“Young Master Jun, why do I feel like everyone here is hostile toward us?”
This was Hell’s Ear’s genuine feeling, without the slightest exaggeration.
It wasn’t that Hell’s Ear was afraid of anyone. After all, he was a warrior by training, and as someone who followed Xu Fei, his strength was not to be underestimated.
But he had never encountered a situation like this before.
From the moment he stepped inside until now, Hell’s Ear felt as though he was being watched by a pack of hungry wolves.
Though with his strength, facing these wolves was like a hunter wielding a shotgun, the eerie sensation was undeniably real.
Xu Fei seemed to understand Hell’s Ear’s current state of mind. He chuckled lightly and explained.
“Does this feel beyond your understanding? By appearances, you and I are warriors. Most people would steer clear of us just seeing our builds, so it seems illogical for them to deliberately show hostility, right?”
“But that’s exactly the unique trait of these older folks. They weren’t born peerless masters, but through the trials of life and society, they’ve been honed into what they are now.”
“Having weathered great storms, no title or reputation can intimidate them. In the capital, there’s a special, unique nickname for people like this: Old Gunners!”
With Xu Fei’s explanation, Hell’s Ear more or less understood. The hostility radiating from these people wasn’t deliberately aimed at him or anyone specific, it was just part of who they were.
While Xu Fei was patiently explaining to Hell’s Ear, a group of uninvited guests arrived at Fengtian Tower.
“Make way, make way! Can’t you see Lord Gong has arrived? Are you blind? Get out of the way!”
A dozen or so people burst through the entrance of Fengtian Tower, led by a few loud, swaggering figures who seemed like guards.
They were all fawning over a young man who appeared about Xu Fei’s age, his face brimming with arrogance and disdain.
The proprietress at the counter, seeing the commotion, flashed a fleeting look of disgust before quickly adopting a polite and obsequious demeanor as she approached.
“Well, if it isn’t Lord Gong! What a rare honour for you to grace our humble establishment!”
Hearing this, the young man called Lord Gong didn’t hold back, speaking bluntly without a hint of courtesy.
“Good thing you know your place and recognize this is a humble establishment! Hurry up and clear a spot for us to sit!”
“Lord Gong is absolutely right. Please wait a moment, I’ll arrange it right away!”
After speaking, the proprietress quickly turned and gave a subtle signal to the tavern’s regular patrons.
These people were old acquaintances of the proprietress, and their relationship was one of mutual benefit.
If some troublemaker came to stir up trouble, they’d all band together to back her up.
Conversely, if someone couldn’t pay their tab, the proprietress would let it slide with a smile.
Now, seeing the proprietress dealing with a difficult customer, the patrons were already simmering with frustration.
But when they saw her adopt a conciliatory attitude, they understood and quietly complied.
Two tables with good lighting and prime locations packed up their things, nodded to the proprietress, and left Fengtian Tower.
The proprietress immediately took it upon herself to clear the tables and invited Lord Gong and his entourage to take their seats.
“Lord Gong, what would you like to eat today?”
The proprietress smiled faintly, but Lord Gong gave her no courtesy in return.
