Lao Xiao Sushi!

Bright moonlight flowed quietly through the courtyard of the Hundred Birds Gang. The bluestone path shone brightly after being washed.

The old plum tree in the corner cast a faint shadow, its fragrance wafting in the air.

Chen Ze pushed open the gang's door very gently, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility.

He was followed by Qing Ning and Shangguan Chenxi, all three of them looking travel-worn, their clothes covered in sand from beyond Yanmen Pass.

Daji and Yifeng went to buy some items for their accommodation.

"I'm finally back."

Qing Ning breathed a sigh of relief, tucked the flute back into her waistband, and had a lazy smile in her eyes.

"It's still more comfortable in the gang."

Shangguan Chenxi looked around curiously.

The hall was spacious and simply yet cleanly furnished. A snow-white velvet carpet was laid in the center, gleaming softly in the moonlight, clearly indicating that it was regularly and meticulously maintained.

"This carpet..."

He couldn't help but admire it.

"So clean."

Chen Ze paused slightly, glanced down at his mud-covered boots, then looked at the dazzling white carpet, a fleeting hint of hesitation crossing his cold, stern face.

But weariness eventually prevailed, and he stepped forward.

A clear, dark gray footprint was prominently displayed on the pristine white carpet.

Just then, the door to the side corridor creaked open.

Crescent Moon rubbed her sleepy eyes as she walked out, carrying an embroidered pillow in her arms, clearly awakened by their noise.

Her gaze swept across the hall in a daze, finally settling on that glaring footprint.

Sleepiness vanished instantly.

"Dust! Swamp!"

A sharp shout shattered the stillness of the night.

Her crescent-shaped eyebrows shot up as she pointed at the footprints, her cheeks flushed with anger.

"My carpet! The carpet I just carefully scented with lavender powder today!"

Without saying a word, she grabbed the feather duster and pounced on it.

Chen Ze instinctively dodged to the side.

Crescent Moon wouldn't give up, its duster whistling through the air, aiming specifically at the dustiest spots on his body.

"Stop right there! You uncouth blockhead! Pay for my rug!"

Chen Ze did not draw his sword, but relied on his agile movements to dodge and weave among the tables and chairs in the hall. His clothes fluttered, and although it seemed dangerous, he always managed to keep the feather duster just barely grazing the corner of his clothes.

His face was expressionless, but his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness stemming from his guilt.

"Miss Crescent Moon, regarding this matter..."

Shangguan Chenxi tried to persuade him.

Qingning grabbed him and leaned against the door frame, watching the show with great interest, and pulled out a handful of melon seeds from somewhere.

Shh, it looks good.

The commotion grew louder and louder, finally alerting the backyard.

"What's all the noise about in the middle of the night...?"

The gentle complaining of the fried fish grew louder as it approached. The little girl, wearing a bathrobe and barefoot, appeared at the door, rubbing her eyes, holding Dog Egg, who had also been woken up and looked annoyed.

Immediately afterwards, there was a clattering sound, and the eldest brother, wearing his crooked, colorful headgear and pulling up his belt, rushed out.

"Enemy attack?! Where?!"

Once he saw the situation inside the hall, the eldest brother immediately understood.

His gaze fell on the messy carpet and the crescent moon that was still chasing Chen Ze, and he immediately rolled up his sleeves.

"You bastard Chenze! You've angered Crescent Moon again! And you dare to hide?"

The leader joined the battle, attempting to encircle Chenze from the other side.

Pan-fried Fish also came to its senses, put down Dog Egg, and joined in angrily.

"Don't bully the crescent moon!"

She was small, but she nimbly squeezed under the table, trying to hug Chenze's leg.

Dog Egg flapped its wings and jumped around excitedly, shouting, "Hit him! Hit him!"

For a moment, chaos erupted in the hall.

Chen Ze was surrounded by the three men, and his space to dodge was getting smaller and smaller.

"Dead fish, which eye of yours saw me bullying Crescent Moon?"

Finally, at a narrow corner, he was a beat too slow in order to avoid the fried fish.

"Smack!"

The boss's fist didn't hold back, landing a solid punch on his shoulder.

Thump!

The crescent-shaped feather duster also took the opportunity to tap him on the back, raising a small cloud of dust.

Chen Ze grunted, stopped all his dodging movements, stood still, and lowered his head slightly.

His dark hair slipped down, obscuring his expression. He no longer hid, like a prisoner accepting his punishment.

The noise stopped abruptly.

The feather duster that the crescent moon was holding stopped in mid-air.

