In the rustic yet elegant pavilion beside the artificial hill in the inner residence, two slender figures stood quietly. A breeze brushed past, gently stirring their robes. Though weathered by the years, their grace remained peerless.
Xue Churan and Mu Lingyun gazed out over the Chen Clan Villa with an elegance that transcended age.
"It's been years, Senior Ling Yun. Have you been well?" Xue Churan's voice was somewhat measured, yet it still carried the warmth and composure the years had bestowed upon her.
Mu Lingyun turned gently, a refined smile on her face. She pushed a cup of tea toward Xue Churan and replied softly, "Indeed, time flies. It really has been years since we last met. City Lord Churan, you're even more radiant than before."
Xue Churan waved a hand and smiled helplessly. "Senior, you're teasing me. Just call me Churan. It sounds better, and much warmer."
Mu Lingyun chuckled and nodded. "Very well. Since you insist, Churan, it would be rude of me to keep refusing."
Xue Churan accepted the cup and took a small sip, seemingly lost in nostalgia. "Your skill at brewing tea still leaves one savoring it endlessly, Senior."
She set down the cup and asked casually, "Senior Ling Yun, were you waiting here for me?"
Mu Lingyun shook her head gently and explained, "Not at all. I just returned from buying a few things and stopped to rest in this pavilion."
"But since I happened to meet you, my junior, we should certainly have a proper chat. I know you're busy, but surely you wouldn't mind sparing a little time to reminisce with me?"
Xue Churan did not believe a word of it. She had barely taken a few steps out of the hall before being stopped along the route she had to