Reborn as the Mayor's Girlfriend

Ryzen POV

Three years ago, in my original life, I did the mandatory duty to vote for the president and other politicians. At that time, I thought what I did was more than enough.

However, after being exposed to different perspectives now in politics, I have realised that I shouldn't have voted someone without properly doing my research.

As I listened to the current president of this country give his speech, these thoughts suddenly came to my mind.

Honestly, I regret voting for him. Even the way he speaks could not even be compared to Lennox, who is eloquent and breathtaking with his speeches.

The president said his speech using a haughty tone and kept going around on circles. Even though I'm no expert in politics, as someone who is now politically literate, I am able to discern that most of what the president just stated are unjust and ridiculous.

Giving most of the budget to the military and key government officials? Cutting the budget for calamity and disaster risk management? Cutting the investment on research and salaries for healthcare workers?

How is that even okay? How are people okay with this? With just those mentioned, the national budget is already skeptical enough. The government is obviously swindling the money meant for the benefit of the people. They are treating the seat of the president as someone who supposedly owns the nation, not as someone who leads and executes proper leadership.

Surprisingly, the three-hour long speech by the president made me ponder a lot. If it was before, this kind of thing would bore me out since it does not directly impact me anyway. I was and still am, undeniably privileged. However, now, at least I acknowledge my privilege and gradually start to care more about what is happening in the country.

After the speech ended, it only took everyone a couple of minutes before they arranged theirselves to move to the after-party venue.

In fact, it can be considered that the real highlight of this event would be the after-party instead.

Upon arriving in the venue, Zeus Costales left me again to talk to his colleagues. He told me that he'll come back to me later and introduce some people so I should just wander for a while.

Basing from Millen Yu's memories, she would hang out with acquaintances in this after-party. They were children of key political figures that were also around her generation.

Should I also just go to them?

While deciding on that matter, I mindlessly walked and bumped into someone's shoulder!

"I'm so sorry!" I said instantly.

I stopped my tracks for a while to see who I bumped with.

It was a young man who looked like he was in his late 20's. He had fair skin and his looks were somewhat classified in the 'pretty boy' type. The man even wore glasses which added to his appeal.

Not bad.

"No, it's okay. It was my fault for being careless as well." he said gently.

Since the person seemed easy-going, I let out a courtesy smile at him and prepared to wander off.

However, before I can even leave, he suddenly let out his hand.

"By the way... it's my first time here. So if you don't mind, can you chat with me for a bit? I'm Kyle Diaz, the current youth leader of the Democratic Action partylist. Senator Diaz is my father." he introduced himself.

Hmm... talking to someone would actually let me pass time so I guess it's okay. This person seemed like someone with a depth personality, who I can converse with seriously, unlike Millen's acquaintances who only knows gossip.

Anyway, as expected, I did not see Lennox so far at this after-party event. If my guess is right, then just like the previous years, he probably did not attend.

It's not like I could just leave here either just to chase Lennox... Zeus Costales would probably raise hell if I did that. They spent millions too in just getting the dress I'm currently wearing so I might as well play my part.

Also! Lennox was with another girl. Tss. Who knows where they went after this? Even if I wasn't obligated to stay in the after-party for Zeus Costales, I'm sure I wouldn't have had the opportunity to hang out with him earlier since he brought a partner to the event...

Ah, just remembering it makes my head hurt. It kills me not knowing what relationship he has with that random woman he brought.

At this point, I could feel that my mission just keeps on getting harder and harder. Who knew it was this complicated just capturing a man's heart? And to think that I was so confident at the start!

Quickly, I politely took the hand that Kyle Diaz extended to me. Then, I was the first one who let go of our hands.

"Nice to meet you, Kyle. I'm Millen Yu, granddaughter of Senate President Zeus Costales. I've been attending this event with my grandfather since I was 18." I said softly.

"Wow! That's amazing. Your background is outstanding. I've been pursuing my Masters in Research in London for the past years and only came back to the country this year. I haven't been mingling around here for a while." he said.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine. By the way, you have Masters in Research? That's so cool. I'm still studying in medicine school right now and if I wasn't doing this, I'll probably want to pursue what you did." I replied enthusiastically.

Seriously, I'm a bit envious. There are only few people in the country who are able to pursue a Masters in Research. Moreso, he pursued it on London! It's incredibly hard to pursue it there, as they base on one's skills and background.

"Oh? Funny, because while I was studying my undergrad, Biomedical Engineering, I was also thinking if I should pursue medicine instead." he said in a charismatic voice.

"Anyways, our fields are deeply related to each other. If there's anything you want to know about my field, don't be shy to ask. But, of course, you'll have to help me out as well with my questions." he continued.

I let out a small chuckle at his invitation.

