"My sister is the bride of the Hai family."
After saying that, the man turned around immediately, as if about to leave the inn.
Trist glanced at Lu Ban, who had already put away the dried fish and forcefully rubbed the cat's head before standing up to follow him.
The two followed the man through the deserted streets, and it was only then that Trist noticed that although there was no one on the street, behind the old windows of the buildings along the way, pairs of eyes seemed to be staring at him.
These townspeople were just like the people in the previous village, hostile toward outsiders, cautious, and observing them in secret.
Their faces were faintly visible, not much different from ordinary people, yet their expressions were numb, like zombies or the living dead.
Walking all the way forward, the three of them came to the edge of the town, to a place where the sea could be seen.
"My name is A Yu, and I fish on the east side of Drywater Town. My sister's name is Shuang Yu, and she is fifteen years old."
The man pointed to the beach not far away.
One could see some women and elderly people bringing children to pick up shells, small crabs, and other seafood on the beach.
The morning beach was sparkling, the rising sun dyeing the sea a golden hue, and fishing boats could be vaguely seen in the distance, rows of white sails swaying in the waves, presenting a peaceful and serene atmosphere completely different from the isolated and gloomy vibe of the town.
"What is your request?"
Lu Ban did not dwell on the difference between the two, but asked directly.
"I want to ask you to save Shuang Yu."
The man's voice suddenly became