"How could I? I'd be more than willing to listen to your story. Let's go to the pavilion and talk slowly."
Although Xiang Yang had never pursued a girl before, that did not mean he was dull-witted. He could see the hesitation she wanted to voice, as well as the deeper uncertainty and confusion in Ning Ke's words, so he hurriedly agreed before she could shrink back.
At a time like this, he absolutely could not hesitate. He had to charge straight ahead—hesitation meant defeat, while advancing might mean victory. This was an excellent opportunity.
When a woman was willing to share her past or secrets buried deep in her heart with a man, even if she did not like him, she certainly would not reject him.
Thus, Xiang Yang's heart leaped with joy, as though he had returned to the day he first achieved success in cultivation. Every cell in his body seemed to be bouncing comfortably.
Ning Ke obediently followed behind Xiang Yang, her footsteps light as she entered the pavilion.
She glanced at the martial artists around them before sitting down. Her hands hung beneath the table as she anxiously bit her lower lip, her brows drawn tightly together.
She had few friends, and even fewer kindred spirits. There were fewer still who could sit facing her with such intimacy. Xiang Yang was the only man, so Ning Ke felt something strange stirring within her.
However, seeing Xiang Yang's attentive expression and his rather gentle face, Ning Ke relaxed considerably. Tilting her head to look at the scenery outside the pavilion, she let out a soft breath and asked,
"Xiang Yang, you're from Yongzhou, and Yongzhou borders Xiangzhou. You must have heard of the Fifth Family, right?"
"Of course I have. I also know that your mother