{"id":592,"date":"2023-02-24T16:51:51","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T08:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amarukei.com\/?p=592"},"modified":"2023-10-04T12:09:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T04:09:37","slug":"mhm-chapter-23-business-is-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amarukei.com\/?p=592","title":{"rendered":"MHM Chapter 23: Business Is Good"},"content":{"rendered":"

A few days later, a booth was set up in front of the White Crane Publishing House.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure why we couldn\u2019t do this at the Du Manor, or even at the Juxian Inn,\u201d said Yatou, checking the spirit weapons and placing them carefully on the expensive rented racks and small but elaborate tentage they\u2019d set up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cValley Lord Di said it would be good publicity for our sect to do this openly in public,\u201d said Gouzi, arranging the setup and making the booth look as expensive as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019m done checking them all. They\u2019re clean,\u201d said Yatou. \u201cMaybe you should go get your third eye opened before the year ends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to pass the spirit-casting test first to receive it,\u201d sighed Gouzi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that hard,\u201d said Yatou. \u201cI think you\u2019ll do fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Shijie*, maybe I\u2019ll go for it,\u201d said Gouzi.<\/span><\/p>\n

*Shijie = senior sister<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cGouzi, how\u2019s the setup going?\u201d asked a young man, braids in the side of his hair swept into a ponytail. The young man was dressed in the standard black of the Border Mountains Sect, decorated with some silver and jade to give him a more formal look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Gouzi could react, Yatou had gone up to the young man and greeted him, a curious look on her face. This young man looked like one of them but did not sport any of the peaks\u2019 colours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Crystal Peak\u2019s disciple, Yatou. You are\u2026?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings to big sister Yatou. I\u2019m Mie\u2019er, an undercover disciple sent to work here,\u201d said Di Mie, smiling and acting cute.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Yatou.<\/span><\/p>\n

No, you\u2019re not \u2018seeing\u2019 anything! <\/span><\/i>thought Gouzi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll be going now. Gouzi, little brother Mie\u2019er, take care of yourself,\u201d said Yatou, giving them a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gouzi could only stare wide-eyed as Di Mie waved goodbye to Yatou.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook smart. It\u2019s time to open shop,\u201d said Di Mie, dropping his cute act and putting his game face on.<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a five-silver administration fee to cover our costs. We would really appreciate a tip if you can <\/span>afford<\/span><\/i> it,\u201d said Di Mie, smiling at the various cultivators here to claim the lost weapons of themselves or on behalf of their clan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHonoured cultivators, please sign here with your name and clan once you have confirmed the weapon you wish to claim,\u201d said Gouzi, making sure to use the decorum and manners suited towards noble elites he learnt from Elegance Peak classes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first cultivator was a mercenary, quietly claiming his sword and setting down ten silvers on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTen silvers! Thank you for your generosity, cultivator Zhang!\u201d called out Di Mie. \u201cIt\u2019s really hard for us, you know. Five silvers hardly cover our costs, so thank you for your <\/span>ten silvers<\/span><\/i>!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHah, ten silvers? What a cheapskate,\u201d sneered the cultivator behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Cultivator Zhang\u2019 looked ashamed of himself and quickly set down another ten silvers before shuffling off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA sect of commoners sure works hard for pocket change,\u201d scoffed another cultivator claiming his stolen sword. He signed for his sword, took out a purse and dropped it on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gouzi knew what to do now, quickly pouring out the contents of the purse in front of everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFifty silvers from this generous cultivator Zhou here!\u201d announced Gouzi, smiling brightly. \u201cThank you, thank you! It really shows how big-hearted you are! This junior disciple shall make sure your contribution shall be clearly written down and conveyed to all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Di Mie nodded at Gouzi approvingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll that pomp and only fifty silvers? Are you really from an affluent clan?\u201d laughed someone in the queue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to see you do better,\u201d said the red-faced cultivator who was criticised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEsteemed cultivator sirs, we also accept bank notes!\u201d added Di Mie. Gouzi picked up on it and followed Di Mie\u2019s lead, smiling and helping to goad these customers\u2019 generosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

