In the evening, Xiaolian sent a message to Huang Xi to meet her in the lotus pavilion of the royal garden. Huang Xi was a bit surprised to get the sudden message from the Princess. He went to see her and ascended the pavilion's stairs.
Xiaolian had her back toward him and was looking at the lotuses in the lake.
"Good evening, Princess Xiaolian," Huang Xi said and stood a step behind her.
Xiaolian turned around and peered at him. Both of her hands were clasped together and were in front of her belly like a sophisticated lady.
"Why did Princess Xiaolian call me at this hour? I was going to head home," Huang Xi asked, but he didn't look at her.
"Why is Commander Huang Xi avoiding me these days?" Xiaolian asked as she finally got to meet him in the evening.
"I did not avoid Her Highness," Huang Xi answered and kept his gaze away from her face.
"Say it while looking at my face," Xiaolian said sternly, "it is an order."
