The lavish banquet hall buzzed with a symphony of clinking glasses and lively conversations, all blending into an elegant hum that filled the air. Hirvan stood in the corner, taking in the view from the shadows, his sharp eyes tracing the outlines of familiar faces scattered throughout the room. Subordinates, business associates, and even a few rivals.
Fu Yan approached and handed Hirvan a drink.
"Here, it's just fruit alcohol," Fu Yan said, his voice casual, though his eyes lingered on Hirvan's face.
"Thanks," Hirvan muttered, his fingers tightening around the glass.
Fu Yan tilted his head slightly, studying Hirvan. "I thought you'd be happier tonight, coming to this kinda banquet for the first time. Why the long face?"
Hirvan blinked, surprised by the observation. "Umm? Really?" He raised his hand to his face, fingers brushing over his skin as if feeling for the sadness Fu Yan had seen. Was it that obvious?