Before Xu Chu could even finish speaking, Cao Cao ran out of the residence, stripping off his outer robe and shoes as he went until he wore only an inner garment.
Xu Chu scratched his head at the sight, picked up the discarded clothes and shoes, and chased after him.
Outside the Cao Residence.
Xu You sat on the steps by the entrance, taking great gulps of wine from a gourd with the air of an unbridled scholar, occasionally glancing toward the Cao Residence from the corner of his eye.
"Ziyuan! Ziyuan!"
Moments later, a voice brimming with delight rang out from inside the Cao Residence. Cao Cao ran out barefoot and immediately hurried over when he saw Xu You sitting on the steps.
"Ziyuan, it really is you!"
Clasping Xu You's hand, Cao Cao said with immense excitement and delight, "I never expected you to arrive so late at night. This is truly a mountain of gold falling from the sky!"
Xu You looked Cao Cao over, taking in his bare feet and disheveled clothes, and could not help laughing. "It seems I came at a bad time and disturbed your sleep, Aman."
"Oh! What are you saying?"
Cao Cao swept his broad sleeve through the air and said solemnly, "You and I are the closest of friends. You can come whenever you please."
"I simply got out of bed in such a hurry that I forgot my shoes and clothes. Rather discourteous of me..."
No sooner had Cao Cao finished than Xu Chu came panting up with his clothes and shoes in his arms. Looking utterly puzzled, he asked, "My lord, why did you take off your clothes and shoes? It's the middle of the night. It wouldn't do to catch a chill."
Cao Cao: "..."
His fists