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Xiangxiang spent half the day talking with Yuan Hongji before returning to the small courtyard he and Leng Xiangshan were renting. Leng Xiangshan quickly put away the letter in his hand as he saw him return.
"Master, who sent the letter?" Xiangxiang asked with concern upon seeing his master's serious expression.
Leng Xiangshan replied indifferently, "A friend."
Xiangxiang eyed his master suspiciously, noting his reluctance to disclose more. He said "Oh" and went back inside to practice calligraphy.
"Xiangxiang." Leng Xiangshan called Xiangxiang to stop him.
"Master?" Xiangxiang turned to look at his master.
"Xiangxiang, a friend of mine asked me to handle a matter. I need to go away for some time. During this time, you'd better stay at your uncle's place."
Xiangxiang walked back to his master's side: "Master, how long will you be gone?"
"At least half a month, maybe longer."
Xiangxiang's eyes brightened: "Master, can I go with you?"
