Both parties took their seats, and Qingfeng brought over a wooden box, opened it, and took out two cigars, which he and Mingyue started to light using a burning pine twig.
"I've heard Mr. Cui is a connoisseur of cigars."
Xiao Ming said, "I'm not knowledgeable in this regard and was afraid the ones from outside wouldn't suit your taste. So, I specifically called Sir Zhou Jicang yesterday and plundered a box of his treasured collection, hoping it would satisfy you."
Cui Zhibo rotated the jade ring on his left thumb, smiled, and nodded: "Mr. Xiao is too kind, I'm truly honored."
By then, the cigars were lit, and Qingfeng handed one to Xiao Ming, while Mingyue respectfully offered the other to Cui Zhibo.
"These are my two juniors," Xiao Ming added, "my nephew Qingfeng, from the Thief Sect; and my niece Mingyue, an elite of the Worm Sect."
The pair of youngsters bowed courteously to Cui Zhibo, then retreated behind Xiao Ming and stood at attention.
