Early the next morning, after saying goodbye to Zhou Wenping's family, Chu Chen and the others headed to the hotel they had booked. They had deliberately chosen a hotel relatively close to Eight Immortals Nunnery. The nunnery was also not far from Xijing Railway Station, so they would not have to rush when they returned.
Once Chu Chen and the others arrived at the hotel and finished arranging their luggage, Chu Chen's phone rang.
"Little Chu, have you arrived? I'm already in the lobby of the hotel you told me about."
"Brother Hou, please wait a moment. We'll be right down."
Needless to say, the caller was Hou Yuanming, whom they had mentioned earlier. While they were in the car, Chu Chen had called him and told him which hotel they were staying at. He had not expected Hou Yuanming to arrive so quickly. They had barely arrived when he showed up.
Hou Yuanming was fairly easy to recognize. He was around forty, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. He looked as though his entire person radiated a sense of justice, giving people a dependable feeling. Of course, they would only know what he was really like after spending time with him.
After both sides introduced themselves, Hou Yuanming complained to Chu Chen:
"Little Chu, you really aren't being very considerate. You've been here for several days, yet you only called me today. Were you afraid I wouldn't fulfill my duties as host? No way. At noon, you have to punish yourself with three cups."
Chu Chen apologized. "Brother Hou, I'm really sorry. I've been rather busy these past few days and didn't get around to contacting you. Forget three cups at noon—I'll drink six."
Hou Yuanming laughed heartily. "Haha, Little Chu, I like your straightforwardness. Where