Liu Erlong set the fish soup on the table.
"Eat first."
Ning Xian sat down at the table.
Dugu Yan sat beside him.
She picked up the ladle and served Ning Xian a bowl first.
"Senior, Erlong made tonight's fish soup."
Ning Xian lifted the bowl of soup.
"Try it."
Dugu Yan watched him take his first sip.
"How is it?"
"Not bad."
Liu Erlong stood to one side. Only after hearing those words did she sit down on his other side.
Dugu Yan placed a piece of fish in Ning Xian's bowl.
"Senior, try this too."
Ning Xian ate the fish.
Liu Erlong added some soup to his bowl.
Dugu Yan glanced at her.
"Erlong, you're really quick."
"This is how one should take care of Master."
"I can do it too."
Dugu Yan picked up her chopsticks and placed another piece of fish in Ning Xian's bowl.
"Senior, you have to eat the piece I picked out too."
"Mm."
The two women sat on either side of Ning Xian.
The lamplight burned quietly in the room.
Outside the window.
A black figure swept over a distant rooftop.
The figure did not enter Dugu Manor.
After lingering outside the manor briefly, he retreated into the night again.
Ning Xian raised his eyes and looked out the window.
Dugu Yan followed his gaze.
"Senior, is something outside?"
"Someone was here."
"Who?"
"Tang Hao."
Liu Erlong set down the soup bowl in her hands.
Dugu Yan stopped using her chopsticks too.
Ning Xian lifted his wine cup and drained it.
"Eat first."
Dugu Yan looked out the window.
"Is he going to attack?"
"Not yet."
"Then when will he come?"
"When he's ready."
Dugu Yan picked up her chopsticks again and placed a piece of leafy greens in Ning Xian's bowl.