"..."
So, once he had reached them, the young man in the lake-blue brocade robe first straightened his clothes. Then he arranged his face into what he thought was his most charming, affable smile, and stopped about three paces from Annie (Lin Daiyu). He cupped his hands in a proper salute and spoke in a clear voice:
"Greetings, young lady."
"I am Ye Wuxiu. My father is a director in the Clear Administration Office of the Heavenly Court's Ministry of Personnel."
"I was just discussing this year's grand Immortal Selection with some friends, and learned that you are Miss Lin Daiyu, the top scorer in all four written examinations. I have long admired you."
He spoke in an affectedly refined manner, introducing himself while expressing his respect. He thought he'd been perfectly considerate and tactful. All he had to do was wait for Annie (Lin Daiyu) to return his courtesy, then strike up a conversation, exchange calling cards, and perhaps even arrange to meet after the exams and make her acquaintance.
"Therefore—"
"Though it may be presumptuous of me, I have come especially to pay my respects."
"Your talent is peerless, and your father, Lord Lin Ruhai, is a model to us all. It is truly fate that we should sit the examination together today."
"I wonder if you—"
But before he could finish, before the smile had even fully spread across his face, the "Lin Daiyu"—who had seemed lost in thought and indifferent to everything around her—slowly turned her head and glared at him.
"..."
-
(゜-゜)
It wasn't the shy or polite look of a young girl. It was an utterly calm gaze, carrying an almost imperceptible trace of... indifference and coldness.
Those strange eyes, cold as a winter lake, settled quietly on Ye Wuxiu's face.
There was