With all the bickering, these thin-skinned cultivators began to try and one-up each other with their purses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The banker takes all and Gouzi and Di Mie smiled as they easily recouped the Di Mie\u2019s capital and earned some extra for the Border Mountains Sect\u2019s coffers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Di Mie sighed as they had a slight lull in business, with the next batch of \u2018customers\u2019 seemingly arguing with each other and going off to get more funds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSenior, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Gouzi. It was rare to see Di Mie sigh like this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish my Shizun could see me working hard,\u201d grumbled Di Mie, folding his arms and leaning against a pillar. \u201cI thought maybe my grown-up form was making him uncomfortable so I\u2019ve been letting him see this youthful, dashing me, but he\u2019s still so reserved\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, are you referring to Senior Xie?\u201d said Gouzi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho else would I be talking about?\u201d said Di Mie, picking at his nails while keeping an eye on the bickering crowd of customers. As if hitting upon an idea, he pulled out a pocket mirror from his pouch and turned around, discreetly casting a communication spell.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gouzi blinked in surprise. Communication spells were expensive, requiring precise enchanting and high-grade spirit stones. He\u2019d never seen it used for such a frivolous purpose. He respectfully averted his gaze, not wanting to pry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to be so uptight,\u201d chuckled Di Mie. \u201cJust look if you\u2019re curious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gouzi nodded and sidled over, giving in to his curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYoung master,\u201d came Heigou\u2019s deep voice from the mirror. \u201cIf it\u2019s regarding the report from the scouts\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s he?\u201d interrupted Di Mie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pass the mirror to him,\u201d chuckled Heigou.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xie Li\u2019s eyes turned away when Heigou passed him the mirror. He peeked a glance at it and seeing the familiar face in the mirror instead of his own reflection, he relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShizun~\u201d came a familiar voice as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Mie\u2019er?\u201d said Xie Li, his hand coming up in view and doing little flaps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissed me?\u201d grinned Di Mie. \u201cAre you alone\u2014wait. This isn\u2019t your room. Where are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNext door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHu Xun\u2019s room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJianshi and Jianjin are with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Oh, right. I did say you can be near him if they\u2019re with you, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave if it displeases you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d said Di Mie, the grip on the mirror tightened and shook a little. \u201cThis disciple doesn\u2019t dare reprimand you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s the case, I\u2019ll stay and discuss the matter of the Jiutian sword with him\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease hand this mirror over to Hu Xun,\u201d smiled Di Mie, a corner of his lips twitching.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll, um, get back to work,\u201d said Gouzi, not wanting to know where the conversation led.<\/span><\/p>\n

Di Mie ignored him, ducking under the generous booth table to continue his call.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Brother Di?\u201d said Rong Zhong, as he appeared in the mirror. He laughed nervously and fanned himself when amber eyes glared daggers at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop seducing my Shizun and get out of the room, you damn playboy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother Di, I\u2019m not seducing\u2014argh. You know my playboy reputation is faked, right?\u201d said Rong Zhong.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s a \u2018playboy\u2019?\u201d came Xie Li\u2019s voice from behind Rong Zhong.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShizun, it\u2019s nothing,\u201d said Di Mie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xie Li sighed and took the mirror from Rong Zhong, then walked out of the room, leaving everyone behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you not feeling well?\u201d asked Xie Li.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hale and hearty~\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour nose is scrunching up. You are either unhappy or uncomfortable,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I admit I\u2019m unhappy that you\u2019re having fun with Hu Xun while I\u2019m working hard on the streets all by my lonely self.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t want to work, then don\u2019t. If you\u2019re lonely, then go play with your friends,\u201d said Xie Li, matter-of-factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have no money for food and clothes if I don\u2019t work,\u201d pouted Di Mie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know how to hunt and forage for food,\u201d said Xie Li. \u201cAs for clothes, ask Lingfeng or Sister Ye to give you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to eat good food and wear fine clothes,\u201d challenged Di Mie. \u201cThey can\u2019t give me that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Xie Li\u2019s gaze fluttered downwards as he thought about it for a moment, then answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen sell Ashfire. Hu Xun said it\u2019s worth a lot at an auction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat damned Hu Xun said unnecessary things\u2026\u201d muttered Di Mie.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long tablecloth parted and Gouzi\u2019s face appeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSenior,\u201d he whispered. \u201cWe have a situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTsk. Looks like work\u2019s not gonna go smoothly today,\u201d said Di Mie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo,\u201d said Xie Li. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of your people here for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s their job\u2014forget it. I\u2019ll talk to you later,\u201d said Di Mie, swiftly tucking the mirror away.<\/span><\/p>\n

