Chapter Twenty: Summer Clear Amidst Dust and Wind

Page (1/3)

“Whistle, whistle...”

A foul stench filled the pitch-black alley, mingled with a sharp, acrid odor. A staggering man, swaying his head as he whistled, ambled to the corner of the wall, glanced at his companion trailing behind, and abruptly ceased his whistle to mutter, “Brother, do you think Fifth Master can survive this time? You weren’t at the gang last night—Third Master Liu nearly went up like the fire at the docks!”

“Who knows, who cares? Whether he lives or dies, it won’t put any more money in my hands!” The man who entered last grumbled, pursing his lips, then stood beside his companion, spread his legs, looked up at the night sky, and fumbled with his belt, all the while complaining, “I say, we shouldn’t worry so much. Good things never come to us, but all the dirty work falls on us—and we get the least pay! If you ask me, better if none of them make it!”

“Hey! You can’t say that. At least we’re not working the docks right now!” The first man laughed, apparently quite content with the current situation.

“Bang!”

A muffled thud sounded. The complaining man’s belt and garments slipped from his hands, and he collapsed limply to the side, urine splashing towards his companion.

“Damn you...” The standing man was just about to grab his belt, jumped aside, and froze at the sight of Ding Li appearing before him like a ghost. The icy coldness and faint glow at his throat made him too terrified to utter a single word—even the saliva stuck in his throat he dared not swall