The elder made his entrance.

When Qiao Wei woke up, it was already noon. She rose from the soft, large bed, feeling inexplicably cheerful. After carefully washing up, she stepped out of her room.

“Please forgive our discourtesy. We have intruded for too long and shall take our leave,” a silver-haired elder, radiating authority, stood from the sofa and offered a ceremonial salute to Luo Xuan and Luo Chen before leaving the living room.

Even before Qiao Wei approached, she heard Luo Xuan chuckling, “It seems the elder doesn’t regard us very highly.”

Luo Chen, as icy as ever, snorted, “Let him be. As long as he doesn’t interfere with me, I don’t care. If you want to assert your authority, find your own way to deal with him. I’m not interested in getting involved.”

Luo Xuan laughed indifferently, then turned to Qiao Wei, who was standing behind the sofa, shifting the topic, “Qiao Qiao, aren’t you going to sit down? You slept so late—aren’t you hungry?”

A bit embarrassed, Qiao Wei scratched her head and settled between them. Just then, Rhine strode in from outside, waving a cake in her hand with a boastful flourish, teasing Qiao Wei, “The early bird gets the worm.”

Luo Chen stood up, took a similar piece of cake from the fridge, handed it to Qiao Wei, then quietly sat down and began sipping his coffee. Luo Xuan watched Qiao Wei eating her cake and smiled gently, “Rhine bought this cake this morning. She made sure to get one for you too.”

Rhine turned away awkwardly, muttering, “I just happened to grab it.”

Qiao Wei’s laughter was bright. She set down her cake and affectionately took Rhine’s hand, saying, “Rhine, let’s go out today. It’s so stuffy in here.”

Rhine pushed Qiao Wei away gruffly, pointing at her nose with mock ferocity, “Annoying pest!” With that, she darted into her room. Qiao Wei’s voice floated after her, “If you don’t answer, I’ll take it as a yes!”

Luo Xuan casually flipped through a magazine, remarking offhandedly, “The friendship between girls is truly strange. Just days ago you were arguing, now you’re best friends.”

Qiao Wei retorted, “We weren’t really arguing. Rhine just isn’t very open, but she’s got a good heart. You two are the odd ones—just a month ago, you brothers were fighting, yet now you’re calmly sitting together.”

“Stupid girl, stop talking nonsense. Who said we’ve reconciled?” Luo Chen rebuffed Qiao Wei, his face cold, shooting Luo Xuan a look of disdain before heading back to his room.

Luo Xuan’s smile was radiant. With an innocent look, he said, “See? Luo Chen said it—so we haven’t made up.”

Qiao Wei sighed helplessly, “He’s not very open either.” Suddenly, she adopted a serious expression, which made Luo Xuan laugh despite himself. Qiao Wei glared at him earnestly and asked, “Who was that old man who came today? He was so arrogant. Aren’t you purebloods? And you’re the king of the purebloods—so many people respect you. How can he dare be so insolent?”

Luo Xuan, still irreverent, replied, “You don’t show us any respect either. How can you criticize him?”

Qiao Wei gave Luo Xuan a vigorous shove, prompting him to answer more seriously, “He is the founder’s closest friend and has drunk the founder’s blood. Though he isn’t a vampire, he’s lived a long time and possesses some pureblood abilities. More importantly… his power is considerable.”

Qiao Wei nodded thoughtfully, then continued with another question, “Are all the people here vampires?”

“Not all,” Luo Xuan patiently explained. “The people here are recognized as blood clan humans. The blood clan extends their lifespans, and in return, they provide blood. Daytime belongs to humans; after dusk, it’s the world of the blood clan. Those who despise the blood clan have all taken refuge in the wizard’s town.”

Before Qiao Wei could respond, Rhine emerged from her room. Her golden curls were carelessly pinned up, her large violet eyes blinking, and her simple white shirt paired with hot pants lent her an air of youthful energy.

“Let’s go! It’s just the right time for a meal outside,” Rhine said, decisively pulling Qiao Wei along. Luo Xuan closed his magazine and asked, “Mind if Luo Chen and I join you?”

Rhine laughed happily, and before Qiao Wei could reply, she exclaimed excitedly, “Of course! I’ll go call Brother Luo Chen!” With that, she dashed off toward Luo Chen’s room.