Now, as he rose to greet her, that same smile stretched across his lips.
"Yu'er."
The sound of that intimate address scraped against her nerves like claws on glass.
"It's been far too long since we last met like this."
Ling Yu's eyes, sharp as a blade, flickered briefly before narrowing into a cold, half-lidded stare. "Not long enough."
For the briefest moment, Xu Mochen's smile faltered, but it returned quickly, brighter, as though her rejection only fueled his desire. He spread his arms wide, his voice dripping with false affection.
"You've grown stronger and more beautiful. Truly, the disaster has refined you into a fine lady."
Ling Yu let out a low laugh, utterly devoid of mirth. "Refined? Or perhaps just burned away the naiveté you used to profit from."
Xu Mochen chuckled, a low rumble meant to sound indulgent. "Always so sharp-tongued. That hasn't changed about you."
