Broken Brush

Zhao Sheng reached out and opened the book, reading the story within as he praised it again and again.

Old Shopkeeper Chen watched from the side with a genial smile, saying nothing.

After a moment, Zhao Sheng closed the book and eagerly asked, "May I ask, Teacher Chen, who wrote this book?"

Old Shopkeeper Chen's expression darkened, and he sighed. "This Record of Soul Return was written by my old friend, Li Zhi. Sadly, Heaven did not grant him many years, and he passed away three years ago. Before his death, my old friend entrusted this book and several cherished possessions to me."

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng said with some regret, "Heaven truly envies the gifted! May I ask where Mr. Li is buried? I would like to pay my respects at his grave."

Old Shopkeeper Chen found this quite unexpected, but did not think much of it and told him where the grave was located.

Seeing that he had achieved his purpose, Zhao Sheng did not linger. After talking for a while longer, he took the opportunity to bid farewell.

Old Shopkeeper Chen suspected nothing and immediately rose to see him out.

Shortly afterward, accompanied by a servant from the Chen Residence, Zhao Sheng strode out through the main gates.

He had just descended two stone steps when a familiar figure suddenly turned out from the street corner and hurried toward the Chen Residence.

Zhao Sheng's gaze fell upon the newcomer, and the corners of his mouth could not help but lift slightly.

The man was none other than the late-arriving Lin Heng.

Lin Heng quickly reached the entrance of the Chen Residence and came face-to-face with Zhao Sheng.

As their figures passed one another, something suddenly stirred in his heart. He looked up at the calm-faced Zhao Sheng,