Cangmang Asks the Way 1: Guardian of the Lamp

At 5:30 p.m., the lights in Yuebinlou Restaurant had just come on. Cang Lifeng had arrived an hour early. This was the first time he had hosted an important guest as the "host," and he was somewhat nervous.

He confirmed the private room with the waiter and personally ordered the dishes—cold dishes first, hot dishes would be cooked after everyone arrived. When ordering, he specifically asked the waiter which dishes were signature dishes and which had a mild flavor suitable for the elderly. Finally, he also ordered a pot of fine Longjing tea, which Professor Shen liked to drink.

Just after 6:30, the door to the private room was gently pushed open. Lin Wei was the first to appear in the doorway, wearing a light purple knitted sweater that made her look gentle and radiant. When she saw Cang Lifeng standing by the window, her eyes lit up and the corners of her lips curved into a smile.

"I thought I was the first one." Lin Wei walked in, looking around the well-decorated private room. "You're so thoughtful, you even made the tea."

Cang Lifeng nodded: "You're here so early?"

"Come early so I can help you greet the guests," Lin Wei said matter-of-factly, taking the teacup and taking a sip. Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment. "What's wrong, nervous?"

Cang Lifeng smiled and said, "A little. They are all people who have helped me and think highly of me. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to treat them well."

Just as Lin Wei was about to say something, footsteps sounded outside the door. Wang Lide strode in and, seeing Cang Lifeng and Lin Wei there, quickly greeted them, "Lifeng, Reporter Lin, hello!"

Lin Wei smiled and replied, "Hello, Accountant Wang!"

Cang Lifeng strode forward, took out a cigarette from his pocket, and handed it to him: "Brother Wang, have a smoke."

Wang Lide took the cigarette, tucked it behind his ear, and waved his hand, "I won't smoke it now, there are ladies here. Lifeng, how can I accept your invitation? I'll pay later."

Cang Lifeng chuckled and patted the back of his hand: "Brother Wang, if you consider me a brother, don't say that. I invited you here to keep some of my teachers company."

"Oh, what kind of teacher?" Wang Lide asked.

"Professors Shen Moyuan and Li Zhenhua from Nanjing University, my martial arts school master Zhou Qingfeng, and Teacher Lu who helped me with my studies."

Wang Lide listened, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He lowered his head, rubbing his fingers together, which were still stained with indelible ink marks. After a few seconds of silence, he said, "Lifeng, it hasn't been easy for you to get this far. I... I'm happy for you."

These words were somewhat dry, yet they conveyed a degree of sincerity. Just as Cang Lifeng was about to reply, Lu Wenyuan pushed open the door and entered.

He was wearing a blue shirt, with a few books tucked under his arm. Seeing Cang Lifeng, he smiled and nodded, "Brother, you're not late, are you?"

"Perfect timing! Brother Wenyuan, why did you bring a book with you? Don't read tonight, just eat."

Lu Wenyuan pushed up his glasses: "I just borrowed a few books from the library and came here for a meal. I've been tutoring my older brother these past few days, and I've also reviewed the basic concepts myself. I've learned a lot."

Lin Wei chuckled from the side, "You two are really learning from each other. Xiao Lu, this is Brother Wang Lide, the finance manager of Jinzhou Construction Company in Nancheng."

Lu Wenyuan quickly extended his hand: "Hello, Brother Wang."

Wang Lide grasped his hand; those hands were rough and thick, a stark contrast to Lu Wenyuan's fair fingers. He smiled somewhat awkwardly, "Hello, Teacher Lu, I'm just a rough man, I don't know much about academics, please don't laugh at me."

"Brother Wang, you're too kind," Lu Wenyuan said earnestly. "I heard my older brother mention you when we were chatting. He said you're a very loyal and affectionate person."

Wang Lide paused for a moment, then subconsciously glanced at Cang Lifeng. Cang Lifeng was busy pouring tea for everyone and didn't notice his gaze. Wang Lide looked away, his Adam's apple bobbing, and remained silent.

As they were talking, Shen Moyuan's hearty laughter came from outside the door: "Brother Zhenhua, this is the private room."

