At that moment, the tea drinkers were still protesting.
The storyteller remained perfectly composed. Clearly, protests like these were nothing to him.
"Everyone, please be patient. The exciting part is just about to begin! Allow me to tell you all about it.
"The young hero descended from the sky, valiant beyond compare. With a single finger, he drove the bully back again and again. In the end, the bully left him with just one line-
"'I'll remember you! Just you wait! I'll be back!'
"Then, moving the arm and leg on the same side together, the bully fled in a piss-soaked panic.
"At this, every citizen in the city clapped and cheered!"
Inside the teahouse, the actual citizens clapped mechanically, their faces expressionless.
Make it up!
Go on, keep making it up!
Let's see what else you can pull out of thin air!
Xiao Qinghe was curious too.
Even the melon seeds in his hand tasted better.
The storyteller slapped the table and sprang to his feet, declaring passionately, "Held in the young hero's arms, the woman blushed scarlet and said in a sweet voice-
"'Young Hero Xiao, you are so brave and mighty. You saved this humble woman, and I have nothing with which to repay you for saving my life. I would gladly...'"
Xiao Qinghe: "..."
WTF?!
What bizarre thing had just reached his ears?
"Young Hero Xiao gazed at her fondly, yet helplessness crossed his face as he said-
"'Jun'er, last time I was Physician Xiao. How did I become a young hero this time? What are you acting out now?'"
"Pfft..." Xiao Qinghe spat out a mouthful of tea.
He was utterly numb!
"The moment the woman spoke, the ci-ti-zens were deeply shocked. They exclaimed that, as expected of a wealthy household, they really knew how