Chapter 27: The Arrival of the Escort

Chapter 27: The Arrival of the Escort

Uncle Fu had put considerable thought into this noon meal.

In their younger days, Yang Xiaoyun often ate at the Ziyang Escort Agency, and Uncle Fu knew well what she liked and disliked.

This table was almost entirely prepared according to Yang Xiaoyun's tastes.

Yang Xiaoyun praised the food nonstop, constantly complimenting Uncle Fu on his excellent cooking skills.

Uncle Fu smiled widely, showing only teeth, and standing behind Su Mo, he said:

"If Miss Yun likes it, you should come more often. I'll cook delicious meals for you."

"Mm-hmm."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded vigorously. "Uncle Fu, there's no need to wait. For the next while, I plan to stay at the Ziyang Escort Agency."

"Ah?"

Uncle Fu was taken aback and subconsciously glanced at Su Mo.

Su Mo coughed lightly. "Xiaoyun Jie, we need to think this through carefully."

"Think through my head! Everything needs careful consideration? Can't you be more decisive?"

Yang Xiaoyun glared at Su Mo.

Su Mo's lips twitched, and he cast a pleading look at Uncle Fu, who promptly turned and walked away.

Su Mo was stunned. "Uncle Fu, where are you going?"

"To prepare a room for Miss Yun."

"..."

With a formidable enemy at the door, how could there be a traitor now?

Su Mo looked helplessly at Yang Xiaoyun, who grinned. "Eat, eat."

Before they finished their meal, Uncle Fu came in from the door again.

"Young Master, someone is here to see you."

"Do we know them?"

"He claims the surname Ji, but he looks unfamiliar. He seems to have something important."

Su Mo was startled and nodded slightly. "Have him wait in the parlor; I'll be right there."

"Sure thing."

Uncle Fu responded and left.

Yang Xiaoyun and Su Mo exchanged a glance, both sensing the gravity of the situation.

"In these unusual times, we must be cautious with strangers," Yang Xiaoyun reminded.

Su Mo nodded. "I'll go check first."

"I'll go with you."

Su Mo thought for a moment and did not refuse.

They put down their utensils, tidied themselves up, and headed towards the parlor.

The parlor of the Ziyang Escort Agency could not compare to that of the Iron Blood Escort Agency; its furnishings were simple and unadorned, and the tea served was not of high quality.

The visitor wore gray robes, had an ordinary appearance, and sat upright sipping tea.

On the table beside him was a box.

When Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun entered the parlor, the man heard footsteps and stood up. Seeing them, he paused. "May I ask who you are?"

Yang Xiaoyun nearly laughed out of exasperation.

Visiting someone's home and asking for their names?

What kind of logic was that?

Su Mo smiled. "I am Su Mo, the chief of the Ziyang Escort Agency."

The man was momentarily stunned before instinctively clasping his fists. "Pleased to meet you..."

He said "pleased to meet you," but his expression suggested he hardly believed it himself.

But he quickly regained his composure. "Forgive me, I didn't expect the chief of the Ziyang Escort Agency to be so young... Oh, right, I am Ji Shuhua. Pleased to meet Chief Su."

Su Mo mulled over the name and immediately recognized him, smiling slightly:

"So it's Brother Ji of 'Righteousness Through the Ages.' My apologies."

"Flattery from fellow martial artists, thank you, thank you."

Ji Shuhua smiled broadly. Though he said "thank you," it was clear that Su Mo's words had struck a chord.

Ji Shuhua, known as "Righteousness Through the Ages," had some reputation in the martial world. Although his martial arts were average, he was known for his love of making friends.

This person is not picky about making friends, associating with all sorts, from the scholarly to the unrefined, including everyone within his circle.

And when a friend is in trouble, he never hesitates to lend a helping hand.

Thus, he earned the reputation of being righteous and loyal.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, they took their seats as host and guest. Su Mo then asked:

"Where does Sir Ji come from?"

He did not ask why he was here or make any remarks about not visiting without reason, for that would seem overbearing.

Being their first meeting, it was important to leave a good impression. Asking "where do you come from?" also implied asking what his purpose was.

"To be frank, I am here on someone's behalf."

Ji Shuhua smiled, not beating around the bush: "And this sudden visit is because I have a delivery to make."

"Oh?"

Su Mo glanced at the box beside Ji Shuhua, pondering for a moment before saying, "May I ask who entrusted you with this task?"

"A friend of mine."

Ji Shuhua said, "This person prefers to stay out of the limelight and does not wish to reveal his name. Please do not take offense, Chief Su."

Su Mo raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Then Ji Shuhua continued:

"My friend, though unknown, is skilled in forging and has a few close companions. Recently, someone commissioned him to craft a weapon. After completing it, no one came to claim it. When I visited him, he told me about it... Knowing my penchant for getting involved in matters, especially concerning friends, I could not just sit idly by.

"I initially planned to deliver the weapon myself, but upon arriving in Sunset City, another matter arose, making it inconvenient to carry this item. If I were to lose it, I would feel guilty towards my friend.

"So, I thought of entrusting an escort agency to deliver it.

"I considered Ironblood, Yangwei, and Tianmen, but their fees are quite high.

"As a wanderer, I do not have much money, so after some inquiries, I learned about Ziyang Escort Agency.

"This sudden visit may be presumptuous, but I hope Chief Su can help and take on this delivery."

His explanation was clear, though he did not reveal the identity of his friend.

Su Mo pondered for a moment, while Yang Xiaoyun subtly shook her head at him.

Su Mo looked at her, smiled, and then said to Ji Shuhua, "In that case, may I see the item entrusted to you?"

"Chief Su, please take a look."

With those words, he lightly tapped the box, which flew swiftly towards Su Mo.

Su Mo chuckled, casually flicking his hand as the box spun in mid-air before settling into his palm.

Seeing this, Ji Shuhua breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and bowed, saying:

"Please forgive me, Chief Su. Given your youth and the importance of the matter, I had to test your skills. Your martial prowess is impressive despite your young age. I apologize for any offense."

With those words, he bowed deeply.