"I'm surprised you would ask us for help with this."
Xue Chang, while still wearing his veil, walked through the city while being safeguarded by Tian Hai and Tian Kai on the side.
Beside them was Sun Jianhong, who was scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
When Sun Jianhong invited them to attend Xue AI's birthday party with him, he told them it would be compensation for a small request.
As a child, he was never really the type to have birthday parties or play around with other kids. All his time was spent in training and becoming stronger, which was how he got to his current position.
But that caused him to unable to understand children.
"I know it's weird to say, but I can't help it. What do you give to a child who basically has everything? I wouldn't be able to think of a single present to get even if I spent months on it."
His request was for them to help him purchase a present for the party.
"Presents aren't an obligation. I'm sure anything you'd buy would be fine." As someone who understood Zhao Wei and Xue Mei the best, Xue Chang knew that even for someone like the militia captain, it would be difficult to buy anything that could shock Xue Ai with his salary.
That girl was spoiled beyond belief.
But it wasn't like he was completely clueless on what to do. He knew his sister well after all.
"Well it doesn't matter. I guess it would be quite embarrassing if everyone else brought a gift but you didn't."
Sun Jianhong nodded in response. The four of them traveled down the road before Xue Chang paused for a second.
"Well what a surprise. Mister Zhuge!"
A cheeky old man, who was running his fingers down his white beard, looked up toward Xue Chang's call.
As he straightened his back, his shocking height was revealed as an old man who was rippling with vitality grinned over at Xue Chang and company.
"If it isn't the little devil!"
The old man, called Mister Zhuge, was a well known face around the bustling streets. After all, who there hasn't lost some money after interacting with the cheap bastard.
He was actually a pretty influential person among the common folk, this was because all of the stores, vendors, and merchants were dealing in his territory.
He owned the whole street!
The reason everyone there could sell their products was due to him allowing them to sell their wares there, for a small portion of the profits of course.
And while he wasn't as influential as the aristocratic families, his wealth wasn't something to scoff at. Especially since he owned an entire street, that meant the bigger the city's economy, the heavier his wallet became.
As for Xue Chang and company, they were acquainted with him for different reasons.
He was actually the very man who taught Tian Kai many unique things. Apparently the fish sauce, and many other unique dishes, originated from this man.
And in their free time, all of them enjoyed playing games of chess against him, keeping him company and entertained for hours on end.
It's been more than seven years and their relationship was better than ever.
"You haven't changed a bit Mister Zhuge." Xue Chang happily greeted him with a bow.
The man just waved his arms in the air, "No need for all of those greetings and whatnots, it's been a while since our last game of chess. C'mon boy let's see if we can finally break our tie today. If I remember correctly my wins and your wins should be 67 to 66 respectively."
"Well you didn't remember correctly as it was actually 66 to 67, we are winning." Tian Kai cut in with a small wink toward the old man.
The two shared a few laughs quickly and exchanged pleasantries for a while.
"What are you even doing out here now? You boys usually stayed cooped up in that house of yours, rarely coming down unless for food or building materials."
Mister Zhuge was already pretty close to then and knew a bit about their movements. And while some people mind find it rude that someone had been tracking their movements, Xue Chang knew better.
Mister Zhuge was the kind of guy who never goes out searching for information, instead information is always brought to him in the form of gossip and hearsay.
This was because he controlled one of the most powerful sources of information in the city, gossiping midwives!
He said, "It's a damn curse, trust me. It's not always enjoyable to know things you don't want to know, those women just never learn to shut up."
This wasn't the first time he'd complain about the rumors going around.
Sun Jianhong was surprised that everyone stopped so suddenly to speak to some random man. But he didn't mind.
He entered into the conversation as well after hearing those words, "I hear you. Some of my subordinates do the exact same thing. They really do have too much free time in their hands."
"Exactly! This guy gets it!" Mister Zhuge roared out in laughter as he slapped Sun Jianhong squarely on his back.
Despite his old age, each of Mister Zhuge' shots carried some weight behind them. Seeing the expression on Sun Jianhong's face, Xue Chang giggled as he knew exactly how he felt.
As the one who used to be the victim of those slaps, he knew exactly what Sun Jianhong was going through.
"Speaking of gossip, have you heard about the Xue family's birthday celebration?" Suddenly Mjster Zhuge changed topics as he questioned curiously.
"What a coincidence, actually we were invited so we came out here shopping for presents to present to the daughter of the Xue Family. "
Tian Kai directly stated their intentions. He didn't mind telling Mister Zhuge since it wasn't like they were trying to hide the truth.
"So lucky! I'm done with pompous parties such as that but I figured it would be a great experience for my granddaughter."
Xue Chang nodded, "How is the little princess anyway?"
"Bah! Calling her princess every time we speak about her. You need to watch out you little bastard, that girl will skin you alive if she catches you around here."
Tian Hai leaned over carefully and whispered to Sun Jianhong, "Mister Zhuge has a granddaughter around seventeen years old. She is a wise and talented girl who plans to take over her grandfather's position once he retires. With some effort she'd probably become quite the important businesswoman in the future. Unfortunately, our relationship with her is a bit strained as Xue Chang butt heads with her often. It's like they're water and oil. One is free spirited and believes in doing what he desires, while the other is quite mature and takes precaution in everything they do. To say the least, the last time they met didn't go well and now she holds a burning hatred for Xue Chang and a desire to find a hair growth solution."
Xue Chang sighed, "Like I said, it's not my fault she didn't listen to me when I told her to step back. Besides, how was I suppose to know the pot would explode and catch her hair on fire."
Mister Zhuge snorted as his eyes rolled within their sockets.
After a few more words were exchanged, Mister Zhuge said, "Well anyway, if it is presents you want then I recommend the city's auction house."
Xue Chang's brow rises slightly. He hadn't been to the house for a while since the last event. After all, he really didn't need anything and wanted to avoid another conflict like he had back then.
Ignoring his odd gaze, Mister Zhuge continued, "Now that condensed earth fire has become one of our main exports from the city, a lot of people have begun traveling to and fro in order to do business in our home. With all of these people, a lot of interesting items have been introduced. If you really want something to bedazzle that Xue Family girl, I'd recommend trying your luck there."
Nodding his head sagely, Xue Chang agreed with Mister Zhuge's words.
"Have you heard about the items that will be auctioned off today?"
Without another words, Mister Zhuge pulled out a sheet and wrote down a couple of words before passing it over. "These are the fabled items that'll be present in today's auction. Maybe you'll find something you'll like."
Xue Chang quickly accepted paper before flinching for a second, "Thank you so much Mister Zhuge. I'll be on my way now but if I have the time I'll be sure either me or Tian Kai will accompany you for another game of chess. Maybe this time you'll actually be able to tie it. Goodbye!"
With that quick farewell, Xue Chan grabbed Tian Hai and Tian Kai and rushed off. With Sun Jianhong, who was surprised by his rude actions, quickly apologizing and following behind him.
"Wait-wait! Xue Chang, why are you in such a rush?"
"Don't worry about it Sun Jianhong. I'll explain in a bit but for now let's get a move on."
And just as Xue Chang said that, a loud voice could be heard screeching from behind him.
"WHAT HE WAS JUST HERE?!? XUE CHANG GET BACK HERE SO I CAN SKIN YOU ALIVE!"
The four friends laughed as they all rushed away in unison.