Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Sixteen: The Fly

After the waiter left, Zhou Quan, realizing they still had some time to wait, pulled Fang Tian into conversation, and Zhou Xiaodie could only rest her chin in her hand, watching them speak.

"Brother Fang Tian, how long do you plan to stay in Red Leaf Town? What are your plans for the future?"

"I'll probably stay until after your three clans' competition. For now, I haven't decided."

"As for my plans, I intend to move step by step toward the heart of this continent."

"To the center of the continent?"

"Yes."

"That's very far, not just far—almost unreachable for ordinary people. I've heard that the Zhao Dynasty, where our land lies, is just a corner on the extreme northern edge of the continent. Why would you have such a thought?"

Fang Tian was momentarily somber at Zhou Quan's question, recalling something sorrowful, but the mood quickly passed, replaced by a resolute look. He said to Zhou Quan, "There is something I must accomplish. Unless I succeed, I won't stop moving forward."

Zhou Quan regarded Fang Tian with a newfound seriousness and curiosity.

"May I ask what it is you intend to do?"

But Fang Tian truly did not wish to speak of it and could only refuse, "Forgive me, Zhou Quan. I don't want to talk about it. Let's change the subject."

Seeing Fang Tian's reluctance, Zhou Quan guessed it must be something important and did not press, instead chatting about other matters.

At that moment, Zhou Xiaodie listened intently, especially when Fang Tian's plans for the future were mentioned. She perked up her ears, but heard only hints that he would not stay long, which left her somewhat disheartened, as if she hoped he would remain.

She thought perhaps what Fang Tian intended was related to the sorrow he showed that night. She understood—after all, what could make a man shed tears so easily must not be a small matter.

Zhou Xiaodie felt that people come together and part; there was no need to force anything. Having him here now was enough.

Soon, the food and wine arrived. Zhou Xiaodie composed herself and spoke, "The dishes are here. Let's stop chatting and eat."

Seeing the meal served, Fang Tian gestured for Zhou Quan to pause, preparing to eat.

Zhou Quan eyed the delicious spread, mouth watering, unconsciously wiping his lips as if to catch drool. Picking up his chopsticks, he exclaimed, "Let's eat, let's eat! The food won't taste as good if it cools."

He promptly took a piece and popped it into his mouth. "Delicious! You two better hurry, or I'll finish it all myself and won't care!"

Fang Tian and Zhou Xiaodie, amused by Zhou Quan's eagerness, exchanged smiles and picked up their chopsticks.

"Brother Fang Tian, how do you find the taste?"

"Quite good, truly."

"Of course, and who brought it, after all?"

"Cousin, I have to admit, your talent for putting on airs is impressive."

"Is it? I don't feel it at all."

"Zhou Quan, Xiaodie isn't entirely wrong."

"Well, now you two are teaming up against me. Really, that's something!"

The three exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

Zhou Quan raised his cup to Fang Tian and Zhou Xiaodie. "Come, let's have a toast."

"Alright, I'll drink to you."

"In that case, I'll join you two gentlemen for a cup."

"Sister Xiaodie, are you sure? If not, just a sip is fine."

"Cousin, don't underestimate me."

They laughed, clinked their cups, and drained them in one go.

Zhou Quan finished his wine and cried out in delight, "What a pleasure!"

The sudden outburst attracted glances from those nearby. Zhou Xiaodie, embarrassed by the attention, said to Zhou Quan, "Keep your voice down—or are you afraid people won't know you can shout?"

"Haha! I couldn't help myself, I'm just happy. Enough talk, let's eat."

Zhou Xiaodie rolled her eyes at him, then turned to Fang Tian. "Brother Fang Tian, eat."

Fang Tian nodded.

So the three ate, chatting and laughing endlessly. With Zhou Quan's humor, boredom was impossible.

An hour passed, and their meal was nearly finished.

By then, Zhou Quan was tipsy. Suddenly, he gripped Fang Tian's shoulder and said, "Brother Fang Tian, do you know? I've been uneasy lately, only forcing myself to smile."

Fang Tian was puzzled, "Has something happened?"

Zhou Quan's face grew sad, and, emboldened by the wine, he confided, "My father disappeared. He's been gone for a long time. I only remember, before he left, he told me to wait for him, said he'd be back soon. He never said why, only that he had to travel far. But I can't rest easy!"

Fang Tian had not expected such trouble in Zhou Quan's heart. For such an open, carefree man, it was hard to tell.

Zhou Xiaodie spoke up, "Cousin, don't worry. Uncle will definitely return."

"I know. I believe he'll come back."

Fang Tian, unsure what else to say, could only listen quietly as Zhou Quan poured out his troubles. But Zhou Quan, having drunk quite a bit, soon slumped over the table, asleep.

Seeing Zhou Quan drunk, Fang Tian went to settle the bill, then he and Zhou Xiaodie prepared to help Zhou Quan home.

Just as they were about to lift him, a loud voice rang out from the doorway:

"Waiter! Get me a table with the best wine and dishes, quick! If you're slow, I won't be happy!"

A group swaggered in, clearly not ordinary folk—their manner was far too bold. Zhou Xiaodie, surprised, whispered, "Why is it them?"

"Xiaodie, you know them?"

"Yes, they're from the Chen family. The leader is Chen Yufeng, son of the Chen clan chief."

"Let's leave quickly. If they see us, it could be troublesome."

"Alright, Xiaodie, I'll support Zhou Quan. You follow behind."

"Yes."

But as soon as she finished, the group noticed them. Chen Yufeng and his followers strode over.

"Well? Isn't this Miss Zhou? What a coincidence, you're here too. Fate has brought us together, wouldn't you say?"

Zhou Xiaodie remained composed, replying coolly, "Indeed, it's quite a coincidence. I didn't expect you, Young Master Chen, to be dining out today."

"I was tired from training, so I came for a drink to relax."

"In that case, Young Master Chen, please enjoy your meal. We've finished and are about to leave."

With that, Zhou Xiaodie prepared to call Fang Tian away, but Chen Yufeng persisted, "Miss Zhou, don't rush off. Stay, let's have a drink and chat together. What do you say?"

"No need, I need to take my cousin home. It's inconvenient."

"Let the man beside you take him home. You could stay, couldn't you?"

Fang Tian, growing impatient, spoke coldly to Chen Yufeng, "What annoying fly keeps buzzing here? Can't you ever shut up?"