Well, this should be fine, right? Millen had a lot of guy friends, just like that Xavier Ayala, who kept me in company while I was completing the rest of Millen's time studying her undergraduate course.

Besides, this is what Millen Yu's family would want her to do, build out her connections. Also, Kyle Diaz' dad is a senator and that already says a lot. More likely than not, his dad is probably affiliated with Zeus Costales.

"Sure. Why not?" I said simply.

We talked more and I am actually quite amazed at his deep knowledge about the medical and research field. He's a very intelligent person.

While we were still talking, suddenly, a waiter who was facing my back offered wine to us. Naturally, I turned around to get the wine he offered.

But then, my gaze fixed on the two people I just saw.

Lennox attended the after-party? And, with that woman!?

My mouth twitched at the sight.

The beautiful woman he brought gently offered some dessert to him, even feeding him herself. Lennox frowned slightly but still took it without any reluctance. Afterwards, the woman chuckled at Lennox and they talked for a bit more.

At that moment, they really looked like a couple who has been in love for many years.

Heavens! If that is the case, what is up with this mission? Even with my current best efforts, Lennox doesn't seem to like me that much. And now, he has someone else that he likes?

Why do I feel like the heavens are playing a joke on me?

As I think about my grievances, I sipped on my wine more. I couldn't look anymore at the sight since it would only make me feel bad.

Just with that, I don't feel like approaching Lennox today, even if he surprisingly attended this after-party.

I turned around quickly to face Kyle.

"What's the matter? You looked like you ate something bad." he teased, probably unaware where my gaze was directed at.

"Hmm... it's nothing." I said simply, still sipping on my wine.

"Well, anyways, if you don't mind, can I get your number? I believe that our discussion just won't end here. You also have to send me the research publications you've been saying." he declared.

Kyle got his phone out, looking at me with eager eyes to give in to his request.

But somehow, I do not feel like giving my number that easily. After all, I just met him today. Is it really necessary?

"Hmm.. why don't I send those instead through Messenger or something? It's more convenient that way." I said simply, subtly rejecting his request.

Kyle looked a bit embarrassed but hid it with a low laugh.

"Right, and it's more modern to do that. I'll search your name on Facebook and you have to accept it, ok?" he said.

"Ok. That's not a problem." I replied simply.

Kyle was going on about a research he has encountered but was interrupted when he saw someone at my back. He let out a polite smile at that person.

"Ah, I see that you've met my granddaughter. You're Senator Diaz' boy, aren't you?" someone said.

I turned around a little to see who it is and indeed, it was no other than Zeus Costales. He really stuck to his promise and went back to me after a few minutes.

"Yes. She is lovely, Senator Costales. It is an honour to be able to see you two here." Kyle politely responded.

Zeus Costales let out a boasting laugh at him.

"Hmm.. Indeed. My granddaughter is lovely. Millen, this boy isn't so bad isn't he?" he teased to me.

Even though I knew the underlying meaning behind it, I nodded politely. It doesn't matter anyway. The original Millen Yu only had her heart set on Lennox and my mission right now is to 'capture' him. There's literally no rooms for anybody else. At most, Kyle Diaz seems like he could be a good friend.

Zeus Costales let out a laugh again and suddenly tapped Kyle's shoulder.

"Well, I'm sorry to interrupt you two, but I'll be borrowing my granddaughter for a while. My colleagues want to meet her. I heard your father was looking for you too." Zeus said to Kyle.

Kyle polite noddded at him.

"No problem. Thank you for letting me know, Senator Costales. And, see you, Millen." Kyle greeted us.

After that, I did the main purpose of being in this after-party, which took awfully long.

Zeus Costales introduced me to his colleagues and even to the president himself, making me greet them politely. They would just compliment me and Zeus Costales would just not stop boasting about me.

It actually makes me uncomfortable yet flustered at the same time. I feel like he's exaggerating too much about the way he describes me. He's too proud of his 'granddaughter'...

Once all the courtesy greetings were over, Zeus Costales finally initiated for us to go home. I sighed in relief since it was really tiring to put on a smile to all those politicians, acting like a doll and forcing myself to compliment them in return.

But as I was being escorted on the exit, I suddenly saw Lennox just a few steps away from me.

Lennox was alone and he had a deep gaze directed at me. Usually, he would have his usual political aura around him and would always have his charismatic smile on his face. But now, he was just staring intensely at me.

What can I do? Our eyes met so I guess I have no choice but to acknowledge his presence.

I forced myself to smile at him, which I'm pretty sure, turned awkward. I also gave a little wave at him.

Instead of waving back and giving out his politician smile, he started to walk to where I was but was suddenly pulled by someone...

It's that random woman again!

Hmmp. I only gave a polite smile at him again before I walked faster to the exit to follow the person escorting me.

I refuse to see anymore sight of them, it's only going to make me even more confused, okay! This is for my own sanity...