Wen Shiyin's hall was close to Xie Lun's, and I headed straight that way after coming out of Teng Yuan's study. Though I hesitated a little outside the gate, debating what would be the best way to explain things to her.
Telling her the full truth clearly wasn't a choice—not that I was afraid of more judgment, but spreading the news too fast could lead to the Gatekeeper changing his mind, and I didn't want any last-minute surprises before leaving Mount Hua for good. But smart as Wen Shiyin was, she would be able to see through a crude excuse too easily, and I didn't want that to lead to her mistaking my intentions either. I was still considering my options when the gate suddenly creaked, opening in front of me.
It was Su Nian on the other side, about to step forward over the threshold. She stumbled in her tracks a little when she almost bumped into me. A brief shock showed on her face before it turned into rage and disdain as she recognized who was at the gate.
