Болезненный юноша, путешествующий во времена династии Сун

Глава 56

"Oh, then how do you do it?" Young Master Zhu asked immediately.

"Hire a few eloquent guys and tell them that they not only need to be good at talking, but also at understanding the customers' hearts and saying what they want to hear most. Then just let the guys do it." Mo Xibei simply introduced his work experience, not saying more, because that was also a trade secret.

"Interesting. I never expected that a hotel owner would understand the art of governing an emperor and his ministers." Young Master Zhu nodded slightly, showing considerable approval.

“Young Master Zhu, I can’t possibly agree with that. It’s just a trivial skill, how could I dare to compare it with the way of the emperor?” Mo Xibei was on guard and quickly changed the subject. “If you don’t enjoy sensual pleasures, perhaps I should tell the kitchen to prepare a couple of exquisite snacks and side dishes.”

"After all you've said, do you know what I most want to hear?" Young Master Zhu ignored Mo Xibei's words and continued to cling to the previous topic.

"Well, when it comes to diagnosis, one must observe, listen, inquire, and palpate. Although Northwest has spoken quite a bit with you, young master, I still haven't been able to clearly see your appearance or demeanor. It's really hard to tell what you want to hear. But I suppose you have absolutely no interest in what Northwest has to say." Mo Northwest smiled wryly and shrugged slightly.

"Since you say you can't judge what I like, how do you know I have no interest in what you're saying?" Young Master Zhu continued to ask.

“I offer food, drinks, and entertainment here. If you were interested, you wouldn’t have kept asking me so many questions.” Mo Xibei looked up and smiled brightly at the eyes that had been scrutinizing him. “Xibei, your name, like you, is grand and interesting. Come visit me at my house another day. I have many interesting things there; I think you might like them.” Young Master Zhu paused for a moment at Mo Xibei’s smile. “As for the new gadgets here, I’ll try them another day. Let’s stop here for today.”

"Mr. Mo, you'll be busy then. See you another day." Huang Jin immediately added after Mr. Zhu finished speaking, almost as if to see him off. Mo Xibei felt a little disappointed. She naturally guessed that the person who came today must be the current emperor. In fact, although she didn't want to have any connection with this emperor, she was still a little gossipy and wanted to see what the emperor looked like. However, on her own turf, she just couldn't see him clearly. She sighed inwardly, thinking that the design of her private room was unreasonable, as there was such a dead corner in the room that the light couldn't reach at all.

Of course, thinking about it is one thing, but actually doing it is another. He made a very elegant turn, left, and quickly returned to his room, pulling open the hidden compartment.

Huang Jin and his entourage went out, with Huang Jin leading the way and several people wearing hats walking behind. Underneath the hats was a circle of light gauze. All of them wore dark blue robes and were of similar height and build, so it was impossible to tell that the young master Zhu from before was the same person.

"Cunning!" Mo Xibei sighed. Huang Jin was indeed cunning, and the young emperor was no ordinary person either. He hoped that these two foxes—no, one tiger and one old fox—would not cause him any more trouble.

Volume Two: Traces Left by the Wind, Chapter Thirteen: Considerations (Part 1)

After several days of tense "vigilance" with no movement from Huang Jin, Mo Xibei felt that he was worrying too much. After all, more than ten years had passed since he faked his suicide attempt by jumping into Mochou Lake. His master, the only one who knew the truth, had sworn a solemn oath never to reveal a word. Therefore, there was no way to trace his background.

Furthermore, from a scientific perspective, twins of different sexes are usually fraternal, so it's hard to say they look completely different. But even if they do resemble each other, it's only to a limited extent. If they insist on denying it, what can anyone do?

Besides, such a slight ambiguity wasn't a bad thing. After all, his business had grown big, and there were many people who coveted and envied him. Even if he spent a lot of money to bribe people, it wouldn't be as practical as having a nominal backer like Huang Jin. Once he understood this, Mo Xibei relaxed and enjoyed his carefree days. Apart from occasionally arranging a few stimulating programs, he spent most of his time holed up in his mansion or on the second floor of Chunfeng Ruyi Tower, eating, drinking, and having fun.

