Two weeks later, Qin Leyin returned to Tide Wind Pavilion.
Today's invitation had been extended in the name of dinner. The last rays of the setting sun gently brushed Profound Candle Prefecture by the sea, casting their glow over the bustling Outer City while leaving the quiet, orderly Inner City in shadow.
Standing in the shadows, Qin Leyin's red hair appeared even more vividly alluring and eerie.
He gazed into the distance. In his view, Profound Candle Prefecture had been divided into two parts by nature,
one above, one below.
One in darkness, one in light.
One stretching outward, one contracting inward.
Many ordinary sights took on a different flavor on extraordinary days, when viewed by people caught up in times of change.
"Heaven's Will." He chuckled softly. "It cannot be defied."
A servant respectfully led Qin Leyin into the private VIP room inside. Just like last time, it was already filled with familiar faces—either chamber of commerce presidents who had weathered the ups and downs for years or young talents who wielded power with confidence.
But unlike their previous confidence in the "Slay Jing, Destroy Ting" plan, no one greeted Qin Leyin when he entered. Everyone was brooding over their drinks in silence.
Their eyes held confusion, sorrow, bewilderment, and helplessness.
Although they wore brocade and silk, drank fine wine, and ate delicacies in a luxurious, extravagant restaurant, with obedient female attendants by their sides,
they looked
no different from the commoners they despised.
Qin Leyin sat down without changing expression. After refusing the female attendant's offer to serve him, he glanced at the empty seat of honor and asked, "At a time like this, you're still not inviting the Ting family?"
"We did." Luo Zhen drank in silence. "But they didn't send anyone. Since everyone else is here,