The fragrant aroma of tea filled Wan Shangyi's small courtyard.
He and Qian Baole sat facing each other. After hearing Qian Baole's question, Wan Shangyi lifted his teacup, took a sip, and then said slowly, "This time, I'm inviting Chen Qing, Meng Qianxue, and the newly promoted Luo Qianjue."
Waving the folding fan in his hand, Qian Baole paused for a moment. "Then what about Han Xiong?" he asked, testing the waters.
"Let him rest and recover in peace."
Wan Shangyi's tone was placid, betraying no emotion, as if he were discussing something utterly mundane.
"The last little gathering he organized had good intentions. It was for everyone to share information and get to know one another. But he let his personal feelings get in the way and actually excluded Chen Qing. That went against the very reason we started getting together in the first place."
