The Bowl

That servant announcing the guests sounded like he'd been injected with chicken blood.

Not only did he shout at the top of his lungs, he also dragged out every word, as if he were afraid no one would hear him.

The guests in the hall exchanged bewildered looks, just as Chu Qing had.

Miss Wu, Wu Qianhuan?

Why had she come?

Everyone attending today's banquet knew the ins and outs of what was happening in Heavenly Dance City.

Who didn't know that the Chu Family Third Young Master had left home in a fury because Chu Yunfei had arranged this marriage for him?

Wu Qianhuan had been only ten at the time, but even she had considered the matter a disgrace.

She had joined the search for the runaway groom, tracking him down for a full three months without finding the slightest trace.

In a fit of anger, she had uttered the famous words, "The shame of the Chu Family must be etched in my heart. I dare not forget it for even a moment."

Over the years, she had steered well clear of almost anything connected to the Chu Family.

Yet who would have expected her to show up today?

For a moment, everyone in the hall had their own thoughts, and the tense atmosphere eased considerably.

Chu Tian grinned and tugged Chu Fan forward. When they turned around, they saw a striking young woman approaching at an unhurried pace, surrounded by attendants.

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

Her eyes held a natural hint of a smile; she looked nothing like someone harboring deep-seated resentment.

Hidden off to the side, Chu Qing stole a glance and clicked his tongue in admiration.

"Girls really do change once they grow up. That little yellow-haired brat has turned out so lovely.

"I wonder if she's mellowed out at all, though."

Chu Tian led Chu Fan over, and the two of them greeted her together.

Chu Fan's lips moved. He wanted to call her "younger sister-in-law," but worried it might cause trouble.

All he could do was let out a long sigh...

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

Wu Qianhuan looked at him with a smile.

"I... sigh. My Chu Family wronged you. But even if I have to search to the ends of the earth, I'll bring my third—mmph!"

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

Despite Chu Fan's inborn strength, he couldn't break free for the moment. Chu Tian smiled and said,

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

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

"Second Brother Chu, let's not bring up that ill-omened person on a day like this.

"But unless he's dead, he and I will have to settle things between us eventually.

"I came today for no other reason than to congratulate you, Second Brother Chu, and welcome you home after completing your training."

Chu Fan's expression grew complicated. He clasped his hands and thanked her.

Wu Qianhuan then glanced at Tang Xi and smiled.

"I heard earlier that you wanted to exchange pointers. I'd say I've made a little progress over the years myself.

"Since the banquet hasn't started yet, why don't we go to the Inner Courtyard and spar? Young Hall Master Tang, what do you say?"

Now that Wu Qianhuan had suggested it, Tang Xi had no reason to refuse.

He immediately smiled and replied,

"If the Eldest Young Lady is in the mood, how could I refuse to accompany her?"

"Sounds good. There's no better way to learn than to exchange pointers."

Chu Tian glanced at Chu Fan.

"Take them to your courtyard for a spar. And remember, this is only practice. Know when to stop."

Chu Fan nodded and extended a hand.

"Please."

"After you."

As they spoke, the group headed toward the Inner Courtyard.

But after only a couple of steps, Wu Qianhuan seemed to sense something and abruptly turned to look over the crowd.

Chu Fan looked at her in surprise.

"Younger sister-in-law, what's wrong?"

"...Nothing."

Wu Qianhuan furrowed her brow, but didn't take offense at Chu Fan's form of address.

For just a moment, she had felt a familiar gaze.

But when she turned to look, she hadn't found anything.

She thought it over briefly, then dismissed it, assuming that returning to the Chu Family after so many years had stirred up old memories.

She didn't know that after the group left, Chu Qing, hidden atop the wall, lightly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"That woman... Is she really that perceptive?"

He peeked out and saw that they really had left. Only Chu Tian remained, greeting the arriving guests. Chu Qing emerged from behind the wall, ready to find somewhere else to loiter so he wouldn't run into Chu Tian.

But before he could move, he caught Chu Tian's eye.

His heart lurched... But it had been seven years, and he was wearing a disguise. No matter how sharp Chu Tian was, he couldn't recognize him that easily.

Just as back at the teahouse, Chu Qing wouldn't have recognized Chu Fan if he hadn't heard him speaking with the others.

Though uneasy, he didn't hesitate for a moment. He bowed at once, ready to go "get busy."

Unexpectedly, Chu Tian called out,

"You. Come here."

"..."

Chu Qing's face darkened. Had Chu Tian really recognized him?

Should he turn and run?

But what if Chu Tian had called him over for some other reason? Wouldn't running only give him away?

A flood of thoughts flashed through his mind. Chu Qing sighed inwardly. If Chu Tian had really recognized him, then so be it.

He was, after all, the genuine Chu Family Third Young Master... It would just be difficult to keep working in secret.

He stepped up to Chu Tian and called out softly,

"Eldest Young Master."

He suspected he might have given himself away, but until the very last moment, he wasn't about to reveal his identity.

After looking at him twice, Chu Tian called over another servant before speaking.

"Prepare some tea and refreshments and take them to Second Young Master's courtyard.

"Then wait there."

Chu Qing didn't want to, but he could only nod.

"Yes."

Then he and the servant turned and hurried toward the kitchen.

Chu Tian's gaze swept over his back, then shifted away. With a smile, he welcomed the guests who had just arrived.

"Today's a joyous occasion. Be sure to have a few more drinks."

Chu Qing and the servant went to the kitchen, fetched a tray, and set out the tea and refreshments. Then they headed to Chu Fan's courtyard.

He hadn't wanted to come, but after thinking it over, he decided this was actually better.

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

And while they waited for the banquet to begin, what better place was there to hide than Chu Fan's courtyard?

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

Inside, he saw Chu Fan sparring with Tang Xi. Wu Qianhuan sat on a stone bench nearby, apparently bored.

Someone else sat on the other stone bench. Chu Qing recognized her... Chu Fan's Junior Sister Wen.

He hadn't seen her earlier. He hadn't expected her to be here watching.

Chu Fan and the servant set down the refreshments, then stood at the back.

As expected, no one paid them any attention.

"Unless something unexpected happens, they won't be able to stay here once the banquet begins. Then I can go to the front courtyard with them, without anyone noticing."

He was thinking this when something unexpected happened.

After the Junior Sister Wen glanced back at him twice, she actually stood up and walked over to him.

Wu Qianhuan didn't notice what she was doing. Her eyes and attention were entirely fixed on Tang Xi and Chu Fan as they sparred.

Chu Qing had a bad feeling. Then he felt Junior Sister Wen slip something into his hand.

He lowered his eyes and stared, his heart pounding.

It was unmistakably a battered... bowl!?