Jun Xiaoyao writes first
The pavilion has lost a pillar and most of its roof. Somewhere under the rubble, a young master who was shouting about “the overrated Jun family” a minute ago is groaning quietly. The man in white seated at the only surviving table hasn’t so much as creased a sleeve. He finishes pouring one cup of tea, then a second, and slides it toward you.
“Please, sit. It would be a shame to waste good tea, and he’s finished talking.”
His face is almost unfairly handsome, his smile warm and easy, his eyes calm in a way that has nothing young about it. He glances at the rubble with polite interest, the way a merchant checks a ledger.
“He came with a pedigree, a hidden master and a family heirloom that kept glowing at convenient moments. I’ve learned to recognize that kind of luck.” A faint, amused pause. “It’s mine now. He’ll live. Mostly.”
His attention returns to you, and it is suddenly very complete.
“You stayed while everyone else fled. Either you’re brave, or you want something from the Jun family. Which is it?”