A polished black leather shoe stepped out, landing steadily on the ground.
A long, straight leg emerged.
Gong Liye, dressed in a black suit, stepped out of the car.
Surrounded by a host of bodyguards, he exuded an air of unparalleled dominance and extraordinary presence.
Nangong Yehen, clad in a casual purple outfit, walked out of the villa with a graceful and steady stride.
Behind him followed his loyal retainer, Huo Luan.
The man’s exquisitely chiseled face bore an elegant, faint smile.
Gong Liye’s warm yet sharp gaze swept across the estate.
Taking in the castle-like grandeur and elegance of the architecture, he felt a surge of admiration.
Nangong Yehen’s estate was as magnificent as a beautiful landscape.
When he saw Nangong Yehen emerge from the villa, he withdrew his gaze and fixed it on him.
Noticing his steady steps and upright posture, Gong Liye’s dark, warm eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something unusual passing through them.
“Master Nangong, what a pleasure to meet you!” Gong Liye stepped forward, his expression warm, resembling a courteous and graceful prince.
“Welcome!” Nangong Yehen’s flawless face also revealed an elegant smile.
Their noble hands clasped, both wearing graceful smiles, but each harbored their own thoughts.
As Gong Liye shook Nangong Yehen’s hand, he deliberately applied considerable force.
Nangong Yehen’s expression showed no sign of discomfort whatsoever.
When he released his hand, he turned to Huo Luan and said, “Have the servants prepare to entertain our distinguished guest.”
“Yes!” Huo Luan replied, turning and quickly withdrawing.
Gong Liye’s eyes lingered on Huo Luan’s legs, as if trying to discern something from his stride.
The lavish meal wasn’t ready yet, so Nangong Yehen hosted Gong Liye for a simple lunch before taking him on a tour of the estate.
Behind them, aside from Huo Luan, were Gong Liye’s bodyguards.
Chu Lingzhi, disguised as a servant, was busy in the kitchen. Through the window, she observed the scene and muttered to herself.
*Bringing so many bodyguards just for a visit—is he showing off or trying to intimidate?*
After her silent grumble, she grew a little worried about Nangong Yehen.
His back injury was severe, and walking like this for too long would aggravate the wound.
Before Gong Liye arrived, she had ground raw aconite into powder and sprinkled it over his and Huo Luan’s wounds.
Raw aconite has an anesthetic effect; ground into powder and applied to wounds, it numbs the pain and provides relief.
As long as the effect hadn’t worn off, they wouldn’t feel the pain from their injuries.
Because of the localized anesthesia, even if Gong Liye patted Nangong Yehen’s back or placed a hand on his shoulder, it wouldn’t cause him pain.
Of course, Gong Liye had already tried such moves in the living room.
But he hadn’t succeeded—Nangong Yehen’s face showed no trace of pain.
They arrived at the shooting range, where Gong Liye suggested a game of shooting, and Nangong Yehen agreed.
After about ten minutes, Gong Liye grew bored and headed to the stables.
“Master Nangong, how about we go horseback riding?” Gong Liye asked with a smile.
“Of course.”
“How about a race?”
Nangong Yehen smiled faintly. “What kind of race does Mr. Gong have in mind?”
“Whoever loses has to deliberately fall off the horse,” Gong Liye said with a grin.
Hearing this, a flicker of worry passed through Huo Luan’s eyes.
He looked at Nangong Yehen—riding would already jostle his wound.
If he then deliberately fell off the horse, wouldn’t that injure him again?
This proposal from Gong Liye was clearly meant to test whether his back was injured.
“What a novel idea,” Nangong Yehen said with a smile, naturally agreeing.