The moment Qu Heng finished speaking, a teacup came hurtling toward him, cutting through the air with a sharp gust. He froze for a moment, then realized the person inside had heard him. He immediately dodged to the side, and the cup smashed against the ground with a clatter, splashing half its tea over his clothes.
Lian Yutong merely lowered her head and smiled at the sight. Then she stepped forward and teased him in a low voice, "They heard you, didn't they? You'd better start behaving."
As she spoke, she stepped into the tent and respectfully bowed to the person seated in the center. "Greetings, Master Qu."
Qu Zhenhong nodded. Some of the anger had faded from his face, but his imposing presence remained undiminished. He casually gestured to a seat nearby. "Sit down."
Qu Heng's expression darkened. He muttered under his breath, "Why not tell me to sit?"
Qu Zhenhong raised his brows and retorted without the slightest courtesy, "Look at yourself. Do you deserve to?"
"You really are my own father!" Qu Heng rolled his eyes in exasperation, then obediently stayed where he was.
Lian Yutong smiled and cupped her hands in thanks. "Thank you, Master Qu."
Qu Zhenhong gave a slight nod in reply. Only after she had sat down did he say, "I originally asked this brat to handle the task, but he shirked it and handed it off to you. I know you two have always been close, but if he tries to slack off like this again, don't indulge him. Otherwise, he'll never amount to anything."
"Yes, I'll remember that." She smiled wryly and nodded. Then she added, "Though I was the one who had my people spread the news, the idea came from Junior Brother Qu. And judging from the responses, it