The opulent, yet slightly dusty, inn room buzzed with a charged silence. XiShi, thankfully, had retreated to a much-needed bath, the sound of splashing water a welcome counterpoint to the tension simmering in the main room. XueLing, perched on the edge of an ornate wooden chair, couldn't quite shake the feeling of possessive annoyance that clung to him. Still, he reminded himself, this was for her safety, for a more comfortable, less dangerous life. He would endure the discomfort of sharing her space if it meant she was protected.

Across from him, two newcomers sat, seemingly oblivious to the internal turmoil swirling within XueLing. The man who'd introduced himself as HaoYue, with his striking silver hair and unnervingly calm gaze, leaned back against the wall, a picture of effortless cool.

Beside him, FengXiu, the so-called black flag, was a stark contrast. His dark hair fell in soft waves around his face, but his eyes held a sharpness that belied his seemingly languid demeanor. He sat with a quiet intensity, a silent observer of the interaction, or rather, the lack thereof.

My name is HaoYue, he'd announced earlier, his voice smooth and confident, a voice that somehow managed to sound both amused and faintly arrogant at the same time.

And then, with a slight tilt of his head, FengXiu had offered, My name is FengXiu. His voice was deeper, a rumbling timbre that seemed to vibrate in the air, and it spoke of a kind of controlled power, a quiet threat. And of course, a cocky smirk on his face that mirrored XueLing's.

"So," XueLing began, his voice deliberately casual, "tired then?" He felt a simmering sarcasm creeping into his tone.

HaoYue offered a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Exhausted. The journey was... strenuous."

"We had not been to this side of the city before," Agreed FengXiu, his gaze fixed on a point just behind XueLing's head as though he could see through the man.

"Yes, auction houses tend to be located in... less desirable locations," XueLing drawled, emphasizing the words just enough to hint at his displeasure. He didn't care if they understood the undercurrent of his words. This was his territory, and he wanted them to feel it.

XueLing crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, HaoYue, FengXiu," he began, tilting his head, "two strong lads, yet you both ended up... acquired by my XiShi? Fascinating. I mean, did you fall for her impeccable taste in... cough... ownership? Or were you both simply dazzled by her ability to, ah, decisively bid?"

HaoYue chuckled, nudging FengXiu. "Dazzled is one word, master. Maybe she had a certain... I don't know what when she pointed at us." FengXiu dramatically sighed. "I was more worried about the bidding sharks, honestly. Your XiShi was like a beacon of sanity in that chaos. And the prettiest one I've laid my eyes on , no objections . A gem that anyone would want to acquire...."