45: Look, the fish has taken the bait!

On the makeshift tea table, Tu Nan displayed a set of tea skills she had learned in her past life with fluid, effortless grace.

Washing the leaves, pouring the water, whisking the tea—a series of movements that captured Hain's attention.

"Please."

The wondrous cup of tea was placed before Hain. Almost as if he were being examined, he cautiously picked up the teacup.

He took a sip.

"Very elegant." He sat upright. A gentle breeze brushed through his black hair, but apart from his hair, his shoulders and back remained completely still throughout his movements, perfectly embodying his refined aristocratic upbringing.

"Pfft." Tu Nan turned her head and chuckled behind her veil. "Excuse me."

Her eyes curved into crescents as she glanced at Hain.

"You are truly too considerate. This is just ordinary Divine Plant; it is rude of me to serve you with it."

Hain felt a bit puzzled.

Was that so? But he truly felt this cold tea tasted unique, different from the Divine Plant everyone used in the sandy areas to cool off.

"It certainly tastes better. The flavor is less sharp, and the aftertaste is more lingering… Perhaps it is your technique."

Tu Nan's brewing technique, which seemed to have an ancient Legacy, had likely truly elevated the grade of this plant.

"Ah… it is a Family craft. Then, thank you for the compliment, sir." Tu Nan accepted his praise generously.

A silence fell between them. Tu Nan poured herself some tea as well. She slightly lifted her veil to drink, yet still cleverly used her hand to shield her face.

Hain felt restless. From Tu Nan's attire and movements, it was clear she must have been born into a Family with strict requirements for etiquette, which made his earlier rashness appear very, very rude.

He deliberated in his heart for a long while before opening his mouth to apologize.

"Just now… I am truly very sorry."

Hain was very hesitant; even just repeating the scene from earlier made him feel awkward.

Tu Nan's movements paused. Her hands seemed not to know where to rest. Setting down the teacup, she nervously twirled the black hair by her ear.

A delicate cat-head earring sparkled on her earlobe.

"Please do not mention it again."

After a long while, she requested in a soft, shy, low voice.

"No one will ever know, right?" Her eyes were filled with glistening tears.

"I do not want my father to find out and force you to take responsibility for me."

"It was just a misunderstanding; it was not your fault."

The roof of the tea stall could not block the low, slanting light of the setting sun. The orange-red light hit the young Female Beast's profile, and her long, dense eyelashes cast shadows on her face.

They fluttered and trembled gently, just like this weak yet stubborn woman.

"I do not want my father to find out and just send me to your house like this." She shook her head and smiled wearily.

"Everyone should choose their own suitable partner, rather than being forced by fate, shouldn't they? Noble sir."

Hain wanted to say something, but closed his mouth in disappointment.

He truly did not want to make a promise over such a misunderstanding, but the way this Female spoke always made him feel like he owed her.

"I haven't introduced myself yet," he said solemnly.

"I am Hain Montoya, the eldest son of the Montoya Family of Sea Soul Star. I am very glad to meet you here."

This was a very formal introduction; he accurately threw out his Family and standing.

Tu Nan smiled slightly; the progress was far better than she had expected.

She sat up straighter, adjusted her hem, crossed her hands over her chest, bowed slightly, and introduced herself as well.

"Lord Hain. Please forgive my concealment; I am but a piece of duckweed drifting outside. Please just call me Tu Nan."

She lifted her eyes, her gaze full of melancholy. Her thin figure stood very straight under her gauze robe, always supporting her own pride.

How could there be a noble woman wandering alone outside? Hain frowned.

"Are you… in some kind of trouble?" He felt his question was a bit presumptuous, so he pursed his lips and added, "If you are willing, you can tell me. Perhaps I can help you?"

"…" Tu Nan looked at him in surprise, as if she hadn't expected to receive such kindness. Her whole being was lit up by Hain's words, and she gradually relaxed. However, she tilted her head and thought for a long time, then still refused.

"It would be inconvenient to involve you. I am afraid my difficulties would immediately become your difficulties. After all… stubborn parents are very terrifying, aren't they?"

"You are too outstanding~ Every parent would be tempted. Please do not easily make promises to Females next time."

She suddenly teased him playfully.

"I am afraid that I might be tempted myself." Tu Nan blinked.

Hain didn't know what he was thinking. This Female, whom he was meeting for the first time, seemed to have grown exactly in line with his preferences.

But it seemed he had been completely rejected? Yet it also seemed not entirely so? Hain was a bit puzzled.

She was not like those nobles from the Capital Star at all.

Independent, interesting, and… beautiful and pitiable.

Tu Nan looked at the setting sun and politely bade farewell to Hain.

"The sun is about to set; I should probably head back first." She began to wash the tea set in front of her with slow, relaxed movements. Hain was a bit stunned.

She was leaving just like that?

But immediately, Tu Nan asked him.

"Which direction are you heading tomorrow? I am following a caravan, and we will break camp early tomorrow morning to continue toward Mata City."

"Mata City… that is just on the way." Hain did not know why he said that, but he immediately did not regret it.

"Really!" Tu Nan was very pleasantly surprised; the movements of her hands stopped.

"Oh my, I was thinking we had to say goodbye. I didn't expect to see you again tomorrow!"

Hain had not expected her to be so happy, but immediately, Tu Nan realized she had not controlled her emotions.

She gave a light cough as a cover and called the little bear playing on the side back, only then speaking to Hain.

"I meant, the little bear will be very happy if he can go find you tomorrow." She stroked the head of the little bear that leaned against her. "This child's parents always let him run around, but there are not many people he likes."

Tu Nan did not look up; her gaze was still on the little bear.

"He likes you very much. That we can be together tomorrow is… truly wonderful."

The wind blew the tassels and sequins on Tu Nan's veil, causing them to tangle and then separate, making a very faint clinking sound. That sound scratched lightly across Hain's heart like a kitten's paw.

He heard himself reply.

"Then I will come to accompany him early tomorrow morning."

"Ah!" Tu Nan quickly looked up, then hurriedly turned away.

"That is truly… wonderful."

Tu Nan was overflowing with satisfaction.

Well, of course.

The fish had taken the bait.