The two who hadn't come were Wu Si and Director Yu.
Director Yu had sent word that official business kept him busy, and he had no time to attend.
Wu Si had sent word that he was swamped with trivial matters and would apologize another day.
Xu Yi knew very well that the former was genuinely busy, while the latter simply didn't dare come.
He guessed Wu Si had most likely already opened the treasure box and was unwilling to come because he felt guilty.
If he didn't come, then so be it. Xu Yi had a plan in mind. If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain.
By the Xiang River, in front of the bamboo house, distinguished guests filled the seats and kindred spirits gathered like clouds. Xu Yi had made careful preparations, providing ample supplies of the finest quality. Everyone chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere was excellent.
The gathering lasted several hours, until the moon hung high in the sky and the Milky Way glittered. Liu Guancen recited "When Will the Bright Moon Appear," one of several fine moonlit poems Xu Yi had composed at a previous gathering.
When he finished, Su Xiangjun tapped out the beat and cried out in praise. "No matter how many times I hear it, I always feel that someone with such talent must be Heaven's chosen child."
Everyone chimed in, while a trace of worry passed over Xu Yi's face.
Song Qingying said, "I can tell Brother Xu has something on his mind. We're all old friends here. Why not tell us about it? If you need help, we'll all gladly lend a hand."
Thanks to Xu Yi's line, "How much sorrow can the spring breeze bring? It cannot blow away the furrow of my brow,"