A day later.
Li Ping'an had asked Lü You where the little girl's family lived.
It was the Wang Family at Seventeenth Alley Entrance.
Kitten held the cloth ball, without her usual liveliness.
She tugged on Li Ping'an's hand and followed him forward.
They arrived at Seventeenth Alley Entrance.
Li Ping'an knocked on the door, and a sturdy man answered.
He looked Li Ping'an over in surprise.
"Who might you be?"
"I am Li Ping'an, and this is Cat Immortal."
The sturdy man said, "Are you new here, sir?"
"Yes."
"What brings you here?"
"There is something I would like to discuss. Might we go inside to talk?"
The sturdy man hesitated. "Please allow me to inform the master."
"Sorry for the trouble."
Inside the courtyard.
A finely dressed middle-aged man was teasing a bird in its cage.
The sturdy man approached, cupped his hands, and bowed.
"Master, someone calling himself Li Ping'an is at the door, here to visit you."
"Li Ping'an? The Li Ping'an from outside Tengchong City?"
The sturdy man said, "Well... judging by his bearing, he seems to be."
"What has he come for?"
The middle-aged man looked puzzled.
"Whatever his purpose, a visitor is a guest. Open the door, serve tea, and welcome him."
"Yes!"
Soon, the sturdy man opened the door and ushered the man and cat inside.
The courtyard was neatly laid out, its arrangement orderly and proper.
Kitten looked around before withdrawing her gaze.
"Please sit."
A moment later, the middle-aged man approached.
He wore a smile. "Haha, Mr. Li, your presence truly honors my humble home."
Li Ping'an stood and returned the courtesy.
"You are too kind."
"Someone, serve tea."
A servant brought the tea.
"These are the freshly picked tea tips from this year. They yield a harvest only once