A Banquet of Schemes

The ornate invitation lay between them on the antique rosewood table, its gilded edges gleaming in the soft afternoon light that filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Xia family's opulent sitting room. Xia Zhenguo's brow furrowed as he studied his sister's face, searching for any sign of distress or weakness. Xia Mia, however, seemed almost vibrant, a feverish excitement lighting up her gaunt features as she gazed at the embossed card with undisguised longing.

"We simply must attend, brother," Xia Mia breathed, her voice trembling with barely contained enthusiasm. "Old Master Jiang's birthday banquet is the social event of the season. To decline would be... unthinkable."

Xia Zhenguo's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching beneath the taut skin as he fought to maintain his composure. "Mia," he began, his tone gentle yet laced with concern, "are you certain you're up to such an... arduous evening? Your health-"