The mature woman couldn't help but laugh heartily at Xu Qi's charming demeanor. "Please, take a seat and drop your formalities just like how you were the last time you were here." She gestured for Xu Qi to join her at the low table, sitting on the cushion opposite each other.
"If Elder insists then... " Xu Qi relaxed his posture and took a seat, meeting the Elder's gaze boldly as if he were looking at his peers.
Elder Sun's eyes sparkled with amusement, setting aside the scrolls she had been reading. "How was your mission?" I've also heard what happened out there. I'm glad you returned safe and even stronger than I expected you to be."
"I was lucky and it was thanks to the gifts you bestowed me, Elder."
"Come on, Xu Qi, I told you to drop the formalities. Here, can you hold my hand again?" Elder Sun's voice was sharp at first but it turned into a silent call for intimacy as she stretched her arm across the table, her delicate fingers fluttering open.