Chapter 27 Entering the City_1

Pei Ye detailed the previous night's incident to the recorder. When he arrived at the part where the old man cheerfully asked about Cheng Jianghong's whereabouts, he paused, the image of his wolf-like grin surfaced in his mind, making the chill around him even deeper.

"That's the kind of old man it was," Pei Ye said, wetting his lips, "when the county officials arrive, make sure to explain everything to them in detail... Once I reach the city, I'll report the incident again."

The constable nodded: "It's our duty."

Pei Ye returned to where Cheng Jianghong's body lay, the man's lively voice and manner still fresh from the night before.

He had only spent two four hour periods (two 'shichen') with Cheng Jianghong, they hadn't developed a deep bond, but the joy of their encounter and chat over a drink was real. Pei Ye let out a soft sigh, clenching his fist in a salute to the body.