After several rounds of drinks, the three of them fell into silence.
"Mr. Zou, I'll toast to you," Tianhua suddenly spoke.
"To me?" Zou Ming questioned, puzzled.
"Thank you for not revealing Luyun Mountain's whereabouts," Tianhua said.
Beside them, Cheng Kong looked at Zou Ming with confusion.
"Our agreement played a part, and another reason is that even if we had gone the next day, we would have returned empty-handed. That night, I suffered the most thorough defeat of my life, and my heart turned cold," Zou Ming said with a bitter smile.
"Why would you return empty-handed? If you had brought many people the next day, capturing Luyun Mountain should not have been a problem," Tianhua said, puzzled.
"No problem? We had missed the opportunity that night," Zou Ming explained.
"I really don't understand," Tianhua grew more perplexed.
"When you saved Luyun Mountain, do you know who he is?" Cheng Kong suddenly asked.
"Just a rich kid! Mu Xiong coveted his wealth and desired his wife's beauty, so Luyun Mountain escaped. Mu Xiong even sent people to bring him back," Tianhua explained.
After Tianhua finished, Zou Ming and Cheng Kong laughed.
"Have you ever considered one thing: when you saved Luyun Mountain, why were there only six people escorting him?" Cheng Kong asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Tianhua asked in confusion.
"Then have you ever wondered why Mu Xiong, for just one Luyun Mountain, went to such great lengths to capture him?" Cheng Kong continued.
Tianhua replied, "That seems normal to me! He ran away, Mu Xiong wanted his money and wife, so capturing them is normal!"
"If I remember correctly, at that time, they should not have eaten for several days and were very weak, right?" Cheng Kong pointed out.
Tianhua nodded, saying, "Yes, they were weak at that time. When I saved them, I put them on horses, and they fell asleep!"
"Alright, let me ask you again. You mentioned Mu Xiong coveting his wife's beauty. If he hadn't let them eat for several days, treating Luyun Mountain like this is understandable. But imagine, why would Mu Xiong treat his beloved woman like that?" Cheng Kong questioned.
"This..." Tianhua didn't know what to say.
"It seems Luyun Mountain didn't tell you the whole truth!" Cheng Kong remarked.
Tianhua glanced at him, gazing into the wine in his glass without saying a word.
"Alright, since that's the case, let me tell you. On that day, only six people escorted Luyun Mountain back, firstly because Zou Ming and I were obstructing their accomplices from behind. Another reason was that they were already very weak, and returning to the town was only a short distance. We thought nothing would happen, but unexpectedly, we encountered you halfway. What's even more unexpected is how formidable you turned out to be. I believe in the entire town, apart from Changqing, no one can match you. By the way, let me tell you why Mu Xiong vigorously pursued Luyun Mountain. It's because they harbored the dream of establishing a free world of people's equality and freedom. Luyun Mountain is one of the leaders. Back in the day, Yuxing Tian exterminated the thirteen tribal territories, establishing these three cities and a town, having been through fifty years. Who in the world can be his opponent? Just relying on these mobs, they want to defeat him! It's simply wishful thinking!" Cheng Kong sighed.
Tianhua was stunned, thought for a while, then raised his glass and took a sip, saying, "The truth doesn't matter, and who he is doesn't matter. For me, saving a life is the most important."
Cheng Kong looked at Zou Ming and said, "For this, you've been constantly troubled. Aren't you afraid?"
"What is there for me to fear? I'm just afraid of implicating Uncle Han and the others," Tianhua said with emotion.
Cheng Kong was about to speak when Han, the tavern owner, came over from behind, smiling and saying, "Would you like two more bottles of wine?"
Tianhua looked at Han and said, "Uncle Han, you can go to sleep. I'll take care of things here."
Han looked at him, agreed, and then walked toward the backyard, closing the central door.
"Is this also the reason you stayed here?" Zou Ming asked.
"Yes," Tianhua replied.
"But how long can you protect them by yourself?" Cheng Kong questioned.
"I don't know. Originally, I was ready to leave, but Kong Xu oppressed Uncle Han and the others, so I came back. I thought about leaving, but I was afraid of Kong Xu..." Tianhua drank deeply from his cup and said.
