Just as Fang Yuan was about to pick up his chopsticks, Little Purple Sable in his arms suddenly pricked up its ears and let out two faint squeaks from its throat.
His gaze shifted slightly. Almost at the same time, someone knocked on the courtyard gate.
At this hour?
He had already greeted all the neighbors earlier. It should not have been anyone else coming to visit.
He set down his bowl and chopsticks, signaling Liu Wanwan to stay calm with the child, then rose to answer the door.
When he drew back the bolt, a burly figure stood outside. It was Zhao Tie, who had unexpectedly returned after leaving.
He carried an oil-paper parcel in one hand and had a cloth bundle tucked beneath his arm.
"Brother Fang, I'm not disturbing you, am I?" Zhao Tie grinned and held out the oil-paper parcel. "I passed a roast meat shop just now and picked up a chicken for you. Add another dish to your table."
He then shook open the bundle, revealing two sets of indigo cotton Martial Arts Uniforms. "These are the clothes worn by the school's Apprentices. Make do with them for now."
Fang Yuan was taken aback and quickly accepted them. "Brother Zhao, you've spent too much. Please, come in and sit."
"No, no." Zhao Tie waved his hand and glanced into the courtyard, spotting the dishes that had just been laid out on the table. "You eat. I'll head back now. Tomorrow at the hour of the dragon, remember to come to the Martial Arts School."
Lowering his voice, he said, "Master will be free tomorrow, so I'll take the chance to show you the ropes."
Fang Yuan understood and solemnly cupped his fists. "Thank you for the trouble, Brother Zhao."
Tomorrow was clearly going to