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Because the boss has been in a bad mood lately, the attendant scrutinized Qi Chong. He limped on one leg, and although his clothes were neat, they were somewhat old, indicating he was not a wealthy man. However, he had a dignified demeanor, suggesting he might be a friend of the boss.
The attendant hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. Qi Chong sensed this and said calmly, "You can go ahead. Lu Ziyou will be pleased to hear that I’ve come."
Observing Qi Chong's earnest expression, which did not seem to indicate deceit, the attendant steeled himself and stepped inside. Qi Chong did not wait at the door but headed straight to the ox cart where his wife was.
"Yu Chunmiao, that traveler Lu Ziyou is quite impressive. If you have something to say, just say it," he remarked.
Yu Chunmiao replied impatiently, "I know, I know! He’s your former classmate and your closest friend! You’ve talked about him so much on the way here. I’m not an idiot; I remembered it long ago."
Qi Chong playfully pinched her nose and teased, "Not an idiot? I remember my mother bought me a silly wife; how come you’re so clever all of a sudden?"
"Whoever said that must have been mistaken," Yu Chunmiao retorted, hiding away like a shy bride.
"Sharp-tongued!" Qi Chong pretended to be fierce. "Just wait and see how I deal with you."
Yu Chunmiao stuck out her tongue at him, wearing an expression that said he could do nothing about it.
"Brother Qi! What a rare guest!" Lu Ziyou called out as he approached quickly from the entrance, holding his clothes and fanning himself vigorously with a folding fan.
Yu Chunmiao turned to look at the newcomer. He was graceful and handsome, with a complexion like jade. Dressed in a white satin long shirt with subtle patterns, he was slightly shorter and thinner than Qi Chong. If not for the comparison with Qi Chong, he would have been considered quite handsome himself. However, at this moment, he could only be regarded as somewhat attractive.
Qi Chong stood up and nodded with a smile in greeting.
Lu Ziyou immediately noticed his injured leg and asked with concern, "It’s been half a year since we last met; what happened to your leg, Brother Qi?"
"Oh, it's nothing," Qi Chong replied nonchalantly. "It will be fine in another couple of months."
He then turned to introduce Yu Chunmiao to Lu Ziyou. "This is Yu Chunmiao; she has come today for some business."
Yu Chunmiao adjusted her straw hat and waved at Lu Ziyou, saying simply, "You."
Lu Ziyou bowed to Yu Chunmiao and then turned to reprimand Qi Chong, saying, "Brother Qi, how could you not let Brother Fool know?" Brother Fool also offered a modest gift as a token of congratulations.
Yu Chunmiao noticed that although Lu Ziyou was wealthy, he held great respect for Qi Chong. Their conversation was quite formal, especially Qi Chong's manner of speaking, which made her feel somewhat out of place.
Qi Chong patted Lu Ziyou on the shoulder and said, "It's fine. Since we haven't held the wedding banquet yet, there's no need for gifts."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they were invited into a teahouse. Qi Chong carried a large wooden basin in one hand while Lu Ziyou hurried to take it from him and called over a waiter to help carry it, following closely behind the three of them.
Lu Ziyou glanced at the large wooden basin, which was tightly covered with banana leaves, but he could still catch a whiff of its fragrant aroma.
Upon entering the teahouse, they found a hidden paradise inside. Four two-story buildings surrounded a large terrace. In the center of the terrace stood a stage where two performers were singing. They were dressed like Yue Opera actors but included male performers as well. Surrounding them were tea tables, and in the corridors, there were more tables where small groups of guests sat sipping tea and enjoying the performance.
Each building had a staircase leading up to the second floor. Lu Ziyou led them to an elegant room on the second floor and had tea and snacks served.
Qi Chong surveyed the teahouse's business and asked him, "Half a year ago when I came here, it was bustling with customers. Why is business so bleak now?"
Lu Ziyou sighed and began to complain.
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