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As Yan Xiaobao watched the smile on Lao’s face, Lao held his breath and stepped into the warm water. At first, he felt as though the water was burning his entire body, but soon, he felt comfortable, especially as the dirt on his skin began to loosen.
Cleaning up the two children completely took over two hours. Their hair now shone with radiance, and their skin looked fair and rosy. Looking at the two children, Yan Xiaobao purchased two sets of children’s clothing for them when they returned to the tailor shop. The mont they walked through the front door, the shop assistant, holding several robes in his arms, greeted them with an enthusiastic smile. After trying on all the clothes, the children were able to pick out seven outfits. Watching Miss Qiao excitedly select one piece of clothing after another, Yan Xiaobao couldn’t help but laugh.
Seeing the happiness in his sister’s eyes, Lao felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude in his heart. He was delighted, a dizzying smile spreading across his face. He had never seen her show such an expression before. The joy made him feel intoxicated, and deep down, he vowed to train diligently so he could be of use to Yan Xiaobao soday. He wanted to beco a talent among the younger generation.
After purchasing the clothing, two of the fourteen outfits were made ready to wear right away; the others were packaged. Xiao Qiao couldn’t stop spinning around, admiring the green dress she was wearing, marveling at the intricate designs displayed on the long robes and the yellow belt around her waist.
Even Lao walked out of the tailor shop with a refreshed deanor. He no longer felt like a thief. "So this is how it feels to be a young master," he murmured to himself as he caught up with his benefactor.
He hesitated for a mont as he looked at Yan Xiaobao, though he didn’t want the older boy to doubt his intentions. Lao simply could not understand all the reasons behind his benefactor’s kindness.
"Why are you helping us so much?" he asked softly. Though his voice was low, Yan Xiaobao heard him. Squatting down to et the boy’s eyes, he paused briefly.
"When I touched your wrist earlier, I checked to see how strong your talent for cultivation was. It’s even stronger than my own," he said while gently patting the boy’s head. "I see you as an investnt. You’re a raw diamond," he continued. "Your talent is truly remarkable, but you need soone to help you develop it. We can support each other. When you are strong, you can help , and when you are weak, I will help you."
Upon hearing this, Lao understood that this wasn’t just an act of kindness but also a gesture of mutual understanding. Relieved, he felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted from his heart, and he nodded with a smile.
"Alright, since things are like this, follow to et a friend of mine. I need to gather so information," he said with a smile as he walked at a slower pace than before. Walking for a while, he noticed Xiao Qiao staring at all the different food stalls, practically drooling. Smiling, he walked over to a stall selling at-filled buns, buying two bags with five buns each and handing them to the children.
Upon receiving the bags, Xiao Qiao and Lao were stunned. At the sa ti, their stomachs growled so loudly that they couldn’t resist stuffing the buns into their mouths. Eating the buns brought them imnse happiness that words could not describe. To understand this joy, one must know how terrifying it was to live with a constant lack of food. When they were suddenly given enough to fill their stomachs, the two children nearly broke down, crying tears of happiness. It was the first ti in their lives they’d ever experienced this.
Watching the children eat their fill, Yan Xiaobao couldn’t help but smile. Although it could be seen as charity, he had his own reasons for his actions. He truly believed that fostering Lao would make the boy an invaluable asset to him soday.
Sighing as the children finished eating, Yan Xiaobao stood up and motioned for them to follow him. It was ti to visit the black lion.
When they arrived at the Black Lion, the two children were amazed by the enormous inn before them. They didn’t say a word but crowded close to Yan Xiaobao, fearing they might get lost if they didn’t stay near him. He gently held Xiao Qiao’s hand, giving her a sense of security.
Entering the inn, many gazes turned toward Yan Xiaobao. However, upon realizing who he was, no one paid him any further attention. All were accustod to this young man visiting Gao Yan regularly.
Without acknowledging anyone, Yan Xiaobao and the two children headed for the stairs, ascending to the second floor and arriving at Gao Yan’s office. While Yan Xiaobao appeared calm and at ease, Lao and Xiao Qiao couldn’t help but feel uneasy about what was to co. However, as long as Yan Xiaobao remained in front of them, they felt completely safe. As long as they followed him, everything would be fine.
Entering the office, Yan Xiaobao’s eyes scanned the many desks, where cultivators were shaping mory Gems using information from across the nation. So of the individuals here were news travelers from Moon Province and the Siban Empire. Others were servants from the Capital or residents of individual family households, all sources of information usable by Gao Yan.
Yan Xiaobao didn’t stop at any of the desks; instead, he headed straight for Gao Yan’s. On arrival, he found his friend fully absorbed in the act of reviewing each mory Stone laid out on his desk. Yan Xiaobao was amazed at Gao Yan’s ability to process all the information he encountered daily.
Waiting for Gao Yan to open his eyes, Yan Xiaobao stood motionless before the desk, like a statue. Lao and Xiao Qiao stood beside him, silent, patiently waiting for the older friend to finish his work.
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