Chapter 8: Reunited After Several Months

As evening fell, the sun hung low in the western sky.

The Spring Breeze Teahouse was nestled in Spring Breeze Alley, renowned for its excellent quality and affordable prices.

Yang Xing arrived at the teahouse at the appointed hour.

“A-Xing, the wind outside is strong, come in quickly,” Wei Qiang greeted him warmly, dressed in a brand-new black robe. “This time, we’re meeting indoors; no more standing outside in the cold wind like before.”

Yang Xing smiled. “You’re too kind, Brother Qiang. I haven’t kept you waiting, have I?”

Compared to a month ago, Wei Qiang’s sharpness had softened, replaced by a bold and generous spirit.

“No, you’re right on time. You’re the last one to arrive,” Wei Qiang said, placing a hand on Yang Xing’s shoulder.

In a corner of the teahouse, Er Niu, Xiao Shan, and Wang Hu were already seated. Beside them was a young girl.

Her name was Xia Xia. She wore a flowing black dress, her features unremarkable yet pleasing, her figure graceful, and she possessed a cleanliness rarely seen among the poor.

Xia Xia had once been a child of Spring Breeze Alley, her parents selling fruit from a stall. But last year, both parents passed away from illness, and she was taken in by her aunt in the southern part of the city.

Rumor had it her aunt came from wealth and never wanted for food or drink. Though she never stated that her aunt was from a merchant’s family, whispers in Spring Breeze Alley suggested she belonged to the Xia family, one of the five great houses.

The group had not seen her in a year. Wei Qiang had only extended a token invitation, never expecting her to actually come.

“A-Xing’s here!” Xiao Shan was the first to stand as Wei Qiang and Yang Xing entered, prompting the others to rise as well.

“Brother Xing,” Xia Xia called out, her eyes bright.

In the days when the grocery store was doing well, Chen would always buy sweets and chestnuts for Yang Xing, who would share them with her. She remembered these kindnesses.

Yang Xing replied, “It’s been a long time.”

Wei Qiang frowned slightly, masking his expression. “Come, everyone, take a seat.”

Xiao Shan said, “Brother Qiang, you arranged this gathering. You should sit at the head.”

Wei Qiang quickly replied, “That’s not for me. Let Xia Xia take the seat.”

Xiao Shan was startled, realizing he’d misspoken. “Then… let Xia Xia sit.”

Now that Xia Xia was associated with a great family, even if the depth of the connection was unclear, she was certainly no longer one of the ordinary folk.

After some polite refusals, Xia Xia took the seat of honor.

Er Niu poured tea, saying, “Have you heard about Master Cheng?”

“What Master Cheng?” Xiao Shan sneered. “That scoundrel—rumor has it he died at home. They found him long after. Must have been killed by a gang rival, otherwise who’d dare?”

Wang Hu was silent for a long time. “Good riddance,” he said.

Yang Xing, the one who had set it all in motion, remained indifferent, as if uninvolved.

The conversation turned to their recent experiences, each recounting their stories.

Yang Xing observed quietly.

Xia Xia had changed the most, both in appearance and temperament. Once timid and indecisive, she now spoke confidently, her looks matured, drawing glances from Xiao Shan and Wang Hu.

Though she never claimed her aunt was from a merchant house, rumors persisted in Spring Breeze Alley, suggesting she was from one of the city’s five great families.

The difference between Xia Xia and the others was stark—like heaven and earth.

If her aunt was a key figure among the seven families, the gap would only widen.

If Yang Xing remained an ordinary person, he would never surpass her.

Wang Hu had also changed. After Master Cheng’s demise, Old Wang passed away soon after, unable to survive the winter. The succession of blows had left Wang Hu withdrawn, speaking little.

Xiao Shan, too, was changed. Since entering the medical clinic for training, he’d shed some naivete, becoming more skilled in handling people.

Er Niu was much the same, still outspoken and direct. Now working as a maid for a wealthy family, her low status was offset by the broader horizons she’d glimpsed, and her words carried a hint of pride.

Wei Qiang, favored by his elders, was likely to be appointed to a position by year’s end. His tone was clearly self-assured; he was thriving.

The others listened with silent envy.

“A-Xing doesn’t seem to be doing so well,” Xiao Shan thought, glancing at Yang Xing, feeling somewhat relieved.

His father was missing, still no news. He had no money to learn a trade, barely managing to keep the grocery store running and feed himself.

Wei Qiang looked at Yang Xing, feigning casual interest. “A-Xing, last time you said you wanted to learn martial arts. How’s that going?”

All eyes turned to Yang Xing.

Martial arts was a path, whether for escort work or the military exams.

But it was notoriously difficult, especially for ordinary folk—it was nearly impossible.

To them, ordinary people had ordinary paths: learn a trade, earn a living.

Yang Xing replied calmly, “I’m currently training at Debao Martial Hall.”

“You really went?”

Er Niu’s eyes widened. “I’ve heard martial arts are hard to master. For the military exams, you need to reach the stage of Clear Strength. It requires strong bones and a lot of meat to supplement, otherwise you’ll never make it.”

“How do you know all this?” Xiao Shan asked.

Er Niu replied, “There are many guards in the mansion—they trained at martial halls but failed to temper their bodies, so they became guards instead. They’re called and sent about for scraps of food, treated like dogs. Years of training ruined their health, and none live long…”

At this, Er Niu quickly fell silent.

Xia Xia shot her a look.

Wei Qiang, full of bravado, said, “A-Xing, why not join me? I won’t promise riches, but you’ll never go hungry.”

He claimed to be looking out for Yang Xing, but it was clear he intended to make Yang Xing his subordinate.

Yang Xing shook his head. “No, I’ll keep training for now.”

Er Niu shook her head, exasperated. “A-Xing, you’re good in every way, but you’re just too stubborn.”

Xiao Shan relaxed at Yang Xing’s refusal.

In his eyes, getting close to Wei Qiang was a good thing.

Yang Xing was a fool—he didn’t know how to seize such an opportunity.

Wang Hu, who had been silent, nodded. “Learning martial arts really is too hard.”

Xia Xia pressed her lips together, wanting to say something but holding back.

None believed Yang Xing would succeed in martial arts.

As Er Niu had said, those guards, sent about like dogs, might well be Yang Xing’s whole future.

They drank tea and chatted, the atmosphere growing warmer.

Stories of childhood were told, and dreams for the future shared.

Unnoticed, night fell.

One by one, the group rose to leave.

Wei Qiang took a deep breath, stepping forward. “Xia Xia, let me see you home.”

At that moment, the sound of hooves and wheels came from outside. An old woman leapt down, and under the surprised gaze of the group, approached Xia Xia.

“Miss, it’s time to go home. The Madam will be worried if you’re late.”

“I understand.” Xia Xia nodded, then turned to Yang Xing and whispered, “Brother Xing, if you ever need anything, come to the Xia family. I’ll help you however I can.”

With that, Xia Xia followed the old woman onto the carriage and departed, leaving the others staring in astonishment.