Chapter 104

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Chapter 104: Return to the Villa

Once Zhang Xiaohua was seated comfortably, Li Jinfeng asked with a smile: “Xiaohua, are you familiar with this Qiu Tong?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Of course. I went to Huanxi Villa thanks to Big Sister Qiu Tong, so we’re quite familiar.”

“Then how old is Qiu Tong? Where is she from? Is there anyone else in her family? And, is she… is she married?” Li Jinfeng asked a long succession of questions.

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback and mumbled: “We’re familiar, but… I’ve only met her two or three times. I don’t really know the answers to these questions. If you like, I can ask Big Sister Qiu Tong the next time I see her.”

Li Jinfeng placed his index finger to his lips, “Shh~” and whispered: “It would be awkward to ask her these things in person. Find an opportunity to ask her gradually when you have time. But be sure to be discreet and don’t let her know I’m the one asking.”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled and asked: “Why? That’s what you want to know, so why be so secretive about it?”

Li Jinfeng clasped his hands behind his back and looked out the window, saying: “ ’The ospreys cry by the river islet; A graceful and virtuous lady, the gentleman’s ideal match.’ Xiaohua, you’re still young, you’ll understand these things better when you’re older.”

Zhang Xiaohua was confused and asked: “Where is this quote from? Why haven’t I heard it before?”

Li Jinfeng smiled and said; “Xiaohua, there are countless books in this world, and even if we spent our whole lives reading, we’d only cover a fraction. The sea of knowledge is boundless, while my heart is limited. Only by frequently reading good books, you can keep up with the times. This quote is from the legendary Book of Songs. You’ll understand its meaning when you have the chance to read it yourself. For now, it might be hard for you to grasp.”

[TL_Note: The “Book of Songs” is one of the oldest collections of Chinese poetry]

Zhang Xiaohua pouted but agreed in his heart. He had only been studying for a few days, while Li Jinfeng had read for decades. Naturally, his knowledge and experience were far beyond his own. At this stage, whatever Li Jinfeng said was accepted as truth, and Zhang Xiaohua felt unable to argue with him, as they were not on the same level.

The two chatted for a while longer, and Li Jinfeng, whether intentionally or unintentionally, kept asking Zhang Xiaohua about Qiu Tong. Unfortunately, Zhang Xiaohua had only met Qiu Tong once at Huanxi Villa and hadn’t seen her again. What he knew were just some trivial details from others, which Li Jinfeng still found quite interesting. Later, Li Jinfeng suddenly remembered and asked Zhang Xiaohua: “Xiaohua, you’ve only been in Pingyang City for a few days, how come you suddenly got to know Qiu Tong? I’ve been in Pingyang City much longer than you. Why didn’t I have this opportunity?”

Zhang Xiaohua recounted how he met Qiu Tong, and Li Jinfeng sighed: “Such a great opportunity, and you were the one who encountered it. If it were me, I would have surely brought that thief right to Qiu Tong.”

Zhang Xiaohua made a face and said: “If it were you, where would my job come from? You’re just a person who’s all about keeping track of your own needs and not having any friends of the opposite sex. Even the clothes and food you rely on would be meticulously counted.  Besides, with your clumsiness, if you had encountered a thief, you wouldn’t have even noticed if your money pouch was stolen that day.”

Li Jinfeng’s eyes brightened upon hearing this and he said: “So, it seems that both Qiu Tong and I encountered a thief, and it was because of you that our money pouches were not lost. It seems that Qiu Tong and I really have a fate together, ah.”

Seeing Li Jinfeng’s extremely narcissistic demeanor, Zhang Xiaohua rolled his eyes again. Given how things were, even if Zhang Xiaohua thought with his heels, he could tell that Li Jinfeng was very interested in Qiu Tong. However, this was the first time Zhang Xiaohua had seen someone like Li Jingeng so forcefully creating a sense of destiny. It was likely a first in Pingyang City as well.

If this was also considered fate, then the red thread of the Yue Lao was indeed too cheap.

[TL_Note: The deity mentioned is Yue Lao (月老), also known as the Old Man Under the Moon. In Chinese folklore, Yue Lao is the deity responsible for matchmaking and love. He is often depicted as tying the red threads that symbolize romantic connections between individuals.]

