[You had just entered Area B of the Gathering of Beauties Banquet.]
[Areas A, B, C, and D were not actually very far apart—only about a few streets' distance.]
[The venue rang with laughter and cheerful chatter, groups conversing as though they were strolling through a theater.]
[Waiting for the Gathering of Beauties Banquet to begin!]
[You strolled leisurely along the path left open between the seats.]
[Just then, a delighted voice called out, "Young Master Guan, you finally came."]
[You slowly turned around and saw—]
[a middle-aged man, somewhat portly in build, wearing a fur cap. He had a round face, a small nose, and a genial expression, now filled with delight.]
[You were somewhat surprised. It was Zhang Yuanlai, who had read to you in the small courtyard.]
[As a retainer of the Xie Clan, his monthly stipend was not bad compared to others, but with his yearly preparations for the imperial examinations, he could barely make ends meet.]
[Seats at the Gathering of Beauties Banquet were immensely precious. Without a prominent status, every seat was worth a thousand gold.]
[Where had Zhang Yuanlai obtained the money and connections to come here?]
[And yet!]
[Reuniting with an old friend at such a fine gathering naturally brought joy to your heart.]
["Young Master Guan, I came looking for you. I knew you would be attending the Gathering of Beauties Banquet as well."]
["I waited and waited for you, and thought something might have happened."]
[Zhang Yuanlai knew that you had received another invitation from the Sima Clan and would be attending the Gathering of Beauties Banquet.]
["I was delayed on the road for a while."]
[You smiled. "Mr. Zhang, you look positively radiant. Perhaps some happy occasion has come your way?"]
[Zhang Yuanlai was familiar with you and knew