It was early morning, and the streets were still quiet.
Bai Mo cupped the last crumbs of his flatbread, tossed them into his mouth, and washed them down with a sip of tea.
Xu Ruyuan was far more practiced, eating slowly and methodically without dropping a single crumb.
Bai Mo found himself looking at the man in a new light.
The two of them tidied up, then got up and headed out.
"This is good. Since we're going into business together, it's only right that Brother Bai looks into my background..."
Xu Ruyuan said candidly.
As they walked down the long street and passed the bookshop, the Shopkeeper stared at them for a long moment.
'Thank goodness. It's not some wicked affair after all.'
Bai Mo grinned and waved at the Shopkeeper, who gave a slight nod in return.
"Brother Bai, you know the Shopkeeper?"
Bai Mo's smile didn't fade.
"Yes, he's a good old man."
"Back when he saw I could recognize a few characters, he agreed to sell me the Pill Book at a discount..."