In the evening, when Zhang Xiaohu returned, Zhang Xiaohua told him about the day’s events. Zhang Xiaohu was very pleased, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. Previously, Third Master Qu had promised to handle the matters concerning Huanxi Villa, but Zhang Xiaohua’s failure to hear news from the villa had left him uneasy. Zhang Xiaohu had also met Qiu Tong before, as she had taken Zhang Xiaohua to Huanxi Villa, so he trusted her words.

In the following days, although Zhang Xiaohua was still lying on the bed to recover from his injury, he felt restless, as if a cat were scratching at his heart. He couldn’t stand lying in bed any longer and constantly thought about returning to the villa. Even the books that Li Jinfeng had brought him failed to interest him. Zhang Xiaohu was also somewhat frustrated. After all, unlike practicing martial arts, internal energy cultivation didn’t show immediate results. Despite studying the internal energy techniques for such a long time, he hadn’t even touched the threshold, which made it hard for him to focus.

Thus, when the two brothers were in the room, they inevitably stared at each other in boredom. Zhang Xiaohua asked Zhang Xiaohu: “Second Brother, how about I return to Huanxi Villa first? I’ve been in the escort agency for a few months and haven’t even left this room much. I’m tired of it. I know some people over at the villa, and the place is spacious, similar to our Guo Village. Besides, I can move around now and am not afraid of further injuring my bones. What do you think?”

Zhang Xiaohu thought for a moment and nodded: “That’s fine. Seeing you so restless here with no interest, it’s better to let you go. Tomorrow, I’ll have the doctor from the clinic check you one last time, and then we’ll arrange for you to return. By the way, you mentioned that there’s a carriage service. After the doctor’s check-up, we can find that service and arrange a carriage to take you back.”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said: “Second Brother, I heard from my roommate, Ma Jing, that taking the carriage is quite expensive. I think I’ll just walk back. I haven’t been active for so long, so a walk would be good for me. By the way, this is the money I earned from working at Huanxi Villa. Please take it first and bring it back to Father and Mother when you have the time.” Saying this, Zhang Xiaohua pulled out the money pouch he had saved over several months and handed it to Zhang Xiaohu. He added: “The main purpose of coming to the escort agency was to see you and give you this money, but I ended up staying here for months. Fate can be quite tricky.”

Zhang Xiaohu looked at the silver coins in his younger brother’s small hands, feeling a bit emotional and unsure of what to say. After a long pause, he finally spoke: “Xiaohua, keep this money for now. Being away from home is different, there are many inconveniences. You’ll need money while you’re at the villa, and it’s better to use it for yourself and buy what you need. Our parents just want you to be healthy and live a good life. Take care of yourself first, and think about sending it to them later.”

Zhang Xiaohua insisted on placing the money pouch in Zhang Xiaohu’s hands, saying: “It’s alright, Second Brother. Since I don’t go out much at the villa, everything I need is provided for me. I don’t need to buy anything. Besides, this is the first time I’ve received a salary, so it has special significance. I must send it to Father and Mother. They’ve worked so hard to raise me, and this money symbolizes my growth and my respect for them.”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled and said, “Li Jinfeng really is a good teacher, making you so well-spoken and full of reason. Alright, since you insist, I’ll keep it for now and have someone take it back when the opportunity arises. However, since you’re just recovering from illness, it’s better not to overexert yourself. I’ve already received several months’ worth of salary from the escort agency, so I’ll cover the cost of the carriage for you.”

Zhang Xiaohua was reluctant and tried to refuse, but Zhang Xiaohu, feeling distressed for his younger brother, persisted in his offer. By the time they went to bed, no resolution had been reached.

The next morning, Zhang Xiaohua asked Zhang Xiaohu to take him to the clinic early. They saw the same old doctor as before. The doctor carefully examined him and, after wrapping it up in the medicine bandage, smiled and said to Zhang Xiaohua: “The bones are healing well and are aligned correctly. The recovery time is surprisingly short. It seems you’ve been quite restrained during this period. From today on, you can start moving your right hand freely. However, initially, you should avoid exerting force. Just perform general movements and avoid lifting heavy objects with your right hand. Try to use your left hand for tasks as much as possible. Also, try to use your right hand during meals to help improve its dexterity.”

Zhang Xiaohua anxiously asked: “When can I start practicing martial arts?”

The doctor looked at Zhang Xiaohua’s eager eyes and then at Zhang Xiaohu before kindly saying: “Well, you can start moving your right hand for now. In a few days, after removing this bandage, you can try practicing some martial arts. But remember, the purpose of practicing martial arts is to strengthen and condition your body, not to show off or engage in conflicts. Try to avoid competing or causing trouble with others.”

