"Rest assured, Senior Rong Luan. The chance to attend your birthday banquet is an honor for them. They will surely all accept with pleasure," Madam Jade Bone said.
"Just deliver the message. If anyone is unwilling to attend, there is no need to force them," Rong Luan said.
"Yes, Senior." Jade Bone then asked, "May I ask what day your birthday falls on?"
"One month from now," Rong Luan said.
"Then where do you plan to hold the banquet, Senior?" Jade Bone continued.
"I haven't decided yet. Let us tentatively settle on the Floating Dust Market," Rong Luan said.
"The Floating Dust Market?" Jade Bone seemed somewhat surprised. "That place is rather remote."
"Hmm?"
Rong Luan shot her a sharp look. The breeze in the courtyard abruptly stilled, and an invisible pressure quietly spread.
Jade Bone suddenly realized she had misspoken and hurriedly apologized.
"I spoke rashly. Please forgive me, Senior."
"It is of no consequence. You may leave." Rong Luan looked exceedingly magnanimous.
"Yes! I will see to everything you have entrusted to me, Senior."
With that, Jade Bone casually put the Jade Slip into her storage ring, then slowly backed toward the courtyard gate.
Song Wen hurriedly cupped his hands. "Senior Rong Luan, I shall take my leave as well."
Rong Luan nodded slightly.
"If you are interested, young friend, you may attend my birthday banquet too."
"When the time comes, I will certainly be there to offer my birthday wishes, Senior."
As he spoke, Song Wen bowed and backed away, also cupping his hands toward Mo You in farewell.
Mo You paid no attention to Song Wen's gesture. He merely watched Jade Bone retreat farther and farther away with a somewhat aggrieved look.
Suddenly, his body went rigid.
Rong Luan's slightly withered hand had settled on his