Xiao Pei hurriedly followed as Fang Yuan strode ahead without waiting.
He gave Du Juan a hasty wave, flashing his best grin. "We'll talk later, my lady!"
Du Juan merely offered a polite nod in return before turning and walking off with the same graceful composure.
Meanwhile, Fang Yuan and Xiao Pei made their way toward the southern wing of the Phoenix Soul Pavilion, the part of the estate housing the alchemy branch.
As they walked, Xiao Pei grew visibly tense, shuffling forward with a dry gulp.
"Shaoge…" he began, voice unusually nervous. "We're still friends, right?"
Fang Yuan gave a light chuckle. "Of course we are. That's exactly why I'm taking you to meet a real beauty."
Xiao Pei paled. "It's not your au—"
But before he could finish, a new voice overlapped his.
"Brother!"
Both men instantly turned their heads.
Fang Tian and Fang Mei were walking toward them from the opposite side of the path.
Fang Tian gave a casual wave while Fang Mei offered a polite smile.
