The streets of Dali City gradually woke with the dawn the next morning.
As promised, Lin Xuan once again arrived at Prince Zhennan's Manor.
Today, he wore a blue robe and walked with calm composure, as leisurely as a learned scholar arriving to sit down and discuss philosophy.
The moment he stepped through the manor gates and passed the screen wall, he ran into Duan Yu, who was about to leave.
"Ah! Brother Lin!"
The instant Duan Yu saw Lin Xuan, his trademark innocent smile appeared on his face. He hurried forward and cupped his hands warmly. "What a small world! Father told me you came yesterday, and I thought I had missed you. I was just regretting it, yet here we are meeting again so early this morning."
The last time Lin Xuan had visited, the two had gotten along quite well. After their long conversation, Duan Yu had developed a strong fondness for this Brother Lin, who knew medicine, possessed formidable martial arts, and spoke with such extraordinary eloquence.
In the eyes of a bookworm like him, Lin Xuan had the bearing of an unconventional master.
Lin Xuan returned the salute with a smile. "You are too polite, Brother Duan. I did come yesterday, but I heard you were absent, so I did not wish to disturb you."
"Not at all, not at all. Brother Lin is a guest whenever you come." Duan Yu affectionately took Lin Xuan by the arm. "If I did not have business to attend to today, I would certainly drag you to my study for a good talk. I only heard a few words from you last time, yet I already felt that you possessed great wisdom."
As they exchanged pleasantries, a set of light footsteps came from the direction of the rear