บท 489: Alchemy Chamber [1]

"Jia, you should really eat more," Li Xueyan said gently, placing a few lotus buns on Li Jia's plate. "You've lost weight since I last saw you." 

"I don't need your concern," Li Jia responded coldly, not even looking at her sister as she pushed the buns aside. 

Li Xueyan sighed in her heart and muttered under her breath "I'm just trying to help, Jia..."

Seeing this, Zhao Tian decided to step in, sensing that the conversation was spiraling toward another confrontation. "These lotus buns are really good," he said with a smile, taking a bite to break the tension.

"I can see why they're a favorite. And this serpent stew... spicy, but just right."

Li Xueyan smiled weakly at his attempt to diffuse the situation. "I'm glad you like them," she said, though her attention was still on her sister. 

Li Jia, however, remained aloof, taking a few bites of her food but clearly not invested in the meal.