The small courtyard's wooden gate creaked under the light breeze, while the moonlight cast dappled shadows through the sparse leaves of the old elm tree at the entrance.
The lamplight was dim, and it seemed as if something ominous lurked in the darkness.
Zhao Rong, leaning against the wooden gate, looked backward and saw a vague shadow flicker through the darkness.
"Creak, creak, creak, creak..."
A strange cry issued from the mouth of Screech Owl Peak.
It vanished... that sensation of being watched.
Zhao Rong slightly closed his eyes, then took a deep breath, the tangled mix of fear and annoyance dissipating quickly.
Was it the person He Sanqi had noticed?
Who could it be?
Zhao Rong leaned forward, frowning in thought.
Suddenly!
He noticed a new row of footprints by the hedge of his home's wooden gate, clearly visible due to the moist soil from recent rain, which definitely weren't left by him or his grandfather.
Zhao Rong's heart tightened, and he hurriedly rushed to the front of the house and pushed the door open.
By the shabby wooden table, a feeble oil lamp flickered a dim yellow halo, illuminating Zhao Fu's weathered face and his wrinkled hands holding a thin fishing line, meticulously mending a fishing net used countless times.
Every so often, he carefully tapped with a hammer, producing a clack-clack sound.
"What's the rush?" Zhao Fu looked up at him, then returned to his net mending.
Seeing his grandfather safe and sound, Zhao Rong's tense facial muscles relaxed immediately.
Not wanting to worry him, he simply waved his hand and made an excuse, "There's an urgent matter at the escort agency, I had to hurry."
The elderly man in front of the lamp suddenly chuckled.
"Are you worried that someone might harm this old man?"
Meeting Zhao Rong's slightly stunned gaze, Zhao Fu counter-asked, "How did you know someone visited today?"
At this point, Zhao Rong could not help but understand.
"Oh, there's a fresh series of footprints outside, not like those made by our locals." He brought over a small stool and sat next to his grandfather.
"You've observed well."
Zhao Fu stroked his beard in relief, "If you ever walk the Jianghu, maintain this level of awareness."
"Naturally."
Zhao Rong had just responded when he saw his grandfather pull a letter from his sleeve.
"It was delivered under the cover of night, for me to pass on to you."
"The person spoke very politely, consider what background they might have on your own."
Glancing up, he saw no markings on the envelope and withdrew a thin piece of paper from the inside.
Written in black brush strokes:
"Tomorrow, at the hour of You, meet at the elegant seat in front of the window at Huiyan Tower's second floor."
The handwriting was unassuming yet profound, seemingly outlining delicateness.
Zhao Rong, who had studied calligraphy, immediately thought...
"Grandfather, was the person who delivered this letter a woman?"
"I'd be pleased to know if Rong'er had a special someone,"
"But the one who spoke during the delivery had a steady male voice."
Zhao Fu joked back, then turned his eyes to the letter, "What does it say?"
"Heh, someone's inviting us."
Zhao Rong examined the writing, "Mysterious, no idea who it is."
He felt uneasy inside, a sense of being coerced.
The letter had been sent to his home as if to leash an old ox by the nose.
Regardless of whether the banquet was for good or ill, Zhao Rong had to go through with it.
The next morning, he checked in at the escort agency early, and during lunch he found Lu Shilai, who was busy at the time, and merely mentioned that someone had invited him for dinner, needing to leave an hour and a half early.
Lu readily agreed, arranging for Pu Kui to cover for him, giving him permission to leave at the hour of Shen.
Zhao Rong didn't leave early.
Huiyan Tower was located in the bustling center of Yanfeng Street; it was only a moment's walk from the escort agency, leaving ample time to think things through and make plans on the fly.
...
Where does the autumn wind arise? The sorrowful cries of geese in flight. Arriving in the morning to the courtyard trees, the solitary guest hears them first.
The geese perched atop Hengyang's Zigai Peak, enjoying the crisp autumn breeze and the fine sunset, leisurely preened their feathers.
Amid the distant "yi ya" cries of the geese, a young man dressed as a standard armed escort stopped in front of the quaint and bustling inn.
Where does one stay as the slanting snow and north winds rise? Hengyang road adorned with many wine banners.
The large wine banner flapped in the wind, an eye-catching sight.
