An arm reached across from the opposite seat and pinned the curtain shut, shutting out the sounds of the streets as well. Xu Chuo looked at him. "It took my little stove nearly an hour to store up a little warmth, and you squandered it all within two breaths of coming in."
Xu Chuo was wrapped in a pale blue embroidered cloak, with who knew how many layers underneath. Above it was a clean face he had not seen in a long time. The bun of her hair had such a fine texture that merely looking at it brought a smooth, silky sensation to one's hands.
"What lovely weather." Pei Ye repeated himself in a disgruntled tone, withdrew his arm, then grinned and argued, "Curtains are there to be lifted. Otherwise, you might as well seal the window shut."
The water on the stove came to a boil. Xu Chuo lifted the pot to scald the tea, while Pei Ye rested both hands on his knees and finally settled down. "Where are we going?"
"Anywhere will do. We'll sit down, chat, and discuss a few things." Xu Chuo thought for a moment. "Let's go to Five Clouds Tower. It's close."
Five Clouds Tower stood right beside Vermilion Bird Thoroughfare. This was where Xie Chuantang had treated Pei Ye last time; Imperial College students and officials in blue robes could all be seen here. Today, however, there were clearly more Jianghu travelers than before. Three sword-bearing figures dressed as Daoists stood outside the entrance, varying in age. Their robes seemed freshly changed, but their cloth shoes still bore the marks of the journey. One young man was gazing into the distance and sighing. "Truly, ten thousand nations in a single city. They say crouching tigers and hidden dragons are everywhere here.