"Kong Xu has come?" Cheng Kong asked.
"He has come. He is different from both of you. Although you work under Mu Xiong, you are not evil. However, he is a true villain!" Tianhua said with hatred.
Zou Ming and Cheng Kong looked at each other, sighed, and each took a sip of wine.
"Why are you working for Mu Xiong?" Tianhua asked in confusion.
"Mu Xiong once showed kindness to both Zou Ming and me, so we helped him in return," Cheng Kong explained.
"Even if he showed you kindness, he only wanted to use you!" Tianhua said.
"Although that's true, no matter what, when someone shows you kindness, you can't just ignore it!" Cheng Kong said helplessly.
The night was late, has it quieted down?
"Tianhua, were you all drunk last night?" Innkeeper Han looked at Tianhua, who was bringing three bowls of sobering soup from the kitchen.
"Yes, we were. Alright, breakfast is ready. I'll go wake them up," Tianhua said.
Tianhua walked to the front room and saw the two still lying there. He thought to himself, 'Is it because of my tolerance, or are their drinking skills lacking?'
Approaching them, he shook them awake, saying, "Wake up, you two!"
The two, still drowsy, looked at Tianhua. Cheng Kong said, "Did we spend the night here?"
"Yes, you did. Both of you, go to the backyard, wash your faces, and then let's have breakfast together!" Tianhua said.
Zou Ming and Cheng Kong exchanged glances, nodded, and followed Tianhua to the backyard.
Seated, Tianhua picked up two bowls of sobering soup and handed them to Zou Ming and Cheng Kong, saying, "This is my master's special recipe. Drink one bowl in the morning after a night of drinking, and it guarantees instant clarity!"
Taking the bowls, Cheng Kong remarked, "Is it really that miraculous?"
"Tianhua has personally tested it many times. It's guaranteed to work!" Innkeeper Han laughed.
The two men chuckled and then said, "It seems Tianhua is quite a drinker!"
"This is all thanks to my dad's teachings!" Little Bell chimed in.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at her and burst into laughter.
Zou Ming and Cheng Kong took a sip of the sobering soup, feeling a cool sensation penetrating their lungs. They instantly felt comfortable, clear-headed, and quickly drank the remaining, praising, "This sobering soup is indeed miraculous!"
After finishing breakfast, Tianhua bid farewell to Zou Ming and Cheng Kong.
Innkeeper Han didn't inquire about how Tianhua had met the two. This was one of Tianhua's favorite traits of Innkeeper Han: he never asked about things others didn't want to discuss.
Gradually, spring approached.
Tianhua, accompanied by Little Bell, went outside the town to fly kites. The weather was still cool, and the sky was as blue as silk. Leaves on the trees swayed in the breeze as Tianhua lay under a tree, a blade of grass between his lips, gazing into the sky.
The sound of hooves...
In the distance, a carriage was swiftly heading out of town!
This road had long been closed to outsiders. Why was this carriage rushing here? Tianhua paid close attention.
The carriage raced towards him, and Tianhua saw it stopping in front of him. Perplexed, he stared at the carriage.
"Miss, we've arrived!" the coachman said behind him.
Creak...
The carriage door opened, revealing a beautiful face. Startled, Tianhua stood up. The woman was none other than Murong Feiyan from Tianxiang Tower. For some reason, Tianhua wanted to avoid her. Turning away, he attempted to leave, but Murong Feiyan, noticing this, quickly got out of the carriage, blocked Tianhua's path, and said, "Why do you run away as soon as you see me? Am I truly that annoying?"
Tianhua looked at Murong Feiyan and said, "Don't misunderstand. I didn't mean it that way."
"Then why do you want to avoid me?" Murong Feiyan asked.
Tianhua glanced at her and then inquired, "Are you here to have fun today?"
Murong Feiyan nodded. Then, looking at Tianhua, she continued, "Since you saved me twice, I've wanted to express my gratitude with a few cups of light wine. But you've been avoiding me. Today, I heard you brought this little girl here to fly kites, so I specially came to invite you. Please accompany me for a few drinks to show my gratitude. I hope you won't refuse this time!"
"Last time, I said it was a duty for someone of my generation. Besides, I appreciate your kindness, but there's no need to keep it in mind. Why insist on this?" Tianhua replied.
