The teacher’s eyebrows took on a pitiful look. He didn’t mean to, but Su Biyu saw it and immediately looked embarrassed. She didn’t seem the type to cry like Lin An, but Fu Ran could tell she wanted to shrivel up.

“That’s okay.” He quickly tried to backtrack since he had upset the girl, so he changed his tone and expression. His words were clearer now, and he kept them soft. “It’s understandable if you haven’t learned yet. I teach letters too if disciples need it. Perhaps I can show you some?” She seemed to listen closely now, her eyes almost sparkling with interest.

Fu Ran smiled. “What is your favorite food? I can show you what to look for.” He was already unrolling the paper menu in front of him. Su Biyu must have felt odd watching him carefully look over the complex characters written. Her stare was full of disbelief. “At least that way you will always be able to see if they make something you enjoy.”

“I really like steamed buns.”

Fu Ran froze as he gawked at her. “That’s it? Just steamed buns?” She nodded. His eye brows took on that pitiably position again, and he muttered, “You are just as bad as Wan Yu, then.” Fu Ran pulled out a small sheet of paper and got up to borrow some sort of writing utensil from the restaurant. He stood near her side of the table and began to write. There were many small strokes, but just two characters. To Su Biyu it must have been impossible to understand them, but Fu Ran went over line by line. He then handed her the piece of paper and the menu.

Her eyes played matching for just a little while until her finger pointed at the correct food item. Fu Ran smiled, “Good job. But just a little secret: It’s good to be able to read it, but most places will have steamed buns. Just ask for them. I’ll teach you proper reading and writing when I can. It is much better to start from the beginning, rather than learning random characters.”

Chatter had begun at the table once more. Even Wan Yu waved to get the girl’s attention and said, “I didn’t know how to write either, gege taught me.” Fu Ran was enchanted by hearing Wan Yu start a conversation, but he wouldn't pry on the talks of his disciples.

Instead, when he returned to his seat, he propped up on his hands and shot a curious gaze to Tian Han. He had a few questions he suddenly wanted answered. “I didn’t know you had some teaching ability. How did you pick up that skill?” He laughed and laid his head down on the table and twisted his neck to look up at his companion.

Tian Han wore that soft squint again, the one that made him look so obviously happy. Of course, this took Fu Ran off guard. Tian Han said, “I am no teacher. I learned late as well — when I was 15 — and wanted to make sure Wan Yu learned it early. I do not deserve any praise for my teaching ability, because I had a wonderful Shizun who gave his time to me, and I merely taught as he did.” Tian Han settled into his seat some more before touching the tea cup in front of him. His finger traced around the cup, in his habitual motion. This had definitely piqued Fu Ran’s interest.

“What was your Shizun like?”

“Shizun is… the single most precious thing to me.”

Fu Ran was a bit stunned. Single most precious thing? Tian Han managed to say something that sounded so embarrassing with a straight face. Even more shocking, was how the words reminded him of his own thoughts. He, too, cared deeply for his teacher.

Tian Han’s eyes darted away from Fu Ran a little too quickly to be brushed off. His smile pushed up pink cheeks, and he chuckled sweetly before continuing, “Despite him having such a hard time himself, he took me in as the only disciple he would ever take. He pulled himself out of a horrid state of mind, just for me.” Tian Han was deep in his reminiscing.

“He didn’t take any more? Ever?” Fu Ran asked.

“Never. It was only ever Shizun, and myself.”

So there are other no-good Shizun’s out there, too, he thought while sipping on his tea. It was almost laughable really. Though, Fu Ran really did wonder what kind of place raised a man like Tian Han. He wondered what kind of no-good Shizun made Tian Han turn out so perfect.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

After a long while of waiting, food was brought out on dozens of platters. The children looked overjoyed as the bare table was slowly filled. Fu Ran stiffened seeing the table get filled with orders, none of which were his. Oh shit. Fu Ran thought. I didn’t order anything… The Peak Master was utterly disappointed in himself!

He did his best to keep his expression in a smile, but in truth. He lamented the chance to try the fish and rice seared over maple wood, and he really wanted that side of honey roasted fruits. He almost wanted to shed a tear.

