"Xiao Wu."
Xiao Wei set his things on the table, looking a little embarrassed.
Qin Geng put down his chopsticks and looked at him, a question in his eyes.
Xiao Wei plopped down beside Qin Geng and pushed the wine and meat toward the middle of the table, his cheeks faintly flushed.
He unwrapped the oiled paper. Inside lay a whole smoked pig's face, browned and glistening with fat. Its aroma burst into the air.
Then he broke the clay seal on the wine jug, releasing a rich fragrance that filled the room.
"Xiao Wu, this drink is my apology to you."
Xiao Wei filled a bowl with wine for Qin Geng, then poured one for himself. He lifted his bowl, his expression solemn.
"An apology?"
Qin Geng was surprised. "Brother Wei, what for?"
"Drink this bowl first."
Xiao Wei insisted.
Qin Geng glanced at him but asked no more. He raised the bowl and drained it in one go.
Seeing that he had drunk it, Xiao Wei tipped back his own bowl. Only then did he let out a long breath, as though a heavy burden had lifted.
The two ate the smoked pig's face and drank bowl after bowl.
After a few rounds, Xiao Wei began to talk.
"Xiao Wu, I won't hide it from you. My father called in a favor to get me into Master Ye's household as a hired hand. The trial period is three months, and I've only got a few days left."
Xiao Wei lowered his head.
"This courtyard isn't big. There's only so much work, and one hired hand is enough. After you came, I... I was afraid you'd take my job."
"Xiao Wu, I was petty. I did you wrong. I kept trying to shove the hardest, most exhausting jobs onto