"Though you may see it as a trivial matter, we understand the principle of repaying kindness. If you, sir, refuse our small token of thanks, we'll feel uneasy day and night! So, I hope you accept it and put an end to our worries!" Murong Feiyan said.
Tianhua remained silent, gazing into the distance.
Seeing he didn't speak, Murong Feiyan felt delighted and continued, "We don't have any other intentions in inviting you for a feast. We only wish to express our sincere gratitude. If you refuse, we'll keep it in our hearts and be restless day and night. Therefore, I hope you agree to put an end to our lingering concerns!"
Tianhua still didn't speak, merely looking into the distance.
Murong Feiyan stopped talking as well. At this moment, she understood that he hadn't refused, and this matter would likely be settled today.
A long silence...
Little Bell from afar looked at Tianhua and called out loudly, "Big Brother Tianhua, who is that lady?"
Tianhua was about to answer when Murong Feiyan smiled and said, "It seems, sir, that you don't have time today. I'll come another day to invite you.
Having finished speaking, she was about to turn and get on the carriage. Tianhua noticed the slightly resentful gaze and the hesitant expression on her face. It was as if he could see the look on Yilan's face after reading the letter he had written. A sense of pity welled up in Tianhua. He then said, "Since the young lady has invited me several times, I won't refuse anymore. Tonight, I'll go to Tianxiang Tower."
Upon hearing this, Murong Feiyan immediately exclaimed with joy, "Sir, did you agree?"
Tianhua nodded and said, "Yes."
"In that case, I'll go back immediately to prepare. Please let sir inform me of your residence so that we can pick you up later," Murong Feiyan said.
"No need for that; I'll go there myself when the time comes," Tianhua replied.
"Very well, then I'll leave first," Murong Feiyan said.
She boarded the carriage, and it sped towards the town. Tianhua watched the carriage and shook his head.
At that moment, Little Bell ran over, looking at Tianhua and asking, "Big Brother Tianhua, who was that lady just now?"
"She's a friend of mine," Tianhua replied.
"Oh," Little Bell responded.
"Little Bell, do you still want to play? If not, we can go back," Tianhua said.
"I don't want to play anymore," Little Bell said.
"Alright, let's go back then," Tianhua said, carrying Little Bell.
"Big Brother Tianhua, you said that lady is your friend. Why haven't I seen her before?" Suddenly, as they walked, Little Bell asked.
"Well...," Tianhua hesitated, not knowing what to say.
Back at the inn, Tianhua put Little Bell down and went to the backyard.
Busy in the kitchen, Tianhua was suddenly approached by Innkeeper Han with a smiling face, looking at him.
Seeing Innkeeper Han standing there, smiling and not saying anything, Tianhua, puzzled, asked, "Uncle Han, do you need something?"
Innkeeper Han, busy smiling, said, "Nothing, nothing. Carry on with your work."
Confused about why Innkeeper Han was still standing there, Tianhua asked again after a while, "Uncle Han, are you really not busy?"
"Nothing, nothing..." Innkeeper Han quickly waved his hand. "Um... Tianhua, can I ask you something?"
"Uncle Han, if there's something, just tell me," Tianhua said.
"Today, the lady you met, who is she?" Innkeeper Han asked with a smile.
"Lady? What lady?" Tianhua asked in confusion.
"The one you took Little Bell out to meet, the one you encountered outside of town today," Innkeeper Han smiled and said.
Tianhua was shocked to hear this. How did Little Bell tell Innkeeper Han about this? If only he had said something to her earlier.
Just as Tianhua was regretting not anticipating that Little Bell might mention this, Innkeeper Han spoke again, "This is something Little Bell witnessed with her own eyes."
"Uncle Han, about this..." Tianhua struggled to figure out what to say.
Innkeeper Han looked at Tianhua with an amused expression and then said with a smile, "Tianhua, I was just asking casually. I wanted to confirm if what Little Bell said is true. Nothing serious. You can carry on with your work!"
After saying that, Innkeeper Han laughed twice and walked away. Tianhua looked at Innkeeper Han's back, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "Fortunately, Uncle Han didn't ask more questions. Otherwise, I really wouldn't know what to do."
