YUN FAMILY ESTATE
It had now been four days since Yun Tian's last meeting with Li Hua, and from that day onward, he hadn't been seen stepping out of his chambers. During this interval, the Yun household had kept itself occupied making arrangements for the grand wedding that was set for the following day. They even went as far as securing an extravagant cathedral hall and constructed a new room in their estate to accommodate the bride's incoming family.
Kcha...!
The screeching halt of chariots caught many family members unprepared, prompting several servants to hurry off and notify the Family Head about the arrival of the Sky Inferno Dragon Clan.
---
Inside a modest yet tastefully adorned room, both families gathered, chatting while enjoying fruits and refreshments that overflowed with abundance. Yun Tian sat in silence across from his father, wearing a composed but noticeably distant expression. Those who knew him well could sense something was off.
"Ah! Brother Duyi, Young Master Tian is as outstanding as the tales say, ha ha! My granddaughter is truly fortunate."
Said a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard as he glanced at Yun Tian with admiration.
"Hm, I should be the one saying that. Speaking of, where might your granddaughter be?"
Asked Yun Duyi in a tone that was both cordial and subtly inquisitive.
"Ha ha! I'm glad you brought that up."
The bearded man replied, laughing heartily before taking a seep of the strong wine before him. He gestured toward two of the men who had come along with him. Soon after, they returned with an exquisite young lady whose presence took everyone by surprise even Yun Tian furrowed his brow at the sight of her.
"Is this the one I'm to marry?"
Yun Tian thought silently, overwhelmed by a storm of feelings: joy, surprise, and unease, as the girl's ethereal beauty and aura seemed beyond what he felt prepared to manage.
"Greetings to you all."
Said the young woman softly, her voice wrapping warmly around the room as she gracefully moved to her father's side.
"Brother Yun Duyi, allow me to introduce my granddaughter your son's childhood betrothed Mei Lian."
"Brother Tang, little Lian has certainly grown into a stunning lady, ha ha, the Yun family is indeed fortunate."
Replied Yun Duyi, clearly entertained, though his gaze sharpened when Yun Tian suddenly excused himself and walked out. Most people let it slide, but a faint glint passed through Yun Duyi's eyes as he watched his son's retreating back.
---
YUN WEI'S CHAMBERS
In a plain yet serene room sat a strikingly beautiful woman with flowing black hair. Clad in white robes, her pale skin radiated tranquility. Anyone who looked upon her would instantly be reminded of Yun Tian, as they bore a close resemblance. Sadly, her graceful appearance clashed with her troubled face as she lightly tended to a visible bruise. She sat at the edge of her bed, staring blankly out the window until a sudden sound outside drew her attention.
Knock! Knock!
"Come in, Tian."
She said softly, not needing to ask who it was. She tucked her hair behind one ear to hide the mark on her cheek.
"Mother, are you alright?"
Yun Tian asked gently, concerned the moment he saw her forced smile. She opened her mouth to respond, but he immediately cut her off.
"Please don't lie to me i know he did it again."
He said calmly as he sat beside her and examined the bruise with care.
"It's really nothing."
She replied, setting his hand down affectionately with a smile.
"I heard your bride is quite the beauty."
She said, hoping to change the subject.
"She is, but I'm honestly unsure how to deal with someone so intense in nature."
Yun Tian admitted, rubbing his forehead, prompting his mother to chuckle lightly at his frustration.
"Don't worry, I know one thing for sure there's nothing my son can't overcome."
She smiled and pulled him gently into a warm embrace.
"Now go back before your father starts searching for you, alright? Come back later with stories."
Yun Tian nodded silently. She kissed his forehead and waved him off. Once he left, she exhaled deeply and closed her eyes. Pain twisted across her face as she clutched her right shoulder. Quiet tears trickled down her cheeks, yet a faint smile remained in place.
---
COURTYARD (A LITTLE AFTER MIDDAY)
Yun Tian strolled through the elevated walkways of the estate, admiring the view of distant peaks framed against the horizon.
"What an unexpected encounter."
A clear voice rang out, jolting him back to awareness. Before him stood Mei Lian her blue eyes, flawless skin, and rosy lips made a captivating impression. Her figure was elegant and well-balanced, her demeanor regal. Her cold expression gave her a detached charm, one that normally warded others off. Strangely though, she seemed intrigued by Yun Tian.
"Miss Mei Lian, what a surprise indeed. What brings you here at this hour? Shouldn't you be with the others?"
"I might ask you the same question."
She replied coldy, her voice sending a subtle tremor through Yun Tian. Still, he kept a composed demeanor.
"Ah, I was only passing through, but running into you gives me something to observe."
At her words, Yun Tian's brow furrowed slightly. Something about her presence caused him to feel tense.
"I'm an open book, Mr. Tian. But can you read me?"
Finishing her sentence, Mei Lian reached forward as if to touch his chest. Reflexively, Yun Tian pulled back slightly and caught her hand just inches away. For the first time, Mei Lian offered a faint smile and something stirred in Yun Tian's heart.
Tap!
The touch had been minimal, yet Yun Tian marveled at how much it had shaken him. Confused, he subtly stepped aside to let her pass. As he watched her retreat, admiration filled his gaze.
"This might be fun."
Yun Tian thought, quietly slipping away.