From a distance, there was no difference between the phoenix and Ai, but upon closer examination, the essential differences became apparent.
Ai was somewhat simple-minded; although the things she did sometimes seemed heartless and cold-blooded, that was part of her biological instinct—it wasn't particularly good or bad. Essentially, she was a girl who could be easily deceived, even though she was many, many years old. The phoenix, on the other hand, was a different story altogether. Her gaze was that of Ai gone dark...no, that's not right—it wasn't about being dark; it was the kind of look that showed a worldly wisdom, like a sly old fox, a nod to the adage 'old ginger is spicier.'
When Gu Tao and the phoenix locked eyes, an electromagnetic barrier automatically rose; then, with an expressionless face, he walked onto the stage and stood behind the bride and groom, waiting to go down with the party to offer toasts.
