Jiang Chen was quiet the entire way back to Yan Qingsang’s abode. His companion, however, seemed to be brooding about something. The young man knew that Yan Qingsang probably hadn’t recovered entirely from the conversation yet and saw no reason to show undue concern.

But Jiang Chen’s silence seemed to be a bit uncomfortable for the other. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” complained Yan Qingsang. “You said quite a lot in front of my grandfather.”

“It’s just a birthday banquet, no?” Jiang Chen smiled. “What’s the point of being depressed for something like that? Are you really that scared of House Xiahou?”

“Me, scared of House Xiahou?!” It was as if Yan Qingsang’s tail had been stepped on. “Ridiculous!” he shrieked. “I just don’t want to talk to them.”

“Tsk tsk. That’s a nice way to put it, but you’re scared. That’s why you want to hide from them.”

Jiang Chen’s declaration was met with some annoyance from his friend. “I said I would go, didn’t I? That’s enough. My grandpa told me...