The Invisible Stalemate

One Wind Hall.

There was still some time before the meal rush, and this was usually the slowest part of the day. The waiters, shopkeeper, and kitchen hands stood quietly together, saying nothing as they watched the area behind the counter.

At that moment, Fengjin Chehu, the normally cheerful owner, was unusually sitting alone behind the counter, staring blankly into space.

Everyone had spent so much time with the head shopkeeper that they knew his temperament well. Seeing Fengjin so silent now, they could not help but worry.

"Boss, you haven't seemed very lively all day. What's wrong?"

The oldest shopkeeper hesitated for a moment before finally speaking on everyone's...