Outside, the city streets gradually narrowed into quieter lanes lined with old magnolia trees and discreet gates, leading towards the traditional courtyard restaurant. Their convoy moved in silent formation under the watchful escort of black SUVs and unmarked sedans, each vehicle radiating the quiet, unspoken authority of the man sitting inside with cold, commanding composure.
— — — — —
Gu Tingyi – Private Tea Room
The late morning light slanted in faint beams through the tall, narrow windows of the inner tea room. A subtle scent of sandalwood mixed with the sharper notes of crushed dried herbs drifting from the ornate bronze incense holder on the low table before him.
Gu Tingyi sat with his back straight, his slender fingers lightly drumming the dark wood armrest as he read the last line on the tablet screen. His cold gaze flicked up briefly to the older man kneeling across from him.
