Chapter 9, Making Friends (Part 2)

After walking in the mud for half a day, Zhang Wei Fang discovered that Shi Lang's residence was actually right next door to his. He felt a surge of joy and thought to himself: It seems that bringing this person into my fold as an ally is already destined by heaven.

At this moment, the wind and rain are fierce, and the sky is darkening. There are indeed two restaurants at the west end of the street in town, but they must be closed by now. Brother, you may not know this, but the people of Penghu are either wealthy and cook at home or are impoverished and can only make do with what they have at home. Who would go to a restaurant for no reason? How about this: you follow me to my house, where there is still some food left. We can have a couple of drinks together. It can be considered a welcome for my brother.

Zhang Wei chuckled and explained: "Brother Shi, I am also left with no choice. As soon as I got off the boat today, there was a flurry of knives and guns. After a whole day of turmoil, Boss Zheng didn't even offer a meal. Right now, my brother is so hungry that his front and back are sticking together, and I came out looking for something to eat, but I can't find the entrance to the temple no matter what."

Brother Zhang, it's not that I'm criticizing you as a brother, but what can you possibly find by groping around like this? You didn't even ask He Bin for any information just now

At present, there is no need for courtesy as I follow Shi Lang into the house. Shi Lang's home is indeed much more tidy and comfortable than Zhang Wei's. The living room floor is also paved with blue bricks, and upon entering the house from the muddy outside, shaking off the mud from my feet instantly makes me feel much fresher.

In utter helplessness, Zhang Wei resolved to endure his hunger and return the way he came. Just as he was about to take a step, his peripheral vision caught sight of a figure emerging from the shadows, walking while shaking off the mud from his feet. Upon closer inspection, Zhang Wei realized that the person was barefoot, frail, and had a distressed expression on his face. Who else could it be but Shi Lang?

Zhang Wei took a few quick steps, smiling as he supported Shi Lang, even rubbing Shi Lang's chest a few times, and said: "Brother Shi, although you have been begging in the Jianghu longer than being a brother, however, looking at your physique, it seems you are not very robust."

Brother, you are teaching me a lesson. I just forgot about this matter. Now, can you take me to a restaurant to offer some sacrifices to the temple of my five internal organs?

Shi Lang was originally walking with his head down, struggling to pull his bare feet out of the mud. Suddenly, upon hearing Zhang Wei's donkey-like shout, he stumbled and nearly fell.

With a hearty laugh, Zhang Wei, as if seeing a savior, exclaimed: "Brother Shi, over here!"

Shi Lang smiled wryly and said, "Brother Zhang, the sky is so dark, and you suddenly called out like that, it startled me. Yet you say I am not robust; this is truly turning the tables on me."

Zhang Wei was overjoyed; he knew a great deal about Shi Lang and recognized him as a talented individual. Coincidentally, Shi Lang's views on Taiwan aligned with Zhang Wei's own. Determined to cultivate a good relationship with Shi Lang, Zhang Wei was naturally elated when Shi Lang took the initiative to invite him. He readily agreed, and even the pain in his back seemed to lessen significantly.

Zhang Wei recalled that years later, Shi Lang's entire family was killed due to his offense against Zheng Chenggong, and he couldn't help but let out a slight sigh. He then fell silent, sitting at the Eight Immortals table in the living room with Shi Lang, and began to drink heartily.

Shi Lang did not pay any attention to Zhang Wei, and went to the kitchen to cook. Zhang Wei could only hear the clattering sounds for quite a while. After a long time, Shi Lang finally brought out a plate of stir-fried peanuts and a plate of cooked beef. Zhang Wei was astonished and asked, "Dear brother, why did it take so long to prepare these two dishes?"

Shi Lang's face turned slightly red, and he said with a bitter smile: "In the past, the dishes were all prepared by your sister-in-law. However, since Boss Zheng is about to clash with Boss Li, I was afraid she would be frightened, so I sent her back to Quanzhou."