A group of Rong Clan disciples swaggered and came to a halt outside the White Crane Publishing House. People and cultivators alike quickly gave them a wide berth and whispered among themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings, sir cultivators from the Rong Clan,\u201d said Gouzi, as politely as he could. \u201cIs there anything I can do for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rong Clan disciple looked him up and down and seeing no sign of a sigil of nobility on him, scoffed, \u201cDon\u2019t speak to me. Border Mountains Sect peasants have no place among cultivators.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir cultivators, these are lost and stolen swords that we intend to return to their owners,\u201d said Gouzi, perplexed as they began taking the swords from the booth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s their fault for losing their swords,\u201d said another Rong Clan disciple. \u201cIf they want their swords back, they can go to the Phoenix Manor and take it up with our clan head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a five-silvers administration fee for each sword you claim,\u201d said Di Mie, strolling in to take over from Gouzi. \u201cAlso, please fill in the form as a receipt of your collection.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t need to listen to you Border Mountains peasants\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPak!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He was interrupted by a loud clap in front of his face. Di Mie, in his raven-haired teenage form, clapped his hands together and a blast of spirit aura energy that came from his palms sent the Rong Clan disciples reeling back a few steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2014you dare pick a fight with the Rong Clan?\u201d stuttered the disciple, drawing his sword as he trembled, startled by the blast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not, sir,\u201d smiled Di Mie. \u201cThere was a mosquito in front of you, so I thought to kill it before it bit you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense! You’re making things up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“I assure you, sir, that it was a very fierce mosquito,” said Gouzi with a straight face, backing Di Mie up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear, the mosquito just landed on your face\u2026\u201d said Di Mie, taking a step forward. The Rong Clan disciples hastily backed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d said a woman on a horse approaching them. \u201cWhat\u2019s taking so long?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMistress Rong!\u201d greeted the Rong Clan disciples.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rong Ci, daughter of the Rong Clan, was accompanied by the elite guards of the Rong Clan. She was dressed in the gold and red of her clan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enchantments were sewn into her robe with shimmering spirit thread and a bejewelled sword hung on her hip. A luxurious fur cape around her shoulders was embroidered in gold thread, keeping her warm and comfortable in the winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was wearing what could easily be the entire fortune of any other clan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can\u2019t do this simple task, what\u2019s the point of keeping you?\u201d said Rong Ci. Her voice was sweet but her gaze was condescending.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake your stupid administration fee,\u201d hissed the Rong Clan senior, red-faced as he slammed a bag of silver on the table. He and his men quickly took the swords and hastened off to the Phoenix Manor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey. You lot,\u201d said a guard leading Rong Ci\u2019s convoy, addressing the cultivators around the booth claiming their swords. \u201cWe\u2019re gathering men to hunt some demons. Come and fight if you want fame and money. If you don\u2019t have a sword, we\u2019ll lend you one. Go to the Juxian Inn to sign up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The mercenaries went up to Rong Ci\u2019s horse, thanking her profusely and headed over to the inn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rong Ci dusted off her sleeves, wrinkled her nose and huffed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re so dirty,\u201d she said, turning her horse around. \u201cCome. We\u2019re going to settle some old scores on the west street.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGouzi, take care of things here,\u201d grinned Di Mie, following right behind Rong Ci\u2019s convey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2014\u201d Gouzi stopped himself and shook his head, then simply saluted. \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Old Niu, are you sure this is the right way?\u201d asked Auntie Ma, using a bamboo stick as a walking staff.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the end of the path, so we should be in the right place,\u201d said Old Niu, tapping a finger on a map and passing it over for Auntie Ma to look at.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere should be a small shrine\u2014ah, could that hut be it?\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cIt looks pretty run-down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCalling it \u2018run-down\u2019 is being kind. This looks more like a haunted hut\u2026\u201d said Old Niu, avoiding stepping on the bits of half-burnt paper offerings so as not to offend any lost spirits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little dusty and there are ashes scattered all over the floor,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cBut the offerings on the altar look fresh. It couldn\u2019t have been more than a few days since someone came here. There’s a tablet here\u2014heavens! The offerings are for a ‘Lord Divine Retribution’.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“This \u2018battle\u2019 mentioned here probably refers to the Calamity and the \u2018prophecies\u2019 might be the \u2018curses\u2019 the Lord Divine Retribution laid upon the major clans,\u201d said Old Niu, stroking his non-beard thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs it says, \u2018the gates are closed; spirits dispersed\u2019,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cNo matter what kind of person he was, may his soul find rest and move on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d sighed Old Niu. \u201cMost tales painted the Hermit Moon Peak Lord as a villain through and through, but from what stories I\u2019ve collected, it\u2019s not that simple. Just look at the terrible things many people did to survive during those tough times. Blaming one man as the source of all disaster is just lazy story-telling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems like you\u2019re hoping to write your own version of the tale,\u201d chuckled Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d grinned Old Niu. \u201cThis old man still has what it takes to be a travelling bard!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis place feels a little disconcerting,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cI hope someone picks us up soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAuntie Ma, Uncle Niu!\u201d called out a cheery voice as a familiar face popped into the rundown shrine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, isn\u2019t this young sir Jianjin!\u201d called out Old Niu. \u201cI\u2019m glad someone we know is here to get us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“No need to be formal with me; I’m young enough to be your son,” chirped Jianjin.<\/span><\/p>\n

