Sun Yan raised his clasped hands and responded: “I thank you kindly.”
“Don’t mention it, sir. My mistress says it is due to you and your men that she can enjoy peace in Nan’yang. Gifting food is only a matter of course.”
Sun Yan laughed and remarked, “Though Ah Rong of the Chen house is a woman, her generosity and gallantry have put us men to shame.”
As he said this, many passers-by quietly retreated and turned to hurry away.
Sun Yan took note of everything that went on and smiled again. This smile attracted screams and cheers from the girls standing around.
Apparently accustomed to the girls’ admiration, he stepped forward, helped Old Shang up from his deference, and softly chuckled: “Did that little girl Ah Rong tell you to spread her name?”