The butler gestured courteously toward the seating area and spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Please wait here, Mr. Su, Madam. The master will be with you shortly."
With that, he withdrew quietly. Almost immediately, servants entered the living room in a smooth, practiced manner, as if they had been waiting just beyond sight.
A silver tray was placed on the low table before us, holding delicate porcelain cups, freshly brewed tea that carried a faint floral fragrance, and an assortment of exquisitely prepared refreshments.
Su Ye and I sat down on the couch together.
Despite the elegance of the surroundings, my body refused to fully relax. My back remained straight, and my fingers rested neatly in my lap, even though tension hummed beneath my skin.
This was not merely a luxurious home; it was clearly a place where authority ruled, and every detail reminded visitors that they were standing on someone else's territory.
