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墨書 Inktalez
Stepping forward, Second crossed over Third and soon spotted a thatched cottage ahead. A surge of energy filled his heart as he quickened his pace, calling out, "Seven, Third, Er Gou, hurry up!"
The thatched cottage was only a few hundred meters away, and Second quickly reached the destination. They sheltered from the rain under the eaves of the cottage, which was tightly shut.
The protruding part of the eaves barely covered their bodies. By the time the other three caught up, Second had already broken down the door.
The group entered the house without hesitation. Second remarked, "This might be an abandoned house."
Third glanced at the furnishings inside, wiped his hand on the table, and said, "This is a thatched cottage with an owner."
Seven added, "It's quite clean here; it's not surprising if someone lives here."
Second looked at the two and said, "Let's go outside; we can't just barge into someone else's home."
Seven replied, " Second, hold on. I noticed that the arrangement here seems undisturbed for a long time; it’s very likely an unoccupied house."
Wang Er Gou sat on a chair, picked up a teacup from the table, poured himself a cup of tea, and started drinking.
Second was halted by Seven's words. They all tacitly agreed to treat it as an unoccupied house. The four of them comfortably gathered around a table.
None of them had spare clothes now; they were all drenched like drowned rats.
Without the rain, they felt a chilling cold instead.
"There’s a stove here," Second suddenly spoke up. Fortunately, there was enough firewood available, and soon a fire was lit.
They moved to gather around the stove to warm their clothes, sitting in silence.
The slightly ajar door creaked open with a push as an old man with white hair walked in. Five pairs of eyes met each other’s gaze, creating an awkward atmosphere.
The old man spoke in a calm voice, "Who are you? Why have you trespassed into my home?"
A few people were caught off guard, only Third stood up with cupped hands and said, "I mean no offense; please forgive me."
When the old man saw Third's appearance, it felt as if a calm lake had been stirred into a thousand waves. Yet, he managed to suppress his surprise.
At that moment, Second spoke up, "Old man, we just came to escape the rain. We'll pay later."
The old man chuckled, "No problem. You can stay here for a while."
Seeing the old man's kindness, the group, who were all quite familiar with each other, decided not to be polite any longer. They busied themselves drying their clothes and chatting idly.
However, Third kept a close watch on the old man, sensing that he was not as simple as he appeared.
The old man said, "Old Man Li here has lived at the foot of this mountain for decades. It hasn't been this lively around here in a long time."
Third remained silent at the back. Second continued the conversation, "Li the Old Man, since you're the only one living here, why not move to town?"
The old man smiled and replied, "Once a person gets used to solitude and tranquility, they no longer wish to go where there are too many people."
He continued, "Is there anyone among you who would like to join me for a few games?" He glanced at Third. "I still have some fine wine that I haven't had a chance to enjoy; it would be delightful to sip while playing."
Seven whispered, "Looks like this old man is a recluse!" Wang Er Gou nodded in agreement.
The rain continued to pour outside. Hearing about the wine made Second more enthusiastic; the treasures brought out from the hollowed mountain were left neglected by the others.
Third walked over.
Li the Old Man had already set up the chessboard. Third took a seat generously.
Second poured a glass of wine for Li the Old Man, then filled one for Third. Afterward, he took the bottle and called over Wang Er Gou and Seven, and they began drinking together.
The old man made his move, placing a White Stone on the board. He asked, "May I ask where this young fellow is from?" Third immediately followed with a Black Stone.
However, he remained silent. Li the Old Man chuckled a few times and said, "Since you prefer not to say, I won't press you." He glanced at Third's expression.
Third pondered his next move. The game continued back and forth, and soon the board was nearly filled with stones.
With a furrowed brow, Third pinched a Black Stone between his fingers, contemplating. Finally, he sighed and said, "I concede."
Li the Old Man laughed heartily and remarked, "Your skills are quite impressive for someone your age."
Third replied, "You're flattering me. My surname is Yu; just call me Little Yu."
Upon hearing Third's surname, Li the Old Man felt even more certain about his assumptions but still said, "Then I won't be polite, Brother Yu. Where do you hail from?"
Third looked at the old man's smile and understood he was probing for information. Playing dumb, he replied, "Old sir, you must not be an ordinary person! Your chess skills are remarkable!"
Li the Old Man responded, "I've dedicated my life to this hobby; I suppose I've achieved some modest success! Today, meeting a young opponent like you makes me want to play a few more games until I'm satisfied. I appreciate your company, old man."
Third smiled and said, "It's my honor."
The game resumed. After several rounds of play with wins and losses on both sides, night fell and only a few raindrops remained. The three of them had also enjoyed their drinks to the fullest.
As the rain ceased and their intoxication faded, they began to feel hungry.
Third and Li the Old Man continued their game.
Second bluntly asked, "Old man, do you have anything to eat around here?"
Li the Old Man looked at Second and replied, "There are some provisions over there; I would appreciate it if you could help yourselves."
Suddenly, with a move on the board, the old man came to his senses and realized he had lost. Stroking his beard, he said, "Truly, heroes emerge from the youth! It seems I am getting old."
"Thank you for your guidance," replied Third. The old man continued, "Not at all! It is my skills that are lacking."
Since Third no longer wanted to dwell on the game, he changed the subject and asked, "Have you always lived at the foot of this mountain, sir?"
Li the Old Man instinctively replied, "Yes! As one ages, one can no longer travel far and must settle here."
Third inquired if the old man had heard of a rumor about a fortune teller who once visited this place. The old man's expression changed momentarily before he quickly composed himself and said, "I have not heard of such a thing."
Third was taken aback by how straightforward the old man was in his response. The old man picked up his fallen pieces and added, "In all my years here, I have never heard of any fortune teller."
Third decided not to press further.
Meanwhile, the other three had finished preparing dinner. Second called out, "Third, come eat!" Third responded and followed as Second pulled the old man along.
Wang Er Gou spoke in a refined manner, "There are indeed not many people like you, sir, who live so freely and without care."
Li the Old Man felt uncertain; despite asking so many questions, he had learned nothing.
Once the five were seated, Seven took charge of the cooking. The meal was a feast for the senses! Second had already started eating and mumbled with his mouth full, "Old man, I won't hold back."
Unfortunately, there weren't enough bowls and chopsticks, so they all used whatever they could find as substitutes.
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