Dragon Claw

After entering the academy, the two parted ways. Ye Qiu watched Tang Ni walk away. From her back, and from the buoyant steps so clearly different from usual, he could imagine that tonight, she would be too happy to sleep.

Tang Ni today felt very real to him.

Before, although Tang Ni would occasionally tease him playfully, it was obvious that it was forced.

An act.

She had always felt so very, very far away.

Now, she felt much more down-to-earth...

"Being happy is good." Ye Qiu smiled, then returned to his small courtyard beneath the moonlight.

The moment he entered the courtyard, the aroma of food drifted over from next door. It was rich—and lavish.

Ye Qiu stopped. Just then, the courtyard gate opened, and a figure slipped inside.

Ji Xing!

"Brother Ye." His voice was cheerful, his face lit with a brilliant smile.

Ye Qiu turned around.

Ji Xing smiled. "My grandfather has prepared a table full of fine wine and delicious dishes at home. Would you honor us with your presence?"

Ye Qiu smiled. "Your grandfather?"

Ji Xing said, "He has already deeply realized his mistake. He was wrong before, so he specially arranged this banquet to apologize and make amends."

Ye Qiu smiled again. He did not believe a single word. Those words could never have come from that stubborn old man.

Still, he nodded. "Fine."

Ji Xing was overjoyed. He led Ye Qiu out of the courtyard, then entered Ji Wei's courtyard through the main gate.

The courtyard was brightly lit. In the center stood a huge round table—enormous.

It was no exaggeration to say that there were at least eighty-eight dishes spread across it.

Delicacies from land and sea, everything one could wish for.

Yet only two people sat before the massive table. On