"Young Master Li, it really is you." Her voice was much softer than before, carrying a trace of gentleness. "I recognized you when you were below the stage just now. It was only... I didn't quite dare to be certain."
Li Bufan sat down beside the low couch. "It has been many years since we last met. I wonder how Miss Ruyan has fared in recent years."
Liu Ruyan took a seat across from him and poured him a cup of tea. Her movements were composed, yet the fingers holding the teapot tightened slightly for an instant.
"I'm doing well."
She spoke softly, then smiled. "Though that word 'well' is somewhat forced, compared to how I was in the secret realm back then, I am already far better off."
She took a sip of tea, lifted her eyes toward Li Bufan, and asked, "Young Master Li, how did you come to be here?"
Li Bufan accepted the teacup but did not rush to drink. Instead, he set it down.
"Since old friends have met again, I won't beat around the bush."
He looked directly into Liu Ruyan's eyes. "There is something I wish to ask of you. I hope Miss Ruyan will agree."
The fingers clasping Liu Ruyan's teacup tightened once more, and a flush crept up to the roots of her ears.
She lowered her head, her voice quiet. "Please speak, Young Master Li."
"I would like to inquire about Miss Wanxing's current circumstances."
Liu Ruyan's hand paused slightly.
She was silent for a moment before slowly raising her head. The faint flush in her eyes had quietly faded, replaced by a trace of disappointment.
"Oh... so that's how it is." She gently set down her teacup, her fingertip tracing a circle along its rim.
"Miss Wanxing... she is