But a strained, downcast look had already begun to show on the girl's face. She quickly composed herself and bowed with a smile. "Greetings, Stone Attendant of the Imperial Carriage. What a surprise to meet you here."
Shi Zanxue nodded. "Good afternoon, Young Sect Master."
"Miss Shi asked me to go to the Immortal Platform," Pei Ye said when Li Piaoqing turned her gaze toward him. "What... what brings you here?"
"...Oh... I came to see whether you were busy." Li Piaoqing curled a finger and quickly handed over the pastries she was holding. "Have you eaten? I brought these for you."
Pei Ye indeed had not eaten. He went down the steps to take them, then heard the girl ask, "Is it that Joint Deliberation where all the parties are meeting?"
"I think so."
"Oh, Master's there." The girl fell silent for a moment. "They're very strict about who attends this Joint Deliberation. Only the few people at the very heart of things are allowed in. How did you..."
"Ah, I don't know either." Pei Ye instinctively glanced behind him. Shi Zanxue was still standing quietly atop the steps.
Li Piaoqing followed his gaze. "...Oh."
She lowered her head.
"Anyway, I'll be going, then." Pei Ye raised a hand to rub his head, then lowered it again. "If there's anything, once it's over... let's talk tomorrow."
"...Mm... Hurry along. Don't be late." The girl smiled gently.
Pei Ye said another goodbye, turned around, and headed out of the alley with Shi Zanxue, who had come down the steps.
The gaze coming from behind left him stiff, as though needles were pricking him.
Li Piaoqing watched the two figures walk away side by side. She gently moved her somewhat stiff legs, and her gaze dropped.
"So it's not that you