However, when someone gets used to having someone by their side, it's easy to feel depressed when they suddenly find themselves alone again.

Three days ago, Mu Feinan suddenly left. The night before, Mo Xibei had stayed up all night watching the effect of a pole dance she had choreographed. When she went to sleep, it was almost dawn. When Mu Feinan came to say goodbye, he basically ignored everything he said. Afterwards, out of boredom, she spent a long time trying to recall what he had said. He had said that he had received some urgent letter that morning and had to go to handle it. As for where he was going, how many days he would be gone, and whether there was any danger, Mo Xibei regretfully realized that she hadn't asked a single question in her daze. Mu Feinan, on the other hand, had shaken her awake forcefully and told her to promise to be careful of Murong Lianyun. And not to pay any attention to Chu Junfeng. She remembered those two sentences.

So, when Mo Xibei let out his twentieth long sigh, Honglu couldn't help but say, "Young Master Mo, why don't you go downstairs and find some fun? There are more people down there, and you probably won't be so bored."

“It’s no fun, there are too many people downstairs. It’s giving me a headache.” Mo Xibei shook her head. She hated crowded places, and too much noise gave her a headache. But being alone was also frustrating. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Go and ask Mr. Xiuwen to come over. I’d like to have a chat with him.”

These past few days, Honglu had been driven crazy by Mo Xibei's gloomy expression. Only now did she realize that Mu Feinan's existence wasn't entirely without value or meaning. Hearing that Mo Xibei had found a new target for his torment, she rushed out to find him, only to return fifteen minutes later, indeed looking dejected.

"What's wrong? Why won't he come?" Mo Xibei asked curiously. He was known for his aloofness and pride, but he was always obliging to her requests. Why was he suddenly refusing to come today?

“It’s not that he’s unwilling to come. It’s just that he’s not in the room at all.” Honglu sighed. “I looked everywhere but couldn’t find him. Later I heard that a guest came to the building today and specifically asked Mr. Xiuwen to play the zither.”

"And what happened? He went?" Mo Xibei asked in surprise. Xiu Wendi's zither music was heavenly, but he only played one piece on stage each day. At other times, no matter how much money you had, it was difficult to get an extra piece. The only exception was Mo Xibei. Today, he actually went to play music for someone during the day. It was unheard of. "What kind of guest? Did you find out?"

"I asked around, and they say he's a young master. Judging from his clothes, he doesn't seem to be rich or noble, but his speech is quite elegant. He's in the sixth private room on the east side." Honglu quickly told them all the information she had gathered.

"Let's go see who this is." Mo Xibei perked up, straightened his clothes that were crumpled on the bed, tidied his hair, and went out. The sixth room on the east side was an inconspicuous room among the elegant rooms. The decoration adopted the concept of returning to simplicity, with all the decorations and furniture made of rattan. There was also a rattan frame by the window with a small swing attached to it. Mo Xibei listened intently outside, but did not hear any music. Instead, there was an occasional crisp "snap" sound, like something falling to the ground.

Mo Xibei waved to his waiter, who cleverly brought over a pot of fragrant tea. He knocked gently on the door, and after receiving permission, entered the room, bowed to the young master, and said, "This pot of tea was specially ordered by the boss to be delivered by me."

"Your shop owner is too kind," a clear, melodious voice said calmly.

"Since the boss is here, why don't you come in and have a seat?" Xiu's voice followed.

"I am but a common man, and I am afraid of disturbing your enjoyment of chess." Mo Xibei actually wanted to ask Xiuwen more, not what it is that you know, but whether the zither knows. Now you have no zither but only chess pieces, how did you know I was outside?

"The fact that there is such a room in Chunfeng Ruyi Tower is enough to show that the owner has excellent taste. Please come in and have a chat." A clear voice rang out again.

