Jiang Yue and his people had several bolt-holes, like a wily hare with three burrows. Besides Master Duo's place, the tavern had also become one of his important bases.
As it turned out, the tavern had been an unexpected boon for Jiang Yue. They had never announced who the new owner was, and the old tavernkeeper was still helping out behind the counter. Many regulars had heard the tavern had changed hands, but seeing the old keeper still there, they couldn't help wondering whether the supposed change of ownership was just an excuse he'd made up.
The old keeper had agreed to help Jiang Yue for free for three to five days, just long enough to help them get the place running, then leave. But the three to five days had passed, and he showed no sign of going anywhere. Jiang Yue and his people were only too happy to have him stay, of course. They'd never urge him to leave.
Jiang Yue could tell the old keeper had poured too much of himself into the tavern. He'd spent half his life working there; how could he possibly let it go all at once?
He was happy to work without pay. Besides, after half a lifetime in business and the money he'd received for transferring ownership, the old keeper was already financially secure and had no need to worry about money. At his age, he had few desires, and nowhere to spend any more money anyway. So he didn't care whether he was paid.
What mattered more to him was whether the tavern could keep operating smoothly and prosper as it had before. He still had some concerns, though. Could a few Mushroom People really manage a business this large? Could they handle the countless petty officials and local bullies