With a smile that didn't reach her eyes, she said, "Circumstances forced my hand. I shall certainly prepare a feast and wait for you another time. I'll be off now. Please, stay!"
If she stayed any longer, she feared things would spiral out of control. Xuanyuan Ming was temperamental; if his male ego were to get bruised, he might decide he wasn't finished with her and start pestering her again.
Thinking of this, Shen Qingyan hurriedly made a gesture of apology. She had taken only two steps when Chi Yan leaped over, grabbed her arm, and whispered in her ear, "Yanyan, don't you want your jade pendant?" Then, changing his tone, he raised his voice slightly. "Since you're already here, it won't take much time. Just stay. It’s only a meal!"
Chapter 72