Giving gifts was an art.
People said that no one could fault you for being generous, and that the more lavish the gift, the better.
But sometimes, an extravagant gift could place enormous pressure on someone.
The Xia Family elders had turned away many people who came seeking favors by using gifts as a tactic.
For instance, acquaintances with only minor connections would come asking for help.
Yet after receiving the Xia Family's lavish gifts, they felt too embarrassed to even voice their requests.
Giving gifts to Li Yuan's parents now served the same purpose.
This lavish gift was pressure.
If Li Yuan was willing, his parents might still persuade their son to give up.
Night fell.
Li Yuan sent Xia Zhao a message, and the two met on the hotel rooftop.
They sat at the highest point, looking out at the distant scenery.
The Chu Palace Ruins lay in the middle of the Xia Kingdom. No matter which direction they looked, they could see brightly lit cities.
Though they were so far away, the light from those cities seemed to illuminate this place as well.
"So, are you willing?"
Xia Zhao sat beside Li Yuan and asked softly.
She was actually a little shy as well.
But she had already asked him like that before, so what was there to be bashful about now?
"You should give me some time to prepare..." Li Yuan began.
Before he finished, a trace of dimness flashed through Xia Zhao's eyes.
"So that means you aren't willing."
"No, no, no. I mean, you need to give me time to prepare a proposal.
Being this casual would be treating you too poorly.
Honestly, you were always someone I longed for but could never have. You were even why I cultivated so desperately.
I wouldn't