Market Ward, Wang Er's home.
A brazier roared with flames.
The heat it gave off drove away the lingering chill of early spring.
At the same time, it warmed the clear liquor on the stove.
The aroma of grain wafted from the warming wine, filling the whole room.
Sister-in-law Wang poured more wine for Li Beichen and Wang Er, then brought over several plates of braised beef.
She added a simple plate of peanuts and edamame, then said with a smile,
"Dear, you and Brother Beichen have a chat. I'll go look after the children."
"Sorry for the trouble, sister-in-law."
Li Beichen raised his wine cup and clinked it against Wang Er's. Then he smiled and said,
"Brother Wang, I'll be leaving Ram City in a few days."
"What?!"
Wang Er looked surprised, but soon gave a simple, honest smile.
"Ram City is too small. I knew it couldn't keep you here, Brother Beichen. You're made for roaming the jianghu."
"Only, once you leave, who knows when we'll meet again."
"But I'll be here in Ram City. Whenever you feel like coming back for a visit, I'll be here."
Hearing Wang Er's words, a warm feeling welled up in Li Beichen's heart.
Though Wang Er was only a butcher and not a martial artist,
the gap between him and Li Beichen had grown as wide as heaven and earth.
But their friendship had begun when they were both down and out.
First Wang Er had helped him; now Li Beichen was giving Wang Er a hand.
No matter how the world changed, that original bond remained unchanged.
Today, Li Beichen had come to see Wang Er not only to share one more drink with him, but also to remove any future dangers to his family.
Li Beichen lightly tapped the