Heart of the White-haired Demon

Bai Ye's expression remained unreadable as he responded, "I'm meeting an old friend. I need something from him."

Lian's eyes widened in surprise, and he exclaimed, "Someone like you has friends? Wow, in the mortal realm, at that! You know people in the mortal realm?"

Bai Ye's face didn't change, but he rolled his eyes and said, "I know people."

Lian thought for a moment, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Oh, that's right! I'm a human, and I forgot that demons like you have friends too... or at least, acquaintances."

Bai Ye shook his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're impossible, Lian."

Just then, the waiter returned with their food and liquor, expertly balancing the trays as he navigated the crowded restaurant. As he set the dishes down, Lian's eyes lit up at the sight and aroma of the steaming dishes.

But before Lian could dig in, a low, melodious voice called out from across the room, "Bai Ye, it's been a long time."

Bai Ye's head turned, his eyes locking onto a figure seated in the corner of the restaurant. A hint of surprise flickered across his face, and he rose from his seat, his movements fluid and controlled.

Lian's eyes followed Bai Ye's gaze, and he, too, turned to look at the mysterious figure. As he did, he felt a shiver run down his spine, a sense of foreboding that he couldn't quite explain.

The figure, a slender man with piercing green eyes and jet-black hair, smiled enigmatically as Bai Ye approached. He wore a simple yet elegant white robe, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the restaurant.

"Bai Ye, it's been far too long," Zhi Ming said, his voice dripping with an otherworldly charm. "I see you're still keeping company with... interesting individuals."

Bai Ye's expression remained neutral, but Lian sensed a hint of tension in his stance. "Zhi Ming," he said, his voice low and even. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

Zhi Ming's smile widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I might say the same about you, Bai Ye. But I suppose our paths were bound to cross eventually."

Lian's curiosity was piqued. Who was this mysterious Zhi Ming, and what was his connection to Bai Ye? He leaned back in his chair, watching the exchange with interest.

Bai Ye's eyes flicked to Lian, and for a moment, their gazes met. Then, he turned back to Zhi Ming, his expression unreadable. "What do you want, Zhi Ming?"

Zhi Ming chuckled, the sound low and husky. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I want, Bai Ye. Let's just say... I have a proposition for you."

Lian on the other hand, let his curiosity got the better of him, and he pushed back his chair, his eyes fixed on Zhi Ming. He walked over to where Bai Ye and Zhi Ming stood, a look of eager curiosity on his face.

As he approached, Zhi Ming's gaze shifted to Lian, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Lian, oblivious to the tension between Bai Ye and Zhi Ming, beamed at Zhi Ming and bowed low, his hands clasped together in a gesture of respect.

"Oh, my name is Wen Tianlian, but everybody calls me Lian because I'm cute and adorable," Lian said, his voice dripping with sugary sweetness.

Zhi Ming's lips twitched, and he chuckled, the sound low and husky. "Indeed you are very cute, Lian."

Bai Ye's expression, on the other hand, was a picture of displeasure. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched in annoyance. Lian's interruption had thrown off the delicate balance of their conversation, and Bai Ye was not pleased.

But Lian, oblivious to Bai Ye's irritation, continued to chat with Zhi Ming, asking him questions and giggling at his responses. Zhi Ming, seemingly entertained by Lian's antics, laughed and played along, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

As they chatted, Bai Ye's displeasure grew, his face darkening into a scowl. He was not used to being interrupted, especially not by someone as...exuberant as Lian.

But Lian, fueled by his own curiosity and enthusiasm, remained blissfully unaware of the tension he had created. He continued to chat with Zhi Ming, asking him questions and laughing at his jokes, completely carefree.

Zhi Ming, however, seemed to sense the undercurrents of tension between Bai Ye and Lian. His eyes flicked to Bai Ye, and he smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in his gaze.

"Tell me, Lian," Zhi Ming said, his voice dripping with amusement. "What brings you to Bailao?"

Lian grinned mischievously at Zhi Ming. "I'm here in Bailao because of this old monster," he said, nodding toward Bai Ye.

Bai Ye's eyes rolled heavenward, his expression a picture of long-suffering patience. Zhi Ming, however, burst out laughing, his eyes shining with mirth.

"What are you doing with the old monster?" Zhi Ming asked, his voice still chuckling.

Lian opened his mouth to respond, but Bai Ye interrupted him, his voice low and even. "Zhi Ming, you've had a long journey. You should leave now."

Lian's face fell, and he shot Bai Ye a look of annoyance. "Hey, I was talking!" he protested.

But Bai Ye's expression remained unyielding, and Zhi Ming nodded, his smile fading. "Indeed, I should be going. It was...enlightening to meet you, Lian."

Lian's face brightened, and he bowed low, his hands still clasped together in a gesture of respect. "Goodbye, Zhi Ming! May our paths cross again soon."

As Zhi Ming departed, Lian turned to Bai Ye, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Old monster, why did you interrupt me? I was about to tell Zhi Ming—"

Bai Ye's voice cut him off, low and urgent. "Don't tell anybody, Lian."

Lian's face scrunched up in frustration, but he nodded, muttering, "Whatever."

As they both went back to their table, the tension between them was palpable, but Lian seemed determined to brush it off. He picked up his chopsticks and began eating, savoring the flavors of the dishes.

Bai Ye, on the other hand, merely sipped his liquor, his eyes narrowed in thought. Suddenly, a melodious tune filled the restaurant, the notes dancing on the air like delicate silk threads.

The patrons of the restaurant couldn't help but smile, entranced by the beauty of the music. But Bai Ye's expression turned guarded, his eyes flashing with a hint of wariness.

He knew this was no ordinary music. It was the work of a demon, one who wielded the power of sound to weave a spell of enchantment. Song of the undead.

Lian, however, was oblivious to the undercurrents of tension. He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him, and smiled, his heart filled with joy.