"Xiangbei, the street on the east side of our town is filled with skilled craftsmen, even more famous than Dongbin. You can go check it out. Do you have the processing blueprints? If not, I can accompany you now to ask around. Tomorrow, you can go to the county and have a good time. Earlier, Uncle Zhong mentioned that he found a small courtyard there on the east street. Let's go downstairs together. I'll have Uncle Zhong prepare a set of all these foods for your shop. Take your time to taste them. Xiangbei wants to see if there's anything suitable to add to the Southern Ocean order." Cheng Mo took over the conversation.
"That's great! Cheng Mo, you really understand my preferences. Let's go now. Brother Ziqiu, as long as we can produce the tools, give me a month, and I'll make your sea merchant friends beg you for supplies." Qiao Ziqiu looked at the young man in front of him, who was speaking to himself but was proud in front of Cheng Mo. Qiao Ziqiu's heart, entangled and troubled for a night, suddenly relaxed. Looking at the slightly arrogant yet adorable expression, he felt a sense of resolution. This is how young people in love should be. Little Mo Wang, since you sincerely call me brother with Xiangbei, let me guard this beautiful friendship for you. As long as you cherish her as I do, Qiu will follow you for a lifetime.
The friendship between men is peculiar. When Cheng Mo looked at Qiao Ziqiu, who was talking to himself but was proud in front of him, he understood. When their eyes met, they exchanged a glance filled with trust and commitment.
The group bid farewell at the door, and some assistants carried large food boxes to follow Qiao Er. Cheng Mo casually led Xiangbei to turn eastward. This street, not facing the river, mostly housed skilled craftsmen in a front-shop and rear-workshop style. Perhaps due to the rich underground water source, a quick glance revealed that many courtyards were neatly adorned with blue stone wells, water levels high enough to reflect Xiangbei's head like a mirror, giving the feeling that water might overflow in the next moment. At each small cross square of the street corners, there was a pavilion. Now, after dinner, people gathered to play and chat, reminiscent of the ancient town of Qiancheng visited during the trip to Western Hunan.
After the first intersection, at the corner of the first house along the two streets, a white-powdered stone wall was built, with what seemed like writings and paper paintings on it. Since the sun had set behind the mountain, it wasn't quite clear. There was a tall and wide triple wooden door right across from the pavilion. "This is the town's academy, semi-official and semi-private. As long as the children of permanent residents in the town can attend, and the tuition is halved. Next door is the courtyard that Uncle Zhong bought for you. It's a bit small, couldn't find a larger one in a hurry. The reading sounds from the academy might be a bit noisy during the day."
"That's fantastic! It's perfect for Sīnán to come and study. Just learning a few characters at home and reading some medical books isn't a long-term plan. He might be a bit timid because he was still young when Mother left, probably around seven or eight years old. He lacks a sense of security, but he's truly an extremely intelligent child."
"I understand; I was only six when Mother left." Cheng Mo's voice was very low, but Xiangbei heard it, and looking at this tall and handsome man, he felt a pang of heartache. That's why he would often show a bit of temper in front of Uncle Zhong and habitually ask for Uncle Zhong's opinion on everything.
Seeing how Uncle Zhong handled everything, it seemed like he was raised by him. Such a young child, he must have been clingy, just like Sīnán. She wanted to hug him, to comfort him like hugging a younger brother. Thinking about it, she did it, but the only thing she didn't anticipate was that she wasn't the tall figure from her past life – now, she was just a 14-year-old girl around 1.6 meters. So, the comforting embrace turned into nestling into the broad arms of the young man who stood at around 1.8 meters.
Cheng Mo was pleasantly surprised, enjoying the feel of the petite and tender body of the young girl in his arms, and the warmth of the care and comfort she radiated.
His mother passed away a long time ago, so long that he couldn't remember her appearance. A group of elders took him out and sent him to the maternal grandmother's home in the south. Everyone pampered him, and it wasn't until he turned eighteen that he personally took over the management of his mother's dowry and connections.
He wasn't alone, just a bit distant from his cousins who had complete families. However, he really liked the warmth in his arms. He sensed the strong belief in this young girl who wanted to protect him with her petite frame. He extended his arms and embraced her, wanting to hold onto this moment, vowing never to let go for the rest of his life.