Chương 13: Reunion (3)
The bustling tavern hall suddenly quieted down. Everyone's gaze focused on Lan Yixuan on the second floor. He exuded a natural elegance and noble aura, simply standing there as if bathed in golden light, making the surroundings glow with brilliance and filling people with delight.
The fallen heroes on the floor followed his line of sight and saw Xianyue already seated. However, compared to Lan Yixuan's dignified and elegant posture, Xianyue had little regard for decorum. She reclined lazily, legs crossed, head tilted back, with a few strands of hair touching the ground, squinting as she glanced up at Lan Yixuan on the second floor.
How could such a refined gentleman know a woman with such coarse manners, utterly unsuitable for the refined?
"Young Master Lan, it seems we're fated to meet again," Xianyue clapped her hands, opened her eyes, and stood up from her chair. She watched as Lan Yixuan stepped toward the stairs, a smile playing on her lips, neither warm nor cold.
"You've come at just the right time," said the innkeeper, Xu Lin'an, his brows furrowing into a knot, his face flushed with anger. He walked over to Lan Yixuan, bowing respectfully.
The tavern had been wrecked by that woman's antics. Tables, chairs, plates—many were beyond use now. These people were all tough, unruly types, and he was just a businessman who couldn't afford to offend them. If he didn't provide them with a new meal, there would be trouble for him. But the cost! That was a hefty amount of silver. Asking him to pay for it would be like taking his life. As for the woman, there was no hope of getting money from her. Given her skill, there was nothing he could do. Since this gentleman knew her and was generous, if he could settle the damages, they could all pretend nothing had happened.
"Innkeeper, I'll apologize on her behalf," Lan Yixuan said gently, his tone polite, though Xu Lin'an was still brimming with anger. He gestured toward Xianyue with sincerity, "My friend was just having a bit of fun. She didn't mean to cause trouble for you."
"This…" Xu Lin'an hesitated. Moments ago, he'd wanted nothing more than to see Xianyue cut to pieces, to vent his rage. But even if he killed her, his silver wouldn't be recovered. Moreover, if he offended this gentleman, it would hurt his future business prospects. His anger and heartache were solely about the money.
"As for the damage she caused, how much is it worth? I'll cover it on her behalf. How about that?"
Upon hearing this, Xu Lin'an's old face immediately brightened. His small eyes narrowed into slits from smiling.
Lan Yixuan, seeing the innkeeper's reaction, turned to the others in the room, "My friend has offended many of you. You are all respected seniors. I hope you can be magnanimous and not hold a grudge against a junior. I apologize on her behalf."
He bowed deeply.
The crowd, already impressed by his refined demeanor, was surprised to see such a noble gentleman bowing to them on behalf of a woman. They couldn't help but feel flattered, their grievances dissipating. Even those who had been knocked down dared not voice their displeasure. After all, these seasoned fighters had been bested by a mere girl. If word got out, it would be a disgrace. They had no one to blame but themselves for their lack of skill.
"Young Master, there's no need for such formalities," the crowd hurriedly returned the gesture. Secretly, they wondered about the relationship between this nobleman and the rough-mannered woman. Why would he lower himself to apologize on her behalf?
Curiosity got the better of them, and they glanced at Xianyue again. She stood there in her white robe, as graceful as a lotus swaying in the breeze, with a striking vermillion mark between her brows. Yet she lacked the seductive allure one might expect; her features were delicate, though not overwhelmingly beautiful. Still, after looking at her for a while, one could scarcely recall any other beauties they had seen. Especially her eyes—clear and bright like a mirror, reflecting the darkness in people's hearts.
Xianyue stood off to the side, arms crossed, coldly watching Lan Yixuan as he busied himself with apologies. When he was finished, she lowered her gaze and pointed to her stomach, saying, "Young Master Lan, she says she's hungry."
This woman was truly shameless. Though displeased, Lan Yixuan had to admit that even such a crude gesture from her appeared carefree and natural, entirely free of the affectation that often made other women unbearable.
"Lei Yun," Lan Yixuan called.
The servant who had been standing quietly behind him stepped forward, pulling a banknote from his robe and handing it to Xu Lin'an, whose eyes lit up with excitement. "Consider this an apology on her behalf. The remainder can be used to buy drinks for the heroes here."
With that, Lan Yixuan turned to the men Xianyue had knocked down. "Since none of you hold a grudge against my friend, let's drink to our hearts' content."
As Lei Yun handed over the banknote, about to place it in Xu Lin'an's hand, Xianyue's figure flashed like a swift swallow. She snatched the note from Lei Yun's hand, spun gracefully, and stopped a full three meters away from Xu Lin'an. Waving the banknote in her hand, she grinned, "Young Master Lan is indeed generous."
She smiled at Xu Lin'an, "This banknote—I'll take it."
Watching the money slip from his grasp, Xu Lin'an couldn't swallow his anger. Ignoring his own limitations, he rushed forward, aiming to snatch the banknote that Xianyue had tucked into her robes.
Xianyue swiftly pulled out another note and waved it in front of Xu Lin'an before stuffing it into his chest. "One hundred silver leaves, more than enough to cover all your losses. As for these so-called heroes—"
She glanced around the tavern, her lips curling into a mocking smile. The crowd's hearts involuntarily skipped a beat. Her gaze was too sharp and too clear, so much so that none dared to meet it. "I have no interest in buying them free drinks."
"Young Master Lan, let's go. Dining with these heroes would give me indigestion."
As she spoke, Xianyue strolled up to Lan Yixuan, casually linking her arm through his. Without a care for what others might think, she strode out confidently, saying, "Let's find another place."
As soon as they reached the door, Xianyue unceremoniously released Lan Yixuan's arm. "This time, I truly must thank you, Young Master Lan, for coming to my rescue."
She grinned, bowing deeply with exaggerated flattery.
"A mere trifle, no need for thanks. Fate brings us together again. I have yet to ask for the lady's name," Lan Yixuan replied, his tone warm.
Fate? More like bad luck, Xiyan thought to herself with a smirk.
"It's my great fortune to meet someone as noble and refined as you, Young Master. I am but a humble woman named Xianyue. I won't disturb you any longer."
With that, Xianyue turned on her heel, ready to leave.
"Leaving right after using me? That seems a bit heartless, don't you think?" Lan Yixuan's voice carried a hint of sarcasm.
Hearing this, Lei An and Lei Yun both widened their eyes, astonished at Lan Yixuan's words. Such a sharp comment wasn't at all like their young master. Could it be because of the note he had received?
"And where are you headed, my lady? If it's on our way, perhaps we could accompany you."
Lei An glanced at Lei Yun, equally startled by his suggestion.
"Pandu," Xianyue replied with a smile, turning back toward them.
"Didn't you say you were hungry? Our carriage is stocked with plenty of food and some of the finest Snow Pear Wine. If you don't mind, you're welcome to join us for the journey."
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