Chapter 85: From this day forth, I, Lin Xiaofeng, consider Su Fan my brother

The breeze was gentle, and the blazing sun seemed far less oppressive. Su Fan walked behind the young boy, his head bowed in resignation, and called out, "Big... big brother, where are you taking me?" The words felt awkward, for it was difficult to address as 'big brother' a child so much younger than himself.

The boy turned around, his youthful face breaking into a grin as he said, "You helped me, so of course I must repay you. I'm taking you to a good place."

Su Fan quickly asked, "What good place?"

The boy smiled, offering no answer.

Su Fan gave a bitter smile and pressed, "You said you're from the Prefecture Guard's office?"

With a mysterious smile, the boy leaned close and whispered, "I'm quite familiar with Hong Lan, the Prefect of the Prefecture Guard."

"Hong Lan? Is that a woman?" Su Fan asked in surprise.

The boy laughed, "Not only is she a woman, but she's very beautiful."

Su Fan glanced at the boy—so young, yet his gaze was mischievously lecherous—and asked curiously, "How beautiful?"

The boy froze, his expression tightening. He gestured animatedly with his hands but struggled to find words. After a long moment he managed, "Anyway, she's beautiful enough to make any man’s heart stir."

Su Fan paused, silently lamenting how children nowadays had changed. When he was that age, he wouldn’t even dare look at the widows in his village, let alone discuss a woman's beauty.

Forcing a smile, Su Fan asked, "You said you’d take me to a good place. Are we there yet? I have important things to do."

"We’re here, we’re here! Look," the boy said, pointing ahead.

Following the direction of the boy’s finger, Su Fan saw a tavern. To find such an establishment a hundred miles from Luoxian City was surprising. It didn’t seem newly opened either—the signboard was old, yet carried the charm of time’s passage.

The sign was simple, bearing only the character for 'wine,' written with a free and unrestrained hand, reminiscent of a wandering swordsman. Su Fan found himself captivated by it.

The boy laughed softly and suddenly slapped Su Fan, startling him. "What is it?" Su Fan asked, somewhat annoyed.

The boy looked smugly at Su Fan. "How’s the writing?"

Su Fan examined it a moment before replying, "It’s very good."

The boy’s face fell, disappointed. "Just 'good'? Nothing else?"

Su Fan replied coldly, "You seem awfully eager. Did you write it?"

The boy smiled, "That’s right. I wrote it myself."

Su Fan coughed, clearly skeptical. "Didn’t you want me to call you big brother? Why are you referring to yourself so formally now?"

The boy laughed awkwardly, "Slip of the tongue. But I really did write it. If you don’t believe me, ask the owner."

Su Fan lost interest in the conversation. He wasn’t an expert in calligraphy, but the writing didn’t look like a child’s work. He stepped into the tavern. Since drinking up the last of the peach blossom wine, it had been some time since he’d tasted alcohol, and he found himself missing it.

The boy followed, loudly, as a young man who looked like a waiter rushed over and shouted, "Lin Xiaofeng, you dare come back! You’d better settle your last bill, or else!"

The boy snorted disdainfully, acting older than his years. "What bill? I already paid it. Hurry up and find a quiet spot for me and my buddy."

The waiter’s anger flared, but his voice grew softer and softer until it vanished altogether.

Lin Xiaofeng stared at the waiter, approaching step by step until he stood beside him, his gaze full of contempt.

The waiter’s anger vanished, replaced by fawning deference. He whispered, "Master Lin, I’ll find you a table right away." With that, he hurried upstairs.

Lin Xiaofeng’s eyes narrowed as he shouted, "When have I ever owed you money?" He propped his foot on a chair, looking every bit the street rogue.

Once the waiter was gone, Lin Xiaofeng smiled at Su Fan. "Come, brother. Let’s sit here." His tone was now warm and friendly, utterly different from his earlier arrogance.

Su Fan sat calmly beside Lin Xiaofeng, waiting to see what this unusual boy would do next.

Before Lin Xiaofeng could act, a plump, middle-aged man in luxurious clothing entered from outside—the owner, by the look of him. Upon seeing Lin Xiaofeng, his eyes lit up with greed and he exclaimed, "Master Lin, you’re here! What would you like?"

