“Oh, dear guest, no need to rush, why not sit down and talk first!”
The charming landlady sashayed out, but Ma Sanlaizi quickly interrupted her.
“Landlady, this time it’s serious, we really need your help, I’m not joking!”
Seeing Ma Sanlaizi’s grave and earnest expression, and noting that it was he, not Xu Fei, who spoke, the landlady’s face gradually grew serious.
“Follow me!”
With those three words, she strode up the stairs, Ma Sanlaizi and Xu Fei closely following.
The group reached the top floor, and Xu Fei was quite astonished.
He hadn’t expected the rooftop to be so different from what he’d imagined, it was like a miniature tavern laid out before him.
Men and women, varied in attire and appearance, sat there, drinking and chatting, creating a lively atmosphere.
The landlady walked to the stage, clapped her hands, and signalled for everyone to quiet down.
“Everyone, settle down for a moment, Ma Sanlaizi says his friend is in trouble. Let’s hear him out, and those who can help, lend a hand, what do you say?”
Ma Sanlaizi seemed to be quite familiar with this crowd, and upon hearing he was in need, they all nodded in agreement.
Xu Fei hesitated briefly, thinking that rather than wasting time questioning the abilities of those present, it would be better to cut to the chase and explain the situation clearly, emphasising the difficulty to make them understand they should back off if it was too much.
So, Xu Fei quickly recounted the events to everyone there, then tapped the table to stress the key point.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you all, but I’m sure you can see how difficult this situation is, do you really have a way to help me?”
Upon learning that Xu Fei’s friend was in danger at the Gong family’s place, the people on the rooftop began to ponder deeply, seemingly genuinely trying to come up with solutions.
Finally, a bald monk drained a bowl of wine in one gulp and spoke.
“When it comes to finding someone, I wonder if this old monk can offer a bit of help!”
Xu Fei had noticed this man from the start, though dressed in monk robes with a large string of prayer beads around his neck, he had a scruffy beard and was constantly drinking and eating meat among the crowd, clearly unlike any ordinary monk.
The landlady and Ma Sanlaizi, hearing the monk’s response, lit up with joy.
“Really… really? You’re willing to help? That’s fantastic!”
The monk downed another bowl of wine, let out a burp, and said, “Monks don’t lie, when have I ever deceived you? Time’s wasting, let’s get moving!”
At this, Ma Sanlaizi seemed very enthusiastic, and seeing the sincerity of the offer, Xu Fei could only agree to give it a try.
Leaving the lively rooftop behind, Xu Fei and the group hurried downstairs, and as soon as they got in the car, the monk spoke.
“Let’s drive to the outskirts first, the more remote the better, ideally with a patch of woods!”
Ma Sanlaizi, a native of Jinmen, knew the area better than anyone when it came to navigation, and quickly raised his hand.
“I… I know, Mr. Xu, drive to Fenghui Wharf!”
