Gu Zhao paused. Master Lu turned back, curious. "Hong Xin?"
CREAK—
The gate's latch clicked, and the door was pushed open. A burly, well-built man in a black, gold-patterned robe strode in. When he saw Master Lu about to put brush to paper, he couldn't help but grin. "The moment I heard those two loafers muttering, I knew you were about to start another painting, Lu Sheng."
Master Lu narrowed his eyes, asking in surprise, "What brings you here?"
Hong Xin strode over but stopped at the doorway to the side room. "And why shouldn't I come?"
Master Lu's brow furrowed slightly as he affected a casual tone. "Of course you can. It's just... quite the coincidence."
With that, he gestured to Hong Xin and said to Gu Zhao, "This is my friend, Hong Xin. He's a straightforward man who loves making friends."