Cang Lifeng quickly stood up and hurried to the door. Shen Moyuan and Li Zhenhua walked in side by side; both elderly men had gray hair but were in good spirits. Shen Moyuan was wearing a dark gray Zhongshan suit, while Li Zhenhua wore an ordinary jacket. The two chatted as they walked.

"Grandpa Shen, Professor Li." Cang Lifeng respectfully stepped aside to make way. "Please come in."

After entering, Shen Moyuan glanced around the private room and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, quiet and elegant, a good choice."

Li Zhenhua patted Cang Lifeng on the shoulder: "Lifeng, you're too kind."

"Of course." Cang Lifeng led them to the main seats and personally poured them tea.

Lin Wei, Wang Lide, and Lu Wenyuan stepped forward one by one to greet the two professors.

Finally arrived was Cang Lifeng's master, Zhou Qingfeng. He was dressed in a dark blue Chinese-style jacket, his steps steady, exuding the air of a martial artist the moment he entered. Cang Lifeng went to greet him, and Zhou Qingfeng warmly patted Cang Lifeng on the shoulder, saying, "Lifeng, you've learned this trick now, not bad, not bad."

He looked Cang Lifeng up and down again, and nodded slightly: "Good lad, your spirit is even more solid than when I last saw you. It seems that the title of 'hero' hasn't bent you down."

Cang Lifeng bowed respectfully and said, "I will never forget Master's teachings."

Cang Lifeng led his master to a seat and introduced them to each other.

As the dishes were served one after another, everyone raised their glasses, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.

When Shen Moyuan spoke about the difficulties of cultural relic preservation, Li Zhenhua chimed in with an analysis of the economic situation. Zhou Qingfeng raised his voice a bit when talking about the martial arts school, causing Li Zhenhua to frown slightly before quickly relaxing. Shen Moyuan smoothed things over, saying, "Master Zhou is just a man of genuine character; martial artists don't concern themselves with trivialities."

Lu Wenyuan listened attentively, occasionally asking a few questions. Lin Wei, as usual, silently took notes.

Wang Lide was the only one who didn't talk much. He sat in the corner, head down, his chopsticks gently stirring the contents of his bowl, but he rarely put anything in his mouth. Occasionally, someone would bring up a conversation with him, and he would raise his head, force a smile, and respond before lowering his eyes again.

Cang Lifeng noticed his unusual behavior and took the opportunity of offering a toast to walk over and sit down next to him, asking in a low voice, "Brother Wang, what's wrong? Is the food not to your liking?"

Wang Lide shook his head and lowered his voice: "No, I'm fine. It's just... I was thinking about some things."

"What is it?"

Wang Lide was silent for a while before saying, "Lifeng, do you think that if someone has done something wrong in the past, and later wants to make amends, can they really make up for it?"

The question came out of nowhere. Cang Lifeng was taken aback and looked at him.

Before he could answer, Wang Lide shook his head and said, "Never mind, I shouldn't have asked that. You go about your business, I'm fine."

Cang Lifeng stared at his profile for a few seconds, then gently patted his arm: "Brother Wang, what goes around comes around. It's never too late to make amends."

Wang Lide nodded and said nothing more. His hand unconsciously clenched, as if trying to hide the spot that Cang Lifeng had photographed.

Shen Moyuan raised his teacup and cleared his throat: "Lifeng, we need to say a few words before we start this meal."

Cang Lifeng quickly sat up straight.

"Among those present are your mentors, your friends, and professors who appreciate you." Shen Moyuan's gaze slowly swept over the crowd. "The reason we are all gathered here is because of you—because you dared to risk your life to save people in the bank, and because you were willing to stand up for your brothers on the construction site."

He paused, then his tone became solemn: "Your great-grandfather was the same kind of person back in Beiping—knowing the danger, he would grit his teeth and do what needed to be done. If my teacher were alive today, he would be so gratified to see his descendants like this."

Zhou Qingfeng then spoke up: "Professor Shen is right. Lifeng, I could tell back in martial arts school that you were different from others—not only were you willing to endure hardship, but you also had a strong sense of integrity. After you graduated, I felt a little sorry for you, thinking you should have gone further. I never expected you to forge your own path, and walk it with dignity. I am very proud of you."

