Chapter 124: A Sudden Rain in the Mountains

The weather in the mountains changes quickly. At morning’s end, the sun was still shining brightly, but by the third quarter of the hour before noon, the sky had turned overcast with dense clouds.

Fortunately, the heavy rain didn’t fall until after Gu Ning’an had descended the mountain.

Large raindrops splattered on the ground, treetops, and even birds, each producing distinct plip-plap sounds.

In an instant, the once tranquil mountain path became lively. Birds and beasts either sought shelter from the rain, frolicked to wash away dust, or cautiously sipped from newly formed puddles.

Gu Ning’an quickened his pace through the dense forest, his eyes catching sight of smoke rising in the distance.

Hastening toward the smoke’s source, he saw three separate wooden cottages come into view.

One of the cottages had a chimney on its roof, suggesting someone was inside cooking. From another closer to the side, faint laughter from children could be heard.

Comparing the two, Gu Ning’an naturally chose to knock on the kitchen door, as cooking was more likely to involve an adult.

Knock, knock, knock.

After knocking, Gu Ning’an stepped back slightly to avoid startling the person who opened the door.

“Coming! Coming!”

“It’s still raining outside. Why would anyone be out in this weather?”

A young man’s voice rang out as the creaky wooden door swung inward.

The man, looking around twenty, wore a slightly yellowed white robe with a tattered garment tied around his chest as an apron. In one hand, he held a wooden spatula, from which a few oil bubbles were still popping.

After sizing up Gu Ning’an, the man cupped his hands and asked, “You’re here to take shelter from the rain, aren’t you?”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “Indeed. The rain came so suddenly in these mountains. Might I trouble you to lend me your shelter for a short rest until the rain eases?”

“You’re too polite! Come in quickly.”

Noticing that Gu Ning’an hadn’t stood under the eaves to shield himself, the man realized the guest must have been concerned about startling him when the door opened.

Moreover, Gu Ning’an’s scholarly appearance and polite demeanor reassured the man, who naturally wouldn’t turn him away.

“Thank you.” Before stepping into the kitchen, Gu Ning’an paused under the eaves to dust off his clothes, shaking off any raindrops clinging to his attire to avoid dripping water inside.

The young man, having returned to check on his cooking, didn’t notice this. Otherwise, he might not have said what he did next.

“Sir, if you’ve gotten wet, you can come over to the stove to warm up,” he called out while stirring the food.

Gu Ning’an smiled and replied, “The rain wasn’t too heavy when I came, so I didn’t get very wet.”

“Hm?” The young man glanced at Gu Ning’an while cooking and was surprised to see that his guest’s clothes were entirely dry.

Even the hair around Gu Ning’an’s crown bore only a few drops of water, which slid effortlessly to the ground.

“Your luck must be exceptional, sir. The rain in these mountains comes and goes without warning. Those less fortunate end up soaked to the bone,” the young man remarked while tossing a pinch of coarse salt into the pan.

Gu Ning’an smiled and cupped his hands. “Meeting a kind host willing to lend shelter is the real good fortune. I am Gu Ning’an. May I ask your honorable name?”

“No need for such formality. My surname is Li, and my given name is Fangchang—symbolizing longevity and a bright future ahead,” Li Fangchang responded with a smile as he plated the dish from the pan.

The dish, though it didn’t seem like much in the wok, filled two large bowls to the brim when served.

Judging by its appearance, it was stir-fried vegetables with shredded meat—though the meat was rather sparse.

“Mr. Gu, this rain won’t stop anytime soon. If you don’t mind, why not join us for a meal?” Li Fangchang said with a smile.

Gu Ning’an cupped his hands. “Then I’ll gratefully accept. Many thanks, Brother Li.”

“No need to be so formal. Please wait a moment while I fetch the children.”

With that, Li Fangchang grabbed a large straw raincoat from the wooden table and headed out. As soon as he stepped outside, he called out cheerfully, “Kids, time to eat!”

“Food! Food!”

“Dinner’s ready!”

“I’m starving!”

The children’s voices, both boys and girls, echoed in response. Shortly after, two boys and a girl entered the kitchen, sheltered under the raincoat.

The three children appeared to be around seven or eight years old. When they saw Gu Ning’an, they froze briefly.

The little girl with braided pigtails pointed timidly at him and whispered, “There’s someone here.”

“I see him.”

“Me too.”

The two boys quickly echoed her.

“Ahem!” Li Fangchang hung the raincoat by the door to let it drip dry, then said sternly, “Mind your manners. What have I taught you?”

“When you meet someone new, what should you do?”

Hearing this, the three children lined up like little quails, from left to right.

“I’m Tang Zi, sir. Pleased to meet you!” The little girl curtsied slightly.

“My name’s Wang Sheng, greetings to you, sir!” The tallest boy, speaking in a thick accent, even knelt down with a dramatic thud.

“Confucius said, ‘Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?’”

“I’m Sun De. I didn’t know we had an esteemed guest, sir. Please forgive… forgive… what was it again?”

Gu Ning’an chuckled and helped him finish, “Forgive me this once?”

“Yes, yes!” Sun De nodded repeatedly and continued, “Confucius said—”

Bang! Bang!

Li Fangchang clapped the wooden door and said seriously, “Is this how I taught you to greet people?”

“Yes!” the three children responded in unison, their voices loud and full of confidence.

Li Fangchang sighed and turned to Gu Ning’an with an apologetic smile. “Please don’t mind them, Mr. Gu. These kids are quite mischievous.”

Gu Ning’an shook his head with a smile. “Not at all. Children are meant to be lively and spirited.”

“I think Mr. Gu is absolutely right,” Tang Zi said with another small curtsy, smoothing her braids as she spoke.

Wang Sheng got up from the floor, brushing the dirt off his knees and hands. “I think so too.”

“Confucius said—” Sun De began again, only to be interrupted by Li Fangchang, who had just finished serving the food. “Go wash your hands, all of you! Once your hands are clean, you can eat. If you keep babbling, I’ll have to bring out the ruler!”

At the mention of the ruler, the children instantly quieted down and obediently lined up to wash their hands at the water barrel.

Before long, everyone gathered around the table and began eating.

“Mr. Gu, I apologize for the humble meal,” Li Fangchang said with a smile.

Gu Ning’an picked up some vegetables with his chopsticks and smiled back. “Brother Li, please don’t be so formal. If you keep apologizing, I’ll feel embarrassed for freeloading.”

“Ah, no need for that!” Li Fangchang pushed one of the bowls of food closer to Gu Ning’an. “Eat, eat! There’s plenty more if you need it…”