Just as Tianhua was relieved, Innkeeper Han suddenly walked in and shouted, "Tianhua!"
Tianhua was startled by this and nervously asked, "Uncle Han, what's wrong?"
Innkeeper Han smiled and said, "Tianhua, what's the matter with you? Why are you so nervous?"
"Nothing, Uncle Han, do you have anything else?" Tianhua calmly said.
"Oh, let me tell you the dishes ordered by the guests," Innkeeper Han said.
"Okay, I'll prepare them," Tianhua said.
Innkeeper Han looked at Tianhua, nodded with a smile, and then left the kitchen.
Tianhua realized that his forehead was already covered in sweat. He shook his head and said, "Ah, what's wrong with me?"
Tianhua turned around and saw his master sitting there, smiling and watching him. Tianhua then started preparing the dishes according to the names reported by Innkeeper Han.
As the sun set in the west, the business at the inn was at its peak. Tianhua had been busy all along. When the customers gradually decreased, Tianhua remembered that he had to go to Tianxiang Tower tonight. He informed Innkeeper Han that he had something to do and needed to go out for a while.
Although it wasn't too late, there weren't many people in the town at this hour.
Walking along the road, Tianhua heard people talking in small groups on the street. It was very quiet, and he could clearly hear what they were saying.
"Tianxiang Tower was really strange today..."
"Yeah, yeah! They aren't making money even when they have customers..."
"I heard that Murong Feiyan is sick. That's why they closed for half a day..."
"Some say that someone has booked the entire Tianxiang Tower today..."
...
Tianhua listened and thought, "Sick? How could that be? I saw her in the morning, and she was perfectly fine. Tianxiang Tower has been booked..."
The more Tianhua heard, the more confused he became.
Arriving at the front of Tianxiang Tower, he found it deserted, with no one outside. The big door of Tianxiang Tower was closed, but the lights inside were bright.
From outside, the melodious music and enchanting singing could be heard, but there seemed to be a touch of nostalgia in the music. Tianhua stood outside, quietly listening.
It seemed Tianxiang Tower had an important guest tonight...
After several rounds of drinks, the three of them fell into silence.
"Mr. Zou, I'll toast to you," Tianhua suddenly spoke.
"To me?" Zou Ming questioned, puzzled.
"Thank you for not revealing Luyun Mountain's whereabouts," Tianhua said.
Beside them, Cheng Kong looked at Zou Ming with confusion.
"Our agreement played a part, and another reason is that even if we had gone the next day, we would have returned empty-handed. That night, I suffered the most thorough defeat of my life, and my heart turned cold," Zou Ming said with a bitter smile.
"Why would you return empty-handed? If you had brought many people the next day, capturing Luyun Mountain should not have been a problem," Tianhua said, puzzled.
"No problem? We had missed the opportunity that night," Zou Ming explained.
"I really don't understand," Tianhua grew more perplexed.
"When you saved Luyun Mountain, do you know who he is?" Cheng Kong suddenly asked.
"Just a rich kid! Mu Xiong coveted his wealth and desired his wife's beauty, so Luyun Mountain escaped. Mu Xiong even sent people to bring him back," Tianhua explained.
After Tianhua finished, Zou Ming and Cheng Kong laughed.
"Have you ever considered one thing: when you saved Luyun Mountain, why were there only six people escorting him?" Cheng Kong asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Tianhua asked in confusion.
"Then have you ever wondered why Mu Xiong, for just one Luyun Mountain, went to such great lengths to capture him?" Cheng Kong continued.
Tianhua replied, "That seems normal to me! He ran away, Mu Xiong wanted his money and wife, so capturing them is normal!"
"If I remember correctly, at that time, they should not have eaten for several days and were very weak, right?" Cheng Kong pointed out.
Tianhua nodded, saying, "Yes, they were weak at that time. When I saved them, I put them on horses, and they fell asleep!"
"Alright, let me ask you again. You mentioned Mu Xiong coveting his wife's beauty. If he hadn't let them eat for several days, treating Luyun Mountain like this is understandable. But imagine, why would Mu Xiong treat his beloved woman like that?" Cheng Kong questioned.
"This..." Tianhua didn't know what to say.
