Lu Xueqi (60)

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the window lattice and fell across Su Han's face.

He slowly opened his eyes. A night of cultivation had left him feeling refreshed and invigorated.

When he turned to look at the bed, Bi Yao was already gone, and the quilt had been folded neatly.

A note lay on the table, its elegant handwriting carrying a touch of mischief: "This young lady has gone to find food and gather some information while I'm at it. Don't miss me."

Su Han smiled faintly and put away the note.

That really was Bi Yao's style—restless and always eager to join in the excitement.

He got up, washed up quickly, and prepared to head to Shanhaiyuan.

The moment he opened his door, he saw Lu Xueqi emerging from the room next door at the same time.

Their eyes met, and neither spoke for a moment.

The morning sunlight fell upon Lu Xueqi's cool, beautiful face, lending it a trace of warmth.

Today, she wore a pale blue dress. It softened some of her usual sharpness and gave her a gentler air.

"Morning," Su Han said first, breaking the silence.

"Morning." Lu Xueqi nodded lightly. "Are you going to Shanhaiyuan?"

"Yes. You—"

"I'll go with you." Lu Xueqi's tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable firmness. "I'm also interested in Shanhaiyuan's collection of books."

Su Han did not refuse.

The two walked down the stairs side by side and ran into Bi Yao in the inn's main hall, carrying several oil-paper packages.

"Oh? Heading out together so early?" Bi Yao raised her brows, her voice tinged with teasing.

She handed one of the packages to Su Han. "Here, Heyang City's most famous crab roe buns and almond tea. This young lady waited in line for ages."