Suddenly having an extra person in the family was no small matter.

But no matter what, the person had already been brought back; they couldn't just be sent away again.

Facing the door in the large living room was a pair of circular-backed armchairs. The left side held a sofa and television, while the right side had a large round dining table. After giving the newcomer a name, Ding Hanbai flopped onto the sofa, crossed his legs, and watched TV.

He was like a ringleader. Since his attitude was clear, the other three brothers followed suit. Ding Erhe found a random excuse to slip back to the East Courtyard, Ding Keyu stood behind the sofa and watched TV with him, and Jiang Ting'en, being young and restless, would dart out one moment and bounce back in the next.

Not one of them paid any attention to Ji Shenyu.

Ji Shenyu felt panicked as he stood on the thick carpet, sweat continuously seeping from his back. It was his first time in the north; he had thought northern summers were cool, but he hadn't expected it to be so hot.

Standing there alone, he dared not move, feeling like an unwelcome guest. Consequently, the sweat flowed even more profusely.

Ding Yanshou and Jiang Shuliu had always been a loving couple. Having been apart for a week, they had endless things to say to each other. Meanwhile, Ji Shenyu was so quiet he barely seemed to be breathing, so quiet that the two of them completely forgot about him.

It wasn't until Jiang Ting'en ran in from outside, shouting, "Uncle! Are all those big trunks at the entrance the ones you brought back?!"

Ji Shenyu reacted before anyone else. He glanced back at Jiang Ting'en, then turned to look at Ding Yanshou. Ding Yanshou gestured towards him with his palm and said, "They all belong to Shenyu. You boys are young and strong, give him a hand moving them."

Jiang Shuliu hesitated, "Move them to—"

Ding Hanbai's right eyelid twitched twice. He heard Ding Yanshou say, "Move them into Hanbai's courtyard. He'll live in the room next to the main house."

A gloating laugh rang out. Ding Hanbai punched Ding Keyu in the lower back. He wanted to protest, but his was the only courtyard with two empty rooms. Getting up, he walked around the sofa, his steps deliberate on the floor as he approached. He stopped in front of Ji Shenyu and said with a mix of helplessness and disgust, "Let's go, Fifth Junior Brother."

With his temples beaded with sweat, Ji Shenyu followed Ding Hanbai out of the room, his breathing heavy with nervousness. His large trunks were locked and placed just inside the main gate, which made the others even more displeased.

Ding Keyu stood with his hands on his hips. "Even a bride getting married doesn't bring this much stuff."

Ding Hanbai kicked one with the toe of his shoe. Ji Shenyu cried out anxiously, "Don't touch it!"

The three brothers froze slightly, all glancing at Ji Shenyu. Ding Hanbai stuffed his hands into his pockets and stood there leisurely. "Just me? I think none of us should touch them. You can move them yourself."

Ji Shenyu apologized for his previous frantic tone. "The things inside are fragile. I got anxious for a moment, Senior Brother, please don't hold it against me."

It's said you don't hit a smiling face, but even though Ji Shenyu was frowning with a troubled expression, Ding Hanbai found it hard to get angry. Having made his point, he gestured for Ding Keyu and Jiang Ting'en to carry one trunk, while he and Ji Shenyu worked together on another. In two trips, they moved all the trunks back to the Small Courtyard.

The Small Courtyard where Ding Hanbai lived alone was filled with green plants. A gray wall built at the back had an arched gateway. The North House had three rooms—two bedrooms and a study. The South Room had two rooms that had been knocked into one to store materials and machinery. Although there were many rooms, none were very large. The three big trunks crammed the doorway.

Wiping his sweat, Jiang Ting'en said, "How are we supposed to fit such big trunks inside?"

Ji Shenyu looked into the room. "Would against the wall be okay?"

"No." Ding Hanbai patted the dust off his trousers. "Just because you're living here doesn't mean this is your territory. Shoving three trunks in here would be hideous. Open them up, keep what you're keeping, and throw out the rest. Don't even think about filling a room with junk and taking up space."

Ji Shenyu's face was flushed red, whether from the heat or anger, it was hard to tell. "I don't have any junk. It's all useful."

Ding Hanbai had also been spoiled growing up and hated it when people talked back to him. "Who are you talking back to, you Little Southern Barbarian?" With that, he stopped helping, washed his face, and left. Jiang Ting'en and Ding Keyu were like two lackeys, following him to the Small Courtyard's gate.

