"Emery will not be coming today or tomorrow, Zhiyan," Lin Feng replied calmly, interrupting her spiraling thoughts. "She has her days off on the weekends."
His tone was composed, as though nothing unusual had occurred at all.
"As for breakfast, you need not concern yourself with it. Someone will come to deliver our meal shortly."
He paused briefly before adding, "Just prepare some fresh tea for later."
"Yes, Young Master," Li Zhiyan answered, lowering her gaze to hide the lingering blush on her cheeks.
Lin Feng returned to his seat, lifting his teacup with steady hands. Steam curled gently into the morning air as he took a slow sip.
Sunlight filtered through the courtyard trees, illuminating drifting dust motes and casting soft shadows across the stone floor.
Time seemed to pass peacefully around him.
***
Meanwhile, back aboard the flying boat of the Nine Peaks Sword Sect, a completely different conversation was unfolding, one charged with emotion and simmering frustration.
