𝐅𝐞𝐢┃18+

┃60┃

Yang’s aide, Zhou Shuwan, approached the sleek black car with his usual efficiency. He opened the door, his head bowed in deference.

When he glanced up briefly, his expression shifted from professional calm to sheer bewilderment. The visible bite mark and handprint on Yang’s face were impossible to ignore.

“...” Zhou Shwan.

Yang, noticing the change in his aide’s demeanor, stepped out of the car and met Zhou’s astonished gaze. “What?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice despite the situation, “Something on my face?”

Zhou struggled to maintain his composure, his eyes flicking between Yang’s face and his own shoes. “Sir, I didn’t expect—” he began, his voice faltering as he tried to find the right words.

Yang raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smirk. “You didn’t expect what, exactly?”

Zhou finally met his master’s eyes, his bewilderment evident. “It’s nothing, sir.”

“You sure?”

“...”  Zhou shwan.

Is master perhaps, gloating?

...

In the stately Hall of Advisors in Jian Mang, the atmosphere was charged with tension. The room was an impressive blend of traditional elegance and modern touches, reflecting the prestige of those who often gathered there.

Beside the head of the table sat Li Sicheng, his eyes filled with disdain as he surveyed the room. His posture exuded authority, though he made no overt displays of dominance.

Beside him was Tao Lan, an advisor of the same age and equal standing, who quietly fingered his prayer beads, murmuring soft chants to himself, a habit to maintain his composure in tense situations.

As Yang entered the hall, the room reacted with a mix of respect and apprehension. Many of those present stood in acknowledgment of his arrival, except for Li Sicheng, who remained seated, his contempt barely hidden.

Tao Lan sighed softly, aware of the deep-seated animosity.

Yang strode confidently to his seat, his eyes meeting Sicheng’s in a silent challenge. Sitting down, he smirked and spoke with a tone dripping with sarcasm. “Well, it seems I’m not the late one this time. Quite a change, isn’t it?”

Li Sicheng’s jaw tightened, but he maintained his composure. His voice was cool and measured as he replied, “Punctuality does not absolve responsibility, master Yang. We are here to address serious matters, not to trade barbs.”

Yang leaned back in his chair, his smile never faltering. “Oh, I’m well aware of the seriousness, Sicheng. It’s precisely why I’m here. To clean up a mess I didn’t create.”

Tao Lan interjected, hoping to ease the tension. “Gentlemen, let’s focus on the issues at hand. Personal grievances won’t help us find a solution.”

Li Sicheng shot Tao Lan a sharp glance but then nodded. “Indeed. The actions of your father-in-law have caused significant unrest.”

Yang’s eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice steady. “Believe me, Sicheng, no one wants this resolved more than I do.” They all knew how easily accusations can be twisted.

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. It was clear that this meeting would be a test of diplomacy and restraint, with each man trying to navigate the treacherous waters of power and pride without losing face.

“Very well.”

Li Sicheng finally responds after a brief moment of silence, his tone still icy.

The room fell into a deep silence again, charged with the tension of unspoken resentments and the heavy burden of political maneuvering.