Despite the angry rebuke, Flender did not dare fall out with them outright. He could only grit his teeth and agree.
That evening, all the teachers were summoned.
"From now on, stay away from that newly built structure," Flender said gravely.
"Why?"
It was the first time they had seen such a serious expression on his face.
They could not help growing curious.
Who could make even Flender afraid?
"I suspect they may be from Spirit Hall." Flender took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair. His fingers tapped a steady rhythm on the table. "Don't tell anyone about this. Some things don't bear scrutiny."
"If Spirit Hall decides to investigate, we won't be able to escape. But as long as they turn a blind eye, we still have a way to survive."
"You mean...?" Li Yusong frowned.
"Just act like we know nothing. They probably aren't here for us." Flender settled the matter. "All right, it's getting late. Get back to whatever you were doing."
The bridal chamber.
Cuihua sat on the bed with a red veil over her head, clutching her skirt in both hands.
She had been through this so many times before. Why did she still feel nervous? Or was it anticipation?
More importantly, why had Ma Hongjun not come back yet?
Had he been so happy that he had lost track of time drinking?
Outside the room.
Ma Hongjun sat at a table.
Wine covered the tabletop, alongside a plate of roasted peanuts and a cup.
Moonlight fell across him as he drank cup after cup, tossing peanuts into his mouth and chewing noisily.
Oscar was passing by when Ma Hongjun called out to him.
"Little Ao, come have a couple of drinks."
Oscar turned toward Ma Hongjun, who was