The golden shaded Fat Tiger walked to the hall entrance and changed shape.
Returning to an ordinary golden shaded fat cat, it hopped onto the threshold, looked back to signal the customer to hurry and follow, then casually swatted away a floating lantern that had drifted over in curiosity. The other lanterns and the broom were so frightened that they hurried back to their respective places.
The middle-aged man, who affected an air of composure, stood before the door. His gaze fell upon the dazzling array of shelves inside the hall, filled with goods of every kind. Rows of paper umbrellas were the most conspicuous.
He lowered his head and glanced at the high threshold.
The threshold and the decorative details of the lintel revealed many things.
When one held a high position, one had to be cautious in everything and seek stability in all matters. He had already analyzed the architectural style of the pavilion outside, and now, looking at the hall door and its furnishings, the standards were so lofty they exceeded imagination. There were three possibilities: perhaps the owner truly did not understand what such decorative standards represented; perhaps it was a deliberate sham, borrowing a tiger's might to frighten others; or perhaps the owner truly possessed formidable strength.
No proprietor or shopkeeper came to receive him. Presumably, the mysterious little girl mentioned by those evil cultivators could not be bothered with such things.
The fat cat transformed from a fierce tiger squatted by the door. Perhaps it was guarding the place; anyone entering or leaving had to pass before it.
He calmly lifted his foot and entered.
The hall was bright and quiet. The little girl sat behind the desk in the seat of honor, holding a book and reading with her head lowered.
Bai Yujun