98 Peaceful Days: Side Xin Fan (1/2)

Xin Fan walked through the crowded streets of Longmu city. It was something he did quite often when he had spare time. It was his own way of relaxing. The school was much more empty this semester break with many people going back home. Life was quiet especially with his roommate missing.

”Ah Xin Fan! Want some roasted sweet potatoes? I'll give you 2 for a single Mu. Share one with Xiao Xing.”

An old vendor smiled gently at the 6 year old boy. Xin Fan would often buy snacks here when he had spare change and was feeling a bit hungry. More often than not, he would usually be accompanied by either Tianfei or Xiao Xing. Xin Fan took a coin from his pocket and handed it over to the old man. The old man returned with a paper bag filled with two roasted potatoes.

”You always make the best food Old man.”

The old man gave a short chuckle before waving farewell to the child. Xin Fan made his way down the streets to Xiao Xing's house. As he opened the door, he saw Xiao Xing diligently reading a book on cultivation. Xin Fan had let her borrow it so she could prepare before she started school, assuming she awakens in the upcoming year.

”Busy Xiao Xing?”

”Brother Xin Fan!”

The girl's eyes lit up at the sight of Xin Fan at the door. She ran up to him dropping her book and everything. Xin Fan silently chuckled and patted her on the head. He then passed her the other sweet potato. Uncle Xu put down his paper and looked up at Xin Fan. The place was a lot more different since the last time he saw it. While it was still small, rather than run down, the place felt a lot more cozy.

”Doing well?”

Xin Fan nodded.

”I'm going to head to the Uncle Jin's place. I was wondering whether Xiao Xing wanted to come along.”

Uncle Xu looked at Xiao Xing who was looking at him expectedly. He turned to Xin Fan and nodded. Little known fact within the city is that all uncles and aunties for some reason seem to know each other. Xin Fan walked out with Xiao Xing following close behind. Through the twisting of alleyways, there were many suspicious figures around. However after a death glare from Xin Fan, most seemed to walk away. Xin Fan walked up to the door and knocked three times. He started to count.

'1...2...3...29...30.'

He then knocked twice before the doors opened again. To his surprise, he found the old man in the rocking chair sober today.

”Oh hey it's Xin boy! And who do we have here...a lady friend? Gwahaha.”

”Hey Uncle Jin.”

The old man seemed to be in a jolly mood today. Something was definitely up.

”What's the occasion?”

Xin Fan realized that the old man was wearing a different shirt as well. It was a much cleaner one that the one he usually would wear.

”Oh it's nothing really. Jun boy broke through to manifestation realm a while ago. He's treating me to a dinner at Han boy's place. It's just a celebration between me and a couple of old mates. Nothing much. Speaking of which, what brings you here?”

Xin Fan took out his scythe and brought it to the attention of the old man. He stared at it and rubbed his stubble.

”Wow...seems like you have quite the story to tell.”