Chapter 3072: After Divorce, Forced to Compete with My Ex-Husband 02

The royal banquet was naturally not shabby.

The banquet hall was set in the Star Chamber of the imperial palace's east wing; its entire dome was a transparent energy barrier, above which lay the vast star river, countless stars hanging low as if within reach, long tables lined both sides of the hall, laden with delicacies from every star system.

Following the usher's guidance, Jin Chen first met the overall director of this event, the imperial family's eldest prince, Your Highness. The prince wore a standard smile and said a few formalities, essentially thanking the elites for participating in this significant exploration project and contributing to the empire's energy crisis.

Afterwards he was introduced to the program director; Director Zhou froze upon seeing Jin Chen, who, before Zhou could speak, lifted his wine glass, turned sideways without a word, pretended not to hear the remark behind him—"A famous game designer turns out to be a beauty, what a pity"—and headed straight for the window.

It made him sound like he was living off others, but there was no such free meal left to eat.

Jin Chen stood by the window, from where he could take in the whole banquet hall; he leaned against the frame, one hand holding his glass, gazing at the figure surrounded by crowds in the hall's center.

The original work used three full pages to describe this person's beauty and demeanor; 999, as if fearing Jin Chen might miss it, even projected the original plot before his eyes.

Jin Chen took a sip of wine to suppress himself.

【Tasker, according to the plot development, the protagonist will soon come over to catch up; please cooperate with the storyline and maintain good interaction.】

Jin Chen questioned himself inwardly: "How come I don't recall any past history with him?"

999's tone turned slightly nuanced: 【According to the original setting, you and Chi Mu once met at an offline game launch three months ago, where Chi Mu attended as a special guest, and something… a minor incident occurred.】

Jin Chen furrowed his brows, began to rake through his memory with effort, his expression gradually turning solemn.

So it turned out that Chi Mu was that weirdo who insisted on snatching his clothes to wear back then!

Jin Chen was about to confirm this with 999 when he suddenly sensed something, lifted his gaze, and looked toward the other side of the hall.

Chenshu stood alone by the pillar, his tall, stern figure striking even in shadow, shoulders broad, waist narrow, not overly bulky, carrying a few points of angry‑without‑anger cold hardness.

Yet the eyes that looked at Jin Chen held a not‑so‑pure tangle of emotion, like feelings repressed for ages finally finding an outlet, but not daring to spill over, only carefully reined in, hidden beneath a calm surface.

Jin Chen's fingers tightened around the wine cup; he first averted his gaze, then turned his back to that person.

But from Chenshu's perspective, that long‑unseen person even had the back of his head radiating an irritated reluctance to see him, the ends of his hair slightly lifted by the light, stubborn yet lively.

At that moment, a clear voice sounded beside Jin Chen.

"Mr. Jin Chen!"

Chi Mu wore a sweet smile; beside him, Mai Lun lifted his chin slightly, his gaze sweeping over Jin Chen with a hint of scrutiny—in fact, as the eldest son of Chief Politician Ke Luofute, Mai Lun indeed possessed such confidence.

"Long time no see!" Chi Mu's eyes sparkled, his tone sincere and enthusiastic, "Last time at the launch I really owed you—if you hadn't helped me out of the siege and lent me your coat, I truly wouldn't have known what to do……"

Chi Mu said this while slightly lowering his head, his cheeks flushing as if recalling something embarrassing, "That day I was indeed reckless; afterward I kept looking for a chance to thank you in person, but never found the right moment. I never expected to run into you at the Symbiosis Project banquet—what a coincidence!"

Mai Lun's tone carried a hint of nonchalant arrogance: "Oh, you know each other? Chi Mu seldom mentions outsiders; it seems Mr. Jin certainly left him a good impression."

Chi Mu's outstretched hand hung in mid‑air, awaiting a friendly shake.

Jin Chen acted as if he hadn't seen it, instead tapping the wine glass held in Chi Mu's other hand.

"You're welcome; the coat costs three thousand star coins."

Chi Mu's smile froze on his face; after a few seconds he forced out, "Ah… that coat… I'll have someone pay you back later……"

Jin Chen seemingly unintentionally stepped aside, widening the distance between them.

——

Jin Chen, wine glass in hand, wandered through the hall, deliberately drifting into crowded spots—basically avoiding looking in Chenshu's direction—but wherever he went, that gaze followed him.

Finally, after circling most of the banquet hall, Jin Chen could no longer feel that sticky gaze on his back, but the relief lasted less than two seconds before he couldn't help turning his head to look toward where Chenshu had been standing.

By the banquet hall's rotating staircase, Chenshu had a lone Chi Mu standing before him.

Chi Mu seemed to have drunk too much; his cheeks flushed abnormally as he clutched Chenshu's lapel, head tilted back, speaking something, looking helpless and pitiful, as if he might collapse at any moment.

Chenshu stood there, his tall frame blocking most of the light, making his facial expression indiscernible.

999: 【Key plot incoming, please tasker complete the enactment! Plot progression as follows…】

999 suddenly cried "Oh no," 【System energy insufficient, key words missing; please tasker, without affecting completion rate, control the plot direction yourself.】

Jin Chen walked through the crowd toward him, unhurriedly pulling off the leather glove that fit his long fingers, and casually tossed it toward Chenshu's direction.

He gave a cold glance, a quick look, and said, "The senior general really loves to stick his nose in."

Chenshu instinctively caught it; the glove still retained Jin Chen's body heat, carrying a hint of warmth that made him somewhat reluctant to loosen his grip.

"Xiao Chen…"

Jin Chen's eyelid twitched, yet he turned his head away, forcibly fixing his gaze on Chi Mu.

Only then did Chi Mu realize what had happened; he released his grip on Chenshu'slapel, somewhat dazedly looking at the suddenly appearing Jin Chen, his eye rims still red, indeed looking like he'd had too much to drink.

Jin Chen gave Chi Mu a smile and, toward the protagonist, expressed … his concern for money.

"Mr. Chi, regarding the coat compensation, are you going to pay by card or transfer via optical brain?"