Ding Hanbai said deliberately, "Go get Second Brother. We martial brothers are going to Zhuifeng Tower for lunch."

Ding Keyu said happily, "Big Brother, I've been craving their squid tentacles in supreme broth for ages!"

"What squid?" Ding Hanbai glanced back toward the doorway. "Today, we're eating Yangzhou fried rice!"

The noonday heat rose in waves. Ji Shenyu stood on the steps, guarding the three large wooden trunks. Could he go inside? But he hadn't gotten Ding Hanbai's permission. What if he moved a chair or touched a cup and Ding Hanbai came back and picked a fight?

He had been caring for his benefactor and teacher since he fell critically ill. Recently, he had been so busy with funeral arrangements that he had barely eaten or slept. One heartbreaking event followed another. Now, having rushed back with Ding Yanshou to a completely unfamiliar city with no place to settle down and no peace of mind, he stood under the sun, not daring to go anywhere. He was afraid to ask questions for fear of causing trouble. Exhausted and anxious, he nearly tumbled down the steps.

When Jiang Caiwei arrived, she saw Ji Shenyu standing there apprehensively, his cheeks flushed and the inner layers of his hair soaked with sweat.

She hurried over to wipe his sweat and said, "I'm Hanbai's aunt. My brother-in-law has been away for a few days and just went to the shop. My sister went to buy you some daily necessities and a new quilt. Why are you just standing here foolishly?"

Jiang Caiwei's appearance was like a godsend. Ji Shenyu smiled gratefully. "Auntie, my name is Ji Shenyu."

"I know, it's a lovely name. Did Master Ji give it to you?" Jiang Caiwei pushed Ji Shenyu into the room. "Those brothers gave you a hard time, didn't they? Don't mind them. My brother-in-law has high standards for accepting disciples. He's turned down the children of many old acquaintances who wanted to become his students. We don't even need to talk about Hanbai; the others, though mischievous, are also top-notch. So for you to be accepted directly as a disciple and brought all the way back from Yangzhou, they're feeling contrary."

Ji Shenyu said hurriedly, "I won't bring shame to Master Ding. My skills are decent."

He wanted to say that he wasn't bad himself, but in the end, he was too embarrassed.

Jiang Caiwei burst out laughing. "Eat first. After you eat, take a bath and have a nap. You can unpack tonight when it's cooler."

Ji Shenyu had some clothes in a separate luggage bag. There weren't many pieces, but they were finely made, bringing to mind only one word: destitute. After his bath, he sat on the edge of the bed in a daze. He only dared to lie down after his hair was completely dry, afraid of getting the pillow wet and giving Ding Hanbai something to use against him.

On the nightstand was a copy of 'War and Peace'. He picked it up and read for a while. When he got sleepy, he placed the book back exactly as it had been, pretending he hadn't touched it. He didn't dare to sleep sprawled out either, lying flat along the edge of the bed without tossing or turning... more peacefully than when Ji Fangxu had passed away.

He wasn't afraid of Ding Hanbai; he just knew the proper etiquette required when living under someone else's roof.

Ding Hanbai had long forgotten all about Ji Shenyu. He took his two little brothers out to eat, then to a movie, and after the movie, they went for a drive, fooling around until sunset before coming back.

As he entered the courtyard, he finally remembered the extra person. He quieted his steps and paused behind the Lucky Bamboo, catching sight of the three large wooden trunks still sitting outside the door. He strode over, hopped nimbly into the bedroom, and began to inspect every table and chair like a supervisor on an inspection tour.

Ji Shenyu was startled and sat up from the edge of the bed, still holding 'War and Peace'. He had been so tired that he had slept until dusk. He also loved to read, so he'd opened the book intending to read another chapter, but one chapter led to another, and he'd lost track of time.

Ding Hanbai walked to the foot of the bed. "You didn't lose my bookmark, did you?"

Ji Shenyu looked down and searched, flipping through the pages. There was no bookmark anywhere. He quickly checked the bed and the floor, saying in a panic, "I didn't see a bookmark. What does it look like?"

"A thin sheet of gold, cutout filigree, a cloud." Ding Hanbai emphasized, "Gold."

Ji Shenyu bent over and lifted the bedsheet, but couldn't find it under the bed either. The book felt scalding in his hands, but he wasn't at a loss for long. He put the book down and ran out. He took out his keys, unlocked a trunk, and pulled out a bundle. Unwrapping layers of old clothes and newspapers, he revealed assorted pieces of jade inside.

