"You made a fair point, Hall Master." Pei Ye lowered his head and straightened his lapels and sleeves. "A person's looks really are hard to put into words."
"Am I beautiful?" Xu Chuo leaned forward a little.
"..." Pei Ye's face felt a little hot. He took out a handkerchief and wiped his already-wiped hands. "Yes. We're full, so shall we... go? It feels like more people are coming in."
The number of customers outside the screen was indeed gradually increasing. The group from Shaolong was still discussing sword affairs in the Divine Capital, and other people from the Jianghu had come in as well, beginning to observe and converse with one another.
"Let me ask you: is Ming Qitian more beautiful than me?"
"...People's looks aren't numbers. How do you compare their values...? Where are we going next?"
Xu Chuo finally shifted her gaze away from his face. "Let's just wander around the city and give you some fresh air. You have to return to the palace tonight."
She wiped her hands, summoned a waiter to settle the bill, tucked a hand warmer into her arms, wrapped her pale blue cloak snugly around herself, and pulled up her hood, hiding her cloudlike tresses and jade-fair face. Then she pushed aside the screen and walked out.
Pei Ye lowered his head, picked up his sword, and followed.
It was between seven and eleven in the morning. Clear daylight filled Five Clouds Tower. The New Year festivities were over, and with the noon break approaching, the Southern Office officials would soon be arriving as well. Just then, Pei Ye heard a hesitant, soft call from beside him. "Young... Young Hero Pei?"
He stopped and turned his head. Nan Guannu stood beside the entrance to the ninth-floor hall, looking at him. When