"Brother Jiang!"
Zheng Shangming was just as delighted. "I heard a while ago that you'd returned to Linzi, so I went to Xia Mountain Villa to look for you. But you weren't there. I never expected to run into you now!"
After another stretch of time apart, Zheng Shangming had changed even more.
He treated He Zhi, the stranger in the carriage, and Jiang Wang in three completely different ways, switching between them with ease.
His manner of speaking was also just right: polished, seasoned, and warm. He had clearly grown accustomed to working in the government offices and dealing with all sorts of people.
Personally, Jiang Wang still thought Zheng Shangming had seemed more genuine when they first met, back when he had been a man of few words. But he also knew that everyone changed, more or less.
Perhaps one could call it... "growing up."
"I've been running around all over the place." Jiang Wang smiled. "Once I'm through with this busy stretch, I'll treat you to a drink. I still haven't thanked you for what happened last time!"
"You went out to sea to handle important business, and even solved a case along the way. You're a model Green Badge. If anything, I should be thanking you!" Zheng Shangming said warmly. "When you have some free time, let me know. I absolutely have to treat you!"
The Northern Office's intelligence network ranked among the best in all of Qi State.
Zheng Shangming knew every detail of Jiang Wang's impressive achievements overseas. His father, Zheng Shi, had mentioned Jiang Wang several times, always with praise.
Of course, Zheng Shangming understood his father's hints, and he knew what he ought to do.
His former pride and reserve had been shattered outside the Nation-Protecting Marshal Mansion, when Wang Yiwu had