Netero's eyes swept back and forth over Bai Zhu. The muscles in Bai Zhu's back tensed, and a fine layer of goosebumps rose beneath his pajamas.
"Interesting."
After watching him for a long while, Netero uttered those two words, stood up, and casually stuck his baitless fishing rod into the sand.
"Come with me."
Without bothering to wait for them, he clasped his hands behind his back and ambled toward the island's interior in his wooden clogs. Ging patted Bai Zhu on the shoulder and followed. Bai Zhu rolled his stiff neck and had no choice but to start walking as well.
Behind the gas tower was a narrow path worn down by footsteps, leading into the shade of several palm trees. A small wooden cabin was hidden there, its wind chime clattering wildly beneath the eaves in the sea breeze.
The cabin contained only a wooden table, three chairs, and an old stove for boiling water. Several worn fishing tools hung on the wall, with a few blurry photographs nailed beside them.
Netero picked up the teapot on the table and gave it a shake, then poured each of them a cup of water.
Bai Zhu had initially carried himself like he had come to negotiate, but once he sat down and caught the faint scent of tea and wood in the cabin, that energy drained away. He leaned back against the chair, stretched out his legs, and returned to his usual lazy posture.
I can't beat him anyway. Whatever happens, happens.
Netero pushed a cup toward him and looked at him with a beaming smile. "You look fairly sturdy. Want to trade a few moves with this old man?"
"No." Bai Zhu waved his hand like he was shaking a rattle drum. "Old sir, I just finished bungee