On this day, Beisitian was walking back from the town; due to habit, she usually travels on foot unless there’s rain or strong wind.
Now, returning from town, even at a slow pace, it would take her about an hour, and at a faster pace, about forty minutes to get home.
At noon, there had been a light rain, leaving the ground somewhat damp, with puddles in many places, and Beisitian carefully avoided these puddles as she walked.
This time, she went to sign a formal agreement. Zhang Baoli felt quite apologetic, as she had tried her best to secure benefits for her, but that’s the downside with short-term contracts.
Beisitian understood this, but she was unlikely to sign a long-term contract. Old Nine Zhang Baoju had also expressed that if she could sign a long-term contract, her salary could increase by at least double!
Doubling her salary would mean over four hundred yuan a month, which would be slightly higher than the salary of the manager at the Beijing Main Store.
In response, Beisitian had to refuse again, expressing goodwill towards the Bao Niang Embroidery Workshop. She assured them that even without a long-term contract, if their collaboration was pleasant, she wouldn’t choose another embroidery workshop, letting them be at ease.
After signing the contract, they told her that the pay for the month and a half would be settled for her as soon as possible, and then she returned.
Having a steady income made Beisitian quite happy, as this money could be brought out openly.
The road from Qingzhou Town to Kao Village is mostly mountainous, but it’s lively due to the many people traveling it, though there is a small path that can be used as a shortcut, which Beisitian usually takes.
That path isn’t crowded, but it’s known by quite a few, and they’re usually from nearby villages to Kao Village, so there isn’t much to worry about in terms of safety.
Due to the rain, this small path was a bit muddy, with rotten leaves mixed with soil, and stepping on it would leave a circle of mud on one’s foot.
Beisitian slightly regretted taking this path.
While walking, she suddenly noticed a person sitting on a large stone by the roadside ahead. Judging by the back, it seemed to be an elderly person. Why would they be sitting here? From which village?
As Beisitian approached, she continued walking but slowed her pace. Seeing the elderly man pounding his thigh, she realized he likely had a chronic leg condition, something very difficult to cure.
Generally, such ailments are seen in older people.
Beisitian then saw the man rubbing his ankle, which was very swollen – likely sprained.
This man probably wasn’t from a nearby village, as he was wearing a neatly pressed Zhongshan suit, attire generally worn by those who are quite particular, likely visiting relatives from town.
"Sir, do you need help?" Beisitian asked from the small path, not moving closer rashly.
The man heard someone speaking and turned around, propping himself up on the stone.
On seeing the elderly man’s face, Beisitian’s expression changed drastically, "Master, Master..."
The man was taken aback. "Master? Young lady, you’ve mistaken me for someone else. I don’t know you."
Beisitian stopped mid-step due to the elderly man’s words.
"Can you do this old man a favor, young lady? My foot’s twisted, could you deliver a message for me?" The elderly man seemed to have been sitting there a long time, cold, hungry, and in pain. Finally seeing someone, he eagerly made his request known.
Beisitian forced herself to calm down. This elderly man, though resembling her master identically, was probably not him. His way of speaking and mannerism were entirely different.
Most importantly, her master would definitely recognize her!
"How can I help deliver your message?" Beisitian asked.
The man pulled out a red cloth strip from his pocket and handed it to Beisitian, saying, "Just hang this at the juncture between this small path and the mountain road."
Beisitian took the cloth strip. It seemed she had to walk back to hang it between the small path and mountain road.
Nodding, Beisitian gave the old man a deep look before turning around to walk back.
She would have helped even if this man didn’t look like her master; compassion can be exercised here.
The way back was neither long nor short. It took more than ten minutes to walk, not much on a regular day, but now the path was very muddy.
She wedged the red cloth into a tree branch at the juncture, a spot visible enough. This way of message delivery felt quite ancient.
Having done that, she resolutely stepped back onto the small path.
Even if that man wasn’t her master, she was amazed by his resemblance to him. This curiosity wouldn’t let her ignore it.
Returning there, the elderly man still sat on the stone, with water dripping from the trees onto his shoulders, wetting a small area, but he didn’t move, probably unable to.
"I have a bun here, sir. Please eat something to pad your stomach," Beisitian said, handing a bun from her satchel.
The elderly man, not expecting Beisitian to return, was surprised but, seeing the warm bun, his stomach growled.
He glanced at Beisitian, nodded, and took the bun to eat.
With something in his stomach, the elderly man didn’t feel as cold anymore. He smiled warmly at Beisitian and said, "Thank you, young lady. What’s your name?"
"Remembering bitterness, savoring sweetness— a good name, a good person," the elderly man said with a smile.
"And you, sir?" Beisitian asked.
"Wu Yuekai," the elderly man responded.
Beisitian was slightly lost in thought. A completely different name, but then her name had no connection to her past life either.
"Do I look a lot like your master? What are you studying?" Wu Yuekai seemed very interested in chatting with Beisitian.
Not just similar, but exactly alike! Beisitian thought, looking at his somewhat wrinkled face. She replied, "Studying principles, being human, learning medicine."
Wu Yuekai was stunned, carefully observing Beisitian, then nodding, "Good! Very good! What principles have you learned, share with me."
Beisitian shook her head, "You are indeed not my master, sir."
"My master said that principles are truer when acted upon than spoken, never let principles just stay on the lips."
Wu Yuekai momentarily dazed at her words, then burst into hearty laughter, "Your master is a wonder, a great person. Your master’s mindset is truly admirable. If there’s a chance, I’d like to meet them."
Beisitian sighed softly, "There won’t be a chance; my master passed away long ago."
Wu Yuekai remained silent for a moment, this young girl seemed to have quite a deep feeling for her master.
"Sir, those approaching must be the ones looking for you. I should go," Beisitian said, noticing several men in suits coming up the path, addressing Wu Yuekai.