Ningyan froze.
Of all beasts. He had not expected to see him here.
The peacock beast stood across the chamber, his bearing as elegant as before. Though his tail was not unfurled, there was no concealing that striking presence.
Recognition flashed in his eyes, then softened into a smile. "Su Ningyan."
Jun Haoxuan and Yan Wuhen both froze, their gazes shifting sharply between them.
"You know each other?" Jun Haoxuan asked.
Ningyan's heartbeat stumbled. For a fleeting moment, he did not know what to say.
How was he meant to explain their encounter?
They almost slept together.
Tang Ruifeng parted his lips.
Ningyan's expression tightened.
"We crossed paths in Water City," Tang Ruifeng said calmly.
Ningyan almost exhaled in relief.
"…I see." Jun Haoxuan's gaze lingered, thoughtful but he did not press further.
Ningyan straightened, recovering his composure.
"You all know each other, then?" he asked, turning the focus away.
