Chapter Forty-One: The Unexpected Visitor

Wang Zixuan was terribly annoyed. Not only did she have to receive the new arrivals sent over by the King of the Underworld, but she also had to keep an eye on Yingjun and assign tasks. She was swamped with work.

Just as she finished a phone call with Yingjun, a ghost messenger came up from the basement, leading three unfamiliar individuals.

“Zixuan, I’ve brought the people for you,” said the ghost messenger. “Take care of the formalities, and the rest is up to you.”

After completing the paperwork, Wang Zixuan took the newcomers to her office. Someone soon brought in tea and snacks.

“I don’t believe I know who you all are,” Wang Zixuan said, addressing her guests. “I’ll arrange for someone to show you around for a few days.”

A short, plump man beamed at her. “Zixuan, may I call you that? No need for such formality. We’re here to get a taste of life—and to lend you a hand. My name is Zhu Fu, but everyone calls me the Smiling Tiger.”

Wang Zixuan clasped her hands in greeting. “Brother Zhu, you’re too polite. I’ll take you to rest for a while, and then you can have some fun. Incidentally, I have a restaurant that I could use your help with.”

Another middle-aged man saluted her. “I’m Zhu Gui, known as the Land Dragon.”

The only woman among them followed suit. “I’m Sun Erniang, the Lady Demon.”

After Sun Erniang introduced herself, Wang Zixuan was momentarily taken aback. Why were they all from Water Margin? And they even sent over a tigress like her—how puzzling.

Wang Zixuan’s lips twitched. “Sister Sun, didn’t your husband come with you?”

Sun Erniang gave a charming smile. “He’ll be along in a while. I was in a hurry to come see my little sister first.”

Wang Zixuan gave a wry smile. “Sister, you two aren’t planning to return to your old ways, are you? That would make things difficult for me.”

Sun Erniang paused, then burst into laughter. “You really know how to joke. If I did that, the King of the Underworld would come and obliterate the both of us before you even found out—there wouldn’t be a trace left.”

Wang Zixuan breathed a sigh of relief. As long as they understood the rules, she’d be fine. She suddenly remembered that Zhu Gui used to be in charge of brewing wine at Liangshan.

She turned to Zhu Gui. “Brother Zhu Gui, as I recall, you were the brewmaster at Liangshan Marsh. I’ve heard your wine was something special. Think you could go back to your old trade?”

“Since you call me brother, I’ll shamelessly call you little sister,” Zhu Gui replied. “You have a discerning eye. The wine from Liangshan was indeed excellent, and I know the trade well. Leave it to me.”

“Great,” said Wang Zixuan. “Familiarize yourself with the surroundings for a couple of days. I’ll give you some startup money—brew a batch and sell it at Brother Zhu Fu’s place to build up a reputation. Give me the details, and I’ll handle your identity papers and fill in the necessary documentation for the wine. Meanwhile, scout for a suitable brewery.”

“No problem!” Zhu Gui agreed.

Wang Zixuan turned to Sun Erniang. “Sister, what about you? Will you help Brother Zhu Fu, or stay here with me? Take a few days to look around. If there’s anything I can do for you, I’ll make it happen.”

Sun Erniang smiled. “Thank you, sister. I’ll have a look around these few days and let you know.”

“Alright, I’ll have someone escort you to your rooms,” Wang Zixuan said.

She pressed the button on her desk, and a waiter walked in almost immediately.

“Xiao Deng, please take our honored guests to their rooms and show them around these next few days. Whatever they need, make sure it’s done.”