In a small noodle stall in the East Market at midnight, Chen Ji sat at a shiny wooden table, slurping down a steaming bowl of beef noodles.
He saved the only two pieces of beef in the bowl for last.
Jin Zhu, sitting across from him, sighed, "You and Tianma are like night and day. He always eats the beef first, not caring if the rest of the noodles taste bland. Your personality isn't suited for the jianghu. You don't live freely enough."
Chen Ji let out a noncommittal "Oh," finishing his noodles and popping the last piece of beef into his mouth.
He glanced at Jin Zhu's half-finished bowl.
"Didn't you say you loved beef noodles when you were young?"
"But I'm not young anymore," Jin Zhu replied with a smile.
"After this is done, I'll treat you to a meal at Yingxian Lou. You can order whatever you want."
"No need. Simple food is enough."
Jin Zhu's smile faded.
"Now that you've eaten and warmed up, tell me, what did you write on that note you gave to Liu Mingxian?"
Chen Ji wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"I asked him to meet me under the Peony Bridge at dawn."
Jin Zhu frowned.
"Why?"
"To ask if he's colluding with spies from the Jing Dynasty."
Jin Zhu: "..."
Chen Ji laughed and stood up.