Chapter 285

Raylan had that effortless charm, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “My mentor is a master of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I’ve been learning tri—”

Phoebe nodded. “Makes sense. Your horoscope skills must be next-level. I can’t read your facial features at all, which means you’re probably stronger—”

She was testing him, but honestly, she meant what she said. His face wasn’t hidden or anything, yet she couldn’t see through him. She could pick up on the basics, but beyond that, nothing. That was rare. It only meant one thing: his abilities were likely above hers.

One thing was for sure, though: he wasn’t connected to Sienna or her people. In other words, Raylan wasn’t that person’s kid. Still, something about him was different. It was almost like he had already reached the Ascendance Realm, the highest level of horoscope mastery. However, that didn’t seem possible. Someone his age achieving that was highly unlikely.

There had to be something else going on; some secret, some unknown factor.

Kaylan gave her a small, knowing smile. “I wouldn’t be so sure. I can’t read your facial features either, so you must be strong too.”

Phoebe knew he was studying her just as much as she was studying him, and he seemed surprised. He couldn’t see through her, yet her strength was clearly in the Reverence Realm. Normally, only Ascendance Realm horoscope masters had that kind of concealment. Either that, or something else was at play with her.

The fact that he couldn’t figure her out just made him curious.

Phoebe smirked. “You’re being modest.” Then she added, “How about we spar sometime!”

Raylan’s smile deepened. “I was thinking the same thing.” He’d met his match, and not just any match. He was going to be a real challenge. Phoebe had a feeling she had finally met her equal. Whoever was behind all this had really gone all out, bringing in someone like him. But what really caught her attention was the seal with Percival’s energy. That part didn’t add up.

Sae filled her head slightly, flashing an easy smile. “So, is your mentor from the Horoscope Association? I might know them.” Then, as if offering him an easy out, she added, “But hey, if you’d rather not say, just forget I asked.” She had added her to the group chat, where several horoscope masters were active. She had even joined the Horoscope Association’s chat and had been exchanging insights with some of the masters there.

Kaylan smiled. “There’s nothing to hide. My mentor is Ximenez Quade. You probably know him.”

Phoebe’s eyebrows shot up, caught off guard. “Wait, Mr. Quade is your mentor? That makes you my senior, doesn’t it?” Earlier, the producer had asked about Raylan’s age. He had said he was 25, which made him older than her. Ximenez was Percival’s scion and also the vice president of the Horoscope Association. She hadn’t expected to have this kind of connection with Raylan. That certainly made things more complicated. Ximenez was involved, 100%. Kaylan intentionally sent by the mastermind, or is this just a coincidence? she asked herself. Something told her it wasn’t that simple. They’d crossed paths. Honestly, I was surprised when I saw you earlier.

Niling nodded. “Mr. Quade mentioned you before. He even showed me your photo. When I got the offer for this variety show and saw your name, I thought it—” He paused, as if hinting at something, and added, “And slice puncte my junior, it makes sense that the seal found its way to you?” Plipeler immediately understood. He knew the seal had originally belonged to her.

Chapter 285

Raylan chuckled. “You’re quick. I met him three times. The last time, he gave me the seal. But the second I took it, it slipped from my hands, almo—”

“So I tried to give it back, but he refused. He told me to hold on to it and pass it to the right person when the time came.” He leaned back slightly. “Three years ago, I left the seal at that shop. Who knew, after everything, it would end up with you? I guess fate really works—”

Phoebe’s lips curled into a smile. “Is that so! What a coincidence!” Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, she added, “But maybe the fated person wasn’t me. Maybe it was the one who left the seal there for me.”

Kaylan was briefly stunned before letting out a chuckle. “If that’s how you want to see it, I won’t argue.”

Raylan shook his head. “He’s out on some business. He probably won’t be back until next month.”

Phoebe switched the topic. “Is Mr. Quade in the city? I’m thinking of visiting him after the variety show ends.”

Kaylan smiled. “There will be plenty of chances in the future.”

As they chatted while walking, Jamar and Reece exchanged glances, both clearly surprised. They hadn’t expected the guest to be so… connected. Meanwhile, the livestream audience was just as shocked. The comments were flooding in; some were calling it fate, while others pointed out that they truly looked like a senior and junior pair, especially since they were both so good-looking.

Ten minutes later, the four of them arrived at the restaurant. By then, the dinner rush had passed. Maddox was busy wiping down tables, looking like he was doing a solid job. Not far away, Cain was slowly moving a stool while Sienna wiped down another table.

The moment Maddox spotted them, his face lit up with a bright smile. “Pheebs, you’re here!”

Phoebe’s eyes softened with amusement. “Yeah, here to have dinner with you guys. Where’s Lexie? Are you almost done?”

Maddox nodded. “Just gotta clear these last two tables, then I’m done. Lexie’s in the kitchen cleaning up; she’s almost finished. You guys can head to the private room and order first. We’ll join you soon.”

Phoebe tilted her head. “Need any help?”

Maddox chuckled. “Nah, you’ve been working all afternoon doing makeup. You should take a break.” He had overheard some customers talking about how Phoebe was doing makeup for people on another street to earn some cash. Apparently, she had been working nonstop, handling customer after customer. People were even recommending her to others. They said she was incredibly fast, finishing a full makeup look in about ten minutes, and even helped people match their styles. It was impressive, but the quality was on par with a professional makeup artist. While Maddox was proud of her, he also couldn’t help but feel a little sorry. She had been doing makeup for over five hours straight. She must be exhausted.

Phoebe could hear the concern in Maddox’s voice, and it warmed her heart. She smiled. “Now that you mention it, I am feeling a little tired. Guess I’ll go wait in the private room.”

“Alright,” Maddox said with a nod, leading the way as he guided Phoebe and the others inside. Raylan, trailing behind, couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed. Maddox was being way too attentive. And to make things worse, they hadn’t even thought to say something considerate themselves. Doing makeup earlier had seemed so easy that they never really stopped to think about how exhausting it must have been. Now Maddox had beaten them to it, and they were feeling a little self-conscious.