"It seems Luyun Mountain didn't tell you the whole truth!" Cheng Kong remarked.
Tianhua glanced at him, gazing into the wine in his glass without saying a word.
"Alright, since that's the case, let me tell you. On that day, only six people escorted Luyun Mountain back, firstly because Zou Ming and I were obstructing their accomplices from behind. Another reason was that they were already very weak, and returning to the town was only a short distance. We thought nothing would happen, but unexpectedly, we encountered you halfway. What's even more unexpected is how formidable you turned out to be. I believe in the entire town, apart from Changqing, no one can match you. By the way, let me tell you why Mu Xiong vigorously pursued Luyun Mountain. It's because they harbored the dream of establishing a free world of people's equality and freedom. Luyun Mountain is one of the leaders. Back in the day, Yuxing Tian exterminated the thirteen tribal territories, establishing these three cities and a town, having been through fifty years. Who in the world can be his opponent? Just relying on these mobs, they want to defeat him! It's simply wishful thinking!" Cheng Kong sighed.
Tianhua was stunned, thought for a while, then raised his glass and took a sip, saying, "The truth doesn't matter, and who he is doesn't matter. For me, saving a life is the most important."
Cheng Kong looked at Zou Ming and said, "For this, you've been constantly troubled. Aren't you afraid?"
"What is there for me to fear? I'm just afraid of implicating Uncle Han and the others," Tianhua said with emotion.
Cheng Kong was about to speak when Han, the tavern owner, came over from behind, smiling and saying, "Would you like two more bottles of wine?"
Tianhua looked at Han and said, "Uncle Han, you can go to sleep. I'll take care of things here."
Han looked at him, agreed, and then walked toward the backyard, closing the central door.
"Is this also the reason you stayed here?" Zou Ming asked.
"Yes," Tianhua replied.
"But how long can you protect them by yourself?" Cheng Kong questioned.
"I don't know. Originally, I was ready to leave, but Kong Xu oppressed Uncle Han and the others, so I came back. I thought about leaving, but I was afraid of Kong Xu..." Tianhua drank deeply from his cup and said.
"Kong Xu has come?" Cheng Kong asked.
"He has come. He is different from both of you. Although you work under Mu Xiong, you are not evil. However, he is a true villain!" Tianhua said with hatred.
Zou Ming and Cheng Kong looked at each other, sighed, and each took a sip of wine.
"Why are you working for Mu Xiong?" Tianhua asked in confusion.
"Mu Xiong once showed kindness to both Zou Ming and me, so we helped him in return," Cheng Kong explained.
"Even if he showed you kindness, he only wanted to use you!" Tianhua said.
"Although that's true, no matter what, when someone shows you kindness, you can't just ignore it!" Cheng Kong said helplessly.
The night was late, has it quieted down?
"Tianhua, were you all drunk last night?" Innkeeper Han looked at Tianhua, who was bringing three bowls of sobering soup from the kitchen.
"Yes, we were. Alright, breakfast is ready. I'll go wake them up," Tianhua said.
Tianhua walked to the front room and saw the two still lying there. He thought to himself, 'Is it because of my tolerance, or are their drinking skills lacking?'
Approaching them, he shook them awake, saying, "Wake up, you two!"
The two, still drowsy, looked at Tianhua. Cheng Kong said, "Did we spend the night here?"
"Yes, you did. Both of you, go to the backyard, wash your faces, and then let's have breakfast together!" Tianhua said.
Zou Ming and Cheng Kong exchanged glances, nodded, and followed Tianhua to the backyard.
Seated, Tianhua picked up two bowls of sobering soup and handed them to Zou Ming and Cheng Kong, saying, "This is my master's special recipe. Drink one bowl in the morning after a night of drinking, and it guarantees instant clarity!"
Taking the bowls, Cheng Kong remarked, "Is it really that miraculous?"
"Tianhua has personally tested it many times. It's guaranteed to work!" Innkeeper Han laughed.
The two men chuckled and then said, "It seems Tianhua is quite a drinker!"
"This is all thanks to my dad's teachings!" Little Bell chimed in.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at her and burst into laughter.