White walls, black tiles, soaring eaves facing each other. Beams cross columns, carved and painted rafters. Lanterns hanging in a row, high-placed signboards.
Outside the building, carriages and horses were noisy; inside, there were joyous toasts and laughter. In the courtyard, rosewood lanterns hung, with plum vases on each side. Two beauties played the zither and flute, drawing cheers of appreciation from the customers.
"What liveliness, Huiyan Tower truly is one of the top-tier teahouses in Hengyang."
Zhao Rong had been here before but was still captivated by the evening scene.
The aroma of wine and dishes wafted to him, and he looked instinctively towards the second floor.
Figures moved about, and it was unknown if the mysterious host of the day had arrived or not.
A greeter in a long robe and flat hat approached with a smile to inquire, and Zhao Rong gave a nod, prompting the greeter to shout into the building:
"A distinguished guest, private seat by the south window on the second floor, please come inside!"
"Tea master, look at the teas!"
"Alright~~!"
The middle-aged tea master, carrying a tray and a pot, led the way and spoke to Zhao Rong:
"You can choose any tea you like for the private seat, distinguished guest. What tea would you like to drink?"
"Tribute tea from Jiangtou, crimson tea of Manshan, yellow tea of a thousand dragons from Hengyang. Hehe, this jasmine fragrance comes from emerald aromas, Silver Needle and Biluo, tiny white flowers."
The tea master spoke floridly, but Zhao Rong was hardly paying attention.
"What tea is the other person at the private seat by the south window drinking?"
The tea master thought for a moment, "It's Dewdrop Yellow Tea."
Zhao Rong knew then that the other person had arrived.
This person had been secretly watching him and even found out where he lived, causing him much unrest.
He wanted to carefully check what this person's background was and what exactly he was selling in that gourd.
"Please, I'll have the same."
"Alright!"
The tea master led them to the second floor and then went to prepare the tea. A waiter, with a white cloth draped over his shoulder, led him to the private seat.
He Sanqi, the dumpling vendor, had said that this person was definitely skilled.
Zhao Rong, knowing that he was at a disadvantage, suddenly felt as if he was facing a formidable opponent now that the unknown skilled person was actually close by.
Don't be fooled by the bustling gateway of Huiyan Tower; even Tian Boguang, the lecherous bandit, dared to openly duel with Linghu Chong here and committed murder.
The restraint imposed on Jianghu people by the public eye wasn't as strong as one might imagine.
Let alone this skilled person.
Zhao Rong took a deep breath and composed his expression.
He couldn't show weakness as soon as he arrived, otherwise he would completely lose the leverage for negotiation and be at others' mercy.
His mind whirred as he followed the waiter toward the private seat.
The grand entrance of Huiyan Tower faced south; walking directly back on the second floor led to the fluttering curtains of the tavern.
At that moment, the windows were wide open, the autumn breeze was gentle, and the setting sun slanted through.
Zhao Rong seemed to not hear the noisy surroundings or enjoy the beautiful scene.
He paced steadily, scanning towards the private seat by the south window.
Hmm?
Looking left and right, he still couldn't find anyone near the south window who matched the image of the "skilled person" in his mind.
Until...
Two clear gazes drifted from the window, and the waiter led him to sit opposite, meanwhile wiping down the chair and table with the white cloth in his hand.
"Please have a seat, sir."
Zhao Rong's expression turned wooden as he stared at the figure opposite him, his eyes immediately filled with disbelief.
And the other person, was smiling at him.
"Skilled... skilled person? No..."
"Did you invite me here?"
The person in green swiftly stood up, not at all shy, and gently tugged at Zhao Rong's sleeve towards the chair.
"Big brother, don't just stand there, have a seat."
"I've been looking for you for some time, and today I finally meet you."
"..."
That crisp voice echoed in Zhao Rong's ears, like an evening breeze brushing across the plains. Watching the other's joyous face, he was still utterly confused.
At that moment, the tea master chanted the number and served the tea, the porcelain cup "clinked" as it was placed on the table.
"The yellow flowers flutter, the autumn sentiment is late, Hengyang a thousand miles away, thoughts of a traveling guest."
"Sir, here's your Dewdrop Yellow Tea, please enjoy slowly..."
...