Jian Nanfeng entered with Li Xin right behind him; he believed their encounter was a coincidence, as he was the one who saw Li Xin from that window. Little did he know Li Xin orchestrated the whole thing. The latter had been trying for a while to get his attention to no avail, so when it was known he was in Nanhai, the latter had to meet him at all costs.
Their chance meeting occurred outside Rulai Pavilion, a prestigious establishment reserved for the elite. Li Xin had found out from his uncle that Jian Nanfeng and Gumei were dining there, and he rushed to the scene, hoping to be invited to join them. However, Nanfeng unexpectedly led him to a nearby restaurant instead. How cheap!
As they sat down at a wooden table, Li Xin's disappointment simmered beneath the surface. He had envisioned a more exclusive setting, one that would showcase his refined taste. Nanfeng, oblivious to Li Xin's true identity and intentions, engaged in conversation with ease.
"From the moment I saw you, I realized you are probably not from around here." Nanfeng asked.
"I'm from the capital," Li Xin said, carefully omitting his royal status. "I've been traveling, seeking new experiences."
Nanfeng listened silently, awed by Li Xin's stories. As they delved into discussions about Li Xin's troubles, Nanfeng found himself drawn to Li Xin's charismatic presence.
However, halfway through their meal, Nanfeng's expression changed. He suddenly remembered his friend, whom he had forgotten in his excitement over meeting Li Xin.
"Please, excuse me," Nanfeng said, rising from his seat. "I must find Gumei. We came to Nanhai together."
Li Xin's face fell; his plans foiled once again. He watched as Nanfeng disappeared into the crowd, leaving him alone in the restaurant. .
Li Xin sat in silence, nursing his bitter disappointment. His carefully laid plans had been upended, and he was left to ponder his next move now that he didn't get access to Rulai. He still felt very miffed, but little did he know that Nanfeng's entry into Rulai Pavilion had been facilitated by none other than Gumei, an oversight that would later upend their world.
…
In a secluded private room within Rulai Pavilion, a different scenario unfolded. Nanfeng's forgotten 'friend' sat beside a figure shrouded in shadows. Fei Zhi, the Black Tortoise gang leader, lay on a plush couch, his eyes switching between consciousness and delirium.
The friend, Gumei, had been trying to extract information from Fei Zhi for hours, but the man's lips remained sealed. His methods ranged from gentle persuasion to more coercive techniques, yet Fei Zhi's resolve remained unbroken.
Gumei leaned forward, his voice low and patient. "Fei Zhi, I know you're involved with the White Dragon gang. Tell me their plans, and I might forgive all trespasses."
Fei Zhi's eyes flickered open, his gaze unfocused. "Water..." he whispered.
Gumei signaled to a servant, who poured a cup of water from a nearby jug. Fei Zhi sipped it, his eyes never leaving Gumei's face.
"What is the White Dragon gang planning? Why are you guys targeting the merchants in Guangzhou?" Gumei pressed on.
Fei Zhi's expression turned enigmatic. "I know...the wind blows strong...in the mountains."
Gumei tamped down the frustration growing inside him; he had to be patient. "In which mountain is this wind blowing?"
Fei Zhi's smile was faint, his voice barely audible. "The trees...sway...to the wind's will."
Gumei's lips pursed into a thin line. "Are these trees on the mountain?"
As Fei Zhi was about to reply, Nanfeng burst into the room, his face apologetic. "Wei, I'm sorry I forgot about you. I got caught up with—"
Gumei turned to Nanfeng with a look he had never seen on the former's face. "Not now. I'm in the middle of something."
Nanfeng's eyes flickered as he took in the scene before him. Fei Zhi's fragile state and relaxed demeanor hinted at something far more important. He realized he shouldn't have left with Li Xin.
"Let me try," Nanfeng said, approaching Fei Zhi.
"No, what you need to do is leave." Gumei said calmly, and when he saw Nanfeng still approaching Fei Zhi, his patience snapped, "NOW!!"
When Nanfeng left, he turned back to Fei Zhi, who was now palpitating, "Which mountain was it?"
Fei Zhi let out a maniacal smile and started foaming at his mouth. Gumei looked through the room but found that the herbs he brought were exhausted. Fear began to rise in his heart as he watched Fei Zhi's life ebb away, unable to do anything.