When Heavy Snow Fell in the Capital

It's snowing in the capital.

Large snowflakes fell from the sky, and in no time the entire capital city was transformed into Kyoto.

The Sijiucheng was covered in snow, as if time itself had turned back, creating a delightful scene.

Because of the end of the expo, Li Yao and Guo Changshi moved from the hotel to the residence of the Huaxia Extraordinary Artificer Association in the capital. The old courtyard house has been equipped with many modern facilities, making it a more comfortable place to live.

However, those facilities are cleverly hidden in the corners of the original building, making them difficult to see, thus preserving the ancient charm of the house to the greatest extent.

The courtyard houses in the north are grand and spacious, with open courtyards.

An old locust tree stands in the center of the courtyard.

Guo Changshi said that this was the residence of a Beile in the late Qing Dynasty, and it had changed hands several times before it came into the hands of the Chinese Extraordinary Artificer Association.

Now,

This became where Li Yao stayed.

Because Han Guang and Li Yao were from the same sect, Chen Xi, Lin Xiaoxi, and Wei Dadong were all assigned here, and the originally quiet mansion suddenly became lively.

Li Yao sat on the porch, where the wooden railings were carved with pictures of flowers and birds playing, which became even more vivid after the snow fell.

Guo Changshi sat facing Li Yao, with a small pear wood table in front of him.

On the pearwood table sat a small red clay stove, and on the stove sat an iron kettle, which contained ten-year-old aged Yellow Wine.

Guo Changshi picked up some shredded ginger and goji berries, then added some other ingredients! Soon,

Steam billowed from the spout of the iron kettle, releasing a rich aroma of wine that contrasted beautifully with the snowy landscape of the courtyard, creating a unique and charming scene.

Guo Changshi stared at the iron pot, pulling his black cloak tighter around himself. "This is the kind of wine we should drink in this weather!"

Take care of your health!

Li Yao was also wearing a gray-white mink coat. The fluffy collar was soft and comfortable, and it made his face look smaller—making him look like a noble young master from ancient times.

He didn't answer the question, but asked, "Have you found out about the little girl's background yet?"

This is the third day since the little girl arrived, and all the relevant information should have been investigated by now.

Guo Changshi turned down the fire in the small stove and said, "Well, the little girl is from the Chuan Shu Region, in a small mountain village. The road is very rugged and it's hard to find... Our investigators spent a lot of effort to find her. They openly admitted it there, and even said that the little girl is some kind of monster—back then, their house was destroyed by fire, and all their parents and relatives died, but she crawled out of the ashes."

later,

The villagers were terrified, and some village elders said she was a demon.

Later, the story spread further and further.

Li Yao remained silent after listening.

Guo Changshi also lowered his head and fiddled with the ginger slices, as if there was some secret hidden inside.

In a short time,

The world was quiet and still, with only the small stove on the table burning quietly, occasionally crackling with the popping of embers.

"Hey, come out and have some fun."

Lin Xiaoxi's clear voice came from the courtyard, and she ran out, holding the little girl's hand.

Chen Xi followed behind them, a kind, aunt-like smile on her face...

On the ground covered in white snow,

A beautiful young girl scooped up snowflakes and scattered them into the air, while a thin little girl wrapped herself in a thick down jacket, her dry, yellow hair peeking out from under her hat and swaying gently in the chill.

It's snowing!

It's snowing again!

The little girl ran and jumped around Lin Xiaoxi, laughing happily.

Lin Xiaoxi also liked this girl very much, and she took her out for some crazy and fun activities.

This scene looks really good.

Guo Changshi poured Li Yao a glass of wine. "Here, have a drink."

Li Yao picked up his wine glass and took a slow sip. "Those people from the American Federation are gone?"

Guo Changshi: "Yes, they couldn't even wait for the awards ceremony and closing ceremony before leaving. They took the sea route, taking a cruise ship from Qingdao to Jeju Island, and then transferring back from Jeju Island."

