Diao Shi smiled and said, “In that case, we must hurry back to make preparations.”

  Guo Dalu urged, “Go quickly—the sooner, the better.”

  Diao Shi bowed respectfully, then suddenly gave Sao Su a wink and whispered, “Hand it over.”

  Sao Su shot him a gre and huffed, “What's the rush? Fine, it's yours.”

  This time, Guo Dalu couldn't help but ask, “What's that about?”

  Sao Su gred at him and grumbled, “What's your hurry? Fine, you win.”

  Guo Dalu frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  Diao Shi quickly cut in, “He didn't say anything.”

  He grabbed Sao Su and tried to slip away, but Sao Su seemed more honest and was visibly anxious. With a flushed face, he said, “I lost a bet to him and owe him some diao qian. He's been pressing me to pay up.”

  (T/N: 吊钱; diào qián means string money" and was a unit of currency used in ancient China. A "吊" (diào) typically referred to a string of 1,000 copper coins (also called "文" Wén or "cash"), which were traditionally strung together with a rope through the square holes in the center of the coins. However, the exact value could vary depending on era and region.)

  Guo Dalu asked, “How did you lose?”

  Sao Su hesitated. “I was afraid you all wouldbe willing to show up, but he said…”

  He gnced at Guo Dalu, then suddenly shook his head. “I don't dare repeat what he said.”

  Guo Dalu reassured him, “Go ahead, don't worry. No one will bme you.”

  So Sueyes darted around. “And if someone does?”

  Guo Dalu smiled. “Then I'll protect you.”

  Only then did Sao Su grin and say, “He said, even if the others feel embarrassed, you'll definitely go—because out of everyone here, you have the thickest skin.”

  As soon as he finished speaking, he grabbed Diao Shi and bolted. Even after a long while, their muffled ughter could still be heard in the distance.

  Guo Dalu was both amused and exasperated. “So this little rascal isn't as honest as he looks—he actually found a roundabout way to insult me.”

  Yan Qi couldn't help but ugh. “That’s not really an insult. He was just telling the truth!”

  Wang Dong added, “It's not that he has thick skin—he's just too poor to afford dignity.”

  Yan Qi continued, “And practically a reincarnated starving ghost.”

  Guo Dalu wasn't the least bit angry. He stretched zily and said, “Fine, I'm poor, hungry, and shameless. Meanwhile, you're all noble gentlemen.”

  Guo Dalu suddenly let out a cold ugh and said, “If it weren't for my thick skin, you so-called gentlemen would be making fools of yourselves at the pawnshop tonight.”

  Yan Qi said, “We’re guests, after all. How can you shamelessly accept his food?”

  Guo Dalu replied coolly, “He’s still a person, isn’t he? Eating his food is at least better than eating a cat's. If someone is willing to eat whatever a cat brings without a second thought, what right do they have to act all high and mighty?”

  Wang Dong said, “Who's acting high and mighty? I just wanted him to send the food and wine here instead.”

  There weren't many dishes, but there was plenty of wine.

  Though the selection of dishes was limited, they were exquisitely prepared. Arranged neatly in compartmentalized food boxes, even the colors were carefully matched, making them visually pleasing and appetizing.

  He Yafeng said, “Though these dishes were prepared st night, I've spent years traveling and have learned a thing or two about food preservation. I can guarantee they haven't lost their fvor. Still, serving simple travel food to guests does seem a bit cking in hospitality.”

  Guo Dalu suddenly grinned and asked, “You prepared all this food st night—did you already know you'd be hosting us tonight?”

  Before He Yafeng could reply, Diao Shi, who was pouring the wine, eagerly chimed in, “Our young master loves entertaining guests. No matter where we go, he always pulls people in for a drink. That's why we're always well-stocked with food and wine!”

  Guo Dalu gave him a pyful wink and chuckled softly. “So I'm not the only one with a thick skin after all.”

  He Yafeng asked, “Guo, what are you saying?”

  Guo Dalu replied, “I was talking about him…”

  Before he could finish, Diao Shi suddenly let out a loud cough.

  Guo Dalu ughed and said, “He's pouring the wine too slowly—I can hardly wait any longer.”

  He was the first to raise his cup, take a sniff, and burst into ughter. “Good wine! I'll offer it as a gift in return. A toast to our gracious host!”

  Just as he was about to drink, He Yafeng pressed down on his hand and smiled. “Wait a moment, Brother Guo. The first toast should come from me, to all four of you. Letdrink together…”

  Suddenly, a bck dog and a bck cat darted in from outside and leaped onto the table, knocking over the freshly poured cups of wine.

  He Yafeng's expression changed, and in an instant, he made his move.

  His hands looked delicate and clean, as if they had never touched anything dirty in his life—not even to pick up a fallen wine bottle.

  Yet, the cat and dog looked like they had just rolled in the mud.

  Still, with a swift motion, he grabbed them both by the neck—one in each hand—lifting them effortlessly and preparing to toss them outside.

  Just as he was about to throw them, two other hands reached over and gently took them instead.

  Guo Dalu caught the bck cat, and Yan Qi caught the bck dog.

  Guo Dalu stroked the cat's neck and chuckled, “What are you doing here? Trying to compete with Young Master He for the role of host?”

  Yan Qi patted the dog's head and said, “And what about you? Are you, like Guo, in such a hurry to drink?”

  He Yafeng frowned slightly, forcing a smile. “Why are you still holding on to such filthy little beasts?”

  Guo Dalu grinned. “I like cats—especially ones that enjoy treating guests.”

  Yan Qi ughed. “And I like dogs—especially those that love drinking wine.”