This Hedonistic Young Master

Chapter 20: Wine Spills and Nervous Smiles

"You have a keen eye for talent, Zhao Fei," Tian Hao said, raising his glass in a subtle toast, his hand trembling slightly. The glass wavered, and a few drops of wine spilled over the rim, staining the tablecloth. He felt the warmth rising to his face, his breath catching as he forced a sheepish smile to cover it up. He quickly tried to cover it up with a sheepish smile. As he did, his mind raced through the layers of this interaction.

He wondered if Zhao Fei, beneath her composed exterior, had any vulnerabilities or hopes she hid from the world, much like his own. This conversation wasn't just about simple pleasantries—he needed an opening, a bridge to fulfill his quest, but also to understand her.

"I noticed your... appreciation for Liang Chen's demonstration earlier. The way you carry yourself... well, it's kind of like... you know, like a really well-trained cat. Strong but, uh, subtle?"

He paused, fumbling with his wine glass, spilling a little more, his eyes darting back to hers nervously. "I mean, not that you're a cat. Just that you have this... graceful focus. Like, if anyone could, uh, command the heavens with a flick of the wrist, it would probably be you. Or maybe a very disciplined cat." He gave a nervous chuckle, hoping the awkward flattery would at least make her smile.

Zhao Fei's lips twitched, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. Her posture seemed to relax, her shoulders loosening slightly, though her eyes remained guarded. She shifted in her seat, her fingers tapping lightly against the rim of her glass, as if considering whether to fully engage with Tian Hao's words or dismiss them. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Young Master Tian," she said, though the coolness in her voice had softened slightly, the wine taking the edge off her usual aloofness. "Though I appreciate the... compliment?" She took a sip of her wine, her gaze returning to the main platform. "Liang Chen is skilled. A true prodigy. It's what the Blazing Sun and Golden Feather Sects seem to lack."

"Indeed," Tian Hao agreed, seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation towards her sect. "But tell me, what about the Azure Mist Sect? Your cultivation techniques are renowned for their elegance and precision. Are they as demanding as they seem?" He leaned forward slightly, feigning a genuine curiosity while secretly hoping for a clue, any hint that might lead him closer to completing his unusual quest.

Zhao Fei hesitated, then sighed, swirling the wine in her glass. "They are demanding," she admitted, her voice dropping slightly, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone. "Perhaps... too demanding." She took another sip, her gaze distant, lost in thought. "I've been stuck at a bottleneck for months now. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to break through."

Tian Hao's eyes lit up. He leaned closer, his voice softening. "Sometimes," he said, "it takes more than just sheer effort. Sometimes, it's about perspective, about finding a different approach. Or," he added with a mischievous grin, "sometimes, it's just about letting go for a moment, allowing yourself to experience... life's pleasures. Perhaps the answer you seek isn't in stricter disciplines, but lies outside of what the sect has laid out for you?"

Zhao Fei gave him a skeptical look, her eyebrow arching slightly. "Are you saying indulgence is the key to cultivation, Young Master Tian?" she asked, her tone a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "I doubt my elders would approve of such a... frivolous approach."

Before Tian Hao could respond, Elder Hua's voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the air, drawing everyone's attention. She stood, her posture rigid, her gaze sweeping across the assembled guests. "Honored elders," she announced, "I propose a friendly competition between our disciples. A display of skill, a testament to the dedication and discipline of our respective sects."

Elder Fang, his eyes gleaming with predatory eagerness, rose from his seat, a smug smile playing at the corners of his lips. "An excellent suggestion, Elder Hua," he boomed, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "A chance to witness the fruits of our cultivation, to see which sect truly embodies the spirit of strength and discipline. The Blazing Sun Sect accepts your challenge."