Peach Grove Cottage faced south, and the midafternoon sunlight slanted in from behind the Zhu siblings, casting light and shadow across their handsome faces and making their features difficult to distinguish.
Holding a loquat, Xi Chao turned toward the door. He saw two tall, graceful figures taking off their wooden clogs before stepping onto the reed mat. He could not yet make out their features; at first glance, he saw only two pale, powdered faces.
Chen Caozhi inclined his body. "Staff Officer Xi, these two are friends of mine-"
At the words "Staff Officer Xi," Zhu Yingting froze just as his left foot touched the reed mat. Looking closely, he saw that the beautifully bearded man sitting opposite Chen Caozhi was none other than Xi Chao, Xi Jiabin!
Zhu Yingtai immediately noticed the change in her younger brother's expression. Her thoughts flashed like lightning, and she promptly bowed deeply. "Zhu Yingtai and Zhu Yingting of Shangyu pay their respects to Staff Officer Xi."
Zhu Yingting hurriedly added, "Yes, yes. I am Zhu Yingting. My respects, Staff Officer Xi."
Chen Caozhi and Liu Shangzhi were slightly surprised. The Zhu siblings had always been proud and lofty; why were they so deferential today? But they soon understood. This was Xi Jiabin, a man of peerless virtue.
Only then did Xi Chao see their faces clearly, and surprise crossed his own. He recognized the powdered young gentleman calling himself Zhu Yingting, but he had never seen Zhu Yingtai before. Still, the two looked alike and were undoubtedly brothers. Cupping his hands, he asked, "Your surname is Zhu?"
Beaming, Zhu Yingting said, "Yes. I am Zhu Yingting, and this is my elder brother, Zhu Yingtai. Please do not mistake my name, Staff Officer Xi."
Xi Chao narrowed his phoenix eyes slightly and smiled thoughtfully.