Master Cao finished the part of the story he hadn’t completed the day before. After taking a brief rest, he started a new chapter.

This time, he told “Rouge” from Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.

In the eyes of the tea patrons, “Rouge” was already a story so old it couldn’t be older.

But for Cao Fa, it was the most unforgettable story of his life.

Cheering sounds came constantly from below the stage.

A moment later, Niu Da came around with a bamboo basket to collect rewards. Today’s rewards seemed a bit less, probably because everyone was tired of hearing “Rouge”.

Seeing this, Tao Sheng took out two copper coins from his pocket and placed them in the basket.

When it reached Chen Changsheng, he thought for a moment, then took out one tael of silver and put it in.

Niu Da was stunned. He quickly asked, “May I ask your name, honored guest?”

“Chen,” said Chen Changsheng.

Niu Da bowed respectfully. “On behalf of Master Cao, this humble one thanks Master Chen for your gracious reward.”

Chen Changsheng merely gave a slight wave. “Go ahead,” he said.

Niu Da thanked him again before leaving.

Tao Sheng was also startled by the silver. “Brother Chen, how generous!”

Chen Changsheng just smiled slightly and didn’t explain.

After Master Cao came down from the stage, Niu Da reported the rewards to him.

He mentioned the gentleman who gave a tael of silver – back then, only Third Master Jin would give such a large reward. It had been many years since they last received a full tael.

“Who gave it?” Cao Fa asked.

Niu Da said, “A Master Chen.”

Cao Fa paused. “Wearing a blue robe?”

Niu Da nodded, saying yes.

Cao Fa laughed helplessly. “Niu Da, do you know who this Master Chen is?”

Niu Da blinked, confused.

Cao Fa picked up the tael of silver from the bamboo basket and walked outside.

Niu Da turned to look at the manager beside him. “Manager, who is this Master Chen?”

Manager Zhuang smiled. “Master Cao often says your memory is poor. Now I see it’s true.”

“Huh?”

Niu Da was baffled and worried. “Manager, please don’t tease me! Did I do something wrong? Shouldn’t I have accepted Master Chen’s silver?”

Manager Zhuang said, “You’ll know once Master Cao invites him over.”

Niu Da looked anxious, afraid he’d made a mistake.

At this time, Chen Changsheng was chatting with Tao Sheng.

Tao Sheng said, “No wonder Master Cao is the most famous Storyteller in Qingshan City. Even old stories leave you wanting for more.”

“Has Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio become an old story already?”

Chen Changsheng couldn’t help feeling a bit dazed. To him, it didn’t seem that long ago.

“Yes, very old. I hear it’s from three years back. They say it was one of the very first stories told by Master Cao’s Master when he first took the stage. That’s probably why Master Cao likes it so much and often retells it.”

“Master Cao’s Master?”

“Mm, I hear he was an old gentleman.”

“Old?”

Chen Changsheng thought about it; he supposed he really was old, though others couldn’t tell.

“White hair, hoarse voice?” Chen Changsheng asked.

Tao Sheng nodded. “Yes, likely so.”

Chen Changsheng chuckled, finding it rather amusing.

Tao Sheng looked puzzled, not understanding what Brother Chen was laughing about.

Just as he was thinking this, he looked up and saw a gentleman in a lapelled gown walking over.

It was Master Cao!

Tao Sheng snapped out of it, seeing Master Cao heading straight towards their table.

He was stunned. “Brother Chen! Master Cao is coming!”

Chen Changsheng turned. He saw Cao Fa walking over, chest out, arms held properly – looking very much the proper Master.

Cao Fa stopped in front of Chen Changsheng.

Chen Changsheng looked at him and nodded. “Very good. You have the air now.”

Tao Sheng was flabbergasted. What kind of remark is that, Brother Chen?

“Your praise means much.”

Cao Fa smiled, then cupped his hands respectfully. “Please, Mr. Chen, come to the backyard for a talk.”

Chen Changsheng thought for a moment, then picked up his unfinished cup of tea.

“Farewell for now, Brother Tao,” Chen Changsheng said, then followed Cao Fa towards the teahouse’s backyard.

Tao Sheng stood frozen, utterly bewildered.

He couldn’t figure out what was happening.

Many saw this. Someone nearby came up to him.

“Brother here, who was that man? Why did Master Cao respect him so?”

Tao Sheng gathered himself. “I… I don’t know either…”

“Weren’t you sitting together?”

“Hey now!”

A voice suddenly cried out nearby.

“I remember!”

Everyone looked over.

“Remember what?”

“That person! It’s Mr. Chen, Mr. Jiucha!”

Most looked blank. They hadn’t heard this title.

But voices of recognition soon followed.

“I knew he looked familiar! It’s Mr. Chen!”

Tao Sheng now realized this Brother Chen had an unusual status. “Brother! Brother! Who exactly is this Mr. Chen?” he asked eagerly.

“If you haven’t been at this teahouse long, you wouldn’t know. Master Cao was trained personally by Mr. Chen himself!”

“Ah!”

Tao Sheng gasped.

“He… he…”

But… wasn’t he supposed to be an old gentleman!?

Tao Sheng understood then and gave a helpless smile.

He never imagined this ‘old gentleman’ would be so young!

He had made a complete fool of himself.

…

Niu Da heard the buzz in the teahouse and instantly realized.

He slapped his forehead, full of regret.

“My wretched memory!!”

Manager Zhuang patted his shoulder. “Mr. Chen is kind and easy-going. He won’t hold it against you.”

Even so, Niu Da went personally to apologize. Manners had to be observed.

Manager Zhuang glanced into the teahouse and said, “Enjoy yourselves, gentlemen. I must excuse myself.”

After saying this, he also headed for the backyard.

The teahouse buzzed with talk. All about the deeds of Mr. Jiucha were recounted one by one.

New comers praised. Old acquaintances dazed.

…

In the teahouse backyard.

At the table: Master Cao, Manager Zhuang, and Mr. Chen. Niu Da stood nearby, ready to pour tea.

Chen Changsheng said, “Three years apart, the Teahouse is vastly changed.”

Manager Zhuang smiled. “We owe it to Mr. Chen’s good fortune.”

Chen Changsheng said, “You owe it to Master Cao’s good fortune.”

“How can I possibly accept that, Sir?”

Cao Fa laughed, a touch helpless. Soon, everyone at the table joined in the laughter.

Chen Changsheng said, “I was merely the guide. It was your own effort and perseverance that brought you here. So there’s no need for false modesty. You are Master Cao.”

Cao Fa cupped his hands in acknowledgement, not refusing the title this time.

They chatted about the old days: Chen Changsheng’s time as a storyteller, and old friends – patrons like Third Master Jin, and others…

Meeting old acquaintances, old times are always recalled.

At the end, Manager Zhuang said, “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Mr. Chen.”

“Just speak your mind, Manager Zhuang.”

“After communications reopened, I wrote about the teahouse to the Proprietor. Hearing about you, the Proprietor very much wished to meet you. He arrived in Qingshan City early this spring and hasn’t left since.”