Mu Yuejuan remained silent for a beat, then offered a sweet smile, stating, "I wish to handle this transaction myself. You won't contest this with me, will you?"
Zhang Gunli re-examined the scroll, remarking, "Merely looking at this painting, the craftsmanship seems rather mediocre."
Mu Yuejuan ignited a cigarette, inhaling deeply. As the smoke gracefully swirled from her hand, it reformed into a paintbrush. "Name your price. Once this matter is concluded, you are forbidden from interfering in the affairs of Greenwater City, nor are you permitted to divulge He Jiaqing's information to any other party."
...
The phonograph made a few adjustments to the Greenwater Beggar's begging bowl and presented it to Li Banfeng.
Li Banfeng scrutinized the bowl for an extended period.
The bowl retained its filthy appearance, mottled and stained, making it difficult to distinguish between mud and grime. A spoon lay flat at its base.
Gazing at the direction the spoon handle pointed, Li Banfeng inquired of his wife, "This is intended as a compass, isn't it?"
The phonograph chimed in with praise, "Husband, your perception is sharp. It indeed resembles a Sinan, but instead of pointing south, it directs towards the entrance of the Unnameable Place."
Li Banfeng turned the bowl, causing the spoon within to rotate. "Wife, how does one utilize this to navigate us?"
"Naturally, it will not guide you from afar. It only responds when within a hundred feet of the entrance. Once you locate the entrance, the spoon will begin to rotate. Then, husband, you must push the spoon handle to maintain its motion, starting slowly and gradually increasing speed until you reach the correct momentum, at which point you will enter the Unnameable Place."
Having concluded her explanation, his wife handed the bowl to Li Banfeng. He then prepared to depart for Longmen Road, but a realization struck him: as an ordinary person carrying a begging bowl amidst the crowds, he would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention.
The Clock Pendulum, being considerate, produced the paintbrush. "Master, allow me to assist with your disguise."
With a few swift strokes, Li Banfeng's face was smeared with dirt, imbuing him with the appearance of a beggar.
His wife exhaled a cloud of steam, which enveloped Li Banfeng's head, making his hair appear matted and disheveled. Dust was then scattered atop it, forming a dreadlock-like hairstyle.
"Husband, now procure a set of worn-out clothing, and the Little Servant will attend to the final touches. With this disguise, you will not arouse suspicion when you venture out."
Li Banfeng observed his reflection in a mirror and then retrieved the projector. "If we are to perform, let us commit fully. Since I am impersonating a beggar, I might as well embody the Green Flower!"
The projector cast the image of the Greenwater Beggar onto the wall. After a moment of contemplation, his wife remarked, "This presents a rather complex challenge. The Green Flower's facial structure is quite elongated; we will need to extend your husband's features and render the pustules with greater detail."
The phonograph and the Clock Pendulum toiled for over an hour before granting Li Banfeng permission to depart.
Li Banfeng, clutching the bowl, proceeded directly to Longmen Road. Upon arrival, the spoon within the bowl began to stir.
The spoon handle indicated the eastward direction, and Li Banfeng commenced walking eastward along the roadside. The handle exhibited a slight quiver, its directional guidance appearing somewhat unsteady.
As Li Banfeng diligently monitored the spoon handle's fluctuations, a palpable surge of malevolence suddenly loomed.
Glancing up, Li Banfeng recognized an acquaintance.
He Jiaqing stood beneath a streetlamp, his right hand absently rubbing against its metal pole.
He had spent the entire day searching and had finally located the entrance to the Unnameable Place, yet its opening proved unexpectedly difficult. He had been attempting for an hour with no discernible success.
Their unexpected encounter left He Jiaqing startled, while Li Banfeng felt a prickle of unease.
What is happening?
How did I run into him here?
Could he also be seeking the Green Flower's dwelling?
Should I salute him or confront him?
Li Banfeng managed a faint smile, gently shaking the bowl he held, his gaze silently fixed upon He Jiaqing.
He Jiaqing, upon seeing the pustule-covered visage of the Green Flower and the shaking bowl, subtly gestured with the bowl himself.
In approximately one second, their eyes met.
The very next second, He Jiaqing bolted, disappearing without a trace.
He Jiaqing dashed directly to Peace Mansion, entered his private chamber, shed his garments, and commenced a thorough examination of his body, fearful of contracting a rash or developing any blemishes.
Li Banfeng stood momentarily stunned; he had not anticipated He Jiaqing's rapid retreat.
Could he have been involved in something illicit just moments ago?
Li Banfeng approached the streetlamp, observing the area for a short while, but discovered nothing out of the ordinary.
A subtle disturbance seemed to emanate from within the bowl. Li Banfeng cast a downward glance, watching as the spoon slowly began to trace a circular path.
Have I finally discovered the entrance to the Unnameable Place?
Was it truly this straightforward?
Li Banfeng manipulated the spoon, initiating a slow rotation that gradually accelerated, reaching over five hundred revolutions per minute, yet he sensed no alteration in his surroundings.
However, the earrings detected the shift. "Master, the ambient sounds have noticeably diminished."