The Duchess had a strong dislike for Duke Tal and his entourage, but she was quite sympathetic to the children of lesser birth. She asked Xu Huo for some details about the charity.
Xu Huo answered all her questions one by one, and it was clear that she was satisfied.
A short while later, someone came in looking for the Duchess. She left, still seemingly interested in the conversation, and gave Xu Huo her business card before she went.
Xu Huo saw her out, saying, "I should be going back too."
The Duchess seemed to remember something unhappy, as her smile faded a bit. She added, "Young man, don't learn to be bad."
Xu Huo smiled without saying a word.
The Duchess watched him for two seconds before turning to leave.
Only after watching her turn the corner of the corridor did Xu Huo's smile fade away; he lit a cigarette and returned to the smoking room.
There was nobody in the room now.