"I didn't mean it that way; I was simply taken aback—after all, I've never seen eyes quite like those before…"
Upon witnessing Gu Qingli's displeased expression, Sikong Ran immediately adopted a fawning tone.
Shao Lan regarded Sikong Ran with icy detachment; though his earlier demeanor had been laced with hostility and surprise, it bore no trace of contempt or disdain, warranting only a cool glance.
He tightened his grip on Gu Qingli's hand.
Noticing this subtle gesture, Sikong Ran's nostrils flared in irritation.
A flicker of amusement danced in Shao Lan's eyes, while Gu Qingli, witnessing their quiet exchange, silently withdrew her hand from his grasp.
"This is Uncle Shao's disciple, Shao Lan. And this is Sikong Ran, son of the City Lord."
Gu Qingli rolled her eyes and, unfazed by Sikong Ran's peculiar antics, proceeded with the introductions.
As they were all destined to enter the Fengyun Sacred Academy together, it was only fitting they be acquainted beforehand, hailing from Loulan City.
"So, you're the mercenary guild leader's apprentice," Sikong Ran remarked, astonished.
"Which is why you needn't make such a fuss. The world is vast and full of wonders—silver eyes aren't so unusual after all, and they're rather striking," Gu Qingli said with candor.
Sikong Ran's gaze turned to Shao Lan's eyes.
Like the shimmering waters of the Milky Way, they sparkled with countless radiant stars.
Truly breathtaking!
Though Sikong Ran harbored these thoughts, he would never openly admit them.
"They are indeed beautiful, but my peach blossom eyes still surpass them!" he said sourly, convinced that had he possessed such pupils, he would be far more handsome.
Shao Lan paid him no mind, leisurely holding Gu Qingli's hand as they strolled.
"Xiao Li, he's not a child anymore. Why are you holding his hand?" Sikong Ran pouted with mock grievance, fluttering his lashes at Gu Qingli.
Gu Qingli sighed in exasperation, gazing skyward.
What on earth was this? Wasn't he supposed to be a proud, unruly young master? Had someone swapped him out? She cast a peculiar glance at Shao Lan beside her, her thoughts growing even stranger.
Could this be the prelude to a reluctant rivalry?
Or perhaps Gu Qingli's own enigmatic aura caused Shao Lan and Sikong Ran to instinctively cease their antagonism.
"Shao brother, what brings you to visit my City Lord's Mansion today? Haha," Sikong Aofeng greeted with hearty laughter.
"Sikong brother, won't you invite me in for some tea?" Gu Qingli interjected.
"Of course, come in quickly! That brat, hurry up and entertain our guest!" Sikong Aofeng's eyes gleamed sharply as he playfully smacked Sikong Ran's head.
"Speak up! Xiao Li, what tea would you prefer? Any pastries you fancy?"
Sikong Ran hovered noisily around Gu Qingli.
"I've come on urgent business, not for refreshments."
"What business?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
Sikong Aofeng ushered them into the reception hall.
"Shao brother, no one visits the Three Treasures Hall without cause. Though you've been busy lately, you still make time to call on me—this must be important," Sikong Aofeng remarked with a knowing smile, true to his reputation as a shrewd City Lord.
No matter the gravity of matters in Loulan City, none escape the notice of this lord, and thus he was fully aware of Shao Yan's recent endeavors.
"Xiao Li, why don't you explain?"
At his prompting, Gu Qingli rose and bowed respectfully before speaking.
"My lord, our objective on this journey is the Li family."
Meeting Sikong Aofeng's subtle smile with her clear, resolute phoenix eyes, Gu Qingli spoke without hesitation.
"What of the Li family?"
"I intend to represent the Gu family in an alliance with the City Lord's Mansion and Uncle Shao to eradicate the Li family!"