Xiao Yun glanced at the sky beyond the hall. The sun had already begun to slope westward, and the window lattice cast longer shadows across the floor. "No one has eaten yet, right? Let's leave things here for now. We'll go to the main cafeteria for lunch, then discuss the remaining arrangements this afternoon."
The eight rose in response. The chairs in the hall were gently pushed back into place, producing several faint sounds.
As Xiao Yun stepped down from the main seat, the six women followed behind him, and the group headed toward the main cafeteria.
The banquet hall on the second floor of the main cafeteria was bright and spotless. Several south-facing windows stood open, and the cool early-spring breeze swept through from outside the window, carrying the scent of riverside soil and vegetation as it dispersed most of the smell from the freshly painted window frames.
A lavish lunch had long since been laid out. The cooking smoke had not fully dispersed, while faint steam rose from the bowls and plates, slowly drifting upward in the afternoon sunlight before quickly vanishing by the open corridor.
Several long tables had been joined together and covered with clean grayish-white cotton cloth. Bowls and plates were arranged in order, while the main seat on the northern side faced the open windows, through which the glimmering white light on the river could be seen.
Xiao Yun took the main seat. To his left sat Shui Yuntian, Feng Wuhen, Huo Lie, and Yao Yang; to his right sat the Sheng Family's Old Madam, Xue Mingyuan, Shui Ruolin, and Ma Sanbao.
The six women took their seats along the other side of the long table. Shui Ruoyan sat closest to the main seat, with Yao Yuerou beside her, followed by Shui Bing'er, Shui