On the afternoon of August 18, Mulan's train stopped at Valentine Train Station. He rose from his seat alone, picked up his suitcase, and stepped off the train.
Mulan had not notified anyone. He simply hailed a carriage and rode home. When he reached the door, he composed himself, then knocked.
Knock, knock, knock.
Before long, Old Buck opened the door and found Mulan standing outside with a smile.
"Grandpa Buck!"
"Young Master Mulan! Come in, come in! When did you arrive? Why didn't you let me pick you up? You could have sent a telegram, couldn't you?"
Old Buck's eyes filled with delighted surprise. He hurried to take Mulan's suitcase, talking all the while.
"I thought it would be better to come in person. No need for a telegram."
They kept talking as they walked to the dining room. Mulan had barely sat down before Old Buck began tidying the kitchen, ready to show off his cooking.
"Young Master Mulan, you must have grown used to fine food in the Imperial Capital. I wonder whether my cooking will still suit your palate."
"Grandpa Buck, honestly, even the chefs at the Royal Palace can't match your cooking."
As Mulan spoke, he took off his hat and set it on the table, then continued in a perfectly casual tone.
"I'll bring Leo back in a while. I'll give you plenty of time to prepare, and we'll have a feast."
Old Buck paused briefly, then resumed what he had been doing.
"The children of the Jonester Household have always been prepared for the worst. Young Master Mulan, if Young Master Leo is gone, you needn't worry about me. If he's still alive, I believe you can bring him back."
Old Buck did not turn around, and his voice remained fairly calm. Mulan