Confrontation

Huo Lianhua didn't reply to his witty comment and just stared at him endlessly.

"Lianhua, it's..." Li Tianyan was cut short by a Huo Lianhua's indifferent voice.

"I don't recall being so familiar with Young Master Li." Although she was polite, he could discern endless indifference from her.

"In that case I'll call you wifey instead." Li Tianyan continued, seemingly unfazed by her earlier comment, "The night is beautiful today, why don't we stroll while we talk my dear wifey."

"Young Master Li, my apologies but i cannot accompany you today, please send my regards to Patriarch Li on your way out." She responded, seeming to have not heard him call her his 'wifey'.

"I don't feel like returning to the Li Clan, I might as well spend the night here." Li Tianyan grinned slyly.

Huo Lianhua's brows twitched slightly, though her expression remained composed. "Young Master Li, the City Lord's Estate is not an inn. Surely you wouldn't impose upon us so shamelessly?"

Li Tianyan chuckled, brushing off her remark with a wave of his hand. "An inn? How could I think of it that way? This place is practically my second home! After all, it belongs to my beloved wifey's family."

Huo Lianhua's eyes narrowed as she folded her arms, her tone steady but with a faint edge. "Young Master Li, do you always speak so freely, or are you simply testing the limits of my patience?"

Li Tianyan feigned a thoughtful expression, tapping his chin. "A bit of both, I'd say. It's only fair that we get to know each other better, right? I mean, aren't we engaged? Shouldn't a husband and wife be... closer?"

Huo Lianhua's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smirk, though her tone remained icy. "Closer? You presume too much. Our engagement is nothing more than an arrangement between our families. If you mistake it for something sentimental, then I'm afraid you'll only disappoint yourself."

Li Tianyan placed his hands behind his back, tilting his head as he studied her. "Sentimental? No, no. I wouldn't dare hope for that just yet. But who's to say we can't build something genuine? After all, I'm quite charming once you get to know me."

Huo Lianhua gave him a look that could freeze the sun. "Charming is not the word I'd use."

"Ah, but you didn't deny it," Li Tianyan said with a cheeky grin.

Before she could respond, the faint sound of footsteps approached, and a servant appeared, bowing respectfully to Huo Lianhua. "Miss, the City Lord has requested your presence in the study."

Huo Lianhua glanced at the servant and then back at Li Tianyan. "If you'll excuse me, Young Master Li. Feel free to... enjoy the night alone." She turned and walked away without sparing him another glance.

Li Tianyan stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. He sighed dramatically. "She's a tough one, alright. But the harder the chase, the sweeter the victory."

He turned on his heel, whistling softly as he strolled toward the nearest pavilion. If he wasn't going to get her company tonight, he might as well enjoy the view.

Li Tianyan strolled toward the pavilion, the moonlight casting a silver sheen over the intricate carvings and stone paths of the City Lord's Estate. He casually climbed the steps, his hands clasped behind his back as he admired the view. The gentle rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of crickets made the atmosphere serene. Every single person in Qinglong City already knew about his engagement with the dignified City Lord's daughter so most of the guards didn't show much resistance when he walked past them.

But as he reached the top, the serenity shattered.

Standing at the edge of the pavilion, dressed in flowing black robes embroidered with silver, was Zhou Qiu, one of the three people who returned from the Blazing Sun Sect with Huo Lianhua. He was accompanied by a tall, burly lackey who seemed more muscle than brains, his sharp gaze locked onto Li Tianyan the moment he stepped into view, however to Li Tianyan he looked utterly unremarkable.

Zhou Qiu turned slowly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he regarded Li Tianyan. "Ah, if it isn't Young Master Li. Wandering the City Lord's Estate at night... How bold of you."

Li Tianyan raised a brow, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. "Zhou Qiu? I didn't expect to see you here. Enjoying the night air?"

Zhou Qiu chuckled, though the sound was anything but friendly. "Something like that. But you... you seem a bit out of place, don't you? Or perhaps I'm mistaken, and you've come to specifically see someone."

Li Tianyan's expression remained calm, but a glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "I don't think my whereabouts concern you, Zhou Qiu. Or do they?"

Zhou Qiu stepped closer, his lackey trailing behind like a shadow. "Oh, they concern me, alright. You see, the City Lord's Estate isn't a place for just anyone to wander around. And certain people," he paused, his gaze narrowing, "are best left alone."

Li Tianyan tilted his head, pretending to consider the words. "Are we talking about the City Lord? Or perhaps... someone else? Maybe a beautiful, fiery woman who just so happens to be my fiancée?"

Zhou Qiu's smirk disappeared, his expression hardening. "You're treading dangerous waters, Li Tianyan. Huo Lianhua isn't someone you can toy with. You'd do well to stay away from her."

Li Tianyan's smile didn't falter. "Toy with her? You misunderstand. I'm merely fulfilling my role as her fiancé. Or are you suggesting that I, the future son-in-law of the City Lord, should abandon my duty?"

The burly lackey snorted, stepping forward menacingly. "You've got a sharp tongue for someone so weak. Maybe we should teach you a lesson about respect."

Zhou Qiu raised a hand, stopping his lackey. His gaze locked onto Li Tianyan, cold and unyielding. "Listen carefully, Li Tianyan. You're playing a dangerous game. Some paths, once taken, can't be undone. And some people," his voice dropped, the menace clear, "shouldn't be crossed. Consider this your only warning."

Li Tianyan met Zhou Qiu's glare head-on, his smile fading into a calm, neutral expression. "I appreciate your concern, but I don't recall asking for your advice. As for crossing paths... we'll see who ends up regretting it."

The tension in the pavilion was thick, the moonlight casting long shadows over the three figures. Zhou Qiu's lips curled into a humorless smile, but he said nothing more. Instead, he turned and began walking away, his lackey following close behind.

Before disappearing down the steps, Zhou Qiu glanced over his shoulder. "Remember, Li Tianyan. Some warnings come with consequences."

Li Tianyan watched them go, his hands still clasped behind his back. He exhaled softly, the faintest smirk playing on his lips as he muttered to himself, "Warnings, threats... How predictable. Let's see if you can back them up, Zhou Qiu."

With that, he turned his attention back to the night sky, the stars above as unbothered by the tension as he seemed to be.