Lin Xiaofeng barely glanced at him, eyes half-closed. "The usual."

The owner bowed respectfully. "Very well!" He drew out the words, then turned sharply and called, "Waiter! Where are you?"

The waiter rushed over, his face pale, stammering, "Boss, it was my fault—I shouldn’t have let him in."

The owner’s expression darkened. "What? Hurry and bring Master Lin his food—the usual, fill every table, use all the firewood!"

Such extravagance stunned Su Fan. To fill every table and use all the firewood—how could such luxury be associated with a boy who looked like a ragged beggar?

A moment ago, he was being chased for debts; now, he was treated like a VIP. Such people were rare indeed. Su Fan was glad he still had valuables in his storage pouch. If this boy had to pay, with his tattered clothes, where would he keep his money? Su Fan shook his head in resignation.

Yet the owner seemed oblivious, nodding to every request. If Lin Xiaofeng demanded that all the guests leave and the owner personally serve him, he would agree without hesitation.

Su Fan frowned slightly. If not for needing inside information about the General’s Manor from Lin Xiaofeng, he would never indulge in such antics.

Su Fan suspected Lin Xiaofeng was joking, but the boy took it seriously, sprawling on a chair while the waiter and owner massaged his shoulders and feet.

They seemed genuinely happy to serve him. Lin Xiaofeng closed his eyes, smiling in contentment.

Soon, dishes began to arrive in abundance. Though the tavern was remote, the feast was so lavish that Su Fan doubted even the Dust Fate Inn could match it.

Yet, having cultivated so long, Su Fan had lost interest in mere culinary delights. He watched Lin Xiaofeng, wondering how the boy would deal with enough food for an adult to eat for half a month.

When the last dish was served, the large hall was filled with food. Lin Xiaofeng seemed to expect this, stretching lazily and dismissing the owner and waiter, then smiling at Su Fan. "Please."

Su Fan smiled calmly. "I’m not hungry. You eat."

Lin Xiaofeng didn’t stand on ceremony. He picked up his chopsticks and began devouring the food. His eating was astonishing—within moments, a plate vanished.

Su Fan glanced at him in amazement. The owner and waiter, however, remained impassive, as if accustomed to the spectacle.

The second plate disappeared just as quickly. Lin Xiaofeng called out, "Where’s the wine? Why isn’t the osmanthus wine here yet?"

The owner hurried to assure him. "Master Lin, I’ll urge them. It’ll be up in no time."

Hearing 'osmanthus wine,' Su Fan’s interest was piqued. He wondered how it might compare to peach blossom wine.

Soon, amid shouts, five burly men carried a large vat into the hall, filling the room with fragrant aroma.

It was a massive vat of wine. Su Fan gave a wry smile and asked, "With so much food, can you really finish it?"

Lin Xiaofeng glared at him. "If you want to drink, then drink. Why hint around in such an annoying way?" Even as he spoke, he finished another plate.

Su Fan was taken aback, then picked up a bowl as large as a wine jar, scooped a full bowl, and sat aside to drink alone.

The wine lacked the fiery bite of peach blossom wine, but had a mellow sweetness that evoked memories of home and an irretrievable youth.

Su Fan drank in solitude, lost in thought. Lin Xiaofeng watched him, suddenly shouting, "Good, I like the way you drink—so free! I am Lin Xiaofeng. May I ask your name?"

Su Fan was resigned. After all this time, the boy had never asked his name. He replied, "I am Su Fan."

Lin Xiaofeng laughed, raising a bowl of osmanthus wine. "Excellent! Today I, Lin Xiaofeng, accept Su Fan as my brother. In future, we’ll share fortune and hardship alike!"

Su Fan was nearly exasperated, but seeing Lin Xiaofeng’s earnest face, he couldn’t refuse. He stood, raised his bowl, clinked it against Lin Xiaofeng’s, and drained the wine.

Lin Xiaofeng shouted, "Splendid!"

Then he sat and began eating again. His speed was like a whirlwind—soon, nothing remained but empty plates.

Su Fan’s expression grew grim, wondering if his earlier questions had indeed been naive.

Author’s Note:
This chapter was scheduled for tomorrow, but I’m heading to school and will have little time to write. Still, for the last day, here are two updates. If you enjoyed it, please bookmark—thank you.