Jun Wu and Mei Ling left the City Lord's library when the sun had already dipped beyond the horizon, painting the streets in shades of red and gold before giving way to night.
Jun Wu stared at Mei Ling and asked softly. "If you don't mind, why don't you stay in my mansion?"
She had come from Frostwind City without any family in Mystic City. Thus, he believed it was his duty to look after her.
"I don't want to trouble you further," she said firmly, though her eyes softened when she saw his faint frown.
In the end, she found a modest inn nearby and decided to stay there instead.
They had both agreed to explore the ancient ruin after Jun Wu's open lecture in a few days, and she wanted space to prepare her mind.
Back in his mansion, Jun Wu sat under the pavilion.
The fragrance of freshly cooked dishes drifting up into the cool night air.
