Chen Hao sat opposite her and looked at her. "You haven't lost the Jade Plaque, have you?"
Song Xinxue quickly pulled the Imperial Green Jadeite pendant out of her neckline. It was completely intact, though its color had deepened a little, as if something had accumulated inside it.
"Keep it on. Don't take it off," Chen Hao said.
Song Xinxue nodded and tucked the pendant back into her neckline, resting it against her chest.
Chen Siyao sat beside her and linked arms with her. "Xinxue, stay for dinner tonight. My brother's cooking should help you a little."
Song Xinxue hesitated. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble...?"
"Not at all!" Yang Wanqing leaned over from the other side. "It's just us anyway. We only need to set out another pair of chopsticks."
Song Xinxue looked at them, her eyes growing warm again. She took a deep breath and smiled. "All right."
Chen Hao got up to cook in the kitchen. Song Xinxue's gaze followed him until the kitchen door closed.
Chen Siyao watched from beside her, a smile tugging at her lips, but said nothing.
Dinner was a lavish spread: braised fish, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, garlic shrimp, pork rib soup, and a meat Song Xinxue had never seen before. Sliced thin, with a delicate grain, it melted in her mouth with an indescribably sweet, savory flavor.
"What kind of meat is this?" she asked curiously.
Chen Siyao and Yang Wanqing exchanged a look and smiled at the same time.
"Spirit beast meat." Chen Siyao placed a slice in her bowl. "It's good for you. Have some more."
Song Xinxue paused, but asked no further questions. She was already used to it—nothing strange served in this home was really surprising anymore.
After dinner, Song Xinxue helped clear the dishes, then said goodbye.