Yet another morning without breakfast.

Just as he was coming to peace with his mistake, a plate gently clattered onto the table in front of him. Tian Han had taken it from the server and placed it there. Fu Ran’s eyes went wide, and then his brows twisted in confusion. The dish in front of him was not exactly what he was going to order, but it was shockingly close. Black-peppered cod and rice looked, and smelled, delightful. A plate of honey crisps and fruit was presented right beside the main dish.

Having already given up on a unique meal, he felt unsure that this was really his. His mouth watered, and he swallowed thickly. “Did you mean to order this?” He looked at Tian Han.

“Sorry if it’s not right. I know the food takes a long time to prepare here, and you were a bit busy dealing with the kids. I ordered for you.”

Fu Ran didn’t know how to respond to that. His stomach groaned as he looked back at the fish dish. “Then… Thank you…” His words sounded a bit pitiful, but genuinely appreciative.

Tian Han seemed eager, as if waiting to know if it fit Fu Ran’s taste.

Despite being watched, Fu Ran took a bite of the fish. His cheeks were full of savory and salty flavors, and his eyes half closed in delight. The fish was perfectly tender, and pulled apart easily. It was actually seasoned with a spice of pepper, unlike most of the cooked food that got delivered to his Xingti Pavilion.

“Is it tasty?” Tian Han chuckled. He ordered something similar, so there was no reason to ask. But still, Fu Ran wanted to answer earnestly.

With redness on his cheeks, Fu Ran beamed. “The food in Jinan is wonderful.” His mouth was mostly full and the words sounded silly, but he was delighted. Both good food, and companionship made the perfect dinner and, in the last few years, his meals were only ever shared with the dust in his room.

***

When time came to pay the bill, the waiter hovered around patiently, but Fu Ran could see him rubbing his hands together. It was a nice restaurant, and thus the prices were higher than usual.

He was eager to get large amounts of sect money.

The number written on the sheet of paper had one too many zeros for his liking, but still he dug through the sleeves of his robes and pulled out a dirty, old white bag. Frowning he mentally grumbled, I’ve had this for so long, and yet now it's all covered in grime.

Pulling on the small zipper he opened the coin purse, but what looked at him was not silver and bronze. The colors were much more vibrant than that: pinks, purples, blues. Little orbs caught the light and shimmered in the bag.

“Candy?” Fu Ran asked, flabbergasted. Why was there candy in his wallet, instead of money?

As soon as the words left his lips, the waiter peered over his shoulder, but Tian Han hastily shielded the contents of the bag with his hand. “I’ll be paying,” Tian Han raised his hand.

Fu Ran’s neck snapped to judge him harshly. In horror, he watched as Tian Han pulled out a few silver pieces — more than double the price owed. This action clearly delighted the waiter.

The waiter left their table and Fu Ran squinted at the tyrant emperor, demanding excuses. “Tian Han! By gods, what are you thinking?” He crossed his arms and his gaze fell upon thin slits of gold.

Tian Han was quiet until the restaurant staff was gone, then he whispered to Fu Ran so that the children would not hear. “How about we save that conversation? I, too, am curious as to why Shizun is carrying around a large amount of disguised drugs.”

Ah, Fu Ran looked at the candy in shocked realization. That’s why they looked so familiar.

Wasting no time, the white bag was zipped up, and put back in his robes. Now that he understood the contents, it became highly important to not let them be seen. During the daytime, especially, carrying around illegal substances was grounds for arrest.

Sweets and meat had to be pried from the children’s hands as they were all ushered out of the restaurant by their adult guardians. Fu Ran pitied their huffy faces at the action, so he clarified that they could continue to eat whatever they wanted throughout the day.

Fu Ran and his companions had mixed in nicely with the daytime city goers. No one wore masks anymore, as now was the time meant to enjoy peace and calmness. It almost looked like a completely different city when the night’s lights weren’t filling every house corner. For the safety of his disciples, he decided it best to avoid any nightly activities for a while, at least with everyone involved.