There was only a trace of wind and frost upon him, the hem of his clothes slightly soiled.
After the second cup of wine went down, applause rang through the banquet hall without end.
The carefully prepared opening act had never even been needed. The disturbance had been completely quelled the moment it arose.
Once the corpse had been dragged away, it was as though nothing had happened. The music resumed, the dancing resumed, and the revelry grew even louder than before. At the height of the festivities, with everyone craning their necks in anticipation, Ling Shuo once again stepped onto the stage, his smile more fervent than ever. "Thank you all for your esteem and support. Now that the Seven Isles Trade Association has only just been founded, I cannot hold it up alone. I will still need to rely on all of you in the future."
He paused briefly, opened the list in his hand, and said slowly, "Next, I will announce several personnel arrangements. Those whose names are called, please come forward."
In an instant, the entire banquet hall became quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Everyone turned toward the stage, eyes wide, breathing quickened, eagerly awaiting what was to come. It was finally here!
The time to reward merit had arrived!
"Ji Wen."
The first name called was, without question, his foremost confidant. A figure who had waited for a long time immediately stepped out from the crowd, walked onto the stage with his head held high, then bent at the waist and bowed his head in offering of loyalty.
"Don't be so serious. It's my birthday today. Everyone should be happy." Ling Shuo reached out and patted his shoulder. "Everyone has seen the hardship you've endured these past days. I hope you'll keep up