Li Yao: "Is it that complicated?"

Guo Changshi: "There's no other way; it's too dangerous to travel by empty road."

Thousands of meters in the air!

Unless you're Tier 6 master, a plane crash would be a death sentence! Li Yao asked doubtfully, "Then you can take a commercial flight. There are so many people on board, no company would dare to cause trouble, right?"

Guo Changshi said quietly, "Malaysia Airlines."

Li Yao: "..."

Well, he should have thought of that sooner.

Guo Changshi advised, "You are, after all, a technician. This matter has nothing to do with you, so you must not act rashly!"

Li Yao: "Recklessness may feel good in the moment..."

Guo Changshi quickly nodded and chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes, you ruined yourself for a moment of pleasure. We'll find another opportunity later..."

"No," Li Yao interrupted Guo Changshi, "I mean, being reckless is fun for a moment, and being reckless all the time is fun!"

Guo Changshi: "..."

He scratched his head with his rough, large hands. "I just don't understand, why are you so angry?"

Li Yao: "They insulted me, and they did it with money."

Guo Changshi: "..."

He probably understood something.

Ultimately, the person in front of him is neither a member of the Wallfacer Organization nor a member of the Chinese Artificer Association.

Neither organization's rules could effectively constrain him, so neither the Wallfacer Organization nor the Artificer Association treated Li Yao with utmost respect, but ultimately excluded him and could not truly trust him, especially when he was still a money-grubber.

Not only will they not trust,

In some situations, the Wallfacers will also closely monitor them to prevent accidents.

Han Guang's actions can be seen as a statement—

Yes,

They did try to win him over, but he also alienated them through his actions.

Although the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend.

At least they share common interests, which makes it easier for them to get along.

Guo Changshi downed the cup of Yellow Wine in one gulp and said with emotion, "Mr. Han, you're very kind."

Li Yao: "Huh?"

Guo Changshi: "I understand, I understand everything!"

He raised his glass to Li Yao and said, "This is a toast to you!"

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp again.

Li Yao: "..."

Did I say anything?

A short while later, Wei Dadong and his group pushed open the door and entered. They were all dressed in black suits with overcoats, and they looked silent and solemn.

Wei Dadong approached Li Yao and said, "Mr. Han, you were looking for us?"

Li Yao said, "Well, there's something I'd like you to do with me, but it's very risky..."

Wei Dadong: "I understand! Let's go!"

He didn't even ask what they were going to do.

They were all skilled at wielding knives and killing people, but now the targets of their attacks have changed—the essence remains the same.

They were very familiar with this job! Li Yao wanted to say something more, but Wei Dadong said again, "You don't need to say anything more. If it weren't for your guidance last time, we might have suffered casualties. We will remember this kindness!"

"That's right!"

The team members behind him also shouted with great enthusiasm, their voices so loud that they startled the little girl and shook the snow off the eaves...

Wei Dadong said excitedly, "Moreover, the organization contacted us this morning and said that a Special Dispatch Team has been established outside the formal establishment. We are the first batch of members... and also the first batch of members with the Special Armed Usage Rights!"

Master Han, we wouldn't be where we are today without you! We are eternally grateful!

Wei Dadong led his team in a deep bow, their attitude extremely respectful, their admiration flowing like a never-ending river...

Standing to the side, Guo Changshi's face was almost turning blue! This is definitely some kind of misunderstanding, isn't it?

These men seem strangely honest; we can't let this guy surnamed Han lead them astray! He said earnestly, "Big guy, listen to me, this guy surnamed Han isn't a good person..."

Wei Dadong was displeased. "What gives you the right to say that?" he said hostilely. "Why don't you come with us and we can talk outside?"

Li Yao: "..."

Where's my thermos?! Where did my thermos go?!

First update! Yesterday's super update almost drained my brain, and I even forgot to ask for subscriptions, recommendations, and donations. So, I'm asking for some today! Hope you enjoy reading!