Chapter Nineteen: Uncle Fu

Chapter Nineteen: Uncle Fu

Bounty hunters have many rules and customs.

One of them is not washing their faces.

This is mainly because frequent washing, followed by wind and sun exposure, can easily lead to dryness and cracking, causing peeling in summer and feeling like being cut by knives in winter.

Thus, not washing the face is actually a form of protection for bounty hunters.

And when to wash the face... naturally, it's after returning home.

This rule at Ziyang Escort Agency is akin to a ritual.

Upon completing a mission, returning home and washing one’s face is the top priority.

Su Mo watched Uncle Fu smiling, and he also smiled, taking off his outer robe and washing his face, carefully wiping away the wind and frost from his face.

Uncle Fu stood by, serving him until Su Mo finished washing his face. Then, he took the basin of water away and threw it out forcefully.

As if discarding all the hardships of the journey.

...

...

Bathing, then eating!

After returning from a mission, a good meal is essential.

Tender slices of stir-fried meat, exquisite crystal pork knuckles, fresh green vegetables—all meticulously arranged on the table.

In addition, Uncle Fu’s specialty was soup dumplings, making five trays full.

Allowing Su Mo to feast heartily.

However, Uncle Fu always emphasized the rules and never ate at the same table as Su Mo.

While Su Mo ate, Uncle Fu stood beside him, serving him.

Although Su Mo had repeatedly told Uncle Fu that they were the only two left in the escort agency, relying on each other, there was no need to adhere strictly to these rules.

But Uncle Fu would not agree, regardless of how much Su Mo tried to persuade him.

If pushed too far, the old man would even resort to lying on the ground, crying and saying he could not face the ancestors of the Su family.

In the end, Su Mo could only retreat.

With each bite of the soup dumpling, savoring its freshness and flavor, Su Mo did not forget to mention encountering Yang Xiaoyun at Shili Pavilion.

"It’s Miss Yang."

Uncle Fu’s eyes lit up: "Speaking of which, Master, you are now of marriageable age. Miss Yang has grown into a graceful young lady, truly a suitable match for you. How about I go to Iron Blood Escort Agency on your behalf in a while, meet with Lord Yang, and discuss your marriage?"

Su Mo, who was swallowing a sip of tea, nearly spat it out upon hearing this.

He immediately waved his hands: "Uncle Fu, please stop. This must not happen!"

"Master, why say it cannot happen? There’s nothing that cannot be done."

Uncle Fu shook his head: "Your engagement was arranged by Lord Yang when he was alive. He was very pleased back then. Even after Lord’s passing, this engagement still stands. If Yang Yizhi dares to break it, he would lose face. If he does, don’t think I’m old; I’ll lie down at the gate of Iron Blood Escort Agency, and he’d have a headache for three days."

Su Mo was both amused and exasperated, wondering what experiences this old man had in his youth.

At his age, he was still as stubborn as ever, with a demeanor of someone who doesn’t fear anything.

Moreover, Su Mo knew Uncle Fu well.

The old man was capable of doing such things.

He quickly said: "I’m not saying the engagement is invalid, nor am I saying the Yang family will break it. Apart from that, over the years, many suitors have come to Iron Blood Escort Agency, almost wearing out their iron threshold, yet Lord Yang hasn’t agreed to any of them, right?"

"Hmm, that’s true. Yang Yizhi is a man of his word."

Uncle Fu nodded: "Back when he and Lord were young, they were life-and-death friends. Lord saved Yang Yizhi from countless dangers. If he breaks his promise, even if I die, my spirit will haunt him."

"..."

Su Mo could only nod: "Indeed, indeed."

"Then, Master, when do you think is the right time to bring up this matter?"

Uncle Fu didn’t let it go and looked at Su Mo: "We can’t leave this undecided. While I’m still somewhat useful, if you can continue the Su lineage, I can help raise Little Master. Don’t look at me like this; I raised you, and Lady said I was better at it than her."

The conversation was veering off track, becoming increasingly irrelevant.

Su Mo had to respond: "Uncle Fu, now is not the right time to bring this up. My behavior in the past few years spread throughout Sunset City. Although I’ve changed in recent years, my reputation needs to be gradually restored. Lord Yang likely holds a grudge against me. Even if he honors the old agreement and hasn’t broken the engagement,

"mentioning it now might not get his approval..."

Seeing Uncle Fu getting anxious again, Su Mo quickly added: "However, everything is improving. The escort agency is thriving, and my reputation will slowly improve. Once we expand the escort agency and achieve success, Lord Yang wouldn’t obstruct us, right?

"I believe he has been waiting for me to reform."

Hearing this, Uncle Fu calmed down, pondered for a moment, and nodded: "Master, you’ve truly grown up. Your words make sense. So... we’ll follow your plan?"

"Yes, let’s do it this way."

Su Mo breathed a sigh of relief, dealing with the immediate issue. As for the future, he would handle it later.

Uncle Fu said with a smile, "But even though that's what I'm saying, if Young Master has some free time, he should still visit the Iron Blood Escort Agency."

"... Understood."

Su Mo nodded slightly. "I promised Yang Xiaoyun before that I would drop by the Iron Blood Escort Agency when I have nothing to do."

"That's good, that's good."

Uncle Fu nodded repeatedly. "I know that you, Young Master, prioritize your martial arts training now, but Miss Yang is also an expert in this field. Working in isolation isn't sustainable in the long run. You young people should interact and spar more often—it fits the saying... how does it go? Vigorous progress? Who knows, there might be some good stories about you two spreading in the martial world in the future..."

The old man was already daydreaming about the future.

In his mind, he had probably already come up with names for Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun in the martial world...

Su Mo secretly sighed with relief, but thinking about this matter still gave him a headache.

"Fortunately, Yang Yizhi's stance is unclear, and since nothing is set in stone, there's no need to worry too much."

He decided not to think about it further, and after a satisfying meal, he returned to his room.

The journey had been exhausting, and although his internal energy was profound, the physical fatigue wasn't a big deal. However, his spirit was tired. Throwing himself onto the bed, he quickly fell into a deep sleep.