“All right then, good child,” chuckled Old Niu. “We won’t stand on formalities.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Come, Jianjin, it’s not much, but this is for you,” said Auntie Ma as she dug out a parcel from her bundle and gave it to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jianjin eagerly took it, unwrapping it to reveal a handful of biscuits. He popped one into his mouth, crumbs spewing out as he exclaimed: \u201cThese almond biscuits melt in my mouth!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you like them,\u201d chuckled Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMan, it\u2019s going to be hard to leave half for my bro\u2026\u201d said Jianjin, stuffing two more into his mouth. He cupped his cheek to express how tasty the biscuits were.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can eat it all. I\u2019ll make another batch for your brother later,\u201d said Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you go back on your word!\u201d chirped Jianjin, popping in one more biscuit before tucking the rest in his sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

A breeze picked up and the scattered half-burnt joss papers on the floor rustled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go before it gets dark,\u201d said Jianjin. \u201cIt\u2019s good you came on foot. We’ve been on high alert ever since the Rong Clan put up mass bounties on demon hunting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe hear people on the streets everywhere complaining about how Rong Clan disciples are asking for \u2018donations\u2019 from the businesses,\u201d said Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would they need to do that? I thought the clan\u2019s filthy rich,\u201d said Jianjin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly the people at the top of the clan are rich,\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cTheir clan\u2019s disciples are getting greedy and out of hand now that the clan’s second son and steward are gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Niu is so well-informed!\u201d said Jianjin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeh, don\u2019t underestimate the abilities of a former disciple of Cloudrest Peak,\u201d said Old Niu, rubbing his chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span><\/p>\n

