One hundred and one.

"There really is nothing the matter." Zhang Bao still appeared somewhat skeptical.

"It truly is nothing, shopkeeper. I was just thinking about what happened today." Having decided not to tell Zhang Bao the truth yet, Wang Bo changed the subject. He lifted his wine bowl, tilted his head back, and downed the fine liquor without leaving a single drop.

"Oh, oh!" Seeing Wang Bo drink in such a manner, Zhang Bao, a true lover of wine, became instantly distressed. "How can you waste such fine wine? You must savor it slowly, slowly—do you understand?"

Wang Bo gave a helpless smile, looking at the endearing shopkeeper before him. A firm resolution formed in his heart. "Don't worry, Shopkeeper. I will certainly repay you for the kindness you have shown in taking me in."

Before Zhang Bao could respond, Wang Bo snatched the wine jar from his arms and filled two bowls. Setting the jar aside, he handed one bowl to Zhang Bao and picked up the other. "How could I enjoy such fine wine all by myself? Come, Shopkeeper, I offer this bowl to you." With those words, he tilted his head back again, and the bowl was empty once more. Seeing this, although Zhang Bao felt the sting of the wasted liquor, he was also pleased. He let out a hearty laugh and exclaimed, "Good, young Bo! To be so bold and generous at such a young age—if I do not drink, wouldn't that mean I’m looking down on you?" He then tilted his head back and finished his own bowl in one go.

That night, Wang Bo and Zhang Bao drank wildly until they were both thoroughly intoxicated. Although the wine was not particularly potent, the sheer quantity took its toll, and Wang Bo ended up dead drunk. In the end, it was Zhang Bao who had to carry him to bed.

Gazing at Wang Bo’s flushed, drunken cheeks, Zhang Bao felt a mixture of worry and joy. "How long has it been since I drank like this? In my youth, I was also reckless and high-spirited, but time waits for no man." Rubbing his protruding belly, Zhang Bao couldn't help but mock himself.

After casting a few more affectionate glances at Wang Bo, Zhang Bao extinguished the oil lamp and softly pulled the door to. Not having drunk in years, Zhang Bao felt quite dizzy. He stumbled toward his own room, pushed the door open, felt his way to the bed, and collapsed into sleep. His wife, Mistress Zhang, had already awakened when he pushed the door open. Smelling the heavy scent of alcohol on her husband, she knew he had drunk far too much.

"My husband hasn't touched a drop in so long. He must be truly happy to have drunk himself into such a state today. I hope he can always be this happy," she thought, looking at the faint smile still lingering on Zhang Bao's face. She hurried to get up and help him change. But while it was easy to say, it was truly difficult for a woman like her. Zhang Bao’s weight was no small matter, and she was worried about waking him, so by the time she finished, she was covered in a light sweat. Wiping her brow, she glanced at the sleeping Zhang Bao and lay down to sleep herself.

The next day, Wang Bo slept until the sun was high in the sky before he could drag his exhausted body out of bed. Shaking his throbbing head, he felt like crying. "If I had known it would be like this, I never would have done it. My head!" Rubbing his temples, he stood up helplessly.

He went into the courtyard and, trying to pull himself together, began practicing the Five Animal Frolics. The habit was so deeply ingrained that he felt uncomfortable if he didn't do it every morning. After finishing the set, Wang Bo took a few deep breaths and felt refreshed; even his headache had subsided significantly.

After washing up, he headed toward the front courtyard. He found only Li Jin working; there was no sign of Zhang Bao. He must still be sleeping off the wine. Seeing Wang Bo, Li Jin merely glanced at him before returning to his work. Wang Bo found Li Jin’s presence dull; there was no love lost between them, and since Li Jin viewed him as a mortal enemy, there was no chance for interaction. Feeling bored, Wang Bo remembered his plan from the night before and turned back toward the inner courtyard.

"Hmph!" Li Jin let out a cold snort as Wang Bo departed.

Back in the inner courtyard, Wang Bo reached the room where the brewing took place. Watching the workers bustling about, he hesitated, unsure whether to enter, as this was the greatest secret of the Zhang Family Distillery.

"What is it, little Bo? Why are you standing there in a daze?" Just as he was fretting, Zhang Bao’s voice came from behind him.

