Later that day, Yue Ning and Huo Yan were in the garden, arranging the last touches for the book gathering.
It wasn't extravagant. It was just a few round tables draped in cream linen, small flower jars filled with daisies and baby's breath, and paper lanterns swaying softly in the afternoon breeze. The faint scent of tea drifted from the open veranda, mingling with the sound of rustling leaves.
Huo Yan adjusted one of the ribbons on a chair, then sighed. "Sister-in-law, the invitations went out yesterday, but only five people confirmed they'd come."
Yue Ning glanced up from the table she was arranging, her tone warm but steady. "Five is just right. Small gatherings make better conversations."
Huo Yan frowned slightly. "But I thought since you're hosting, more people would want to come."
