70 Baited to Play

Their footsteps carried them through the traditional Donghua courtyard that had transformed into a modern courtyard villa. 

It was the best of the ancient Donghua architecture and advanced Dongmen conveniences—the best that Xu Feng could draw up and describe to the renovators in a short week period and the best Lady Xuan's money could afford.

The picturesque setting with elegant architecture, and carefully placed stones was breathtaking under the glow of the moon. The serene ambiance provided a stark contrast to the unease that had settled in their hearts.

*ACHOO

They ventured only a short distance beyond the greenhouse in Blooming Courtyard before Xu Feng involuntarily sneezed, an innocent and natural event that shifted the atmosphere.

"We should return inside," Xuan Jian suggested, his words carrying a sense of finality that mirrored the tension that had enveloped their conversation.