Wang Bo hurriedly turned to greet him. "Shopkeeper, you’re up."

"Hahaha!" Zhang Bao laughed three times. "You’re mocking me, kid. You drank more than I did last night, yet you’re the one up later."

"Not at all, I wouldn't dare," Wang Bo replied with a grin, knowing Zhang Bao was only joking.

"That's good," Zhang Bao nodded, then continued, "Tell me, why were you lurking here, peering inside?"

"I wasn't!" Wang Bo feigned ignorance.

Zhang Bao smiled and shook his head. "Don't try to fool me. Every time you have a request, you look exactly like this."

"You saw right through me, Shopkeeper," Wang Bo chuckled.

"Out with it. I saw you staring inside—does this have to do with the brewing?" Zhang Bao could do nothing with this kid, so he prompted him.

"You really are a master of strategy, Shopkeeper; nothing escapes your keen eyes." Wang Bo took the opening to offer a bit of flattery.

"You rascal," Zhang Bao pointed at him, shaking his head helplessly. "Say what you have to say quickly, or I’m leaving." He made a show of turning to walk away.

Not knowing if Zhang Bao was truly leaving or just teasing, Wang Bo hurriedly said, "It’s like this, Shopkeeper: I want to learn how to brew wine."

"Why would you want to learn that?" Zhang Bao’s expression grew stern; he felt that Wang Bo was neglecting his proper duties. He hadn't even mastered his current work, and now he wanted to start brewing?

Sensing the shift in tone, Wang Bo straightened up. "Listen to me, Shopkeeper." He stepped closer. "After drinking your ten-year-old vintage yesterday, I felt ashamed to have received such a gift. I want to brew a jar of fine wine for you myself to repay the kindness you’ve shown in taking me in."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bao’s stern expression melted, and his heart warmed. "Good, good child. I misunderstood you." He raised his sleeve to wipe a trace of a tear from the corner of his eye.

"Are you crying, Shopkeeper?" Wang Bo asked.

"No. Some sand got into my eyes," Zhang Bao replied, refusing to admit it; he wouldn't let a young man see him act sentimental.

"But where would the wind come from?" Wang Bo asked with a bewildered look, though his smiling lips betrayed that he was acting.

"You scoundrel, making fun of me again!" Zhang Bao glared at him, then smiled with satisfaction. "Since you have such filial piety, I won't stop you. Wait here a moment; I’ll go inside and speak with the supervisor. You know, although I am the shopkeeper, I don't control the entire distillery. I only handle the sales; the brewing is not under my jurisdiction. It is, after all, the Zhang family’s property, and I am but an outsider." A trace of sorrow flickered in his words.

Few understood the burdens of his position.

"I shall await your good news here, Shopkeeper," Wang Bo said with a bow and a grin.

"You're so sure I'll succeed? What if they don't agree?" Zhang Bao teased, mimicking Wang Bo.

"I believe you will do your best to make it happen," Wang Bo bowed again.

"Hahaha!" Zhang Bao laughed again. "You cunning boy. Fine, wait here." With that, he went inside.

Wang Bo felt anxious while he waited. If he had been truly certain, he wouldn't have had to pressure the shopkeeper. The distillery supervisor held a position equal to Zhang Bao’s, and it was unclear if he would grant him the favor. He paced back and forth, his heart in turmoil. Time ticked by, and as Zhang Bao didn't emerge, his spirits sank. Finally, Zhang Bao walked out slowly, his round face beaming. Seeing that smile, Wang Bo knew it was likely a success. Just as he was about to run over, he saw a sturdy man following behind. The man had a resolute expression, thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a full beard. His broad chest was imposing, and he wore a sleeveless tunic, revealing arms covered in thick, corded muscle. He had clearly practiced martial arts for many years to build such a frame.

Seeing the man’s attire, Wang Bo couldn't help but shiver; it was the dead of winter, yet the man was wearing only a short tunic.

"Come, Supervisor Zhang, let me introduce you. This is the boy I was telling you about," Zhang Bao said, pointing at Wang Bo. He then turned to Wang Bo: "Come, little Bo, this is the distillery supervisor, Zhang Guang. Greet him quickly."

"Greetings, Supervisor Zhang," Wang Bo said politely.

