After the paperwork was done, the Shopkeeper took a placard and key from the wall and walked out from behind the counter.
"This way, sir."
The Shopkeeper led the way. Zhao Lin noticed one of his legs was lame; he walked very slowly and was slightly hunched over.
As they passed Room Nine, Zhao Lin saw it was sealed shut with a paper strip, which was covered in dust.
The Shopkeeper opened the door to Room Ten and handed the key to Zhao Lin, saying with a smile, "Here you are, sir. Just give a shout if you need anything."
As Zhao Lin took the key, he took a quick glance and noticed a layer of pale yellow calluses at the base of the Shopkeeper's fingers.
He was all too familiar with calluses like those!
