The December wind, like an ice blade, cuts through the earth, and the wind howls outside the Hongmen Inn.
Having just finished dealing with Deng Xiaoping, Deng sat wearily on a stool, slowly taking a puff of his pipe, the smoke rising gently into the cold air.
Old Niu, suppressing his nausea, processed the meat, his brow furrowed as he mechanically chopped it into pieces with both hands.
Normally, these tasks were done by two other people, but now that the other two have gone to transport goods, this disgusting job has fallen to Lao Niu.
"Let's have Xiaohong come to work tomorrow!"
Old Deng broke the silence and spoke.
Old Niu listened and nodded hurriedly, replying, "Uncle Deng, I understand."
At this moment, the rustling howls of wolves drifted from the riverbank outside the inn, adding to the eeriness of this cold morning.
The three members of the Ma family got up and saw a girl in a red cotton-padded jacket standing there, who looked to be in her twenties.
Her face was red from the cold, and although she was sturdy and slightly overweight, she moved with remarkable agility. Standing in the cold wind, she resembled a burning flame, bringing a touch of life to the desolate inn.
Her red cotton-padded coat swayed gently in the wind, and her eyes revealed a simplicity and resilience. Despite being in this cold and mundane environment, she seemed to possess her own strength and perseverance.
She would rub her hands together from time to time, breathe on them, and then continue with her work, as if she had long been accustomed to the cold and the hardships of life.
In the cold winter wind, Hongmen Inn takes on a different color because of her presence, and a new day slowly begins amidst her busy work.
Xiao Hong greeted the three members of the Ma family with great enthusiasm, saying, "Sisters, you're awake? Wait here, I've prepared some water for washing your faces. Take your time to relax. By the way, just call me Xiao Hong. If you need anything, just let me know."
Her enthusiasm was like the warm sun in winter, seemingly able to dispel all the cold.
However, she and Xiaoping had very different personalities. Xiaoping seemed timid but was actually gloomy and ruthless, while Xiaohong seemed enthusiastic, but her every move revealed a strange skill, just like a dog that bites without barking, making people feel that she was hiding her true strength.
Ma Linghua ordered without any politeness, "Fine! We know. Go tell Deng Gouzi to bring up the breakfast. If he's slow, I'll have to take action."
Old Deng: "…………………………"
Xiao Hong was taken aback at first. For a moment, a subtle emotion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly smiled and replied, "Okay, you wait here. After you wash your faces, you'll definitely be able to eat."
But as soon as she turned around, the smile on her face vanished instantly, and her eyes became cold and deep.
She wondered to herself whether she could get any information about these three people's backgrounds out of them.
She walked with steady steps, her seemingly calm back view seemingly concealing countless thoughts.
As she walked, she pondered how to cope with the situation. Her practiced movements and ever-changing expressions revealed her survival wisdom in this complex environment.
As soon as Xiaohong entered the kitchen, a strong smell of blood hit her.
Old Deng was focused on his work when he glanced up at her, then skillfully scooped out the meat that was cooking in the pot. The meat was still steaming and had a slightly unpleasant smell.
Then, he took out a plate and picked out one plump, white bun after another from the steamer. The aroma of the buns mixed with the smell of blood, creating a peculiar atmosphere.
"Go, take it out to them," Old Deng instructed.
"Yes, Mr. Deng."
Xiao Hong obediently agreed and carefully carried the breakfast out.
At that moment, Ma Hehua and the others were eating when Hua Niang, who was outside the door, swayed her hips as she walked in.
Hua Niang muttered, "Oh my! Master, look at this! Our inn is top-notch. Within a hundred miles, besides us, we provide food. If you want to cross the plains, that would be difficult."
As she spoke, she smoothed her hair behind her ear and deliberately puffed out her chest, flaunting her charm.
Her slender fingers gently brushed through her hair, her eyes exuding a captivating charm, and her graceful figure seemed to add a touch of vibrant color to the entire inn with her arrival.
"Stop being so horny so early in the morning, okay? It's disgusting." Ma Hehua just couldn't stand pretentiousness.
Hua Niang's lips twitched slightly, but she quickly regained her smiling expression.
She thought to herself, "Forget it, I won't fuss over such trivial matters. As long as there are guests, that's enough."
After all, at this Hongmen Inn, customers are the source of income, and she wouldn't easily let these petty emotions affect her business.
Hua Niang was followed by two people, a man and a woman, who slowly walked into the inn.
The man was tall and imposing, but he exuded a sense of exhaustion.
Wearing a somewhat worn-out robe, the hem of which swayed slightly in the wind, as if telling the story of a long and arduous journey.
His face showed signs of age, but his eyes held a resolute determination, like a traveler who had weathered many storms yet remained steadfast in his journey. His deep, bright eyes beneath thick eyebrows constantly scanned the inn's surroundings, as if wary of something, or perhaps searching for warmth and peace.
The woman, on the other hand, had a graceful figure and light steps.
Despite wearing simple clothes, her elegant temperament was still evident.
Her long, black hair was casually tied back, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, adding to her gentle beauty.
Her eyes were clear and bright, yet they also held a hint of shyness and curiosity.
Her hands were unconsciously clasped in front of her, her fingers gently twisting the hem of her clothes, revealing her inner tension and unease.
She followed closely behind the man, as if he were her support in this unfamiliar environment.
"We'll stay one night, now make us something to eat."
As he spoke, the man tossed a gold leaf to the flower girl without hesitation.
The golden leaf traced a dazzling arc in the air, shimmering with a captivating luster, as if carrying an irresistible aura.
The man's movements were swift and decisive, his eyes revealing confidence and boldness, but also a hint of urgency born of exhaustion.
He didn't seem to care much about money; what he cared more about was whether he could get a moment's rest and satisfy his appetite in this time and place.
Hua Niang's eyes lit up instantly. She nimbly reached out and caught the golden leaf, her face immediately beaming with an even brighter smile.
The smile contained both the joy at the unexpected windfall and the eagerness to please the generous guest.
She clutched the gold leaf tightly, as if it were a precious, ill-gotten gain, and quickly replied, "Alright, sir! Please wait a moment, I'll prepare your delicious food right away, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
As Hua Niang spoke, she turned her head and called out towards the kitchen, while also gesturing with her eyes for Xiao Hong to come and greet the guests.
The atmosphere of the entire inn became more lively with the appearance of this golden leaf, as if a new story was about to unfold in this Hongmen Inn.
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