Elsewhere, Zhou Ping, Lin Qiye, and Huang Yuande sat together, holding several leftover bamboo skewers as they chatted casually.
Of course, only Lin Qiye and Huang Yuande were actually relaxed.
Zhou Ping gripped a bamboo skewer and sat stiffly on his stool. From time to time, members of Team 009 came over to speak with him, their faces full of admiration and excitement. After all, it was their first time meeting the Sword Saint himself. One of them even asked Zhou Ping for an autograph.
Throughout it all, Zhou Ping was like a heartless nodding machine, his hands clasped unnaturally on his thighs. Lin Qiye could even see sweat beginning to form on the backs of his hands...
Huang Yuande noticed it as well. Thinking back to having tea with Zhou Ping earlier that day, he seemed to understand something. He exchanged a look with Lin Qiye, and the two stepped aside under the pretense of going to the restroom.
"Captain Lin, the Sword Saint is..." Huang Yuande carefully considered his wording.
"Social anxiety," Lin Qiye supplied.
"Hiss, no wonder he seemed so unresponsive when I spoke to him today. I thought that was the Sword Saint's pride..."
"..."
"Oh, right, Captain Lin." Huang Yuande seemed to recall something. "I called Captain Li Hong in Lintang City several times today, but no one answered."
"Is he out on a mission?"
"Possibly. Anyway, I'll try calling again tonight. If I still can't reach him, take this with you." Huang Yuande pulled a letter from his pocket and handed it to Lin Qiye. "I wrote him a letter explaining your situation. Just give him this when the time comes, and he'll understand."
"Then thank you, Captain Huang."
"It's nothing, just a small favor." Huang Yuande waved a hand. "Li Hong is warmhearted