Fan Jia was enjoying a bowl of sliced cold noodles at the same table with the academy dean who was relishing his dish of Buddha's Temptation, a dish he wouldn't tire of even if he had it every day.
Tong Tiehu was also at this table, quietly picking at his food with chopsticks.
The group of scholars came together to inspect the secret tunnel, putting on a cheerful front, but who knows what schemes could be brewing in their hearts.
Oh, the allure of treasure - it sends a thrill through so many!
"Xiaomai, what are you cooking? It smells incredible!" The academy dean, having finished his dish, saw Qiao Xiaomai standing at the entrance and waved at her.
"Lamb Soup."
"Ah, what a great tonic!" Dean Gao chuckled.
"It's better to have it in winter. It's too hot today." Qiao Xiaomai pointed at the burning sun overhead.
Though they were under parasols, they were fully dressed in the midday sun, beads of sweat evident on their foreheads.
