In less than half a second, Yang Xiao snapped back to reality, politely greeting the old village chief, as if nothing had happened the previous night.
The old village chief pursed his lips, revealing a few teeth stained yellowish-black by his smoking pipe, and responded with a chuckle, asking Yang Xiao if he slept well and whether he was adapting to the local customs.
Soon, Yang Xiao was taken to the small square in the village center. Upon reaching it, he realized Tong Han and the others were already waiting, but Chai Yong was conspicuously absent.
Shortly, a villager came running urgently, reporting to the old village chief that Chai Yong had locked himself in his room and refused to open the door or respond, despite their knocking. Listening at the door, the room inside was silent.
