The next day, before dawn had broken.
Tang Shuo had already finished packing and was ready to leave.
He pushed open the door and was about to depart.
Only to discover that someone was already sitting on the stone bench in the courtyard.
It was a woman.
A woman so beautiful it took one's breath away.
She wore a pale gold court gown, her figure tall and graceful.
Her brilliant golden hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, reflecting flecks of shattered gold in the faint morning light.
Her features were exquisitely beautiful, like the most perfect masterpiece of the gods. Her skin was whiter than snow, and her eyes were the same brilliant gold as Xue Qinghe's, yet more majestic and more profound.
Simply sitting there, she exuded an innate nobility and sanctity, like an angel descended into the mortal world.
Tang Shuo stopped in his tracks.
He looked at the woman, his expression calm, though he was not surprised.
At that moment, the woman raised her head, her golden eyes turning toward him.
A faint smile curled her lips.
"Won't you invite me inside for a seat?"
Her voice was cool and pleasant, carrying a faint trace of authority.
Tang Shuo stepped aside and made an inviting gesture.
The woman rose gracefully and entered the room.
Tang Shuo closed the door.
"Qian Renxue."
Tang Shuo looked at her and called out her name directly.
A flicker of surprise passed through the woman's golden eyes, but it quickly turned into a knowing smile.
"Looks like you already figured it out."
"I am Qian Renxue."
She admitted it openly.
"The 'Xue' in 'Xue Qinghe.'"
Tang Shuo cut in.
Qian Renxue's smile deepened.
"You're very smart."
"I like dealing with smart people."
"So, what brings you here in your true