The vent was repaired, and smoke now curled up into the night.
In the courtyard of the residence behind, Young Master Wei and Young Master Wang were eating hotpot and wiping away sweat.
When they saw the smoke rising hazily into the windless night, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
"That Shopkeeper Bai is an agreeable fellow. Every time we've come knocking, he's already taken care of everything."
Young Master Wang exhaled and looked at Young Master Wei.
"Your clan uncle is about to come out of seclusion, isn't he? Have you figured out a way to get on his good side?"
Young Master Wei drank his fruit wine.
"In a couple of days, I'll go out and look around again. There ought to be some curiosities in this city."
Just as he spoke, he suddenly felt a cold drop on the bridge of his nose.
"It's really starting to rain. So suddenly?"
The two scrambled, hastily grabbing the table and carrying it inside.
...
"What a downpour!"
"This is terrible timing!"
