In a trice, Cai Shan's eyes had completely concealed whatever overarching emotions had swirled within them concerning the jade slip, replaced instead by the motherly, tender warmth Yang Qing had seen earlier when she first introduced herself.
But even with her gaze back to normal, a hint of wariness mixed with curiosity lingered in subtle flickers—though by the time she reached Yang Qing's table, it had been entirely smothered.
"Fellow Daoist Yang Qing, on behalf of the Velvet Orchid Teahouse, I would like to thank you for the enormous generosity you've shown us by donating this slip," she said, gesturing to the jade resting in her right hand. "It more than meets the standard required," she added at once, confirming Sun Biya's earlier evaluation.
