SES Chapter 12 V1

Chapter 12

The bar was usually empty in the early morning, so Huo Zihong and the others typically had their breakfast displayed openly on the center table—a deliberately distressed, coffee-colored wooden table. At the side stood a slender-mouthed, sky-blue vase made in the style of Jun kiln porcelain, holding a sprig or two of dried flowers. In the center was a delicate European-style miniature grand piano, with a gracefully poised ballerina figurine on the keys, toes touching lightly, as if in the next moment a smooth melody might come flowing from it.

Such an exquisite scene, accompanying a breakfast of steaming rice porridge and buns—yet the dainty ballerina could only gaze upon pickled veggies and pancakes. It seemed unfair in a charming kind of way.

Huo Zihong had gotten a stiff neck overnight and was a bit late in getting up. As she came downstairs, massaging her neck, Uncle Zhang was already ladling red date porridge, while Mu Dai sat at the table, begging in a sweet voice, “Uncle, please give me a few more dates.”

Huo Zihong smiled and casually asked, “Where’s Thirteen today?”

Mu Dai seemed not to hear her; all her attention was on a few dates in her bowl. Uncle Zhang turned back toward Huo Zihong and nodded toward the outside with his lips.

Huo Zihong understood immediately and walked outside first to check.

Thirteen was squatting by the entrance in a deep horse stance, arms stretched forward, a half-empty whiskey bottle resting on his head. His forehead was marked with a black “I” that someone had scrawled with a marker. His left hand was labeled “Live”—and his right hand “Deserve”—forming the sentence: “I deserve this.”

The dramatic scene made him look a bit like a festive couplet hung during the holidays.

Who else would come up with a trick like this but Mu Dai? Huo Zihong sighed, removed the bottle from his head, and said, “All right, come in and eat.”

Once back inside, Thirteen remained awkwardly standing by the table, unwilling to sit. Huo Zihong casually stirred her porridge and said, “Who’s in charge here if not me?”

Mu Dai glared at Thirteen. “Auntie Hong told you to sit. So sit!”

With a tremor, Thirteen fell into his seat immediately.

Huo Zihong remained unfazed. “So, what’s this all about now?”

Mu Dai, wrapping her pancake carefully, said, “Auntie, Thirteen messed up again. I covered for him, or else I’d be forced to report it. But a small punishment is in order.”

Huo Zihong looked at Thirteen. “Messed up again?”

Thirteen nodded honestly. “Yes, Madam. I was confused for a moment.”

Mu Dai struck back sarcastically, “As if you were ever clearheaded.”

Huo Zihong tried hard not to laugh and turned her aim toward Mu Dai. “Mu Dai, you two are always at odds. It’s true what they say—the greatest enemies often become the closest friends. If I were to see you two holding hands in the future, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Mu Dai nodded. “I’m looking forward to that day myself.”

Thirteen suddenly felt alarmed.

Mu Dai finished her pancake, tossed a piercing look in his direction, and said, “Believe me or not, the day after we move in together, I’d be putting you in mourning.”

Thirteen turned a tragically sad face toward Huo Zihong. “Boss, I already have someone I care for. The young boss lady… she’s… a wonderful person. She deserves someone much better.”

…

After breakfast, Uncle Zhang cleared away the dishes. Thirteen went back behind the bar to prepare for service. Huo Zihong decided to check out the nearby wax-dyed fabric market. The tourism boom was ongoing, and she was thinking of opening another shop to specialize in Yunnan handicrafts. Batik fabrics seemed a perfect choice.

As she was about to head out, Mu Dai fell into step beside her. “Auntie Hong, I’ll come with you.”

Huo Zihong was a little surprised. Mu Dai normally wasn’t interested in this kind of thing. Nonetheless, she nodded; it was a perfect opportunity to brief Mu Dai on some business matters.

Walking through the labyrinth of side streets, the two passed numerous vendors selling colorful snacks and fruits by the water’s edge. Huo Zihong walked casually, taking it all in, while Mu Dai remained within a few paces, frequently glancing around with a vigilant air.

She made up her mind. If Luo Ren was already here, his true target must be Auntie Hong. So Mu Dai stayed close to her side at all times. If Luo Ren were to attack someone else in the bar…

She’d need to warn Uncle Zhang in a day or two. As for Thirteen… well, losing him might be a small price to pay for peace.

…

Back in the bar, Thirteen’s fingertips flew across the keyboard, posting a new update. His “Forest Boss” seemed to be dropping a hint of “affection” toward him.

The online readers were wild.
— “See! I called it. That woman has a hidden agenda!”
— “Hang in there, buddy! Whatever you do, don’t cave!”
— “I say you pretend to be compliant first, then kick her to the curb once you control the bar.”
— “You guys are ridiculous. It’s her bar. What’s the big deal if she falls for her worker?”

Suddenly, Thirteen felt a chill rush up his back.

The user “Repays Debt Naturally”—this account had appeared again.

— “I’m confused. Why isn’t the poster busy working instead of updating all the time? Is the bar that slow?”

Luo Ren wasn’t staying at an ordinary hotel.

He’d rented a traditional Naxi-style home — a small courtyard with a wall in the center — surrounded by numerous guesthouses. It seemed inconspicuous from the outside, but its location was perfect. From the wooden lattice window on the second floor, you could view all the bustling streets below.

The window itself was an antique wooden lattice, divided into 81 small segments in a nine-by-nine pattern. The glass was a modern addition, replacing the traditional paper, and the flowering vine creeping up the wall provided perfect cover. From here, Luo Ren could observe without being noticed.

He stood there, looking down at Mu Dai.

At first, his eyes were meant for Huo Zihong, but somehow they kept straying toward Mu Dai instead. There was something about her—the way she remained close to Huo Zihong, protective yet constantly on guard, letting her piercing gaze dart in all directions. It was a clear message: “I know you’re there, and if you want trouble… come and find me.”

She was like a little wolf-dog, baring her teeth, trying to be threatening. But in reality, she’d probably barely be able to bump into him.

Luo Ren raised a hand and pressed it against his shoulder.
Exactly—that’s all it was, a bump.
And now this little hen was spreading her wings to protect Huo Zihong, thinking it would be enough to keep him away?

Mu Dai remained dutiful and protective all day.