The Sorrowmender

Chapter 15 – The story is long, tell me more

The story is long, so let's delve into it.

In the streets and alleys, children in groups of two or three ran towards the Wang Family Diner, spreading the news as they went.

"Er Dan, hurry up, Mister Forgetting Worries has already started."

"Brother, wait for me, I haven't even wiped my butt yet."

"San Wa, why aren't you wearing pants? Aren't you embarrassed?"

"I just got up, didn't have time to change. Hurry, or we'll miss it..."

In the blink of an eye, as Xu Qingzhou entered the diner, the entrance of Wang's Cuisine was surrounded by people, both men and women, young and old.

Some blocked the doorway, craning their necks, desperately squeezing in.

Others leaned on the window sills, standing on tiptoe, straining to see.

Inside the main hall, Xu Qingzhou closed his folding fan, tapped the wooden block to command attention, and began to speak eloquently.

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His clear voice resonated like the morning bell and evening drum, echoing far and wide.

"Continuing from last time, let's talk about how Cao Cao took Jingzhou without bloodshed, then ordered the construction of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, and led his army to Red Cliff, determined to destroy Eastern Wu and take Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao for himself. These two were no ordinary women; not only were they stunningly beautiful, but they were also skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, rare talents indeed, especially Xiao Qiao, who was the..."

Xu Qingzhou spoke passionately, and the audience listened intently.

His words were stirring, and the listeners were filled with righteous indignation.

Since spring began, Xu Qingzhou had been storytelling at Wang's Cuisine for several days, captivating countless fans with his unique tales and outstanding charisma.

He outshone ninety-nine percent of the storytellers in Frostsky City.

Particularly, his portrayal of the villainous Cao Cao made the women of Frostsky City grit their teeth in hatred, and the men pound their chests in jealousy.

Now, even three-year-old children in the streets could shout, "Cao Cao, stop right there..." or "Let go of that young lady, let me go first," or "Name yourself, warrior."

Of course, there were also the loyal and unmatched Guan Yu, the fearless Zhao Yun, the strategist Zhuge Liang, who could summon wind and rain with a wave of his hand, and the brute Zhang Yide... among others!

Most importantly, the women in the stories, like Diao Chan and Cai Wenji, were truly captivating.

So, early in the morning, die-hard fans would come early to get a seat and listen to Xu Qingzhou's stories.

As for those without money or who woke up late, they could only squat at the entrance or lean on the window sills to catch a bit of the tale.

Unintentionally, Wang Family Diner became the most prosperous restaurant in Frostsky City.

Miss Wang was very pleased, not only waiving Xu Qingzhou's meal charges but also planning to give him a share of the profits, which Xu Qingzhou declined.

In his words, a true man born into this world cannot live under others' charity for long, or rather, cannot accept food given in pity.

"Bah, that Cao Cao is so detestable, always stealing other people's wives. Wuyou, when will your master finally kill him off?"

Miss Wang, in the kitchen, cursed angrily while cooking.

Little Wuyou, holding a small notebook, recorded the cooking steps in her unique way and replied with a smile:

"Sister Wang, if Cao Cao dies, the story will end. If it ends, Master won't have anything to tell, and there won't be so many people coming."

Miss Wang thought for a moment, "You're right, maybe it's better if he lives a bit longer, but he's really annoying. Wuyou, when you grow up, stay away from men like him, okay? Never fall for a man like Cao Cao, who is fickle and destroys families. He'll go to hell when he dies."

"Mm-hmm, got it. Wuyou won't like any other man, hehe."

As noon approached, Xu Qingzhou, with a dry throat, clapped the wooden block in his hand.

"Clap!" it sounded.

"As the saying goes, if the east wind does not favor Zhou Yu, the Bronze Sparrow will lock the Two Qiaos in spring."

"To find out what happens next, tune in next time."

With the conclusion of today's story, the crowd gradually dispersed, though each person left with a sense of longing and a hint of regret.

"That Cao Cao is really outrageous, deserved to be burned by fire."

"Exactly, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao are like magical girls, and he dares to touch them. Anyway, I don't care, these young ladies should be mine."

"You've got potential, kid."

"Oh, it's so frustrating, having to wait until tomorrow to find out what happens next."

"Come early tomorrow then, haha."

"People say Mister Forgetting Worries is truly a remarkable person, not only easing women's worries but also telling such vivid stories."

"I've told you, Mister Forgetting Worries has a grand background, don't you doubt it. He's a celestial being from the heavens!"

After lunch, Xu Qingzhou packed dinner and returned to the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries with Little Wuyou. Days passed by peacefully and leisurely.

Xu Qingzhou's reputation in Frostsky City rose to unprecedented heights once again.

Many officials and wealthy gentry wanted to befriend him, bringing gifts one after another, making the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries increasingly bustling.

However, Xu Qingzhou refused them all. Money and possessions were external things; having enough was sufficient. He didn't want to form too many connections, especially with those bringing gifts. If he accepted, what would he do when they asked for favors later? Help or not help?

It was better not to have any dealings at all.

As a result, he offended quite a few people. Some said he was arrogant and rude, others said he was dismissive of everyone. There were all sorts of opinions.

But those who liked him far outnumbered those who didn't, as there were always fewer naysayers.

Even so, no one dared to provoke him actively. After all, Xu Qingzhou posed no threat to them, didn't do business, and wouldn't touch anyone's interests. No one would be foolish enough to offend such a respected figure.

The next day, Xu Qingzhou entrusted someone to enroll Wuyou in school. How could his apprentice not be literate?

Although he was her master, teaching was a laborious task, mentally exhausting and physically draining for Xu Qingzhou.

So why not spend some money and hire a teacher?

Let professionals handle professional matters, giving him peace of mind and saving effort.

Thus, Wuyou happily went to school.

Another morning, as usual, a long line formed in front of the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries.

Wuyou got up as usual, cleaned up, and was responsible for drawing lots. Xu Qingzhou also completed his set tasks and was preparing to head to the diner to meet his loyal fans.

But before he could leave, a small incident occurred.

A fierce-looking man kicked open the door of the Pavilion of Forgetting Worries and swaggered into the room.

Xu Qingzhou and Xu Wuyou were both bewildered.

The man entered the room and started shouting.

"Who is Mister Forgetting Worries? Come out and see me!"

His voice was loud, making Xu Qingzhou's ears ring, and he was very arrogant, looking at people sideways since he entered, acting completely without decorum.

Xu Qingzhou was a bit confused and asked in surprise, "Warrior, do we know each other?"

Unexpectedly, the man ignored him completely, didn't answer his question, but instead asked, "Are you the Mister Forgetting Worries they talk about?"

"You're the kid, your whole family are kids," Xu Qingzhou retorted in his heart, but outwardly he remained calm.

Xu Qingzhou's tone lowered slightly, and he replied calmly, "Yes, I am Mister Forgetting Worries. May I ask what brings you here?"