In the warm afternoon light, Xiang Yu moved with practiced efficiency through the pavilion's kitchen, preparing the midday meal with methodical precision. The familiar ritual had become a cornerstone of his daily routine, offering a brief respite from his relentless training regimen. The aromas of simmering broth and fresh herbs filled the space, creating an inviting atmosphere that soon drew his junior sister to the dining area.
Li Yao arrived with her usual punctuality but displayed none of her typical exuberance. She ate with uncharacteristic haste, her attention seemingly focused on matters beyond the present moment. Though her behavior struck Xiang Yu as peculiar, he refrained from prying. Whatever occupied her thoughts was her business—questioning would only risk entangling him in potential complications he desperately wished to avoid. After finishing her meal with remarkable speed, she departed without lingering, leaving behind a silence laden with unspoken curiosity.
