Fortune Across the World

Chapter 52: A Curious Encounter at Yun Zhi Pavilion (Part 2)

Ding Qiyu hurriedly caught the book thrown to her, turning it over to see the title "Ji Qiao Shu Lun" ("On the Art of Mechanisms") neatly inscribed on the cover, authored by "Yan Huai Ke." From the book's worn and yellowed appearance, it seemed to have been sitting there for years, seldom read. As she flipped through the pages, she found the text clear and precise, with detailed illustrations. Overwhelmed with excitement, she looked up to thank the old man, "This is exactly the kind of book I was looking for. Thank you, elder!"

The old man, appearing lethargic and uninterested, merely curled his lips into a slight smile, "Your enthusiasm reminds me of that guy." With that, he started to walk away, casually pointing back at the shelf, "There are a few more up there, all by him."

Following his gesture, Ding Qiyu saw about three or four more books and asked, puzzled, "That guy?"

The old man paused, gesturing to the book's cover in her hand, "That guy, Yan Huai Ke."

"You know Yan Huai Ke?" Ding Qiyu's eyes lit up, hopeful that this elder might lead her to a master of mechanical arts.

The old man's gaze drifted into the distance, "I knew him a long time ago. Now, I don't." With that, he resumed walking.

So, even the elder didn't know Yan Huai Ke's whereabouts? Despite this, Ding Qiyu was reluctant to let go of the lead. She followed closely, asking, "Is Yan Huai Ke still alive?"

Reaching a window-side desk, the old man picked up an unopened wine jar and leaned against the window sill, "I don't know. The last anyone saw of him was in the Jiangnan area, then he disappeared."

"How long ago was that?" Ding Qiyu pressed.

The old man looked out the window, silent for a moment before replying, "Over ten years ago." He opened the wine jar, releasing its aroma into the air.

"Over ten years... Jiangnan..." Ding Qiyu murmured, realizing the difficulty of finding someone who vanished so long ago. Moreover, she only knew of Jiangnan through merchants while serving as a Jicha Shi in Xingcheng, and it seemed far away.

Sighing quietly, she noticed the old man staring at the wine jar, lost in thought, his gaze distant and lonely. Not wanting to disturb him further, she said, "Thank you for your help today, elder. I'll take my leave."

"Hey, youngster, stay and have a drink with me!" The old man called after her as she turned to leave.

"Uh, drink?" Ding Qiyu was surprised. The elder wanted her to drink with him? Recalling her drunken escapade at the academy, she admitted, "I don't really drink."

"Young people not drinking? Wine is a good thing. You'll get used to it after a few tries. Come, keep this old man company for a couple of cups." He descended from the window sill, kneeling at the desk, looking expectantly at Ding Qiyu.

Just moments ago, he claimed he wasn't old, and now he referred to himself as an old man. Ding Qiyu was speechless. Feeling a twinge of pity for his earlier loneliness and grateful for his help, she hesitated briefly before sitting across from him, "Alright. But I'm really not a drinker, so go easy on me."

"Haha, don't worry, just a little. I'd be reluctant to give you more anyway." He poured half a bowl of wine and pushed it towards Ding Qiyu, asking, "What's your name?"

"Ding Qiyu, with the characters for 'qi' and 'feather,'" she replied, eyeing the wine. Such a small amount shouldn't make her drunk. "Are you the manager of Yun Zhi Pavilion, elder?"

Taking a swig straight from the jar, the old man answered, "I only look after the seventh floor, quite leisurely. Few people come up here. You're the first to ask about Yan Huai's books."