318. Human preferences are indeed strange.

Marquis Jiang Xiyue of Beiding originally wanted to say something more, but when she saw the license, her expression froze for a moment, as if she were being controlled by something.

Then, Marquis Beiding spoke up and no longer refused: "Since you have this, then we won't stop you. Be sure to come on time for the banquet."

Jiang Xiyue added, "Once you arrive, stay at the table in the corner. If someone asks you a question, respond politely. If no one is talking to you, don't say anything, understand?"

Tao Wanbi nodded immediately when she saw that they had agreed, and breathed a sigh of relief, but she couldn't help but sigh.

Is this the item that costs 1,000 points but can only be used twice?

It really is unreasonable, it works by force, and it's so good that it's almost bizarre.

She nodded: "Thanks, I'll remember it!"

Marquis Beiding waved his hand, returning to normal, but made no mention of the permit or why he agreed, as if his thought process had been altered: "Alright, you should leave now. We still need to discuss the banquet. Don't waste time here."

"Okay, I'm leaving now!" Tao Wanbi quickly put away the permit and turned to walk out.

As she walked out of the main gate, she couldn't help but touch the license in her pocket: "This thing really works. If it says I can't refuse, then I can't refuse. Luckily, it can be used twice. If I need it again next time, I can use it again."

[Just knowing it works is good. It costs 500 points per use. Don't cause any trouble later.]

-

On the day of the banquet.

Red lanterns hung at the entrance of the Marquis of Beiding's residence, and guests came and went in an endless stream.

The little dumpling, dressed in a padded jacket and with her hair in two buns, stood at the door with her parents to greet guests. She smiled and greeted everyone she saw, looking well-behaved and adorable.

The first to arrive were several familiar officials and their wives. As soon as they saw the little girl, they couldn't help but surround her, holding her hand and praising her endlessly.

"Is this the princess? She's getting cuter and cuter with each passing year, with those round, bright eyes that are so endearing!"

"I heard that the princess contributed a lot to the fight against the plague in the south. She is so young but has such a heart. She is truly a lucky star!"

"That's right! So talented at such a young age, she's bound to have a bright future!"

The little dumpling was a little embarrassed by the praise, her cheeks flushed: "Thank you, Yue'er only did a very small thing..."

"Oh my, so modest, what a good child!" A lady smiled and took a small wooden box from the maid and handed it to him. "This is a little trinket for you. Inside is a pair of jade bracelets. Wear them and play with them. Don't be disgusted."

The little girl accepted the gift with both hands and thanked her earnestly, saying, "Thank you, Madam, Yue'er likes it very much!"

The officials who arrived later couldn't help but praise the little boy when they saw him.

"Your Excellency is so fortunate to have raised such a lucky star."

"His Majesty's bestowal of the title of Princess is truly a popular choice. She is both intelligent and kind-hearted, far surpassing many officials!"

Marquis Jiang Xiyue of Beiding stood to the side, listening to everyone's praise, her face beaming with pride.

The little dumpling greeted the adults one by one, its voice clear and its manners impeccable, which pleased the guests even more.

In the corner, Tao Wanbi, wearing the light pink dress she had prepared, found the most inconspicuous spot to sit down and secretly stared at the little dumpling by the door.

Watching the little girl being praised by everyone, and seeing her smiling with her eyes crinkling, Tao Wanbi felt a pang of bitterness and resentment: "She's so lucky. So many people are protecting her and praising her. Meanwhile, I can only hide here and don't even dare to talk to anyone."

Don't envy her. You're here to do serious business, not to see who gets more compliments.

Sit still, don't move around, and don't cause me any trouble.

Tao Wanbi pursed her lips and didn't say anything more, but she still secretly stared at the little dumpling.

A moment later, someone at the entrance called out, "Grand Tutor Qu is here."

The little dumpling's eyes lit up, and she quickly went to greet him, her voice clear and crisp: "Grand Tutor! You've come!"

Qu Zijin smiled and stepped forward to greet her: "Princess, you look beautiful today. Are you tired from greeting guests?"

