He pointed at the man and stammered, “H-how are you here?!” So I really wasn’t just seeing things a few days ago!

“I came back to take care of some business, and to visit an old friend.” He Lingchuan smiled. “Shall we find somewhere quiet to talk?”

Liu Baobao had already calmed down. “Come with me!”

The young attendant walked ahead with a lantern, while the two followed behind, chatting as they went.

“How have Heishui City and the Hongya Route been over the past year or so?”

“Ah, not good at all. My family’s business has plummeted!” Liu Baobao immediately began complaining, as if the two had returned to their old way of conversing.

“Is that so? Then I have a good job for you.” He Lingchuan patted his shoulder. “Right, I’ll be leaving again soon, but I’ll come by again in a few days.”

The two crossed the main street. Liu Baobao subconsciously glanced north.

The season of mad sand had suddenly ended,...