Lin Xuan said no more and took the lead in walking out.
Ren Yingying watched his tall, confident back. Though she still felt somewhat uneasy, for some reason, an inexplicable sense of security arose within her.
It was as if, as long as this man was there, she would not need to fear even if the sky fell.
She bit her red lip and hurried after him.
Solitary Hill Plum Manor stood by West Lake, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with beautiful scenery all around.
Vast groves of plum trees had been planted outside the manor. Though it was not the season for plum blossoms, the twisted, gnarled branches still exuded an air of quiet elegance.
Lin Xuan and Ren Yingying arrived side by side before the gates of Plum Manor.
It was a heavy vermilion-lacquered gate studded with massive bronze nails, emanating a stern and imposing pressure.
Lin Xuan stepped forward without the slightest hesitation, raised his hand, and struck the door knocker heavily three times.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The dull knocking echoed outside the silent manor.
Before long, the gate creaked open a crack.
A sharp-featured servant dressed in coarse gray clothes poked his head out.
He looked Lin Xuan and Ren Yingying up and down.
The man before him was handsome and dashing, with an imposing bearing; the woman was exquisitely beautiful, like a fairy descended to earth.
Standing together, they looked like an immortal couple who had stepped out of a painting, extraordinary in every way.
Though the servant was inwardly astonished, Plum Manor had never received outside guests. He still kept a stern face and asked coldly, "May I ask what business you two have here? This is a private manor and does not receive outsiders. Please leave at once."
Lin Xuan