CHAP 5

I'm not to bothered with doing this. it's not like I'm trying to impress anyone... but Xiao Ling is and she's shaking like a leaf in a hurricane as she approaches the first lord.

"You okay?"

I murmur softly, barely audible above the chatter.

"N-no...Yue Mei I'm scared what if I mess up and embarrass myself?"

My gaze softens.

"I… I just want to do a good job. I don't want to be a nuisance or get punished"

i nod.

"remember, you are her for young master Zenri Li okay?"

Xiao Ling visibly relaxes at my words, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"You're right"

she murmurs, her grip on the glass tightening.

"I am here for Young Master Zenri Li. I need to focus on my duties."

She straightens her shoulders and offers a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Yue Mei."

She takes another deep breath and steps forward, her movements becoming more confident with each step. She approaches the first lord with a graceful bow, presenting the glass of alcohol with both hands and a polite smile.

I watch her, a sense of quiet satisfaction washing over me. Perhaps this isn't so bad after all, knowing i could offer her some comfort.

i walk over to the first lord my expression neutral. i bow my head and then bend over and pour him a glass.The lord, a stern-faced man with a meticulously groomed beard, accepts the glass with a curt nod. He doesn't meet my gaze, barely acknowledging my presence. Typical of a noble man. It's no wonder I dislike them so much.He takes a sip of the alcohol, his expression unchanging.

"Adequate."

he states simply, before turning his attention back to his companion. I remain bowed, holding the bottle steady until he's finished, then silently step back, ready to serve the next lord. The interaction is brief and impersonal. I glance over at Xiao Ling, who is now serving a different lord with a slightly more confident demeanor. that's good.

After a while i reach the final person. i don't look at his face. I'm pretty bored but i need to stay composed. I approach the final lord, maintaining your neutral expression. I pour his drink without looking up, my movements precise and efficient.

A familiar scent drifts towards you – tea and... Mint? Huh. Somewhat fancy. Just like...

i almost drop the bottle before holding onto tightly again almost as quickly. i pour him a glass before stepping back and blowing my head. i guess my trauma from my past life has rubbed off on me. his scent and precenses disturbes me.

Asahi Xia's hazel eyes meet mine for a fleeting moment, and I feel a strange pull, a disconcerting familiarity that sends a shiver down my spine.

He observes your slight tremor.

"Are you unwell?"

he asks, his voice soft, not like how I remember it. This tone is warm.

He doesn't reach for the glass, simply studying me. The silence stretches, thick with unspoken emotions and unsettling memories. I need to play it cool.I calm down a bit before looking back up at him

"i apologise for the slip up. i could have hurt you. i am well thank you"

Zenri Li who has been sitting next to Asahi, watching smiles. He probably finds this whole situation amusing. How I wish I could punch him in the face a few times. But I guess I'll have to pretend my pillow is him and punch that instead when I get back to my room later.

Asaha's gaze softens slightly.

"An apology is unnecessary. Accidents happen." *

He finally reaches for the glass, taking a slow, deliberate sip.

He sets the glass down gently, his expression thoughtful.

"you are free to go now servant girl."

Says Zenri Li in a mocking tone. I want to stab him now.

"excuse me"

i bow my head and turn away.