Han Liang and the Second Commander sat with the blond man in a quiet corner of the inn, drinks placed before them. Han Liang spoke first, his tone polite.
"Do you have any weapons for sale? If there is something suitable, we would be interested."
The blond man smiled faintly.
"I don't even know your names yet."
Han Liang inclined his head.
"My name is Liang. Just Liang."
He gestured lightly toward his companion.
"He is my childhood friend. We travel together. His name is Shao Rong."
The blond man nodded.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Simon."
For a moment, only the sound of cups touching the table filled the silence. Then Simon spoke again, his tone shifting slightly.
"At the moment… I don't have anything worth offering."
A pause.
"What I had… was taken care of last night."
Han Liang and the Second Commander exchanged a brief glance.
So it was gone.
Simon's smile deepened, as if amused by their reaction.
"The next gathering will be in two months," he said casually. "If you're still around… I might bring you along."
He leaned in slightly.
"It's not a place for everyone. But you…" he added, studying them, "you don't feel like strangers."
Then he straightened.
"Enjoy your drinks," Simon said with a grin. "I'll be heading upstairs. The night's been long… I still have some unfinished business."
He laughed, drawing the women close as he stood.
Before leaving, he glanced back.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow evening. Prepare a meal for me here in the morning. Let's talk properly then."
With that, he disappeared upstairs. Han Liang and the Second Commander finished their drinks in silence before returning to their room.
Once inside, they spoke in low voices.
"It's gone," Han Liang said quietly. "But not out of reach."
The Second Commander nodded.
"We still have a path forward. Let's rest. Tomorrow, we listen."
The next morning, they returned to the inn early. Simon had not yet come down. They took a table near the entrance and waited. One of the women approached Simon's door and knocked softly.
"Are you awake?"
A muffled voice answered from inside.
"Not yet…"
The Second Commander chuckled, casting a sideways glance at Han Liang.
"We should try that kind of rest as well."
Han Liang said nothing.
A moment later, the door opened. Simon appeared, still in his night clothes, his expression relaxed and half-awake. He walked over and sat down at their table.
"Did you wait long?" he asked, a lazy smile forming.
Han Liang shook his head.
"Not at all. We've just prepared the table. I hope it suits your taste."
Food was soon brought in.
Han Liang studied him quietly.
Blond hair. Blue eyes. Tall. Strong build. Around thirty-five.
Simon noticed.
A faint laugh escaped him.
"Careful," he said lightly. "You're looking at me as if you're trying to figure me out."
He smirked.
"I'm not that easy to read."
Han Liang held his gaze for a brief moment.
"I'm only observing," he replied calmly.
Simon's smile lingered.
And so did the conversation.