Bowl

The servant announcing guests sounded like he was on something.

His voice wasn't just loud; it was drawn out and exaggerated, as if afraid no one would hear.

The guests inside exchanged bewildered glances, just as confused as Chu Qing.

Young Miss Wu, Wu Qianhuan?

Why would she come?

Everyone attending this banquet was well-versed in the affairs of Heavenly Dance City.

Who didn't know that the Chu Family's third young master had run away in anger precisely because Chu Yunfei had arranged this marriage for him?

At the time, Wu Qianhuan was still young, only ten, but she also felt this matter was a disgrace.

She joined the search for the runaway groom, looking for a full three months without finding a single trace.

In her fury, she uttered the famous words, 'The Chu Clan's shame must be etched in my heart, never to be forgotten for a moment.'

In the years since, she had avoided almost everything related to the Chu Family like the plague.

Yet, she had actually come today?

For a time, everyone in the hall had different thoughts, and the slightly tense atmosphere relaxed considerably.

Chu Tian chuckled and pulled Chu Fan, turning around to see a beautiful young woman gracefully walking forward, surrounded by a crowd.

She wore an apricot-yellow dress, her figure graceful and slender, standing tall and elegant.

Her eyes naturally held a hint of a smile, showing no trace of bitterness or resentment.

Chu Qing hid to the side, peeking out and clicking his tongue in admiration:

"She's certainly changed a lot as she's grown up; that little yellow-haired girl has become so lovely and vibrant.

"I just wonder if her temper has mellowed a bit?"

Chu Tian led Chu Fan forward, and they bowed together.

Chu Fan's lips moved, wanting to call out "sister-in-law," but he worried about causing trouble.

He could only let out a long sigh...

"Second Brother Chu, it's been many years, and the moment you see me, you sigh. Why is that?"

Wu Qianhuan looked at him with a smile.

"I... Sigh, my Chu Family has wronged you, but, no matter where he is, I will definitely bring my third... Wuwuwu..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chu Tian clapped a hand over his mouth.

Even with Chu Fan's natural divine strength, he couldn't break free for a moment. He heard Chu Tian say with a laugh:

"Young Miss, please don't take his words to heart."

Wu Qianhuan glanced at the two brothers and shook her head:

"Second Brother Chu, on a day like today, let's not mention that unlucky person.

"However, unless he's dead, the matter between him and me will eventually need a resolution.

"My visit today is for no other reason than to congratulate Second Brother Chu and welcome you back home after mastering your skills."

Chu Fan listened with a complicated expression, cupped his hands, and thanked her.

Wu Qianhuan then glanced at Tang Xi again and smiled:

"Just now, I heard you were discussing martial arts? To be honest, I believe I've made some progress myself over the years.

"Since the banquet hasn't started yet, why don't we go inside to the inner courtyard and spar a bit? Young Hall Master Tang, what do you think?"

With Wu Qianhuan speaking up, how could Tang Xi refuse?

He immediately smiled:

"Since Young Miss has such elegant interest, how could I not accompany you?"

"Very well, closed-door training is not as good as more exchange."

Chu Tian looked at Chu Fan and said:

"You take them to your courtyard for a practice session. Remember, when sparring, stop before anyone gets hurt."

Chu Fan nodded upon hearing this, and extended a hand:

"Please, both of you."

"Please."

As they spoke, the group walked towards the inner courtyard.

However, after only two steps, Wu Qianhuan seemed to sense something and suddenly turned back to gaze at the crowd.

Chu Fan looked at her with some surprise:

"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"

"...Nothing."

Wu Qianhuan frowned slightly, not minding Chu Fan's way of addressing her.

It was just that for a fleeting moment, she felt a familiar gaze.

But when she turned to look, she found nothing.

She pondered for a moment, not taking it to heart, thinking it was just memories playing tricks on her mind after returning to the Chu Family after many years.

Little did she know, after their group left, Chu Qing, hidden on top of the wall, gently wiped the cold sweat from his forehead:

"Is this woman... that sharp?"

He stole a glance and saw that they had really left, leaving only Chu Tian still here receiving guests. Only then did he come out from behind the wall, ready to find another place to loiter, to avoid running into Chu Tian.

But before he could act, he met Chu Tian's eyes.

His heart immediately skipped a beat... but he figured that after seven years, and with his face disguised, even if Chu Tian was a genius, it wouldn't be that easy to recognize him.

It was just like at the tea house back then; if he hadn't heard Chu Fan and the others talking, Chu Qing wouldn't have recognized the other party either.

Although he felt a little apprehensive, the movements of his hands didn't slow down at all. He immediately bowed and was about to go 'get busy'.

Unexpectedly, Chu Tian suddenly spoke:

"You, come here."

"..."

Chu Qing's face darkened. Had he really been recognized?

Should he turn around and run?

But what if the other party calling him over had nothing to do with recognizing him? Wouldn't running away expose him instead?

Various thoughts flashed through his mind. Chu Qing sighed inwardly. If he was really recognized, then so be it.

His identity as the third young master of the dignified Chu Family wasn't fake... it would just be difficult to continue acting in secret.

He immediately took a few steps to Chu Tian's front and called out in a low voice:

"Young Master."

Although he suspected he might have been exposed, it wasn't the last moment yet, so it wasn't time to reveal his identity.

After Chu Tian looked at him twice, he called another servant over and then spoke:

"You two go prepare some tea and refreshments and send them to the second young master's courtyard.

"Then wait there."

Although Chu Qing was unwilling to hear this, he could only nod:

"Yes."

Then, together with that servant, he turned around and hurried towards the kitchen.

Chu Tian's gaze swept over his back, then retracted, and he put on a smile again to welcome the guests who had just entered:

"Today is a great day, you must drink a few more cups."

Chu Qing and the servant went to the kitchen to get a tray, placed tea and refreshments on it, and then headed towards Chu Fan's courtyard.

He originally didn't want to come, but on second thought, he felt it was better this way.

Even if Wu Qianhuan was sharp, as long as he didn't look at her, what could she possibly sense?

And during the time waiting for the banquet to start, what place could be more suitable for hiding than Chu Fan's small courtyard?

Thinking this, he arrived at Chu Fan's courtyard.

Upon entering, he saw Chu Fan sparring with Tang Xi, while Wu Qianhuan sat on a stone stool nearby, seemingly bored.

And on the stone stool next to her sat another person, whom Chu Qing recognized... Chu Fan's Junior Sister Wen.

He hadn't seen her before, but unexpectedly, she was here watching the excitement.

Chu Fan and the servant delivered the things and then stood behind them.

As expected, they didn't attract anyone's attention.

"If nothing unexpected happens, they definitely won't be able to stay here after the banquet starts. Going to the front courtyard with them at that time will be even more undetectable."

Just as he was thinking this, an unexpected event suddenly occurred.

He saw that Junior Sister Wen looked back at him twice, then actually stood up and walked to his side.

Wu Qianhuan didn't pay attention to her actions; her gaze and attention were completely drawn to the sparring between Tang Xi and Chu Fan.

Chu Qing felt something was wrong, and immediately after, he felt Junior Sister Wen slip something into his hand.

He lowered his head to look, and his heart was greatly shaken.

It was clearly a tattered... Bowl?!