Chapter 554 What a Grand Game

• Night crept in, and the Guo family garden shed the blood and gloom of daylight, swelling into a lively, festive blaze.
• To celebrate Guo Huairen’s recovery—and their escape from death—the Guos threw a massive banquet. Glasses clinked, laughter rolled, and even the scent of blood in the air thinned under the wash of food and wine.
• Huairen’s return was like a soul slipping back into a giant ship. The house that had been dour and dead suddenly breathed again. Lanterns went up. Servants hustled. The smells of rich dishes and mellow wine drifted for miles. Joy and relief sat warm on every face—felt like New Year’s.