Lu Gu didn’t react at first, but when Shen Xuanqing turned, he followed his gaze.
The man emerging from the winery was none other than Luo Biao.
His voice was rough, and his burly frame matched his rugged appearance, though today he’d shaved his stubble, looking somewhat tidier.
“Brother Shen, you’ve got time to come to town today?” Luo Biao greeted, holding a jar of wine as he approached. Noticing Lu Gu, he asked, “This your fulang?”
Being called “fulang” by such a brawny man left Lu Gu momentarily stunned, but sensing Shen Xuanqing’s familiarity with him, he nodded meekly.
Shen Xuanqing smiled and said to Lu Gu, “You haven’t met him before, this is Luo Biao.”
Then he asked Luo Biao, “You’re free today?”
Luo Biao chuckled, keeping his gaze respectfully off Lu Gu. “Yeah, just woke up with nothing to do. Bought some wine and snacks. If you and your fulang aren’t busy, join me.”
Lu Gu never drank and rarely interacted with men like Luo Biao, who lived behind the brothels. Shen Xuanqing didn’t look down on Luo Biao, but bringing Lu Gu there was inappropriate, so he declined politely. “The family is waiting, and we’ve bought roast chicken for them. There’s still work at home, today’s not good. Next time.”
“Alright, next time then.” Luo Biao nodded without pressing, their rapport making formalities unnecessary.
After parting ways, Shen Xuanqing explained to Lu Gu as they left Fenggu Town: “Luo Biao works as an enforcer at the brothels. He’s rough but straightforward and loud, but not a bad person.”
Brothels.
As a rural shuang'er, Lu Gu had grown up hearing stories of daughters and shuang'er children being sold to brothels for money. The very idea filled him with dread.
Noticing his silence and wide, glistening eyes, Shen Xuanqing couldn’t help but laugh. “Brothels aren’t good places, but Luo Biao’s trustworthy. His reputation might sound bad, but he’s just making a living. Others there might be questionable, but he’d never harm me, or you.”
Brothel enforcers were all burly men, intimidating to many people. Their association with such places naturally gave them a bad name.
“Mm.” Lu Gu nodded, indicating he understood. Unfamiliar with Luo Biao, he had little else to say.
On the road home, the encounter reminded Shen Xuanqing of Lu Wen. It had been so long, between work and hunting, he’d nearly forgotten. He needed to visit town again soon to check on the Li family.
Their past feud had made him cautious, but Li Mingshan had proven to be a drunken, lustful fool. With Lu Wen not well liked in the Li family, even if he’d wanted to use their influence against Shen Xuanqing, nearly a year had passed without incident. Clearly, Lu Wen held no real power.
The thought lifted his spirits.
Further from town, the road grew quieter. Clouds veiled the sun, and the wind carried a chill.
Still warm from the stew, Lu Gu didn’t mind the cold.
Then suddenly, his hand was clasped. Glancing over, he saw Shen Xuanqing’s eyes smiling, his once-stern face now gentle.
Lu Gu smiled back. With no one around, he didn’t pull away, though he asked, “What is it?”
Why so happy all of a sudden?
He didn’t voice the last part, but Shen Xuanqing understood.
“When we get back, I’ll give Mother five taels. I haven’t given her anything this year. And ten for you, to add to your savings, so you’ll have it when needed.” Shen Xuanqing didn’t explain further, using their earnings as an excuse.
At the mention of money, Lu Gu’s eyes brightened. With such earnings today, how could he not be happy?
Though their family expenses weren’t high, to Shen Xuanqing, earning money meant providing for his family. Naturally, he’d give Lu Gu some, his fulang should have spending money, and also his mother.
Spotting distant travelers approaching, Lu Gu quickly patted Shen Xuanqing’s hand to signal letting go.
Public affection was improper. Shen Xuanqing released him, and the two walked home cheerfully, silver in their pockets and roast chicken in hand.
Before even reaching the village entrance, Lu Gu spotted Guaizi playing with a pack of dogs.
He called out, “Guaizi!”
Hearing his voice, Guaizi turned and, upon seeing them, bounded over excitedly. The scent of roast chicken sent him into a frenzy, tail wagging wildly as he whimpered and whined.
Roast chicken was expensive, and with so many mouths at home, only bones would go to the dogs. For now, Guaizi wouldn’t get any.
The meat smell drew the other dogs, trailing behind them, seven or eight in total, quite a crowd.
Shen Xuanqing remained unfazed, though Lu Gu glanced back repeatedly, relieved he wasn’t carrying the chicken. If a dog tried to snatch it, he’d be no match.
Guaizi, perhaps considering the chicken was his, bared his teeth at the others, warning them off with a fierce, imposing air.
Amused by Lu Gu’s nervous looks, Shen Xuanqing chuckled before turning and barking a sharp command. The dogs, recognizing his authority, halted. After watching them enter the gate and disappear from view, the pack eventually dispersed.
Truly, dogs take after their masters. Before entering, Guaizi even let out a few triumphant barks at the outsiders.
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