Lu Ming lounged casually against the cushioned seat, showing not the slightest restraint despite sitting before the heir to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Xue Qinghe lifted the teapot.
Clear tea poured into the white jade cup, sending wisps of steam curling upward.
Her movements flowed as smoothly as drifting clouds and running water, pleasing to the eye.
"Please, Dean Lu."
She held the cup in both hands and offered it to Lu Ming.
Lu Ming accepted the teacup but did not drink.
He idly turned the jade cup in his hand, his fingertips tracing the delicate patterns along its surface.
"How much longer are you going to keep pretending?"
Lu Ming suddenly spoke.
His voice was not loud, yet the atmosphere inside the carriage instantly froze.
Xue Qinghe's fingers paused slightly.
Then, she set down the teapot in her hand.
The refined, gentle smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by the pride and icy beauty of one accustomed to power.
"Outside, I am Xue Qinghe."
"That is the rule."
Her voice was no longer the warm male voice she had feigned. It returned to its original cool female tone.
Like pearls falling onto a jade plate, it was crisp and pleasing to hear.
"But before Dean Lu, rules have never seemed important."
As her words fell.
A faint golden radiance emerged from her body.
It was a sacred, pure light carrying the aura of an angel.
As the light flowed.
That refined young man vanished.
In her place stood a woman of breathtaking beauty.
Her long golden hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, her skin whiter than snow, her features picturesque.
She had a high, elegant nose bridge, and her pale golden eyes carried an innate nobility.
Her features were so perfect that they seemed like Heaven's