Liu Wan invited him in to sit.
They settled in the Pavilion in the Outer Courtyard.
She brewed tea for him herself, her movements as dignified and gentle as he remembered.
Xie Jinqian kept his gaze on her. Only when the hot tea was placed before him did he rein in the tender smile in his eyes.
"Sister-in-law, your complexion looks much better now than it did at the Xie family."
"I've spent years away on business and rarely had the chance to see you. This is a greeting gift for you, Sister-in-law. I hope you won't think poorly of it!"
Xie Jinqian placed the gift box on the stone table.
A little startled, Liu Wan asked Wang Xia to put it away and prepare a return gift.
Xie Jinqian declined.
"There's no need for a return gift. I lack for nothing. It's been so long since I last visited-won't you open it, Sister-in-law?"
Liu Wan hesitated. Opening a gift in front of the giver went against etiquette.
But she knew Xie Jinqian meant no harm, so she slowly unwrapped the gift box.
As she removed the wrapping layer by layer, the anticipation in Xie Jinqian's eyes burned ever hotter when she reached the last one.
He could already imagine Liu Wan's expression of surprise and delight.
But then.
Just as Liu Wan was about to open the final layer, a babyish voice came from nearby. "Mother..."
She turned to see Xia Siheng approaching with Wanwan in his arms. His face was clean, and he had changed his clothes, but his expression was decidedly unpleasant.
Only after reaching Liu Wan's side did he look at Xie Jinqian, then let his gaze fall on the gift box.
His lips curved slightly as he said to Liu Wan, "I had someone take