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback. Why practice martial arts if not for fighting? However, he nodded, pretending to understand.

Excited, Zhang Xiaohua followed Zhang Xiaohu back, eagerly wanting to move his arm. Zhang Xiaohu quickly stopped him, saying: “Although the doctor has allowed you to move your hand, you still need to be cautious. Avoid making large movements for now, just do slight movements. You can resume practicing your martial arts later. By the way, I think what Young Master Li said makes sense. You might want to read more books, perhaps studying literature could be more interesting.” Zhang Xiaohu still tried to persuade Zhang Xiaohua.

Zhang Xiaohua walked calmly and responded dismissively: “Studying literature is so boring. Even though the books seem interesting, studying them every day would be tedious. I still want to practice martial arts and internal energy skills.”

Zhang Xiaohu sighed: “Alas, what kind of internal energy techniques can you practice? Let’s not mention that you don’t know where to learn an internal energy cultivation method. I’ve been practicing this method for so long and haven’t made any progress. Martial arts training is really tough.”

Zhang Xiaohua laughed and said: “Second Brother, don’t you always say that with enough effort, even an iron pestle can be ground into a needle? Why are you talking discouragingly now?”

Zhang Xiaohu gave a wry smile and said: “That depends on what kind of iron it is. Sigh, no point in saying more. Maybe you’ll realize the difficulty when the time comes. Right now, you won’t believe it no matter what I say. But since you’re determined to practice martial arts, you must do it gradually and slowly start moving your right hand. Only begin practicing martial arts when the time is right.”

As they spoke, they returned to their small room. In front of the room, a man was waiting. Seeing Zhang Xiaohu return, he hurriedly said: “Zhang Xiaohu, where have you been? Sixth Master Li is urgently looking for you.”

Seeing the man’s urgency, Zhang Xiaohu didn’t have time to say much to Zhang Xiaohua. He just instructed him not to return to the villa yet and to wait until he came back.

Zhang Xiaohua wanted to leave on his own, but seeing his second brother’s stern look, he obediently stayed in the room.

Feeling bored while waiting, he suddenly heard someone shouting outside: “Zhang Xiaohua, Zhang Xiaohua, where are you?”

Recognizing the familiar voice, Zhang Xiaohua happily jumped off the bed and before even stepping out of the room, shouted back: “Here, Brother Ma, I’m here.”

It turned out the visitor was Zhang Xiaohua’s roommate, Ma Jing.

Having not seen his roommate for several months, Zhang Xiaohua, who once harbored some grievances against him, even about his smelly feet, had forgotten all that and eagerly rushed out of the room.

When Zhang Xiaohua reached the door, Ma Jing had already followed the sound to find him. Seeing Zhang Xiaohua coming out of the room, Ma Jing was delighted and eagerly stepped forward to grab Zhang Xiaohua’s right hand. However, Zhang Xiaohua had gotten used to using his left hand, so he naturally extended his left hand instead. Ma Jing was momentarily puzzled but quickly switched hands. By the time Zhang Xiaohua realized what was happening, the image of Ma Jing picking his feet immediately came to mind. But it was too late, Ma Jing had already enthusiastically clasped his left hand, while his right hand naturally patted Zhang Xiaohua on the shoulder. Zhang Xiaohua found himself unable to pull his hand back or shrug off the shoulder pat.

Ma Jing, full of warmth, said: “Little Brother, it’s been so long. I’ve missed you so much! How come your voice has become so nice? It’s almost as good as mine was back in the day. You’ve really got a bit of my old flair!”

Zhang Xiaohua tried to withdraw his hand and invite Ma Jing into the room, but Ma Jing held on tightly. Before Zhang Xiaohua could speak, Ma Jing continued: “Little Brother, that night, I was thinking of coming back to the villa to guide you. I returned before midnight, but I didn’t see you at the villa gate. I thought you had gone back to the room, but you weren’t there either. I was puzzled. If you weren’t coming back, I wouldn’t have returned so early, Little Peach… Oh, never mind. I waited for you at the villa gate, worried that if you came back late, you wouldn’t have a place to stay. When you didn’t return the next day either, I missed you even more. You know, Brother Xi shouldn’t have left all your work for me. Sure, we’re roommates, but other people should share some of the work too. Without you around, I was really worn out. I was longing for you like a star-crossed lover. But when I heard from Brother Xi that you got injured, I was stunned. I couldn’t believe all your work fell on me. Luckily, Brother Xi was somewhat humane and didn’t make me do everything, but it was still exhausting. Look at me, I’m thinner now, it’s the aftermath of those days.”

