Once again stepping onto the streets of the small town, Xiao Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. Compared to last night's crowds, tonight undoubtedly felt lonely and deserted.
Of course, this is also closely related to the weather and the time.
There was no biting cold wind last night, and now it's almost ten o'clock, so it's normal for the streets to be empty.
Just then, Zhao Guo'an, walking behind Xiao Feng, suddenly cried out "Aiyo" and clutched his stomach anxiously, "Old Xiao, I might have eaten something bad tonight. Wait for me, I need to find a bathroom."
Xiao Feng walked on without turning his head, "I'll give you ten minutes. If you don't manage it before it's in your pants, I'll beat the crap out for you."
He was well aware of the little tricks in Zhao Guo'an's mind. But they were almost there, and he couldn't tolerate any more delays.
Zhao Guo'an got a bit anxious, "What if I really crap my pants?"
"If you really do, let me think..." After pondering, Xiao Feng replied, "Then it's simple, I'll buy you a new pair of pants."
"..." Zhao Guo'an.
There was no other way. At this point, he surely couldn't escape, and had to follow along, gritting his teeth.
"I really don't get what you're thinking; just one Zhen Jinghan scared you to this extent?" Xiao Feng said in an exasperated tone.
Zhao Guo'an said with displeasure, "You know how Fujiwara Keiaki was stalking her; how could I not be scared?"
Xiao Feng chuckled lightly, "If it's really like you said, that Zhen Jinghan brings misfortune to whoever she targets, then how come Shihan and Yaoyao, who also received her gifts, are perfectly fine?"
"Who says they're fine?" Zhao Guo'an retorted unconvinced, "Lin Jiaxuan is still lying in bed after receiving her gift. Speaking of which, let me advise you — have them throw those gifts away to avoid trouble."
"I'm fed up!" Xiao Feng shook his head and walked on faster, feeling more and more that Zhao Guo'an's superstitions were absurd.
About five minutes later, Xiao Feng arrived at the entrance of Yuechen Inn. The Boss, Miao Ruifeng, was squatting at the door smoking a cigarette, his arm in a sling, wrapped in bandages, looking like it was fractured.
Seeing someone approaching, Miao Ruifeng tossed away his cigarette and put on a welcoming smile. But upon realizing it was Xiao Feng and Zhao Guo'an, the smile vanished, and he asked indifferently, "Why is it you guys?"
Obviously, although he had drunk a lot that day, he didn't forget everything.
"We need to see your uncle," Xiao Feng replied flatly, having no fondness for Miao Ruifeng either.
"Go on in," Miao Ruifeng made way and sat on the cold steps.
Xiao Feng tilted his head, signaling Zhao Guo'an to follow.
While walking in, Zhao Guo'an said mysteriously, "Old Xiao, dare to make a bet?"
"Bet on what?"
"Let's bet on how Miao Ruifeng's arm got hurt."
"Sure, let's bet," Xiao Feng agreed with a nod, then said, "I bet his arm injury has something to do with Zhen Jinghan."
"..." Zhao Guo'an.
What the heck, couldn't he just have some fun?
Upon entering the lobby, they saw Uncle Jiu wiping the tables and chairs, looking diligent and hard-working.
Seeing his demeanor, no one would imagine that this old man, in his youth, was once a formidable figure.
But as the old saying goes, every rise will have a fall. The glamor of youth can't withstand the desolation of old age.
"Take a break; no matter how much you wipe, if no one comes, it's all for nothing," Xiao Feng said with a smile.
Uncle Jiu turned around, his expression calm, as if he had anticipated Xiao Feng's visit.
"Sit!"
Pouring three cups of tea, Uncle Jiu got straight to the point, "What brings you to me?"
"How do you know we're here to see you and not just to stay at the inn?" Zhao Guo'an asked back.
"Instinct!" Uncle Jiu sipped his tea calmly, "After wandering the world for decades, if I lacked this keen eye, I wouldn't have survived to this day. Just say what you need; I don't like beating around the bush."
Zhao Guo'an was about to state their purpose, but Xiao Feng spoke first, "We've come mainly to ask about your nephew at the door, how he hurt his arm."
Uncle Jiu furrowed his brow, clearly showing disbelief at Xiao Feng's words, but still snorted, "Yesterday, a pretty lady came to stay. He tried to peek at her showering and ended up breaking his arm."
Xiao Feng and Zhao Guo'an exchanged glances, inwardly affirming that they had expected this.
Zhao Guo'an felt even more certain that he must avoid any involvement with Zhen Jinghan.
Xiao Feng seemed to comprehend something, feeling like he'd grasped some sort of pattern.
Fujiwara Keiaki's series of misfortunes resulted from stalking Zhen Jinghan, and Miao Ruifeng's fractured arm was because he tried to peek at her bathing.
If this was indeed an inevitability, then the answer was clear — only those harboring ill intentions towards Zhen Jinghan would encounter misfortune.
However, this was merely speculation. It was time to tackle the main issue.
"We'd like to enlist your help," Xiao Feng said.
Uncle Jiu squinted his eyes, outright rejecting, "I've washed my hands of that life and sworn never to open another grave. Otherwise, the excavation site would be my burial ground."
Xiao Feng wasn't surprised by this refusal. Sipping his tea, he said, "Don't rush to refuse. You know Sun Shijie, right?"
"What are you getting at?" Uncle Jiu's expression shifted slightly at the mention of Sun Shijie.
"He's not dead."
"Not dead?" Uncle Jiu's gaze sharpened, "Did he send you?"
Xiao Feng nodded, "You could say that."
"Why should I believe you?"
Despite knowing the odds of being deceived were low, Uncle Jiu still asked.
"Sun Shijie is staying in town. I can take you to him if you doubt me," Xiao Feng calmly assured, showing no sign of deceit.
Uncle Jiu pondered briefly, "Even if you're telling the truth, I won't break my vow just because of my bond with him. Tell him for me, we've aged, and it's better to spend the remaining years peacefully."
It was evident that Uncle Jiu had really decided to leave his old craft behind, as he didn't even inquire about why Sun Shijie wanted to open graves.
Xiao Feng sat quietly for a while, then suddenly asked, "Two years ago, while drinking, you told Sun Shijie that many had invited you to work again, right?"
Uncle Jiu paused, then nodded. Only now did he truly believe that Sun Shijie was alive, as Xiao Feng claimed.
Xiao Feng continued, "But do you know, those seeking your expertise were really after the treasure left by Sun Shijie's ancestors? Moreover, I recall you mentioned, 'That's not a grave,' implying you surely know something."
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