When she raised the cup her hand trembled and the tea splashed.
Bairan didn't dodge—she knew what going to happen.
In her heart she rolled her eyes at such childish acts. She longed for a moment of lazy peace. What's better than having a reason to leave?
Her rebirth is full of mystery. She should solve them all. First, find the true killer of Ruolan give her justice then leave here and try to find that monk and ask her past. If she could find her own family that is perfect. if not she would go to see the world and be free forever. She even clapped for herself at the end of her thought.
The warm liquid splashed across Bairan's sleeve but it wasn't much to burn her only dirtied her sleeve and leaving faint stains.
Ruomei immediately set her cup down and stood up.she said in soft and trembling voice as she had made a grave mistake.
"Elder sister… please forgive me!"
Bairan glanced at the tiny spots on her clothing then smiled faintly.
"It's nothing. No need to worry."
Ruomei 's eyes flickered. She didn't like seeing her act so unconcerned. She knew her sister very well. she would be crazy about things like that and make a scene in front of Master Pei.
Her voice grew ever more urgent and sad.
"No, no… I must clean it for you!"
Before Bairan could refuse. Ruomei leaned closer her delicate fingers brushing at the fabric quickly But her hand was still wet with tea and instead of cleaning she smudged the stain even more and spreading the dampness across the silk.
Madam Luo quickly stood.
"Ruomei, what have you done?!"
Ruomei bit her lip and withdrew her hand and her eyes reddened quickly.
"Mother, it was an accident."
Madam Luo spoke again, "Even if it was an accident hurry and apologize to your elder sister."
Ruomei lowered her head as she been
wronged. She whispered softly
"Older sister… sorry…" .
Bairan looked at her now dirtier sleeve and this Youge girl's soft face. She has to say Ruomei's crying eyes are so attractive.
Then as she understood Ruomei thoughts. she cast a sight to Hanyue 's side. He was smiling gently as if nothing happened.
She wanted to laugh out loud.
When she didn't respond Madam Luo quickly said again but her tone carefully smoothing over the tension.
"Ruolan, can you forgive your younger sister, please?"
Bairan's lips curved slightly. Since you insist on playing the innocent lamb and show me as red eyes wolf so don't blame me for being a little harder on you.
She stood, her posture graceful, yet her words cutting.
"Madam, what are you saying? Why not forgive my sister? It's not as if she killed someone. It's just that she is simply too young to hold her teacup properly."
The words seemed light almost teasing but the undertone was sharp enough to sting.
For a moment, the hall fell into silence. Everyone looked at her. yet Bairan felt a gaze among them was heavier—piercing, reaching into her soul. But when she glanced around she couldn't find its source.
So she simply turned to Master Lin and spoke with soft voice
"Father, I think I am still tired. And now my clothes are stained—I would like to return to my own courtyard."
Master Lin cast a meaningful look at Madam Luo and Ruomei before nodding at Bairan.
Madam Luo in surface was calm but her plam was sweaty worry about his husband's thoughts about them. but her stupid daughter was happy to make her rival walk away.
Bairan bowed to his father then turned to Hanyue. When her eyes met his. she flicked her gaze briefly toward the servant at his side who was Dongpo.
Hanyue understood. She wanted him to send Dongpo to her.
He nodded gently with a barely perceptible movement but that was enough for her to catch.
Bairan left the banquet hall with unhurried steps .
Bao'er followed and her eyes misty from both sadness and anger.
She said as her voice trembling "Young Miss,..why do you let them bully you like that?"
Bairan glanced at her and corner of her lips curving faintly. She let out a soft chuckle then responded with calm and almost careless tone
"Bullying? How can I be bullying by them?"
Bao'er clenched her fists.
"But you didn't fight back! She dirtied your fine hanfu—this is the expensive silk Master brought for you last time."
Bairan arched a brow surprisingly
"Expensive? Is that so?"
Her fingers brushed over the faintly damp sleeve. She though it were nothing more than ordinary cloth.
"What's so different about this silk compared to the others to fight for?"
Bao'er blinked startled by her miss's indifference.
"Miss… this silk is from Shu embroidery, woven with patterns that only wealthy families can afford. Even Madam Luo doesn't have something like this. That's why Second Miss must've been jealous…"
Bairan let out a soft laugh.
"So that's why she was so eager to touch."
Suddenly from the corner of her eye Bairan caught sight of a shadow flickering in the dim light. She turned her head sharply. beyond the courtyard wall stood the vague outline of a man. Something long and narrow like a ribbon wayed faintly in the night air beside him.
Bairan's heart skipped a beat.
Could it be… that is the cold man? Master Pei's Master?
Bao'er was still fussing at her side eagerly continue her complaints but Bairan cut her off quickly. She said softly
"Bao'er, I think I lost one of my earrings in the hall. Go quickly find it for me."
Bao'er's eyes widened.
Seeing her young miss's bare ear she panicked."Miss, you really lost it! I'll go find it right away!"
She turned and rushed back toward the banquet hall without another word.
Bairan's gaze slid once more to the corner where the shadow had been.
As she moved closer the figure became clearer—sure enough it was Zhouyan.
He stood with his back to her and one hand clutching his head while the other braced heavily against the wall.