Ding Hanbai was a little surprised. Standing far away, he couldn't see clearly. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Ji Shenyu's gaze was intense. "I'll compensate you."

He looked down and rummaged through the pile of uncarved jade material. After a moment, he took out a small wooden box from the trunk. He shielded it with the lid as his hand went in and out, then clenched it into a fist, not letting anyone see.

Ding Hanbai understood Ji Shenyu's earlier attitude. So the trunks were full of valuable things; no wonder he was so protective of them.

Ji Shenyu walked up to him, unclenched his fist, and opened his palm. An earring lay in its center. Platinum-set jadeite, both the material and the craftsmanship were impeccable. He picked it up and looked at it, asking knowingly, "For me?"

"Mhm, Master gave this to me for when I get married." Ji Shenyu hadn't thought about something as distant as starting a family. Ding Yanshou had told him that from now on, he was not just a disciple, but also an adopted son. If he was to treat this place as his home, he couldn't owe Ding Hanbai something on the very first day and create conflict with his family.

He had never seen the gold-leaf bookmark, but judging by the room's furnishings, it must be very valuable. He had no choice but to offer his most precious treasure as compensation. Holding the earring, Ding Hanbai was in a bit of a bind. He thought the book was awful, and the bookmark was safely stored in the study. He had only been teasing him casually; who would have thought this guy would take it seriously.

"What's a grown man like me going to do with an earring?"

"For your wife when you get married."

"Just one for my wife? Why not give me the other one too?"

Ji Shenyu clenched his fist again. "One Gold Bookmark for two platinum Jadeite Earrings? You northerners sure know how to take advantage of people."

Ding Hanbai thought he'd misheard. "What do you mean, 'we northerners take advantage of people'?"

Ji Shenyu retorted, "Then what do you mean by 'Little Southern Barbarian'?"

"..."

Ding Hanbai couldn't sleep that night, blaming himself for being too spineless and holding his tongue. Normally, he would have retorted until the other person was fuming, but Ji Shenyu was different. Ji Shenyu had no aggressive posture at all; his backtalk sounded like reasoning.

Most importantly, he felt guilty for taking the other's thing. He rolled over and stared at the bedside lamp. The earring was hooked on the tassel at the edge of the lampshade. The green jadeite, bathed in the pale yellow light, revealed its fine craftsmanship in ever-greater detail.

Ji Fangxu truly doted on this disciple. In the word "master," if the "teacher" part is greater, one is stricter; if the "father" part is greater, one is more affectionate. But right after Ji Fangxu died, Ji Shenyu found a new master and flew off to a distant place. He was completely unworthy of Ji Fangxu's affection and high regard.

Ding Hanbai had seen Ji Fangxu's works before. He felt a sense of nostalgia for the man across time and space. He pulled the quilt over his head, muffling a sigh. 'Master Ji, this disciple of yours is so unfilial. I'll teach him a lesson for you.'

Before he could think of a dirty trick to deal with him, Ding Yanshou laid down the law for the brothers. The first rule was "No bullying the newcomer." Jiang Caiwei was also there, and seeing the sullen atmosphere, she said, "Brother-in-law, they're all about the same age. They'll be playing together in no time."

Ding Yanshou, wearing his thick-lensed glasses, didn't need to scan the room. His gaze landed directly on Ding Hanbai. "I'm always busy at the shop and can't keep an eye on you, but your aunt is my informant. I know everything."

Jiang Caiwei was exasperated. "Who reveals their informant right from the start?!"

Ji Shenyu stood perfectly still. He knew Ding Yanshou was holding this meeting to establish a protective law for him, but the more he did so, the more uneasy Ji Shenyu felt. The others already had complaints about his arrival; now they probably disliked him even more.

Ding Hanbai was the most displeased. After holding it in for a long time, he finally said, "Dad, don't talk about bullying the new or the young. In this trade, we only bully one kind of person: those with lousy skills."

Ding Keyu chimed in, "Uncle, you observed the few of us for several years before accepting us. How come you got a new disciple from a seven-day pleasure trip to Yangzhou?"

Ding Hanbai was both amused and angry. "To hell with your pleasure trip, my dad went to a funeral!"

Ji Shenyu calmly looked at his four senior brothers. After Ding Keyu spoke, he was scolded by Ding Hanbai. Ding Erhe, however, gave a subtle, silent nod in agreement. And Jiang Ting'en, young and straightforward, immediately nodded his head in affirmation.

