Xianyu met Zandar's eyes and returned his handshake with just the right amount of pressure.
Since this was their first meeting, neither held on for too long. Following etiquette, they shook hands for only three seconds before letting go in perfect accord.
With a smile in his eyes, Xianyu watched Zandar take his seat.
He had assumed that a distinguished scholar like Zandar, who was older than the Aeon of Erudition, would be a gray-haired old man with a beard.
He had never imagined that Zandar would look so different from his expectations. He looked young.
There were only three of them at this dinner, so it was hardly a formal occasion. Still, two of them held such unusual positions that dressing too casually would have been inappropriate.
Seemingly mindful of the occasion's particular circumstances, Zandar wore a dark suit without a tie, with only a pocket square tucked into his breast pocket as an accent.
To Xianyu, he looked less like a scholar and more like an English gentleman ready to attend a dinner party at any moment.
All he needed was a pocket watch chain and a cane. Hmm, a long-handled umbrella would work too.
Xianyu lowered his head, picked up the napkin in front of him, and spread it over his lap.
Seeing this, the other two picked up their napkins as well.
Xianyu glanced over the dozen or so utensils on the table and took the outermost knife and fork.
After consulting Xianyu, Marty had specifically chosen Western cuisine for this meal.
Xianyu was not picky, whether it was Western cuisine or Xianzhou dishes. Besides, Zandar was their guest, so they ought to accommodate his preferences.
Xianyu was not worried about Marty at all.
Marty was not good at socializing, but once he met someone who