Zhang Xiaohua, smiling apologetically, said: “Brother Ma, I’m really sorry for the trouble. I must truly admire you for all you’ve done.”

As he spoke, he attempted to pull his left hand away, but as soon as he did, Ma Jing grabbed it even more fervently, his eyes welling up with tears. “Little Brother, you can see it too? But don’t admire me too much, I’m just a living Lei Feng.”

Zhang Xiaohua didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He could only stretch out his left hand and let Ma Jing hold it, but he secretly vowed in his heart: “I’ll wash my hands ten or eight times later and definitely practice my footwork well. Next time, I won’t let Ma Jing get half a step closer to me.”

Ma Jing continued to chatter away about the trivialities and petty squabbles among the blue-robed servants at the villa, indulging in gossip. However, Zhang Xiaohua, preoccupied with thoughts of washing his hands, paid little attention. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm was wasted like playing the lute to a cow or throwing a pearl in the dark. Finally, Ma Jing concluded: “Fortunately, about a month after you were injured, my close comrade and roommate, Liu Er, returned and rescued me from the sea of labor. By the way, you haven’t met Liu Er yet, have you? Come on, let me introduce you.”

With that, he pulled Zhang Xiaohua’s hand and stepped aside, revealing a short and chubby figure behind him. Despite Ma Jing’s already modest height, this stout man was even shorter. No wonder he was blocked by Ma Jing’s figure. However, while he lacked in height, he made up for it in girth, nearly twice the width of Ma Jing. Considering the food at the Huanxi Villa, Zhang Xiaohua could understand why. Taking advantage of the moment, Zhang Xiaohua quickly pulled his hand back and greeted the stout Liu Er with a respectful bow, saying: “Brother Liu Er, I’ve heard of your name for a long time, but this is the first time we’ve met.”

Liu Er also returned the greeting, speaking in a deep voice: “Zhang Xiaohua, how are you? Is your injury healed?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Thank you for your concern, Brother Liu Er. It’s much better now.”

Then, Zhang Xiaohua invited them: “Brothers, please come inside and have a seat.”

Ma Jing hesitated, then looked at the sky and said: “Xiaohua, it’s getting late. We’re not here just to see you.”

Zhang Xiaohua felt a pang of disappointment and said: “Why do you have to leave so soon? How about you sit for a while and chat? Wait for my second brother to come back, and I’ll go with you. Anyway, I’m almost recovered and was discussing returning to the villa with my brother.”

Ma Jing continued: “Well, we didn’t come just to see you, we’re here on business and to take you back to the villa on the way back.”

Ma Jing emphasized the word “see” heavily, making Zhang Xiaohua realize with a start. Ah, Ma Jing’s nature hadn’t changed.

Zhang Xiaohua said: “In that case, Brother Ma, Brother Liu Er, please come in first. I’ll go find my Second Brother and let him know, and then I’ll leave with you.”

The two men agreed and went inside.

However, as Zhang Xiaohua stepped out of the courtyard, he realized he didn’t know where to find Zhang Xiaohu. There were many people at the escort agency, and the place was large. Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t naive enough to think everyone would know his Zhang Xiaohu. He vaguely remembered the martial arts training hall, but today Zhang Xiaohu had been called away by Sixth Master Li, and he had no idea where to find him. So, he decided to return to the house first.

Upon returning, Ma Jing asked: “How did you find your brother so quickly?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled wryly: “I haven’t yet. I don’t know where my Second Brother went. I’ll pack my things first and maybe leave him a note.”

Ma Jing looked surprised and said: “You can write? I remember you didn’t know how to read.”

Zhang Xiaohua, feeling proud, responded: “Brother Ma, they say you should look at someone with fresh eyes after three days of separation, let alone after more than three months. Is it so surprising that I can write now?”

Ma Jing, envious, said: “Xiaohua, you’re not kidding, are you? You don’t look like someone who could learn to write in three months.”

Zhang Xiaohua, while packing, said: “Well then, after I finish packing, I’ll show you whether I can write or not.”