They made their way through the guard house and saw Heigou briefing the guards on their patrol.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJianjin, you\u2019re back,\u201d said Heigou. \u201cThis must be Mister Niu and Madam Ma.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, just call me Auntie Ma,\u201d said Auntie Ma reflexively as she looked at the tall dog-headed man in awe. \u201cAnd you are\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuard captain Heigou is in charge of the security here,\u201d said Jianjin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCall me Old Niu. Pleased to meet you, captain,\u201d greeted Old Niu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to be formal,\u201d said Heigou. \u201cAny friends of the young master and Mister Xie are friends of mine. If there\u2019s anything you need, just let me know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I have so many questions to ask,\u201d said Old Niu, not holding back. \u201cUm, I\u2019m somewhat of a storyteller and would love to collect some stories about the demon clans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d chuckled Heigou. \u201cI\u2019ll visit you when I\u2019m free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful,\u201d said Old Niu, his eyes sparkling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re such a child sometimes,\u201d chuckled Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring them to the manor, captain,\u201d said Jianjin to Heigou.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll leave this to you and go on my patrol,\u201d said Heigou.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jianjin saluted and beckoned Old Niu and Auntie Ma to follow him into the main street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Ah-Li at the manor?\u201d asked Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSenior Xie should be working at the Cat\u2019s Paw restaurant at this time,\u201d said Jianjin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLast we saw Xie Li at Juxian Inn, he looked very sick. Has he recovered enough to work?\u201d asked Old Niu.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAiyo, he should be resting. Someone other than me will be sure to overwork him,\u201d said Auntie Ma, frowning. \u201cBring us to this restaurant. I need to check on him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They made their way to the Cat\u2019s Paw restaurant and saw Xie Li\u2019s head cradled in his arms atop the tea table, fast asleep. He had one arm outstretched over the table still holding onto a measuring spoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jinbei, the cat-faced owner of the restaurant, tip-toed up to him and carefully replaced the spoon in his hand with a sprig of plum blossom. The cat-faced demon then set a vase of flowers on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jinbei looked at the customers at the tables.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of them pointed at the vase and gestured for him to move it. He shifted it to the other end of the table, giving them an unobstructed view.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is going on?\u201d whispered Auntie Ma, not daring to disturb the quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, customers,\u201d said Jinbei, coming up to them and rubbing his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, boss Jinbei,\u201d said Jianjin, keeping his voice soft. \u201cThese two are senior Xie\u2019s friends coming to see him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Jinbei. \u201cMister Xie\u2019s sleeping now, so why not wait until his shift\u2019s over? It\u2019s about an hour more. I can get you a table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Auntie Ma frowned when she saw Xie Li being gawked at in his sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ah-Li is shy and doesn’t like to sleep in front of other people,” said Auntie Ma, turning to glare at Jinbei. “I don’t think he agreed to this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Uhh, it’s within his shift, so…” said Jinbei.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The last few times this happened, Captain Heigou would take him upstairs or back to the manor, but the captain’s finishing his shift late,” said Jianjin, digging Jinbei’s grave. “I’m here to actually escort senior Xie back if he’s sleeping.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fine, fine, just take him,” muttered Jinbei, pouting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jianjin went up to Xie Li and shook his arm. “Senior Xie, let’s go back.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It took a while, but Xie Li eventually stirred, his eyes heavy. He felt something in his hand and seeing something unfamiliar, quickly let go of it. He narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked around the room. There were more people than he was comfortable with, and he started drawing away.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Senior Xie, I’m Jianjin. This is the Cat Paw’s restaurant,” reported Jianjin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xie Li slowly stood up and straightened his clothes. His movement was impeccable and fluid, but he looked cold and distant. He looked more like a painting than a real person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Old Niu blinked and felt a chill down his back for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ah-Li, you shouldn’t be working while you’re still sick. Come, let’s leave,” said Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

“…Auntie Ma?” said Xie Li, blinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes, it’s your Auntie Ma,” smiled Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xie Li stared at them for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Just give him a moment. I think he’s not fully awake yet,” whispered Jianjin to Auntie Ma.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes, Auntie Ma knows this,” she whispered back.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a while, Xie Li seemed a bit more like his slightly dopier self and gave them a well-practised smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Auntie Ma,” said Xie Li. He looked around at the restaurant and then at Jinbei.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Uh, your shift’s ended, so feel free to clock off,” said Jinbei, drawing an envelope from his sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jianjin took the envelope, poured out the coins from it and counted.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s the correct amount,” said Jianjin. “I thank you on behalf of my senior Xie, boss Jinbei.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s the least I could do,” smiled Jinbei, rubbing his paws together. “Please don’t tell the young master about this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s up to senior Xie, not me,” said Jianjin, handing the envelope of coins to Xie Li.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Sir Dream-Wandering Immortal, do you have to go so soon?\u201d called out a customer at the tables.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cIf boss Jinbei here displeased you, let us know and we\u2019ll beat him up!\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cHey, you lot,\u201d scolded Jinbei.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Xie Li looked at the customers, then at Jianjin, who seemed to know what to do after watching his Di Shibo.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cJust tell them you\u2019re busy and need to go,\u201d he suggested.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cMn,\u201d said Xie Li. He turned to the customers and said, \u201cI am busy and I need to go.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>The customers waved and called after him as he left the restaurant without looking back.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cPlease come back soon!\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cOr allow us to visit you at the manor?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cWe\u2019ll bring gifts!\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u201cThey\u2019re demons, but they\u2019re pretty lively,\u201d said Auntie Ma, surprised. \u201cIt almost feels like being back at my inn.\u201d
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Translator\u2019s Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rong Ci’s name ‘Ci’ means ‘mercy’ or ‘charity’. It seems this Rong Clan’s children all have contradicting names…
\n(Rong Jing ‘Respect’, Rong Zhong ‘Loyalty’ and Rong Ci ‘Mercy’)<\/p>\n

I wonder if Gouzi and Heigou would ever meet and get along since they both have the word ‘gou’ (dog) in their names.<\/p>\n

The word ‘playboy’ in Chinese is ‘hua hua gong zi’, which literally translates to ‘flower flower childe’, meaning ‘young master who goes from woman (flower) to woman. I wonder how Rong Zhong got his reputation… \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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