Chapter 19: Event [1].
Fang Yuan stepped out of his office, the scent of ink still faint on his sleeves, stubborn, like it had sunk into the fabric after hours at the desk.
The estate had shifted into its evening rhythm.
Lanterns bathed the walkways in amber, casting long shadows that swayed with every breeze.
Somewhere farther down, he could hear servants moving about, voices muffled but laced with urgency.
The upcoming ceremony had everyone on edge.
He moved through the corridor without hurry.
Silks and ornaments passed by in the arms of busy attendants, their movements brisk, practiced but each one still paused just enough to offer a quick bow.
"Good evening, Family Head," one said, breathless but respectful.
He gave a curt nod, a flicker of tiredness behind his eyes. "Carry on."
The words came out calm, but there was a weight behind them.
Not exhaustion but more like pressure, constant and quiet, coiling deeper by the day.