.

But he hadn’t.

Zhao Li Xin had never even smoked before.

How could he? Doesn’t he still can’t handle soda? So what was this?

Lory felt a strange mix of disbelief and quiet indignation. She had tried smoking cigars in secret before, purely to show off in front of her friends, and failed miserably every single time.

Yet Zhao Li Xin... did it so naturally, as if it were instinct. His expression remained tranquil; no one would realize he had been eavesdropping at the same time.

His act was so convincing that Lory felt embarrassed; her husband’s acting had improved, it was almost like he kept unlocking a new skill since he arrived in her world. This is so unfair. Why didn’t she receive any new skills when she was in the cultivator world?!