After sorting through the insights gained this time and organizing his martial arts once more, Huo Yuanhong realized, without noticing, that dawn had already broken.
The bustle in the Concession across the way yesterday evening had left the common folk curious. As he made his way out, he heard plenty of people whispering about it in taverns and teahouses.
Huo Yuanhong wandered through the streets and alleys, bought several sesame flatbreads at Shaobing Alley, then headed to Old Zhang's shop.
From a distance, he spotted the large pot set up outside. Inside was a pot of mixed stew, filled with all sorts of scraps of meat—the trimmings left over from the butcher shop.
"Still the same? A bowl of braised meat noodles and a plate of fennel beans?"
He had come here to eat every day lately, so Old Zhang already knew him and greeted him casually.
"Yes, same as before."
Huo Yuanhong wiped down the greasy stool and sat.
"My braised meat noodles may be cheap, but eating like this is too costly. I know you must have some savings, but you still need to watch what you spend and save up. When times get hard, having money in your pocket lets your heart rest easy..."
Old Zhang casually asked, "How's that job with Old Huang? Have you looked into it?"
"No. I still have money in my pocket. I'll earn more after it's gone."
Huo Yuanhong chuckled.
As they spoke, an apprentice brought out a plate of fennel beans. Huo Yuanhong picked one up between his fingers and slowly ate it.
He had not been eating for long when the surroundings suddenly fell silent.
The common folk who had been noisily slurping noodles all stopped stiffly, staring nervously at the man who had entered.
"Didn't I say it?