Hou Niao stood up, "Yinling's Hou Niao, passing through Miao Gao by chance, a mission burdens me, so I dare not tarry; your kind intentions overwhelm me, I'm afraid I cannot reciprocate. The mountains high, the waters long, let's part with these words of farewell."
With an elegant bow, he turned and left, and before the crowd could react, he was already out of the tavern, only his voice carrying from afar,
"Courtesy to the host, I shall pay for the wine; rudeness from the guest is declined, I hope for your understanding."
The crowd exchanged looks of bewilderment, none had expected such an outcome.
Dugu Lan and Xiao Qiang didn't expect that this man would truly offer no face at all, but they also vaguely realized their own impertinence; escorting a throng of flower chasers, no wonder he left without regard. The only saving grace was that he intended for them to cover his tab, which wasn't much money, but it was an acknowledgement that everyone was still friends.
