Corpse Recovery Diver
Chapter 278 - 49_3

Chapter 278: Chapter 49_3

"Yo, got any more? Throw in another one for me."

Li Zhiyuan’s ears twitched as he heard, for the first time, the broadcast-style Nantong dialect.

"There are two left." Run Sheng picked them up and handed one to him.

"Great, that’s enough."

The man, holding a bowl of noodles or wontons, took a seat at the same table, then unscrewed a lid. Soon the air was filled with the smell of fermented tofu, with a hint of spiciness.

Tan Wenbin sniffed and asked, "Why is your fermented tofu this color?"

"This is Sichuan-flavored fermented tofu, it’s got chili in it."

Another bout of broadcast-style Sichuanese.

"Eh, you’re the storyteller from yesterday’s performance." Run Sheng smacked his forehead, "Without that robe, I didn’t recognize you."

"Hehe, are you here to listen to stories today?"

"Of course, we came specifically for that."

"Yo, that makes you honored guests. It’s just that the show won’t start for a while. If you wouldn’t mind buying me a cup of tea, I’ll start telling stories just for the three of you after I have my breakfast."

"Sure." Li Zhiyuan agreed.

After the man finished his breakfast, he said, "Please."

The three followed him to the stage area, which was a simple setup made of cabinets forming a small platform, backed by two sails.

Run Sheng went to buy a bottle of mineral water halfway through. When he came back, he saw Li Zhiyuan taking out money and giving it to the storyteller, who accepted it with a smile.

Only then did Run Sheng realize that "buying a cup of tea" was a euphemism for tipping, not literally going to buy a bottle of water.

The money wasn’t much, just the cost of two cans of Jianlibao.

The storyteller didn’t go up on stage, instead, he sat down on his own wooden bench below, facing Li Zhiyuan and the others.

He started with a simple introduction, saying that he was Master Yu Shu, a Jianghu wanderer looking to make a living, new to this precious place, here to make friends, broaden his horizons, and earn a meal.

Next, he began his storytelling of how Emperor Qin Li Shimin defeated Dou Jiande at Hulao Pass.

Since his audience was three young people, he didn’t use Nantong dialect but Mandarin instead, narrating the story with emphasis and charm, including a segment of ventriloquism.

Run Sheng and Tan Wenbin were completely mesmerized, clapping and cheering from time to time.

While Li Zhiyuan clapped along, he felt a sense of awe and suspicion. Who was this master wandering Jianghu for life experience?

Clearly not a local, yet able to instantly pick up the local dialect upon arrival at a new place, and quite the silver-tongued speaker.

It was evident that the traditional culture market was facing severe downturns, but it was hard to believe that it would push such a person to roam the Jianghu.

The climax of the story was Li Shimin’s multiple charges with the Xuanjia Army against Dou Jiande’s central forces, coming to a close with Li Shimin’s victorious return to the court and his promotion to the Grand Marshal of Tiance.

The story was captivating, its performance exquisite. On a hot summer day, it was like eating a big chunk of ice cold, sweet watermelon, feeling a tingling delight from head to toe.

Although he could not see, his ears had enjoyed an authentic treat, and it was an intimate, private experience just for them. The money was well spent.

Li Zhiyuan reached into his pocket again.

"No need, you’ve already paid for the ’tea.’ All of us here are out of work and can’t take more of your money; besides, haven’t you already rewarded me with a couple slices of steamed bun?"

"It was truly well told," Li Zhiyuan said sincerely.

"You flatter me. Kid, there’s nothing seriously wrong with your eyes, right?"

"They’ll get better."

"That’s good. What’s your name?"

"Li Zhiyuan."

"Li Zhiyuan, Li Zhiyuan, have you always had the surname Li?"

"What else could it be?"

Tan Wenbin, still wanting more, asked, "Could you tell another bit?"

"I can’t manage another; I have to save my strength for the main show at noon."

Tan Wenbin nodded, "Then we’ll wait."

"No, there’s no need for that. The midday story is the same, just watered down a bit. I’ll talk about Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng in the court of the Tang Dynasty, and go on about Wang Shichong in Luoyang City. It’s not worth listening again."

"That’s a shame, how about in the evening?"

"It’s the same story in the evening, just watered down even more."

Tan Wenbin: "..."

"You have to understand, I’m just out here trying to earn a meal, and the stories I have aren’t endless. Plus, there aren’t many around here who have the time and means to listen to several shows a day."

Li Zhiyuan curiously asked, "Master Yu, where are you from?"

"Are you asking about my hometown, kid?"

"Yeah."

"Well, it’s hard to say about my hometown. My parents passed away early, and ever since I was little, I drifted along the Yangtze River, from Mountain City to Jing Chu, all the way to the mouth where it meets the sea, wandering back and forth all year round.

So, if you really think about it, my hometown, is on the river."

Li Zhiyuan showed a smile as if hearing a fascinating answer, but his heart sunk a little because he had heard a similar response from Liu Yumei before.

"It’s still early, so let me tell you another short story that’s a bit scary."

"Sure, sure," Run Sheng clapped.

"I love these kinds of stories," Tan Wenbin said excitedly, fist clenched.

Yu Shu began his story.

Li Zhiyuan realized something was amiss as soon as it began. The setting was the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and the protagonist was a scholar who, while traveling to the capital to take the imperial exams, capsized and fell into the water, saved by a Lady surnamed Bai. The scholar admired her, referring to her as the Bai Family’s Lady.

Before the storyteller could continue, Li Zhiyuan covered his eyes, sucking in a breath of cold air: "Brother Runsheng, Brother Binbin, my eyes hurt so much, take me back home for my medicine."

Had it been any other issue, those two certainly wouldn’t have left just then. But concerning Xiao Yuan’s eyes, they didn’t dare delay, bidding farewell to that Master Yu and quickly carrying Xiao Yuan onto a tricycle, hurrying home.

On the way back, faced with the concerned inquiries from Run Sheng and Tan Wenbin, Li Zhiyuan chose to express his worries.

"Brother, my eyes don’t hurt; I’m just suspicious of that man’s identity."