December 29th. The cold was still bone-chilling.
It was just after seven in the morning at the Cheng Residence on Yunli Lane, in Jade Peak County Town.
Inside the reception hall, seven people were waiting. Various baskets, boxes, and gift packages lay beside them. They sipped their tea absently, all appearing to be waiting for something.
Just then, Zhang Zeyu entered the reception hall. With a calm expression, he addressed an elderly man, "Patriarch Ma, please follow me."
"Ah, yes, yes, of course." The elderly man who had been addressed shot to his feet excitedly. With an agility that belied his age, he hastily grabbed an exquisite basket from the floor and followed Zhang Zeyu toward the study.
The other six people in the reception hall looked on, their eyes filled with anxiety, envy, and apprehension.
At the study door, the old man gave Zhang Zeyu a grateful nod, then cautiously stepped inside as directed.