Zou Ming and Cheng Kong took a sip of the sobering soup, feeling a cool sensation penetrating their lungs. They instantly felt comfortable, clear-headed, and quickly drank the remaining, praising, "This sobering soup is indeed miraculous!"
After finishing breakfast, Tianhua bid farewell to Zou Ming and Cheng Kong.
Innkeeper Han didn't inquire about how Tianhua had met the two. This was one of Tianhua's favorite traits of Innkeeper Han: he never asked about things others didn't want to discuss.
Gradually, spring approached.
Tianhua, accompanied by Little Bell, went outside the town to fly kites. The weather was still cool, and the sky was as blue as silk. Leaves on the trees swayed in the breeze as Tianhua lay under a tree, a blade of grass between his lips, gazing into the sky.
The sound of hooves...
In the distance, a carriage was swiftly heading out of town!
This road had long been closed to outsiders. Why was this carriage rushing here? Tianhua paid close attention.
The carriage raced towards him, and Tianhua saw it stopping in front of him. Perplexed, he stared at the carriage.
"Miss, we've arrived!" the coachman said behind him.
Creak...
The carriage door opened, revealing a beautiful face. Startled, Tianhua stood up. The woman was none other than Murong Feiyan from Tianxiang Tower. For some reason, Tianhua wanted to avoid her. Turning away, he attempted to leave, but Murong Feiyan, noticing this, quickly got out of the carriage, blocked Tianhua's path, and said, "Why do you run away as soon as you see me? Am I truly that annoying?"
Tianhua looked at Murong Feiyan and said, "Don't misunderstand. I didn't mean it that way."
"Then why do you want to avoid me?" Murong Feiyan asked.
Tianhua glanced at her and then inquired, "Are you here to have fun today?"
Murong Feiyan nodded. Then, looking at Tianhua, she continued, "Since you saved me twice, I've wanted to express my gratitude with a few cups of light wine. But you've been avoiding me. Today, I heard you brought this little girl here to fly kites, so I specially came to invite you. Please accompany me for a few drinks to show my gratitude. I hope you won't refuse this time!"
"Last time, I said it was a duty for someone of my generation. Besides, I appreciate your kindness, but there's no need to keep it in mind. Why insist on this?" Tianhua replied.
"Though you may see it as a trivial matter, we understand the principle of repaying kindness. If you, sir, refuse our small token of thanks, we'll feel uneasy day and night! So, I hope you accept it and put an end to our worries!" Murong Feiyan said.
Tianhua remained silent, gazing into the distance.
Seeing he didn't speak, Murong Feiyan felt delighted and continued, "We don't have any other intentions in inviting you for a feast. We only wish to express our sincere gratitude. If you refuse, we'll keep it in our hearts and be restless day and night. Therefore, I hope you agree to put an end to our lingering concerns!"
Tianhua still didn't speak, merely looking into the distance.
Murong Feiyan stopped talking as well. At this moment, she understood that he hadn't refused, and this matter would likely be settled today.
A long silence...
Little Bell from afar looked at Tianhua and called out loudly, "Big Brother Tianhua, who is that lady?"
Tianhua was about to answer when Murong Feiyan smiled and said, "It seems, sir, that you don't have time today. I'll come another day to invite you.
Having finished speaking, she was about to turn and get on the carriage. Tianhua noticed the slightly resentful gaze and the hesitant expression on her face. It was as if he could see the look on Yilan's face after reading the letter he had written. A sense of pity welled up in Tianhua. He then said, "Since the young lady has invited me several times, I won't refuse anymore. Tonight, I'll go to Tianxiang Tower."
Upon hearing this, Murong Feiyan immediately exclaimed with joy, "Sir, did you agree?"
Tianhua nodded and said, "Yes."
"In that case, I'll go back immediately to prepare. Please let sir inform me of your residence so that we can pick you up later," Murong Feiyan said.
"No need for that; I'll go there myself when the time comes," Tianhua replied.
"Very well, then I'll leave first," Murong Feiyan said.
She boarded the carriage, and it sped towards the town. Tianhua watched the carriage and shook his head.
At that moment, Little Bell ran over, looking at Tianhua and asking, "Big Brother Tianhua, who was that lady just now?"
"She's a friend of mine," Tianhua replied.
"Oh," Little Bell responded.
