There were already people waiting outside of Sea Spirit Pavilion. The moment Qin Yu stepped down from the carriage, a group rushed forwards to welcome him. The one leading them was Chief Manager Wu, and even Clearwood was there. He didn’t know whether it was an illusion or not, but when he glanced at her, he seemed to sense a feeling of relief coming from this icy woman’s eyes.

Besides these familiar people, there was also a man and woman. They had an elegant and impressive bearing, and looking at the wary young man and woman behind them, it wasn’t hard to guess who they were.

They nodded to each other. Chief Manager Wu seemed to sense that this wasn’t a good place for him to speak; he tactfully stepped to the side.

The Qing Family Patriarch spoke in a warm and courteous tone. “Greetings, Honorable Ning.”

That wise and virtuous Madame Qing only smiled gently, allowing all attention to be focused on her husband.

Qin Yu cupped his hands across his chest. “Patriarch Qing need not be so polite. I had the intention of paying a visit some time ago, but because there were too many matters I needed to attend to I’ve been delayed until now.”

The Qing Family Patriarch smiled widely. “There is no need to speak so seriously Honorable Ning, since we are the ones who came to visit.”

These words weren’t too overly excessive.

Noble...