"It’s you?" Zhang Guang looked at Wang Bo with surprise.

"You know me, Supervisor?" Wang Bo found it strange, as he had no memory of this man—or of the former Wang Bo knowing him.

"I don't know you, but I have seen you practicing martial arts in the courtyard. Your style is strange but exquisite, so I couldn't help but watch a few times." Zhang Guang spoke plainly.

"I see," Wang Bo nodded. "I'm just practicing blindly; it’s not as exquisite as you say."

"Blindly?" Zhang Guang shook his head. "If one could reach your level by practicing blindly, then you are a martial arts genius. I have practiced for many years and have never seen such brilliant techniques; they must come from a master."

Wang Bo looked at the man with surprise. He had taken him for a mere brute, but his mind was sharp. Then again, a simple brute wouldn't be a distillery supervisor.

"My apologies, Supervisor. These techniques do indeed come from a master. As for whom, I dare not say, for fear of dishonoring my teacher's name. I hope you will not take offense." Since he had been found out, Wang Bo decided to be straightforward.

"No matter, I understand." Zhang Guang was not offended; he knew that the world of wandering warriors was full of secrets.

"Thank you for your understanding," Wang Bo replied.

Zhang Bao listened without interrupting. He had seen Wang Bo practice before and asked about it, receiving the same "practicing blindly" answer. He had never pressed the issue. Today, hearing that Wang Bo had learned from a master, he looked at him with new eyes. *His teacher must be an expert for Zhang Guang to hold him in such high regard. This could be a help to him in the future—if something happens, perhaps this expert could help save his life.* Zhang Bao shook his head, thinking, *Why would his life be in danger? What am I thinking?* He could not have known that his intuition would one day prove true in a moment of dire peril.

"I hear you want to learn brewing from me?" Zhang Guang shifted the topic. He stared at the frail youth, wondering what he was thinking.

"That is correct," Wang Bo met his gaze without flinching.

"Why do you want to learn?" Zhang Guang’s question was blunt and concise.

"I like it," Wang Bo replied, equally brief.

"Good. A simple 'like'." Zhang Guang nodded, satisfied. "Can you endure hardship?" He stared intently at Wang Bo.

"Of course I can." Wang Bo remained unmoved. He thought, *I’ve met the Spear God Tong Yuan; this look is nothing compared to his.*

"Good!" Zhang Guang exclaimed. He turned to Zhang Bao: "This kid suits my temperament. Hahaha!" He laughed heartily.

"So, Supervisor Zhang, you accept him?" Zhang Bao asked. It was never easy to gain Zhang Guang’s approval.

"Hm," Zhang Guang nodded.

"Hurry and thank the supervisor!" Seeing the confirmation, Zhang Bao was thrilled.

"Thank you, Supervisor!" Wang Bo was overjoyed; the first step of his long journey had finally been taken.

"It’s nothing." Zhang Guang patted Wang Bo on the shoulder. "That’s enough for today. Come here after breakfast tomorrow morning, and I will begin teaching you."

"I shall rely on your guidance, Supervisor Zhang." Wang Bo grinned, his mouth stretching wide with joy. He was so happy he didn't notice how wide his grin was, which made Zhang Bao marvel to himself: *I never realized the boy had such a big mouth.* It was fortunate he didn't say it aloud, or Wang Bo would have been quite embarrassed.

"Hahaha! Why so formal, kid?" Zhang Guang patted his shoulder again with his heavy hand. Wang Bo’s grin widened even further, his trembling lips showing just how much pain he was in. *This guy is too strong! My small frame can't take many of these!*

Zhang Guang couldn't read minds, so he didn't know what Wang Bo was thinking. He went to pat him again, but Wang Bo dodged away. "I’ll see you tomorrow, Supervisor Zhang!" Before Zhang Guang could react, Wang Bo dragged Zhang Bao toward the front courtyard. *Good thing I dodged that, or I’d have lost half my life,* he thought.

Zhang Guang pulled back his hand and shook his head with a smile. Watching Wang Bo leave, he muttered to himself, "That kid is interesting." He then turned and went back into his room.

"I find I can see through you less and less," Zhang Bao said calmly, leaving Wang Bo startled. He paused and looked at Zhang Bao, hoping for an explanation.