In the winter air so cold it scraped the bones, Zhang Zhuo, clad in a green robe, waved from afar at Chen Liqin, his face wearing the cordial smile of reuniting with an old friend.
Yet Chen Liqin's expression subtly changed, "Lord Zhang, forgive my bluntness, but you and I are not of the same path. Why insist on returning to the Imperial Capital together?"
Zhang Zhuo laughed heartily, "Mr. Chen, what are you saying? If you and I from Luocheng City do not return to the Imperial Capital together, others will think neither of us has the broad-mindedness and tolerance to coexist."
Chen Liqin replied grumpily, "Lord Zhang, there's no need for veiled criticism or indirect insults. We have no private relationship; it would be better not to start the journey together."
Zhang Zhuo stroked his beard, his interest piqued as he asked, "Mr. Chen, are you worried that with me by Chen Ji's side, you'll be outshone as a father?"
