Chapter Three: Welcome Back

No money.

Such a straightforward reason instantly silenced Ji Wu. He wouldn’t have minded being generous, but the problem was that last night, when his mother had punished him by tying him to the beam and whipping him, even his usual pocket money had been confiscated. Now, it wasn’t just that he was penniless—he was utterly destitute.

But who was Ji Wu? The lack of money didn’t trouble him much. He simply fell back a step, winked at his brother Ji Wen, and reached for his pocket.

However, Ji Wen was immediately alert, clutching his pocket and shaking his head. His face, still bearing traces of childish innocence, furrowed into a slight frown. Compared to his audacious and often imaginative elder brother, though he was two years younger, Ji Wen was far more stable and cautious, and quicker in his actions. Most importantly, he had read more books than his brother and was more obedient at home.

He didn’t read the fanciful tales told by storytellers, nor the ridiculous accounts of mountain spirits and monsters spun by impoverished scholars. He read the classics—the true books of sages and worthies.

The sages said, “Harbor no intent to harm others, but never be without vigilance.” Father and mother often reminded them, “When you’re out in the world, keep your eyes open. You may know a man’s face but not his heart; there are too many in this world with a righteous appearance but a crooked soul. Don’t trust too easily; always keep your wits about you.”

He saw that Xu Yuan was dressed in luxurious clothes—though he couldn’t tell what material they were, they were in no way inferior to the finest silk and satin. Not to mention his extraordinary demeanor. How could someone like that have no money?

“Dummy, what are you standing around for? Hurry up and pay!” Ji Wu, repeatedly thwarted in his attempts, raised his brows, leaned in, and urged his brother. Judging by his expression, if Ji Wen didn’t produce the money soon, he’d be forced to take it by hand.

“Brother, I’ve heard that when immortals act, there’s always a reason. Didn’t you say you think he’s an immortal? How could an immortal lack money? Let’s follow him and see what he’s up to—maybe there’s a chance for fortune in it!” Clutching his pocket tightly, Ji Wen whispered hurriedly.

Ji Wu thought for a moment—it did make sense. Could an immortal lack money? There must be some deeper reason. It was said that real immortals could turn stones into gold on a whim; claiming to have no money must surely be a jest. He had simply lost his head for a moment.

“Good thinking!”

Ji Wu gave his younger brother a thumbs up, patted his shoulder, and nodded approvingly.

Listening to the conversation of the two children behind him, Xu Yuan couldn’t help but shake his head with a slight smile. Even though they tried to keep their voices low, it was impossible to hide anything from Xu Yuan’s increasingly acute senses. Their supposed whispering was no different from a loud discussion in his ears.

But he truly hadn’t lied—he really had no money. Not just this time, but every time he came down to the mortal world, he was always broke. There was nothing to eat up above, which was bad enough, but to come down and still go hungry? That would be a wasted trip!

Fortunately, his visits to the mortal realm never lasted long, and he did know a few people—more than enough to get a few free meals. Since he was going to eat for free anyway, it was more comfortable to visit acquaintances, and the food suited his taste better.

Their journey continued almost in silence for quite some time. The broad road, paved with blue stone, gradually narrowed without them noticing. Even the shops lining the street had begun to look more shabby and dilapidated. Occasionally, Xu Yuan would stop a passerby to ask about Liu’s Shop, then continue resolutely onward.

Gradually, the street grew increasingly crowded and noisy. The ground was strewn with filth and refuse, exuding a foul stench that made Xu Yuan wrinkle his brow involuntarily. Only the growing throngs of people and their accustomed, untroubled faces spoke quietly of life in this place.

After some searching, Xu Yuan finally spotted the familiar, somewhat tattered little banner at a street corner.

Liu’s Shop.

“This is it,” he said, a smile breaking through his features. No matter what, it was still here—that was enough. With that, he stepped inside.

Liu’s Shop was small, with only three or four tables inside, and two attendants busily moving about. The customers here were always in a hurry—shouting for a bowl of tofu pudding and two cornbread rolls, tossing down a few copper coins, swallowing the rolls in a few bites, and downing half a bowl of tofu pudding in one gulp. With that, they’d stride off to busy themselves elsewhere.

It was clearly not a place for leisurely morning tea. Only the tofu pudding was worth any praise, and even then, it wasn’t the sort of thing one savored slowly. Most of the patrons were laborers grabbing a quick meal—no one lingered to chat, so though the shop was small, it never felt crowded.

Xu Yuan entered but didn’t call out. He simply found a table and sat down, watching with interest. Only when an attendant had seen to the last of the shouting customers did he approach Xu Yuan, bowing his head respectfully, and asked, “What would you like to eat, sir?”

Most diners here were burly, rough men in coarse linen, their skin weathered dark by the sun. For someone as finely dressed as Xu Yuan, with a face as fair as a peach blossom and handsome enough to almost seem unmanly—yet with not a hint of feminine softness—such a “distinguished guest” was a first. Even many of the customers, catching sight of him, quickened their pace, shoveling down their food.

For some, meeting an important person was a fortune; for most with little skill or status, it was best to steer clear of those who could not be offended.

“Where’s Old Liu? I’ll have a bowl of savory tofu pudding and three chive turnovers to fill my stomach,” Xu Yuan ordered with practiced ease.

But the attendant’s face took on a troubled look. “The old proprietor retired after the New Year, and the new one is managing things today. We don’t have any chive turnovers. Only cornbread and tofu pudding left.” After a pause, as though worried this would ruin the customer’s mood, the attendant quickly added, “We do have tofu pudding in sweet, savory, and sour flavors. Which would you like?”

Xu Yuan frowned at that. It was one thing to have moved to Zhi’an Lane, but how could the menu have shrunk as well? Where was he supposed to find the chive turnovers he had missed?

“What happened to Old Liu?” Xu Yuan asked.

“He’s getting on in years, his legs aren’t what they were,” the attendant replied hurriedly.

“Could you go tell him that an old friend is here and would like to eat his chive turnovers? It wasn’t easy for me to come by, and I don’t want to make things difficult for you—just pass along the message,” Xu Yuan sighed.

“This… all right.” The attendant nodded, not daring to be negligent. After all, it was only a short errand—no need to offend anyone. “Please wait a moment.”

About a quarter of an hour later, the attendant hurried back, panting, and said, “The old proprietor… the old proprietor says he’ll come right away, he’s on his way.”

“Good.” Xu Yuan nodded slightly, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Soon after, Old Liu’s son came in, supporting the quick-stepping Old Liu. At the very first sight of Xu Yuan, before a word had left his lips, Old Liu’s eyes filled with tears, and he cried out with emotion, “Master Xu, you’re back!”