He roughly understood. They were jealous that he had so easily become Ding Yanshou's disciple. Jade Pavilion had several shops, and everyone was entitled to a share. For an outsider like him to come and take a portion would inevitably cause dissatisfaction.

Only Ding Hanbai was different. All Ding Hanbai seemed to care about were his skills. If he were an incompetent fool, that guy would probably roll his eyes at him every single day.

Ding Hanbai sat next to Ding Yanshou and slung an arm around his shoulder. "Dad, how about this? Let Fifth Junior Brother show us what he's got. I'd also like to see the skill level of Master Ji's prized disciple."

After speaking, the corner of his eye swept over to Ji Shenyu. "Zhenzhu, are you willing?"

Ji Shenyu gritted his back teeth. "I'm willing." After agreeing, he tried one last time, "Master, can I change my name?"

Ding Yanshou felt the large hand on his shoulder applying pressure. 'If I go against my own son's wishes,' he thought, 'I definitely won't have a moment's peace for a week.' Besides, after thinking it over, he felt Zhenzhu wasn't bad either, so he teased, "Zhenzhu... soft, lustrous, and fortunate. I think it's quite good."

Ji Shenyu's gloomy face didn't clear up all the way to the machine room to select materials. Ding Hanbai led the way, unlocked the door, and kicked it open. Sunlight poured in, illuminating all the boxes and cabinets of materials.

Jiang Ting'en couldn't hold back. "Brother, I also want to..."

Ding Hanbai cut him off, "The hell you do."

Ji Shenyu's eyes glazed over, but before he could feast his eyes, his view was blocked. Ding Hanbai's tall figure stood in front of him, a handful of Agate in his large hand. "Pick one."

The light in the Small Courtyard was even stronger. Five agates lay on the table, waiting for Ji Shenyu to choose. Ji Shenyu ran into the room to get a knife and a pen, then returned under everyone's gaze. Before he could even catch his breath, he began to study the five Southern Red Agates of different colors.

Brocade red, striped red, rose red, cinnabar red...

Ji Shenyu reached out and grabbed the brocade red one. At the same time, he looked up at Ding Hanbai and was met with a gaze full of 'Well, well, well.' It was as if he wasn't a person, but a piece of scrap material, a small piece of trash.

Ji Shenyu immediately started to draw, sketching a design onto the Nanhong. He was drawing the pot of Lucky Bamboo next to the archway. The lines at the base of the pot were smooth, but they became softer further up. The bamboo stalks and leaves were a messy jumble, with no sense of wind direction.

Ding Hanbai couldn't even bear to watch anymore. He squatted down and started yanking out the lilacs in the flowerbed. Lilacs shared a character with his name (Ding), and they were his favorite. He plucked his favorite flowers until they were nothing but broken stems and leaves. When he stood up, it was just in time to see Ji Shenyu switch knives.

Pacing to a spot behind and to the right, he watched. After just two minutes, he couldn't take it anymore. He seized Ji Shenyu's wrist. "Why is your wrist shaking? Are you shaking dice or dealing cards?"

Ji Shenyu said, "I'm used to it."

"Used to it? Used to not even being able to tell real Nanhong from fake among five pieces? Used to drawing weak, messy designs? And you're fucking used to holding a knife with a shaky wrist?!" Ding Hanbai's voice suddenly rose. "What a waste of time! Have you no shame!"

The placement test ended then and there. The others snickered and muttered amongst themselves, their words nothing but mockery. Ding Hanbai was furious, unleashing a torrent of abuse on Ji Shenyu, as if only a harsh scolding could appease the spirit of Ji Fangxu in heaven.

The words went in one of Ji Shenyu's ears and out the other. After listening, he went back to his room, closed the door, and sat on the edge of the bed to start reading 'War and Peace' again.

He knew clearly in his heart that the others were jealous of him suddenly becoming the master's disciple, and they were even more wary of him getting a share of the family business. After all, Jade Pavilion had a tradition of granting shares based on skill. By not showing any of his brilliance, he could probably placate everyone for a short while.

As for Ding Hanbai, who only cared about skill...

Tch, who cares about him.

Ji Shenyu held the book. He hadn't seen the Gold Bookmark, but the loss of the Jadeite Earrings had pained him so much he couldn't sleep well all night.