The leader's second punch also froze.

Fried Fish crawled out from under the table, blinking its big eyes at Chen Ze, who had suddenly stopped moving.

Only the slightly rapid breathing of a few people remained in the hall.

Moonlight streamed through the window, clearly illuminating the fresh dust clinging to Chen Ze's outer robe and his tightly pursed lips.

He still stood ramrod straight, but for some reason, a hint of silent grievance emanated from him.

Looking at his appearance and then at the conspicuous footprints on the carpet, Wan Yue's anger inexplicably subsided by more than half.

She threw the feather duster away in a huff.

"Hmph! Tomorrow... you must wash the carpet clean for me tomorrow!"

Her voice was much softer than before.

The eldest brother also awkwardly withdrew his hand and scratched his messy hair.

"Uh... well... if I break it, I'll have to treat it for you, it's a losing proposition..."

Jianyu tugged at Chenze's sleeve and whispered.

"Peacock, though you're covered in gray, your face is still clean..."

Qing Ning, who had been watching the show, slowly walked over, patted Shangguan Chenxi on the shoulder, and smiled.

"See that? This is how our Hundred Birds Gang welcomes guests. Isn't it lively?"

Looking at the scene before her, Shangguan Chenxi went from initial astonishment to realization, and finally a warm smile appeared in her eyes.

He nodded solemnly.

"Yes, it's very lively."

Chen Ze finally raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the sullen but now calmed-down crescent moon, the embarrassed eldest brother, and the concerned fried fish.

He said nothing, but walked to the corner of the hall, picked up a bucket and a rag, and silently began to clean up the mess on the carpet.

The gentle moonlight cast a long shadow over him.

Outside the window, the night breeze rustled through the plum branches, carrying a sweet and delicate fragrance.

Chen Ze squatted beside the clean white carpet, his hands with distinct knuckles dipping into the water, making a soft splashing sound as he scooped up the rag.

His wiping movements were slightly stiff, clearly indicating that he rarely did this kind of work, but he treated every stain with exceptional care.

The moonlight cast a faint shadow on his lowered brows, giving him an unexpectedly gentle appearance.

Crescent Moon stood to the side with her arms crossed, the anger she had been feigning had long since dissipated.

She looked at the man's hardworking profile, then turned around and brought out a small white jade jar from the inner room.

"Use this."

Her voice still had a slightly harsh tone, but she shoved the jar into Chen Ze's hand.

"Lavender essential oil is the most effective at removing stains... Don't ruin my blanket."

Chen Ze looked up at her, his eyes as deep as a pool under the lamplight. He opened the jar, and a delicate fragrance filled the air.

The leader, scratching his head, came over, his colorful headgear askew to one side.

"Um...did I hit you a little too hard just now?"

He pulled a crumpled oil paper package from his pocket.

"How about I give you a sesame cake as compensation?"

Pan-fried Fish squeezed next to Chen Ze and snatched a corner of the dishcloth with her little hand.

"I want to help too!"

She imitated him and wiped vigorously, not caring that water splashed onto her skirt.

Dog Egg bounced around pecking at the crumbs that the eldest brother had dropped.

The night breeze swept through the hall, ruffling the clothes of everyone present.

Chen Ze suddenly stopped what he was doing, took something out of his pocket and handed it to Wan Yue.

It was a hairpin carved from purple bamboo, with a small pearl inlaid on the head, shimmering with a warm luster under the moonlight.

"Seen outside Yanmen Pass."

His tone remained calm. "To offset with a blanket."

Crescent Moon took the hairpin in a daze; it was exquisitely crafted and a fine item.

"...Who asked you to pay off a debt?"

Shangguan Chenxi finally emerged from the shadows and placed the water pouch at her waist next to Chen Ze.

"Spring water, use to wash your hands."

He paused, his voice gentle.

"Still today... Thank you."

Chen Ze looked up at him, nodded, and remained silent. As his fingertips brushed across the water's surface, ripples spread out, reflecting the lights and figures of the crowd, shimmering like scattered gold.

Dog Egg suddenly flapped its wings and flew onto the crossbeam, where smoke rose from a chimney not far away.

Everyone was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

The eldest brother grabbed the fried fish and ran off.

"Let's go! Let's go to the kitchen and make wontons! I dug out the half-pound of shrimp the teacher hid!"

Laughter startled the birds roosting under the eaves, which fluttered and disappeared into the moonlight.

The carpet lay quietly, still damp, its lavender scent lingering in the air, a blend of warmth and everyday life.

Fireworks never fade away.