With its carved beams and painted pillars, the villa was a place of soaring pavilions and deep terraces. Walking through garden after garden of connected verandas, past rockeries and ponds, felt like stepping into an ancient period drama; the scenery was so elegant and enchanting that it was almost impossible to take it all in.
Liulan led Xu Jiangxing through a series of twists and turns until they reached the reception hall. Several people were already seated inside. At the head of the room sat a woman who appeared to be in her forties, dressed in a cyan qipao patterned with orchids. She held a teacup, chatting with the others with a radiant smile, her demeanor serene and graceful.
Xu Jiangxing recognized her instantly. She and Liulan shared such a striking resemblance when sitting quietly—every gesture and movement seemed to have been cast from the same mold.
Chapter 261