Huo Tianzhou Strangeness (Part 4)

Leaving aside where the money went, walking back from town would take nearly two hours.

Even if he didn't have a fare for the ox cart, he would have borrowed money considering the circumstances.

In town, the only person he could borrow money from was Gong Banyun.

However, Gong Banyun often wanders around after work and rarely stays at home.

Luck was not on his side, traveling back in the dark without encountering a single kind soul with an ox cart.

Liang Hongyu took a deep breath, finished the wine in her cup, and didn't pour more.

"The tavern at the east end of town opened recently. I went there last night, but the food was mediocre. The wine and small dishes at this old tavern are still the best. When you have time, let's come back here for a few more drinks."

Not hearing a response from Liang Hongyu for a while, Gong Banyun looked up at her, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Liang Hongyu was silent for a moment, then picked up some food with her chopsticks, "If you have nothing to do, it's better to wander around less."

Gong Banyun was puzzled when he heard this, he turned around and took a sip of his wine, "...What?"

…

After parting ways with Gong Banyun at the tavern entrance, Liang Hongyu found herself with some free time but decided not to go home yet.

She left her belongings at the tavern.

Whatever Huo Tianzhou wanted to do was his own choice; Liang Hongyu wouldn't interfere with his decisions.

Despite his frail appearance, he was determined and resourceful.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have managed to pay off his debts on his own, sparing the original owner from dealing with those trivial matters.

Liang Hongyu had not yet fully explored the local customs and scenery since arriving in this world, so she decided to walk along the streets.

The town had several main streets dedicated to selling goods, extending from the bustling central area.

The closer to the center, the better the business.

After familiarizing herself with the nearby places, she arrived in front of a bookstore.

A few scholarly-looking individuals, who seemed only slightly older than Huo Tianzhou, were chatting as they entered the store.

Liang Hongyu followed them inside.

The books here were all hand-copied.

She picked up a book and inquired about the price.

It was indeed expensive—the small half-book in her hand could feed Huo Tianzhou for a year.

The scholars from earlier stood in the aisle opposite Liang Hongyu, discussing their studies with great enthusiasm, citing references, and engaging in lively debates.

Huo Tianzhou had learned to read and write from his father for over a year, and he could recognize all the basic characters.

If he had continued studying according to his age, he certainly wouldn't be any worse than them.

Liang Hongyu shook her head silently and could only be said how fate plays tricks on people.

The bookstore had only one floor but covered a considerable area.

Few people were searching for books inside.

Liang Hongyu found a quiet spot, took a book from the shelf, and began to read.

As the bookstore attendant peeked over for the umpteenth time, Liang Hongyu finally did something other than turn the pages.

She looked up and gazed out the window.

The sun had already weakened.

Estimating that it was about time, Liang Hongyu closed the book, put it back, and left the bookstore, heading towards the western outskirts.

Today, there was only one place in the western outskirts where people had gathered.

Next to several freshly plowed fields was a sunshade shelter.

The overseer sat at a wooden table under the shelter, in front of a line of people waiting to receive their wages.

Small groups of people who had received their pay were heading back.

Liang Hongyu noticed about a dozen people still in line, with Huo Tianzhou standing at the end.

She stood at the roadside, a few yards away from Huo Tianzhou.

Glancing around, she moved to stand under a fruit tree, from where she could see Huo Tianzhou's profile.

Unlike the others, who were tanned and accustomed to hard labor, Huo Tianzhou's appearance was noticeably different.

Despite his natural posture, it was evident from his appearance that he looked tired.

As the person in front of him moved forward, he took a step ahead and then stopped, raising his hand to the bamboo tube tied to his waist.

He opened the lid halfway, then suddenly paused and put the bamboo tube back.

The bamboo tube was empty.

Liang Hongyu looked up to check the time.

The sun hadn't fully set yet, and if they took the usual time by ox cart, they should reach home before it got dark.

The rabbits couldn't be left hungry for long.

Without anyone watching them, who knew if they dared to eat?

She thought about this and then turned her head back, folding her arms and leaning against the tree trunk, watching.

Others took only a few words to get their money and leave.

When it was Huo Tianzhou's turn, he stood there for a long while without moving away.

Liang Hongyu watched him, eventually straightening up and lowering her arms.

Huo Tianzhou stood in front of the wooden table, blocking the view of the person sitting there.

She could only see the person's sleeve.

Then, that person tossed a string of copper coins onto the table.

Huo Tianzhou stared at the money, not taking it for a long time.

His back didn't reveal much, but Liang Hongyu noticed his hand at his side clenched into a fist.

She stepped forward.

"Yesterday, you asked for an advance on your wages. It's all recorded in the account book, clearly written in black and white. Taking the money and then denying it? I won't argue with you because you're young, but sign your name and take your money quickly."

The overseer rudely slapped the account book in front of Huo Tianzhou, demanding his signature.