This mortal man had done what no one in their family had managed in centuries: he'd made Kailani pause, made her reconsider, made her think before lashing out.
Long Mingyue's eyes glistened with fresh tears, but these were different, hopeful rather than despairing.
Perhaps there was a chance after all.
Perhaps this marriage, this mortal husband, was exactly what her daughter had needed.
"All right, you all can go back now."
Shuyin waved her hand in dismissal, already standing and stretching with an exaggerated yawn.
"I'm going back to bed."
"Shuyin."
Lu Yuze's hand shot out, catching her wrist before she could take a single step away.
He pulled her firmly back down onto the couch, his grip unyielding.
"This is not how you handle the situation."
His tone was quiet but carried unmistakable authority.
Shuyin turned to look at him, ready to argue, but Lu Yuze spoke first, his voice low and intense.
