The woman pursed her lips into a shallow smile, gentle as water.
"My surname is Su, first name Lingxue. I'd like to share a drink with the young master, if he doesn't mind?"
Pei Huaian gestured for her to sit and turned his head to call out to the server, "Bring another cup."
"Coming right up."
Pei Haolan took the cup, filled to the brim by Su Lingxue.
"So you're Miss Su. Having you accompany me is my privilege," he remarked.
Su Lingxue raised her cup, "It's my honor to be drinking with the young master."
The two drank in succession, enjoying themselves immensely. Pei Haolan's expression showed a hint of drunkenness, and he tilted his head towards the outside, "I most long for a life of freedom."
"Yes, to roam mountains and rivers alone, to witness the grand landscapes, and then to settle down in a thatched cottage when tired, with vegetables in the backyard and flowers to pick out front."
