“Oh? Elder Sushui, what matter do you need to report? Judging by your expression, it doesn’t seem like a simple one!”
Even before entering, Gong Zisheng had noticed the grave look on Elder Sushui’s face, which prompted his remark.
Elder Sushui nodded, cautiously glancing around before stepping inside and continuing.
“Hall Master, we have a rather special guest tonight, possibly connected to that Flower-Faced Ghost Hand from Bawangfen Hutong.”
Then, Elder Sushui’s voice grew quieter as he recounted everything he had just witnessed to Gong Zisheng.
After listening, Gong Zisheng nodded thoughtfully, mulling it over for a while before speaking.
“Elder Sushui, your concerns are valid. Regardless of who this person is, if he’s unwilling to show his true face and even went so far as to enlist the Flower-Faced Ghost Hand for a disguise just to sneak in, he’s definitely up to no good!”
“You don’t need to worry about this. Today is still my big day, so I’ll immediately assign people to keep an eye on this fellow. We’ll carry on eating and drinking as usual!”
As one of only four Hall Masters in the entire Red Buddha Society, Gong Zisheng had a unique confidence rooted in his own strength and resources.
Hearing this, Elder Sushui couldn’t help but feel considerably relieved, and he followed Gong Zisheng’s lead as they left the room.
At this point, Xu Fei had been following Deacon Zhikong, waiting in a less crowded guest room until the sky had completely darkened before daring to move around freely.
Though Xu Fei had disguised himself, he still felt somewhat uneasy wandering about with an unfamiliar face.
Night finally fell, and the entire courtyard was adorned with festive lights. Coupled with the large number of people who had come to celebrate, the scene was incredibly lively.
With Deacon Zhikong leading the way, Xu Fei could now slightly expand his range of movement.
As he mingled with a wine glass in hand, clinking glasses with others, Xu Fei did his best to commit to memory every person he encountered here.
After all, this was the very reason he had come.
The banquet had quietly begun, and the entire courtyard, both inside and out, was brimming with a festive atmosphere.
Xu Fei sat down with Deacon Zhikong at one of the tables, and the lively mood soon began to sweep them both up.
About ten minutes later, a man hurriedly approached and came to Deacon Zhikong’s side, saying,
“Deacon Zhikong, could you please head to the left rear courtyard? Elder Sushui is looking for you.”
At this point, Deacon Zhikong was a bit tipsy from the toasts but not yet drunk.
Upon hearing this, he immediately straightened up and glanced at Xu Fei beside him.
Xu Fei, being a reasonable sort, nodded at once, and so Deacon Zhikong quickly left the area.
When Deacon Zhikong arrived at the left rear courtyard with the messenger, he stepped inside and saw Elder Sushui standing with his back to him, hands clasped behind him.
“Elder, what’s the matter you wanted to see me about?”
Deacon Zhikong bowed with clasped hands in greeting, but Elder Sushui didn’t make a sound.
After a long pause, he finally responded,
“Why I’d come looking for you, don’t you already know in your heart?”
At these words, Deacon Zhikong’s heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself that while his elder and master might lack in other skills, his perception was top-notch.
Could it be that his master had noticed him sneaking Xu Fei in?
Even if his master had figured it out, though, Deacon Zhikong didn’t dare admit the truth.
