"Mmm, the tea has a delicate fragrance and a lingering sweetness. Truly a rare, fine tea."
Tantai Feiyue elegantly raised her teacup toward Yan Mingyi, then took a light sip and nodded in praise.
Yan Mingyi grew somewhat self-conscious under her gaze. She raised her own cup and said softly, "I'm glad you like it, Sister."
Beside them, Xu Hanwu quietly accepted the second cup of tea Yan Mingyi offered. Their fingertips briefly touched before parting, and she murmured, "Sorry for the trouble."
Yet when she lifted her eyes toward the lake outside the window, her gaze inadvertently swept past Lin Changheng, and a faint trace of conflicting emotions flickered through her cool eyes.
Lin Changheng lifted his cup and took a sip, then suddenly said to Yan Mingyi, "Mingyi, fetch that box of Jade Dew Pearls an elixir seeker gave us a few days ago. Feiyue loves spirit fruits like those, and Hanwu should enjoy them too."
Understanding his intent, Yan Mingyi gracefully rose. "I'll fetch them right away."
Once she left, only the three of them remained in the pavilion. Tantai Feiyue toyed with her teacup and regarded Lin Changheng with a teasing smile. "You certainly know how to put people to work, Brother Lin."
Lin Changheng met her gaze frankly. "Mingyi has worked hard managing Perching Moon Island for me all these years."
Xu Hanji suddenly spoke softly. "The lake scenery is lovely." She looked out the window. "Compared with Blackwater River's rushing currents and treacherous shoals, it has a charm all its own."
Lin Changheng followed her gaze. The lake shimmered, and several spirit birds skimmed over its surface. It was indeed peaceful and serene.
"If you like it, you can stay on the island a while longer," he said warmly.
Xu Hanji nodded lightly.
Tantai