The banquet hall, southwest corner.
Wade navigated through the crowds and clamor of the banquet hall, finding his companions without much effort.
Jordan Li and the others were gathered near the buffet table, their conversation filled with excitement.
Andre ate some pastries and whispered, "That was amazing just now! My dad took me to meet the agent who discovered A-Train, and some others too. I was handed so many business cards."
Luke pulled a handful of cards from his pocket. "I met government officials from various regions. They asked a lot of questions about my thermonuclear abilities."
Jordan Li had switched back to her female form and was sipping juice. "This is good. The professor said we can find the paths we want to take in the future right here."
Wade joined them quietly, picked up a pastry, and asked casually, "Hey! Did you guys... run into Mr. Robert? That's Tek Knight, the host of 'Truth Seeker.' He chatted with me for a bit and asked some questions about the camp."
Andre put down his utensils, looking relaxed. "Of course we did. He asked us the same questions. Nothing special, I just told him the truth about what happened that night."
"I said the same," Luke and Jordan Li chimed in.
Wade sensed the clear thoughts in their minds and felt much more at ease: 'It seems they're fine.'
Just then, Ashley walked over quickly with a bright smile on her face. "Children, come with me quickly. Ms. Madelyn and a few important gentlemen would like to meet you."
Wade and his group were led to the core area of the venue. The crowd here was sparse, and most people had a steady demeanor and wore expensive clothing.
People talked in low voices in small groups, and their occasional hand gestures carried the habits formed from long-term command.
Madelyn was talking with a gray-haired senator and several middle-aged to elderly men and women who clearly looked like members of the business community.
Seeing them approach, a proud expression immediately bloomed on Madelyn's face as she extended her arm. "Speaker Simon, everyone, please allow me to formally introduce them. These are the young people from Godolkin University who fearlessly resisted during the recent terrorist attack. They are not only survivors of that tragedy but have also proven the elite and excellent quality of our Supe students through their own courage."
She patted Luke and Andre's shoulders affectionately, though her gaze swept over everyone. "In them, I see the inheritance of the Vought spirit—never backing down in the face of terror and evil, and upholding the purest belief in justice. How rare this is; they are the hope of Vought, and indeed the future of our entire society."
Simon nodded with satisfaction, his gaze full of approval. "Young people are the cornerstone of the future. It seems your Godolkin University has done an outstanding job in cultivating them. Madelyn, Vought's investment in talent cultivation always brings surprises."
Madelyn responded with a smile, "We always believe that investing in the future is investing in our most precious assets. Each of these children has unique potential and deserves the best guidance and resources."
Luke and Andre straightened their backs at her words, their faces showing excitement; Wade followed behind them, nodding with a smile.
A blue and gold figure burst in front of everyone like an emperor on inspection.
Homelander's gaze swept over the five of them, lingering for a moment on Wade, Jordan, and Luke. "I remember your heroic performance that night, choosing to resist tenaciously in the face of terrorists. This is good... While maintaining awe, you must also maintain your courage, and learn to understand what kind of burden a hero should shoulder."
"You're right, sir," Wade nodded in agreement along with the others, his expression full of reverence.
Homelander turned and left to address another group of people after speaking.
After the group made their rounds among the dignitaries, Madelyn arranged for them to disperse.
Kate walked alongside Wade, clutching her chest. "I don't know why, but here... I always feel a bit uncomfortable."
Wade tugged at his collar. "It's only natural to feel uncomfortable. With so many arrogant strangers here putting on an act, it would be strange if you were used to it."
"There you are, come here quickly!" Jill popped out from somewhere and excitedly grabbed Wade's hand to lead him away, leaving Kate standing there.
Kate watched their backs as they walked hand-in-hand through the crowd, her lips pursed slightly, feeling an indescribable sting... Wade was pulled back to the central dining area by Jill, and the two sat down next to Klara.
Jill leaned in with a giggle. "Heehee... Mom, I brought him back!"
The positioning of this table was quite subtle. To the left sat Starlight, trying hard to maintain a professional smile while dealing with those approaching her; to the right was Queen Maeve, holding a glass of whiskey and talking in low tones with Klara.
A performance of hypocrisy was silently playing out in this small corner.
Jill couldn't stay still; she suddenly pointed at Wade and said to Starlight, "Sister Annie, don't be fooled by his cold act right now, he's actually a fan of yours... Mmf!"
Wade quickly covered her loose-lipped mouth, looked at Starlight with a slightly apologetic expression, and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you for the first time, Miss Annie. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Starlight shook his hand, tilting her head in confusion. "Have we... met somewhere before?"
Wade felt a slight chill in his heart but naturally withdrew his hand and shook his head. "I don't think so. I only recently started... appreciating you. I hope I haven't been too forward; please forgive me."
Starlight looked down at the chest of her suit, suddenly understood, and laughed. "Thank you for your support."
'Great, she thinks I'm some kind of pervert.' Wade rubbed his nose in embarrassment, not bothering to explain.
Just then, Klara put down her glass of ice wine and pointed to Wade. "Maeve, let me introduce you... This is Wade, Jill's boyfriend. He's quite good; his potential is no lower than yours."
Wade wasn't sure what Jill had told Klara, but even though he had declined, she still seemed to have plans to pull him into their social circle.
"Tier 3 Mastery?" Maeve raised her weary eyes and took another sip of her drink. "Sister Klara, are you sure he's just a boyfriend and not a fiancé?"
Klara dropped a few ice cubes into her glass and shook her head with a sigh. "Young people don't listen to advice; they always want to take things slow. I can afford to wait."
Wade probed the thoughts of the two women across the table: Maeve's heart was filled with exhaustion and a deep loathing for everything around her; Klara was different—her heart was devoid of any emotion, truly like a block of ice.
Jill leaned her head back against him and whispered, "Why didn't you let me speak just now?"
Wade lightly patted her crystalline face. "That's a secret between the two of us. If you want to talk, you might as well tell everyone about the time you maliciously attacked me."
Jill pouted at him. "No way, that's so embarrassing..."
Just then, the lights in the venue dimmed slightly, and a hum came from the speakers.
Everyone turned their heads toward the main stage, knowing that the main part of the memorial service was about to begin.
Wade let go of Jill and looked at Homelander, who was walking slowly toward the stage under the spotlight.
'The actors are in place; time to enjoy the show.'
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