Meng Yuhuai had been busily engrossed at the Yuan Family mansion for most of the day, meticulously inspecting every nook and corner of the estate. He made note of how many doors there were and where oversight in daily management was most likely to occur, jotting down each detail. He ended up with pages upon pages of notes, and after several more trips under the scorching sun, he was drenched as though he had been fished out of water.
Having expended a great deal of effort, he finally completed his tasks in the afternoon. The host, surnamed Yuan, was thankful for his tireless work and, as usual, wanted to keep him for meal. However, thinking of Hua Xiaomai and unsure whether she was still idly wandering outside, he tactfully declined, left the mansion, and immediately hurried to Dong'an Inn without stopping.
Just as he approached the entrance, he heard a clamor that seemed almost capable of lifting off the roof.
