"Please, everyone, take a seat, take a seat. What sort of tea would you like?" The proprietor had seen his share of the world. These people had dismounted deftly, and every one of them carried a saber or sword. They were clearly people of the Jianghu; even if they were not, they must have come from wealthy, influential families. Still, he did not particularly mind. After all, far too many people of the Jianghu came here. Those who had been frightened away were ordinary folk and small-time traders.
"What nonsense! Bring your best tea, naturally. You'll get your money!" a man stepped forward and barked.
"Yes, yes, of course!" The proprietor hurried into the back to brew the tea.
"Everyone, find a table and sit down!" the man called to the several dozen people behind him. Then he respectfully addressed a young man and an elder beside him. "Young master, Elder Qi, this way, please!"
He meant to lead the two to an empty table a few steps away. The others had left it for them, and its position was excellent.
The young man was about to step forward, but when he noticed that the elder beside him had not moved, he glanced at him and asked, "Uncle Qi, what is it?"
He saw that Uncle Qi was looking toward a corner, where a young man sat alone. The man was about his own age, and he could see nothing unusual about him.
"Young master, please!" Noticing his young master's gaze, Uncle Qi smiled faintly.
The young master's puzzlement passed in an instant, and he went over to the empty table and sat down.
Once the young master and Elder Qi were seated, the man looked around and found no empty seats nearby. Only the table where Huang Xiao sat