Rekindling an Old Flame

"So that's what happened!"

Li Yunjing nodded, pretending it was nothing of consequence.

With Li Yunjing willing to play along, the banquet naturally grew much livelier.

Li Yunjing passed the girl who had been beside him to Fu Chao, keeping only Ziyan at his side.

The banquet grew warmer by the moment. Sixteen young women danced gracefully as music drifted through the room, as though carrying the entire private chamber into a dream.

Fu Chao was clearly entranced. He chatted and laughed with the girl beside him, looking thoroughly relaxed.

Li Yunjing, meanwhile, remained composed. He spoke softly with Ziyan and did nothing too untoward, at most holding her close as he played his part.

"Is something troubling you, young master? Are you unhappy with our hospitality?"

Ziyan seemed to notice his distraction. She gently poured him a cup of wine and asked in a soft voice.

"You worry too much, Miss Ziyan."

Li Yunjing smiled faintly and lifted his cup. "I've never cared for crowds. I'm sorry to put you to such trouble."

"You truly are different, young master."

Ziyan's eyes glimmered as she laughed softly. "But since you've come to the Misty Rain Pavilion, why not relax? Life is short. Enjoying yourself while you can is only sensible."

"You make a good point, Miss Ziyan."

A thought stirred in Li Yunjing's mind, and he followed her lead. "Still, I'm curious. Where did the Misty Rain Pavilion come from? How did it rise to fame so quickly?"

"You are perceptive, young master."

Ziyan paused, then covered her mouth with a light laugh. "But I don't know much about that myself. I've only heard that someone powerful supports our proprietor, which is why she can move so easily among the major factions."

Li Yunjing nodded, pondering her words.

Did Ziyan