Zhao Li Xin sat quietly, sipping his tea, outwardly calm and serene. Inwardly, however, he was paying close attention to Salvo and Lucia's every movement, every glance. Born in an imperial palace steeped in intrigue and schemes, he had learned from a young age to observe those around him as a means of survival.
Over time, he had honed a keen talent for reading people—their behavior, their motives, the schemes hidden beneath their words. Just like now, he understood perfectly why Salvo had brought the woman named Lucia.
Clearly, Salvo wanted to test his character. Using Lucia's charm, Salvo sought to measure his reaction, whether he would appear nervous, calm, excited, or annoyed. If Lucia succeeded in seducing him, all the better.
But even if she failed, Salvo would still gather what he needed: a way to gauge him, a way to learn how to draw him in, how to persuade him.