"Little Bell, do you still want to play? If not, we can go back," Tianhua said.
"I don't want to play anymore," Little Bell said.
"Alright, let's go back then," Tianhua said, carrying Little Bell.
"Big Brother Tianhua, you said that lady is your friend. Why haven't I seen her before?" Suddenly, as they walked, Little Bell asked.
"Well...," Tianhua hesitated, not knowing what to say.
Back at the inn, Tianhua put Little Bell down and went to the backyard.
Busy in the kitchen, Tianhua was suddenly approached by Innkeeper Han with a smiling face, looking at him.
Seeing Innkeeper Han standing there, smiling and not saying anything, Tianhua, puzzled, asked, "Uncle Han, do you need something?"
Innkeeper Han, busy smiling, said, "Nothing, nothing. Carry on with your work."
Confused about why Innkeeper Han was still standing there, Tianhua asked again after a while, "Uncle Han, are you really not busy?"
"Nothing, nothing..." Innkeeper Han quickly waved his hand. "Um... Tianhua, can I ask you something?"
"Uncle Han, if there's something, just tell me," Tianhua said.
"Today, the lady you met, who is she?" Innkeeper Han asked with a smile.
"Lady? What lady?" Tianhua asked in confusion.
"The one you took Little Bell out to meet, the one you encountered outside of town today," Innkeeper Han smiled and said.
Tianhua was shocked to hear this. How did Little Bell tell Innkeeper Han about this? If only he had said something to her earlier.
Just as Tianhua was regretting not anticipating that Little Bell might mention this, Innkeeper Han spoke again, "This is something Little Bell witnessed with her own eyes."
"Uncle Han, about this..." Tianhua struggled to figure out what to say.
Innkeeper Han looked at Tianhua with an amused expression and then said with a smile, "Tianhua, I was just asking casually. I wanted to confirm if what Little Bell said is true. Nothing serious. You can carry on with your work!"
After saying that, Innkeeper Han laughed twice and walked away. Tianhua looked at Innkeeper Han's back, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "Fortunately, Uncle Han didn't ask more questions. Otherwise, I really wouldn't know what to do."
Just as Tianhua was relieved, Innkeeper Han suddenly walked in and shouted, "Tianhua!"
Tianhua was startled by this and nervously asked, "Uncle Han, what's wrong?"
Innkeeper Han smiled and said, "Tianhua, what's the matter with you? Why are you so nervous?"
"Nothing, Uncle Han, do you have anything else?" Tianhua calmly said.
"Oh, let me tell you the dishes ordered by the guests," Innkeeper Han said.
"Okay, I'll prepare them," Tianhua said.
Innkeeper Han looked at Tianhua, nodded with a smile, and then left the kitchen.
Tianhua realized that his forehead was already covered in sweat. He shook his head and said, "Ah, what's wrong with me?"
Tianhua turned around and saw his master sitting there, smiling and watching him. Tianhua then started preparing the dishes according to the names reported by Innkeeper Han.
As the sun set in the west, the business at the inn was at its peak. Tianhua had been busy all along. When the customers gradually decreased, Tianhua remembered that he had to go to Tianxiang Tower tonight. He informed Innkeeper Han that he had something to do and needed to go out for a while.
Although it wasn't too late, there weren't many people in the town at this hour.
Walking along the road, Tianhua heard people talking in small groups on the street. It was very quiet, and he could clearly hear what they were saying.
"Tianxiang Tower was really strange today..."
"Yeah, yeah! They aren't making money even when they have customers..."
"I heard that Murong Feiyan is sick. That's why they closed for half a day..."
"Some say that someone has booked the entire Tianxiang Tower today..."
...
Tianhua listened and thought, "Sick? How could that be? I saw her in the morning, and she was perfectly fine. Tianxiang Tower has been booked..."
The more Tianhua heard, the more confused he became.
Arriving at the front of Tianxiang Tower, he found it deserted, with no one outside. The big door of Tianxiang Tower was closed, but the lights inside were bright.
From outside, the melodious music and enchanting singing could be heard, but there seemed to be a touch of nostalgia in the music. Tianhua stood outside, quietly listening.
It seemed Tianxiang Tower had an important guest tonight...