"Well, I'm sorry to have bothered you." Mo Xibei entered the room, where two people were sitting at the table. There weren't many black and white pieces on the agate chessboard, but the "battle" was fierce. Mo Xibei glanced at it quickly and could tell that neither of them was fixated on the corners. The chessboard was open and expansive, displaying great spirit.

"What do you think of this game, boss?" The young master didn't look up, but simply tapped the chessboard lightly with the black pieces in his hand, making a few crisp sounds.

“Young master, you have the advantage of timing, but winning is not easy.” Mo Xibei replied, but her eyes darted up and down, scrutinizing the person in front of her. When their eyes met, Mo Xibei felt a chill, a strong sense of déjà vu. However, the problem was, she was certain she had never seen this person before.

"What you're implying, boss, is that my victory was unfair. Why don't you sit down and we start again? This time, would you like to go first?" the young man suggested.

"Me? I don't like playing chess. I'm fine with whatever I do now, just don't make me sit here motionless for hours." Mo Xibei shook his head repeatedly.

"What does the boss usually like to do?" the young man asked with interest, putting down his chess piece.

"I like all kinds of food, from the north and south." Mo Xibei smiled and saw that Xiu Wen had also put down his chess piece, so he knew that their game was over. This young man was handsome and had refined features. Although he was not as beautiful as Mu Feinan, nor as charming and elegant as Chu Junfeng, his demeanor and manner were quite impressive. He had the air of someone who could easily destroy everything with a smile, which was quite rare.

"Well then, I'll treat you to something to eat. I wonder what your place has that's most unique?" The young man swiftly unfolded his white paper folding fan, gently waving it to cover half his face, leaving only his bright, piercing eyes visible.

“I have quite a few unique items here. Just tell me the direction, and I’ll have someone prepare them.” Mo Xibei nodded and called in a waiter.

"Boss, you must have seen many customers from all over the world since you opened this shop. I wonder if you could arrange a meal for me that suits my taste if I don't order anything?" The young man asked, intending to test Mo Xibei.

Volume Two: Traces Left by the Wind, Chapter Thirteen: Considerations (Part Two)

Mo Xibei remained silent for a while, seemingly deep in thought. The young master gently fanned himself with his folding fan, leaned slightly closer to her, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? Not confident?" Seeing that Mo Xibei still didn't speak, he smiled and said, "I don't mean to make things difficult for you. If you're not confident, just say so. Do you think I'm going to eat you?"

"I was just thinking, what would be considered to suit your taste, young master?" Mo Xibei shook his head, slowly raised his eyes, and met the young master's gaze. "Taste is a very subjective thing, and it's obviously unfair that good or bad is entirely up to you. If I'm to prepare, you need to have a standard to measure it, so that it doesn't seem like you're making things difficult for me."

"So this is where I was waiting for you." The young master smiled and said calmly, "My requirements are not high, just three. First, I have never heard of or seen this dish before. Second, it must be perfect in color, aroma, and taste. Finally, and most importantly, you must be able to make me eat more than three bites of each dish. I have limited time today. If you can prepare four such dishes within an hour, I will give you a big gift. What do you say?"

"Such high demands, if I can meet them, I wonder what gift you intend to give me, young master?" Mo Xibei rested his chin on his hands, leaned on the table, and messed up the chessboard.

"A generous gift that will benefit you for the rest of your life at Spring Breeze Pavilion." The young master didn't mind, closing his paper fan and tapping it lightly in his palm.

"Alright, I don't know what the gift is yet, but I'm sure I'll like it." Mo Xibei nodded, then stood up to go out and call someone to prepare it.

"Wait a minute!" the young man called out to her. "I've already placed my bet. Aren't you going to place something?"

“Young master, you will pose the questions. I will answer them. There will be a reward for a correct answer and no punishment for a wrong one. That’s the rule. Why should I hold back? Perhaps we can wait until next time, when I will pose the questions and you can answer them. That way, it will be fair.” Mo Xibei laughed and turned to leave.