"Achoo!"
Master San Nong sneezed, as if he'd heard someone cursing him.
But the moon was full, and a fairy from the pleasure quarter was nestled in his arms. If he let his mind wander, he'd seem like a man who didn't know how to appreciate the moment.
"Master, are you all right?"
The fairy nestled against him, her face full of concern.
"This humble monk is fine!"
Looking at the gentle fairy before him, Master San Nong immediately felt the urge to pay for another hour.
"Baldy, control yourself!"
Mu Xiu hurriedly stopped him. "Chen Zu just sent word that the battle is over. We should get back to work."
"Amitabha!"
Master San Nong pressed his palms together mournfully. "Why must happy times always be so short?"
"Master!"
The fairy heard that he was leaving and unwillingly grabbed his arm.
But Master San Nong still pried her hand away without mercy and left the South Region's pleasure quarter with Mu Xiu and Ren Huan.
"Master!"
The fairy chased after him, calling out once more in a tender voice.
"Amitabha!"
Master San Nong didn't look back. With his palms pressed together, he said, "How could a life of poverty dare enter a world of splendor? How could sleeves that hold no wind dare keep a beauty from her way? Raise a cup to freedom, to the past, to you and me—our days ahead are long. Please, find a place where the wind blows strong and forget this humble monk!"
"Master!"
The fairy's face was full of longing. She made it clear that she couldn't forget him.
"We're really leaving just like that?"
Ren Huan looked reluctant. He still wanted to pay for another hour.
"We have no choice!"
Mu Xiu glanced back, unable to tear himself away. "Out working all