The lakeside courtyard.
Li Ping'an was warming tea, waiting for his guest.
Before long, footsteps sounded outside.
But none belonged to the guest he was waiting for.
"Mr. Li."
Before the visitor arrived, an eager voice rang out.
Second Madam walked in with a smile. "Forgive this unannounced visit. I hope you won't take offense, Mr. Li."
"So it's Second Madam. Forgive me for not coming out to welcome you."
Second Madam wore a perfectly measured smile. "For the Old Matriarch's birthday, we've spent the past few days welcoming and seeing off so many guests that I simply couldn't spare the time.
"But I thought of you as one of our own, Mr. Li, and felt sure you wouldn't mind.
"Now, at last, everything has been taken care of.
"My son Jingyang kept urging me to come and thank you properly. You're a benefactor of our Yan Clan, Mr. Li."
Li Ping'an almost believed her.
She truly was the shrewdest of the shrewd.
Second Madam drew Yan Jingyang forward and introduced him to Li Ping'an. "Sir, this is my son Jingyang.
"Jingyang, greet the gentleman!"
Li Ping'an said, "Young Master Jingyang, fate really does keep bringing us together. This is our third meeting, isn't it?"
Yan Jingyang gave an awkward smile.
Second Madam brightened. "Your third meeting? Jingyang, I never knew you and the gentleman shared such a connection!"
Yan Jingyang only grew more embarrassed.
Their first meeting had been at Moonflower Pavilion.
Yan Jingyang had shot at Li Ping'an with a slingshot.
Their second meeting had been at the residence gates.
Li Ping'an had asked Yan Jingyang to pass along a message, only to be coldly refused.
Seeing her son's strained expression, Second Madam guessed most of the truth.
Their previous two meetings had probably left Li Ping'an with