Chapter 97: Perceive love
Xu Si paid no mind to the gazes of those around her and locked eyes with Pei Zhen, her heart skipping a beat.
The moment the man had taken the cigarette, she had faintly sensed that something was amiss. It was like a sudden bout of malaria—a trivial gesture from Pei Zhen could actually hold her emotions hostage. As fish swam through the crystal-clear pond, the transparent water itself seemed to become tainted. This was the first time Xu Si had experienced such a feeling, yet she couldn’t afford to dwell on it.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, she did her best to steady her nerves, clutching her black, flowing coat as she descended the stairs, crossed the gravel path, and entered the teahouse.
Amidst the silent stares, she pulled out the chair next to Pei Zhen, took out a cigarette, lazily placed it between her lips, and lit it. She didn’t put it in Pei Zhen’s hand; she just let it burn, inhaling the bitter, acrid scent of the tobacco.
She hadn’t smoked in a long time. She’d tried it last night; it was bitter, astringent, and numbing to the tongue. She had no desire to try it again.
Pei Zhen’s gaze remained fixed on her. His smoke-grey eyes, like chunks of drifting ice, hinted at an almost imperceptible smile as he noticed the doubt in her eyes.
He handed the Scepter to Hei Shi behind him.
He extended his cool, clean fingers, grasped the teacup, and personally poured Xu Si a steaming cup of tea, his thin lips parting slightly.
"Hot."
A single word, as if it had boiled anew within the teacup.
Xu Si suppressed the fluttering in her heart, smiled as she picked up the teacup, and took a light sip. "It’s fine, not too hot."
Someone beside them tentatively asked, "Mr. Fei Yi, this lady is..."