"Not tired!" The little dumpling shook her head, tugging at the Grand Tutor's sleeve. "Grand Tutor, Yue'er has saved the best seat for you, right next to Big Brother. How about Yue'er makes you something delicious later? Yue'er made it herself, it's sure to be tasty!"

"Really? The princess can cook delicious food?" Qu Zijin asked in surprise. "Then I must try it."

"Yay!" the little dumpling cheered, pulling Qu Zijin's hand as they walked inside.

Jin Qizhi walked over quickly and bowed to Qu Zijin, saying, "Grand Tutor, you must be tired from your journey. Let me show you to a seat. My sister was just talking about you."

The little boy confidently handed the tutor over to his older brother, patting the tutor's hand and saying, "Don't be afraid, tutor. Big brother is a good person. Just follow him."

“Alright, I’m not afraid. Then, I’ll have to trouble you, young master.” Qu Zijin was both amused and exasperated. He followed Jin Qizhi inside, not forgetting to turn back to the little dumpling and say, “Wait a moment, I’m waiting to eat the princess’s delicious food.”

"Okay!" The little dumpling happily ran back to the door to continue greeting guests.

After a while, the doorway suddenly became quieter.

Immediately afterwards, people began to whisper among themselves.

"Is that Lord Xie? He's really handsome!"

"I had only heard of Lord Xie's bravery, but I never expected him to be so handsome!"

"Indeed, Lord Xie is a renowned handsome man far and wide!"

The little dumpling looked up and, sure enough, it was Xie Wenling: "Brother Xie! You're finally here!"

After resting for a while, Xie Wenling's face regained its color. Now, wearing a fiery red fox fur coat, he looked even more radiant, making it impossible for anyone to look away.

He looked at the little dumpling and smiled slightly: "Well, I'm a little late. I was stopped and had a few words spoken on the way. I hope I didn't keep you waiting?"

"No, no!" The little dumpling shook her head, tugging at his sleeve. "Yue'er saved a seat for Brother Xie, right next to the Grand Tutor. Shall we eat the snacks Yue'er made together later?"

Xie Wenling and Qu Zijin were both somewhat surprised: "The princess can cook?"

"Yes!" The little dumpling proudly puffed out its little belly.

"Then I'm really looking forward to it," Xie Wenling said with a smile.

Meanwhile...

Tao Wanbi, who was sitting in the corner, stared wide-eyed at Xie Wenling the moment she saw him: "Wow, handsome guy!"

She had only heard that Xie Wenling was amazing, but had never seen him in person, and she never expected that Xie Wenling would be so handsome.

He was more outstanding than any male celebrity she had ever seen in modern times.

She was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but say to the system, "System, is that Xie Wenling? He's so handsome! If I could win him over, it would be much better than winning over that brat male lead!"

What are you thinking about?

You're only three years old in this body.

Moreover, in every script, Xie Wenling is an unromanceable character.

Don't even think about it; it's a complete waste of time.

"Huh? He's not a romanceable character..." Tao Wanbi was a little disappointed. "Didn't you say this was a 'heartthrob' script? Why is there an unromanceable male character?"

Haha, I can only say you have a great eye for choosing.

"What's the meaning?"

In our script, there are only three male characters who are not romanceable: Wei Xiuming, Qu Zijin, and Xie Wenling.

[And there are at least a hundred named male characters in the script who are attracted to you.]

[But you picked that 3% right away, impressive.]

Besides, they're all from the older generation; there are plenty of young, fresh men for you to choose from. Why insist on pursuing men from your father's generation?

Is this the kind of "daddy" relationship humans like? I don't understand.

The system first mocked, then expressed confusion.

Tao Wanbi hesitated, then said, "Um... is it possible that the young and fresh men you mentioned are actually just a bunch of kids now...?"

"The old Deng you're talking about is only in his twenties, the prime of his youth and good looks."

"Although my physical body is three years old, I'm actually already a teenager..."

"How could I possibly be interested in children? I'm not a pedophile."

"I definitely prefer men who are around twenty years old and in their prime."

Is that how it is?

The system seemed to be deep in thought.

Human preferences are indeed strange.

"..."

"???"

"Isn't it your idea that's strange?"