As the man backed down, the tension at the scene eased.
Zhai Le clasped his hands. "May I ask the name of this worthy?"
The man curled his lip. He disliked Zhai Le's affected, bookish manner, so he turned and went back to the torn straw mat by the roadside, plopping down on it. He was simply too tall; even sitting, he was a massive lump, his shoulders higher than the head of the "merchandise" seated beside him.
"You have fine skills and an impressive build, worthy. I'd be glad to make your acquaintance." Zhai Le was even-tempered. Even after being so thoroughly ignored and slighted, he showed not the slightest anger, only a clear, sunny smile.
As soon as Zhai Le stepped closer, the man lay down with his back to him.
He gave a scoff and closed his eyes.
The man had rebuffed him so completely that even an open-minded person like Zhai Le couldn't help feeling awkward, his cheeks flushing as his lips unconsciously formed a hurt pout.
He doubted himself. Was he really that unlikeable?
Zhai Le seemed like a deflated ball, his brows drooping and lips pursed, looking utterly crushed. The man's back was like stone, motionless. Before long, snores began to rise from him—he could actually fall asleep in such a noisy place???
Zhai Le's attempt at making a friend had failed, so he could only get up dejectedly.
He nearly bumped into Shen Tang, who had somehow come over without him noticing. He asked with concern, "Brother Shen, did you hurt yourself when you fell?"
Shen Tang said, "I did. I'll stew that pig as soon as we get back!"
Zhai Le, however, thought it would be a pity.
"That pig is quite clever. It'd be a shame to slaughter it."
Wild boars