The maid led Lin Xu toward a small hall. As they arrived, Lin Xu glanced around the room. San Na was already seated at the center, her maid Xuan standing quietly beside her.
"Welcome, Lady Lin," San Na said with a faint smile.
Lin Xu returned a polite nod but didn't bother to smile back. She could see through that act easily. Years of running a business had taught her how to tell a sincere face from a fake one.
Taking her seat on the left side of the table, Lin Xu folded her hands neatly and waited calmly for the other two ladies to arrive.
A few moments later, Lady Xu entered the hall. She was dressed in a dark brown hanfu, simple yet elegant, though her frail figure made it seem almost too heavy for her to bear. Her skin was pale, and the way she walked slowly made it look as if a light breeze could topple her over.
When she reached the center of the room, she bowed slightly to San Na in greeting. But as she bent forward, her balance faltered, and she nearly stumbled.
