Leaving the room, Hu Ma looked around. He saw only the area in front of the house and behind it; there were no people in sight, nor any yin souls or little ghosts lurking. However, just moments ago inside the room, he had clearly heard someone speaking next to his ear, making it all feel quite mysterious.
He adjusted his robe and, as agreed, went to the back of the inn. There, from the shadows cast by the wall, a figure slowly emerged. A smile spread across the man's face—it was Bai Shanzi, whom Hu Ma had seen at the banquet earlier.
The man folded the fan in his hand, gave Hu Ma a respectful bow, and said with a smile, "Manager Hu, I apologize for any offense at the banquet today. It was all for safety's sake, so please don't take it to heart."
Hu Ma also smiled and returned the courtesy. "Would an expert who abstains from beef really worry about small fry like us?"
"Our Senior Sister isn't concerned with such trifles. She's already waiting for you."
