Chapter Six: The Fool Who Wouldn't Bow
Ling Hu stepped closer, boots echoing against the stone.
"Do you know who I am?" he asked.
Wang Xiao blinked. "Someone loud?"
A few gasps escaped before they could be swallowed.
Yun Zhan shifted slightly.
Wang San was already moving—just a step, casual, placing himself closer without seeming to.
Ling Hu laughed. "Interesting." He leaned down. "Then bow."
Wang Xiao tilted her head. "Why?"
The air tightened.
Ling Rou's claws scraped together. "Brother—"
Ling Hu raised a hand.
Wang Xiao stood slowly, swaying as if unsteady. "If you want respect," she said mildly, "you should earn it. Not shout for it."
For a heartbeat, the world held its breath.
Then Ling Hu straightened, smiling sharply. "Very well."
He turned away.
But his gaze lingered—burning.
From beneath her scarf, Wang Xiao smiled.