Professor Li Zhenhua smiled and replied, "I've taught at Nanjing University for thirty years and have met at least eight or ten thousand students. But someone like Li Feng, who came from a construction site to the classroom and actively sought knowledge, is extremely rare. What's even more commendable is that he didn't do it for himself, but to lead his colleagues to a better future."

Wang Lide listened from the side, his chopsticks pausing in his hand. He looked up at Cang Lifeng, then at the others present, something churning in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he only swallowed, then lowered his head again, staring at the bowls and plates in front of him.

Lu Wenyuan pushed up his glasses and said seriously, "When I tutored my older brother, I found that he always asked the right questions—not the kind that require rote memorization, but questions that genuinely consider 'how this principle can be applied on a construction site.' I am ashamed of my own lack of such a learning attitude."

Lin Wei had been listening with a smile, then spoke softly, "You've all finished speaking, what should I say?"

Everyone laughed. Lin Wei continued, "As a reporter, I've seen quite a few 'heroes.' But someone like Li Feng is truly rare. It's not because he saved so many people in the bank, but because after saving them, he didn't take it too seriously. He continued to shoulder his responsibilities and learn what he needed to learn. This kind of composure is harder to achieve than momentary bravery."

Cang Lifeng was a little embarrassed by the praise and scratched his head: "Please don't say that, everyone. I'm just an ordinary person who did what I was supposed to do."

"What should be done?" Zhou Qingfeng put down his wine glass and looked at him calmly. "Lifeng, remember this: most people in this world react by running away when faced with trouble. The fact that you can step forward makes all the difference."

These words were spoken solemnly, and Cang Lifeng's hand holding the teacup tightened slightly. Meeting his master's gaze, he nodded solemnly: "Master, I understand."

The atmosphere at the table gradually warmed up. Shen Moyuan changed the subject and asked about Cang Tianci's competition.

Mentioning his younger brother, Cang Lifeng's eyes lit up with a smile: "He'll arrive tomorrow afternoon. That kid only reports good news in his letter, saying 'Everything is fine.' But I know he's under a lot of pressure—he has to manage his studies and training, and he can't relax on either."

Zhou Qingfeng raised an eyebrow: "Oh? The underling you were talking about?"

"Yes, he learned some things from me when he was young, and later he received guidance from a master, so he's much better than me." Cang Lifeng's tone was full of pride. "If we win this provincial selection competition, we can go to the national competition."

"Alright!" Zhou Qingfeng slammed his hand on the table. "Lifeng, when you go to watch the match, call me. Let me see just how amazing the little brother you praise so much really is."

Lin Wei smiled and added, "Our newspaper is also planning to do an interview. I've already submitted this topic to the editor-in-chief—'Heroes Return to the Arena After Heroes'—it's sure to be interesting."

Lu Wenyuan pushed up his glasses: "Although I don't know anything about martial arts, I can help with recording data and stuff."

Wang Lide suddenly spoke up: "I'll go too!"

Everyone looked at him. His face was slightly flushed, but his tone was very serious: "I'm going to cheer for Tianci. Lifeng's younger brother is my younger brother."

Cang Lifeng looked at him, his heart warmed, and nodded vigorously: "Okay, Brother Wang, let's go together then."

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Shen Moyuan and Li Zhenhua, being of advanced age, took their leave. Lu Wenyuan, needing to return to school, also left. Zhou Qingfeng stayed a little longer, chatting with Cang Lifeng about old times at the martial arts school, before also getting up and leaving.

Only Cang Lifeng, Lin Wei, and Wang Lide remained in the private room.

While packing her things, Lin Wei quietly tugged at Cang Lifeng's sleeve and asked in a low voice, "You said on the phone this afternoon that one of your coworkers was acting strange? Was it Old Li?"

Cang Lifeng nodded and lowered his voice, "I haven't figured it out yet. I'll talk to him about it when we get back."

Lin Wei noticed the barely perceptible worry in his eyes and sighed softly, "Take care of yourself too."

"Um."

Wang Lide waited to the side, and only came over after they finished talking: "Lifeng, I'm leaving now. If you need any help in the future, just call me anytime."

"Okay, take care, Brother Wang."

Wang Lide walked to the door, then turned back and glanced at Cang Lifeng. His gaze was complex, as if he had something stuck in his throat. In the end, he simply nodded, turned, and disappeared down the corridor.