TSFLIP Chapter 556

Back at the inn, the shopkeeper looked up in surprise when the two walked in and asked, “Didn’t you two go for a boat ride on the river? Why are you back so soon?”

“I got down by the water and then remembered I’m afraid of it, so we came back early.” Feng Guang lied casually. She then asked, “I ran into You’er outside. Did he come back already?”

“Yes, he came back. He was just scolded by his mother a little while ago.” The shopkeeper sighed. “To be frank, the boy is a mischievous one. His poor mother has raised him all by herself under tough conditions, yet instead of listening to her, he always worries her sick. Miss, you may not know this, but because his mother is busy making a living and has no time to keep him company, the kid lies all the time to get a bit of attention.”

Sigā, who was standing quietly beside Feng Guang, suddenly asked, “May I know what kind of lies he tells?”

“Oh, you know — things like, ‘Aunt Zhang’s house is on fire,’ or, ‘The chickens at Wang Er’s place were all bitten to death by the neighbor’s dog’… Oh! And there was something about a water monster in the river.” The shopkeeper chuckled and shook his head. “How could there be a monster that eats people in the water? If it were true, everyone in this town who plays by the river would be gone by now.”

Feng Guang nodded in agreement. “Maybe You’er is just a little too lonely. He’s a child, after all — having a friend his age might do him some good.”

As for what You’er had previously told them about the water monster, she kept that to herself.

“There aren’t many people in this town, you know. You’er is the only child his age here. There’s not much we can do about it.” The shopkeeper sighed again, then shook his head. “Ah, listen to me worrying about someone else’s family. Anyway, back to my accounts.” With that, he turned back to his abacus.

Feng Guang exchanged a brief look with Sigā, and without a word, the two walked up the stairs toward their room.

In the corridor, they came across the leader of the opera troupe — a charming woman who still maintained her allure.

“We meet again.” She smiled warmly. “I must thank you both for helping us find our way.”

“It was nothing, Madam.” Feng Guang responded quickly.

It was Sigā who had provided the directions, not her, but there was no need to be overly modest about it.

The woman nodded. “My surname is Chen. Everyone calls me Troupe Leader Chen. May I ask how I should address you?”

“My surname is Xia. And this is…”

Sigā interrupted quietly, “Just call me Thirteen.”

“Miss Xia, Master Thirteen…” Troupe Leader Chen nodded, unfazed by the odd name. Performers often went by stage names; their real names were of little consequence.

Feng Guang, understanding the need to keep Sigā’s true name hidden, kept silent and instead asked, “Troupe Leader Chen, have you decided when you’ll perform?”

“It’s set for tomorrow night.” Troupe Leader Chen smiled. “I already made arrangements with the shopkeeper. He’s going to set up a temporary stage in the main hall. My troupe will perform there. Are you interested in attending? My greatest trick is quite different from the rest — I perform magic.”

“Magic?”

Though her heart skipped a beat in excitement, she remained composed. She glanced at Sigā first. After seeing him nod, she turned back to Troupe Leader Chen and said with a smile, “All right. I’ll come watch it tomorrow night.”

“That’s wonderful. I’ll be sure to reserve a good spot for you and this gentleman.”