Hanlin Court was built in the style of an ancient Jiangnan manor, veiled behind towering grey stone walls, carved weeping willows, and private bamboo groves that shut out the bustling noise of the metropolis.
When the Lexus came to a halt on the wet cobblestones outside Pavilion Number One, Liuxian's black Maybach was already parked beneath the courtyard lanterns.
Before Haiyan could even round the car, the Maybach's door opened, and Liuxian stepped out into the crisp autumn drizzle.
He carried a heavy charcoal cashmere coat, walking straight to Guiying's side and draping it over his shoulders the moment his husband stepped onto the pavement.
"Cold?" Liuxian murmured, pulling the collar snug around Guiying's neck before sliding a warm, steady arm around his waist.
"Not with you here," Guiying replied softly.
Liuxian smiled, leaning down to place a brief, reassuring kiss against Guiying's forehead. "Let's go inside. They've been waiting for half an hour."
