Li Bufan watched those figures in silence for a long time.
He knew he could not wait any longer. If he truly stayed for the full three-day banquet, the laughter and wine cups might leave him shackled by his reluctance to part, unable to take even the first step toward leaving.
He drew a light breath, then turned, quietly pushed open the door to the inner room, and headed toward the path down Morning Sun Peak.
His footsteps were light and soundless, like a fallen leaf borne aloft by the night breeze. He passed the sleeping figures and scattered wine cups without disturbing a single person.
But just as he was about to cross the edge of the clearing and step onto the path down the mountain, a voice came from the side. "Big brother."
Li Bufan's steps faltered slightly at the call. He turned and saw Li Ping'an standing in the shadows beside a corridor pillar.
Li Bufan's lips curved faintly. "What is it, Ping'an?"
At his response, Li Ping'an seemed to set down a worry that had been hanging over him all along.
He took two steps forward into the moonlight, then said, "Big brother, there's something I want to ask you."
Hearing his unusual tone, Li Bufan felt a slight stir within. "Oh? What is it?"
Li Ping'an fell silent for a moment, as though weighing how to phrase his question precisely without making it sound abrupt. Then he raised his head and looked straight into Li Bufan's eyes. "Big brother, have you heard of Lin Zhiyan?"
Li Bufan's pupils abruptly contracted at that name.
In a flash, he appeared before Li Ping'an. "Ping'an, where did you hear that name?"
Rather than being frightened by his reaction, Li Ping'an let out a small breath of relief. "Thank