"My name is Lu Fei, and my family runs a pawnshop," Lu Fei said politely with a smile.
"Lu, and in the pawnshop business..." The elegant lady raised her finely shaped eyebrows slightly. "Could it be that you are the new young master of the Evil Pawnshop?"
"As expected, the Sanwei Teahouse is well-informed. I've heard that Madam Hong never steps outside but knows everything about the martial world."
"The rumors say that the Evil Pawnshop has reemerged, run by a handsome young man. Seeing you today, it turns out the reputation does not do you justice—you're even more handsome than I imagined."
The lady laughed lightly, her demeanor becoming even more welcoming.
"Since it's the young master of the Evil Pawnshop visiting for the first time, I'll give you a special discount."
With that, she went off to prepare the tea.
Tiger took a glance at the menu and nearly fell off his chair in shock.
"My goodness! This is daylight robbery! Three thousand bucks for a pot of tea!"
"This isn't just for tea. People come here to get information. The three thousand is actually the price for that," Lu Fei explained.
"Still, that's way too expensive! Back when I had a job, my whole monthly salary was just three thousand. Are all mystic practitioners this rich?" Tiger shook his head in disbelief, curiously looking around.
Lu Fei also took a quiet look around the teahouse.
There weren't many people.
Aside from them, there were only two other occupied tables.
One was a man in a white robe, drinking tea by himself and seemingly uninterested in anything around him.
The other table was occupied by an elderly man and a young girl who appeared to be his granddaughter. The old man looked energetic and kindly, while the girl had a mischievous charm, her cheeks puffed out as she munched on snacks, resembling a bright-eyed little chipmunk.
However, the old man's gaze occasionally fell on Lu Fei after learning he was from the Evil Pawnshop.
Lu Fei noted that the old man seemed to be about the same age as his grandfather, and a thought struck him.
"Could he know my grandfather?"
Turning, Lu Fei met the old man's gaze and offered a polite nod.
The old man smiled back at him.
Lu Fei was about to stand up to ask a few questions when Madam Hong returned with the tea and two plates of exquisite snacks.
"Young Master Lu, please enjoy the tea. The snacks are on the house. I hope you'll visit often."
"Thank you, Madam Hong," Lu Fei said, then asked, "Madam, may I ask who that gentleman over there is?"
"That's the renowned feng shui master, Elder Duan Tiankui. In Jiangcheng, if he claims to be the second-best in feng shui, no one would dare claim first."
Madam Hong sat down beside him, her eyes narrowing with amusement as her jewelry made a pleasant jingle.
"Next to him is his granddaughter, Duan Lingyue. The little girl loves our snacks and always drags her grandfather here."
Hearing this, Lu Fei couldn't help but ask, "Does he know my grandfather?"
"Of course he does. The Evil Pawnshop is famous, and Old Master Lu's skill in handling cursed items was legendary. Who in the community wouldn't know him?"
Madam Hong counted her finely manicured fingers, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"However, it's been three years since Old Master Lu last visited the teahouse. Young Master Lu, you must be here to inquire about your grandfather?"
"Nothing escapes Madam Hong," Lu Fei said with a smile.
"It's true that Old Master Lu has been missing for three years, and there's not even the slightest hint of his whereabouts. Many in the community believe he met with misfortune, but I don't buy it. People as capable as he are hard to harm, even after nine lives."
Madam Hong affectionately patted Lu Fei's hand.
"Don't worry, Young Master Lu. Old Master Lu might be enjoying himself somewhere. If I hear anything, you'll be the first to know."
"Thank you, Madam Hong," Lu Fei said sincerely, then asked, "Madam, when my grandfather came to the teahouse three years ago, it probably wasn't just for tea, was it?"
"Old Master Lu invited someone for tea," Madam Hong said softly.
"Who?" Lu Fei tensed up.
"An old drunkard who calls himself Jia Banxian—a real pauper," Madam Hong said with a hint of disdain on her well-maintained face. "If you're thinking of finding this person to ask about your grandfather, don't hold out too much hope."
"Why not?" Lu Fei was puzzled.
"Because that man is a vagrant. He roams everywhere, begging. No one knows where he might be now. He's no different from a filthy beggar. I haven't seen him since your grandfather invited him for tea three years ago."
"Madam Hong, please keep an eye out for him as well," Lu Fei said. He wasn't willing to let any potential lead slip by.
If his grandfather specifically met this person before disappearing, Jia Banxian must know something.
"Of course, I can do that, but you know how it works here." Madam Hong smiled alluringly. "For an ordinary person, ten thousand is enough, but for Jia Banxian, it's twenty thousand. Finding him is a real pain."
"No problem, as long as you're willing to help." Lu Fei paid ten thousand on the spot as a deposit.
This was why making money was essential. Even in the mystic world, nothing was free. He knew he'd need funds for many things down the road.
"I love dealing with straightforward young gentlemen like you! Don't worry, sweetheart—I'll do my best."
Madam Hong's smile grew wider, and she leaned close to whisper, "You might also want to chat with Elder Duan. He's a senior figure on par with your grandfather, so it could be beneficial."
"Thank you for the advice, Madam Hong," Lu Fei said, thinking for a moment before adding, "It wouldn't be polite to approach empty-handed. Could you prepare two plates of fruit and snacks for me to send over, on my tab?"
"I'll take care of that. Young Master Lu, you're as thoughtful as you are handsome—just my type."
Madam Hong gave his hand a pat before going to prepare the fruit.
"My mom used to say that the more charming and eloquent a woman is, the more deceptive she can be. Boss, don't let her steal your heart!" Tiger said, wiping his mouth nervously.
Lu Fei almost laughed. Who was really being charmed here?
He put on a stern face and said, "What are you talking about? Madam Hong is a senior."
"Senior? She looks to be only around thirty. How can she be a senior?"
"She's been running this teahouse for over twenty years, looking exactly like this the whole time. You tell me, is she a senior or not?"
"What?! Twenty years ago, she looked like this? She must be over fifty!" Tiger's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"More than fifty, even. Who knows how old she really was before coming here!"
Tiger looked bewildered. "How does she not age at all? Is she a spirit or something?"
"She just might be! Watch your manners, or if she notices any disrespect, you'll be in for trouble." Lu Fei's expression was serious.
"I didn't do anything!" Tiger gulped nervously, now more frightened than charmed.
Lu Fei hid a smile behind his teacup, savoring the moment.
He wasn't lying. He didn't know if Madam Hong was a spirit, but it was true that she hadn't aged in decades.
Soon, Madam Hong brought two plates of delicately arranged fruit to Elder Duan's table and mentioned that they were a gift from Lu Fei.
Elder Duan nodded and smiled at Lu Fei, waving him over.
"Young Master Lu, there's no need for such formality. Your grandfather and I are old friends. Come join us for tea."