Duan Rong looked at Zhang Zheng as if he were looking at an idiot. "I don't even understand it myself, and you want me to guide you? I was hoping you'd guide me!"
Duan Rong curled his lips, thinking: Just a bit of pepper, and you want me to teach you? What are you thinking?
Zhang Zheng observed Duan Rong's demeanor and knew he had been deterred, sighing: "Brother Rong, how can it be that you don't understand the way you fight so well? I think you're just unwilling to impart your knowledge!"
Upon hearing this, Duan Rong sneered and said, "Let me ask you, even if you speak so fluently, can you explain the rules of punctuation to others? Knowing it yourself is one thing; teaching others is another!"
The so-called punctuation refers to grammar. Just because you speak Chinese well doesn't mean you can extract grammatical structures from familiar expressions. They are two different matters.
After hearing this, Zhang Zheng found himself at a loss for words.
Duan Rong didn't want to waste more words with Zhang Zheng, so he turned and left the courtyard.
As he walked out the door, Duan Rong glanced back at Zhang Zheng, who was still standing there in a daze, and muttered to himself: "My modern knowledge from nine years of compulsory education still can't beat you? Kid!"
Just as Duan Rong left the courtyard, Kong Bin emerged from behind the old locust tree within the courtyard and stood beside Zhang Zheng.
Zhang Zheng saw Kong Bin approaching and shook his head, saying: "This kid is a tough nut to crack!"
Kong Bin's face remained unchanged, devoid of expression. He knew Zhang Zheng's social skills—given any opportunity, he'd seize it. It seems Duan Rong is harder to deal with than expected.
Kong Bin said, "No rush, look for another chance to try again."
In the following days, Zhang Zheng continually attempted to approach Duan Rong, even accompanying him to the bathroom when Duan Rong got up at night, but all attempts were met with failure.
Duan Rong was as slippery as an eel, merely joking with him, never speaking a solid word.
Yet internally, Duan Rong was intensifying his cultivation, not daring to slack off even a bit.
April 8th was fast approaching; though he was confident, he couldn't afford to be careless.
Every day, Duan Rong lived a full day, focused on his cultivation.
With today being April 7th, tomorrow would be the assessment, even as someone who'd lived twice, Duan Rong felt a little excited at the thought.
After finishing work at the horse stable, Duan Rong went to the courtyard well to wash himself.
The weather was gradually warming, coupled with Duan Rong's diligent training, made him feel hot from time to time.
Just as Duan Rong finished washing and was still unclothed, Zhang Zheng and Kong Bin approached.
Duan Rong glanced at the unemotional Kong Bin behind Zhang Zheng and was slightly startled.
Zhang Zheng laughed and said: "Brother Rong, tomorrow is the assessment day. Kong and I pooled some money together. Let's go to the restaurant and have a hearty meal to boost our spirits for the assessment! Would Brother Rong honor us with your presence?"
Duan Rong's heart skipped a beat; he thought: These young pups want to pull a Hongmen Banquet with me before their eggs have even turned black? I've been in the insurance business for ten years; what scene haven't I seen?
Although Zhang Zheng and Kong Bin muddled as low-level folks, appearing slightly mature, they were just fifteen or sixteen-year-old teens. In Duan Rong's eyes, they were indeed naive; he could tell if someone was about to shit just by their posture.
Seeing Duan Rong not responding, Kong Bin forced a slight smile and said: If one is chosen as an apprentice and will be part of the same sect, everyone must support each other when navigating the Jianghu, right Brother Rong?
Seeing Kong Bin's insincere smile, Duan Rong chuckled: "You both pooled some silver coins, but I'm already broke; how can I eat without contributing anything?"
"Eat for free?"
Zhang Zheng's face had turned somewhat awkward. He and Kong Bin weren't wealthy either, pooling for a meal nearly depleted their savings, and he had hoped Duan Rong would contribute to lighten their financial burden.
Though he hadn't known before, he realized over the past few days that Duan Rong continuously had meat, indicating he was wealthier than Zhang Zheng and Kong Bin. Yet this scoundrel wanted to eat for free!
But Kong Bin, evidently more decisive than Zhang Zheng, said, "No problem! Brother Rong's presence is an honor! We brothers will wait at the street corner's small restaurant at seven-forty-five tonight! Be there or be square!"
After speaking, Kong Bin turned around and left.
Seeing Kong Bin leave, Zhang Zheng said to Duan Rong, be there or be square, and turned to catch up to Kong Bin.
Watching their retreating figures, Duan Rong rubbed his nose.
Despite not lacking meat daily, the recent intense training was still a bit overwhelming.
Last night, he thought how wonderful it'd be to have a feast like the day he encountered Yang Zhen.
Unexpectedly, just as he was getting sleepy, someone offered him a pillow.
He didn't believe that two young lads whose eggs hadn't fully developed could stir up anything serious.
At 7:45 p.m., the sky had darkened. Xianggu County wasn't known for its bustling nightlife; most shops closed with nightfall, leaving only sporadic lights, mostly from restaurants, brothels, and gambling halls.
A small restaurant at the street corner in front of Yuan Shun Escort Agency had a few dim oil lamps lit, without lanterns, allowing the occasional night breeze to flicker the candle flames fiercely, casting shadows that danced chaotically like a group of demons.
The small restaurant targeted low-level patrons, with shabby decor. The tables and chairs were greasy, but the prices were reasonable, and the dish portions ample, heavy on oil and salt. There was genuine rice wine available, as well as watered-down inferior wine, only varying in price.
But even such a place wasn't affordable for everyone!
Kong Bin and Zhang Zheng sat at a table in the corner, having ordered a bowl of bland inferior wine, drinking dryly, while occasionally glancing towards the entrance.
"Isn't that kid playing us for fools?" Zhang Zheng asked slightly annoyed. During recent times, he encountered enough rejections from Duan Rong that it became a shadow in his heart.
Just as Zhang Zheng finished speaking, a figure entered the restaurant.
It was none other than Duan Rong!
With recent cultivation and nourishment, Duan Rong's body had visibly grown stronger.
Although not very tall, his build was robust and gave an impression of vigor.
Duan Rong had a square face and slick hair, with a swarthy complexion and nondescript attire, yet his face exuded a seasoned confidence.
Upon entering, Duan Rong glanced around and saw Kong Bin and Zhang Zheng. He walked over, clasped his fists slightly, and took a seat, saying: "Sorry for keeping you waiting."
"Not at all, we just arrived ourselves." Kong Bin maintained his standard insincere smile.
Duan Rong wanted to remind him that his insincere smile was more unattractive than his stern face, but since he would be eating on their dime today, he withheld saying anything.
"Waiter, serve the dishes!" Zhang Zheng shouted toward an old man pouring drinks at the neighboring table.
The old man, with a wrinkled face and sweat-stained visage, turned and nodded in response.