"Master, your food is ready!"
No reply came back.
Of course, Tang Hexian already expected this. His master, for all that he knew him, was not a person known for his impeccable timing.
So he continued to wait, and after a long time, the inner room door drape lifted, revealing a large figure that walked in with staggering steps.
It was a middle aged man, his appearance seemed close to fifty years old. His stature was still extraordinarily large and stalwart, though one dared not compliment his style of dress.
His worn robe covered with holes, without so much as a patch, exposed bronze colored skin. His previously good facial features now appeared waxen in color. He had a pair of sleepy eyes and a dazed manner; messy hair that looked just like a bird's nest, a beard that had gone who knew how long without being straightened out. A dim and lifeless look was visible in his eyes.
This was Tang Hao, the only blacksmith in all of Holy Spirit village, and his master.
Ignoring Hexian, Tang Hao grabbed the bowl from the table, not worried about scalding, and with big gulps poured the congee down into his belly. His dull sallow face appeared to gain a bit of luster.
Tang Hexian was unaffected by this treatment, as it had been going on ever since his apprenticeship had started.
Tang Hao was not a man of affection, and the relationship between them was purely transactional, lacking the bond that that most masters and students share.
In fact, he only allowed Hexian to help him when necessary, like when he receives orders from the village and needs to finish it before the deadline.
Most of the time, Tang Hao was too drunk to even remember his existence, not to mention that he was strictly forbidden from looking into his personal projects.
But Tang Hexian was still thankful for what Tang Hao had done for him.
Tang Hexian had lost his parents at a young age, his mother dying from his birth and his father dying from heartbreak, thus leaving him all alone in the world.
It was the newly arrived Tang Hao that decided to take him in as an apprentice, though with the help of a very heavy recommendation from the village chief.
With this new source of income, Tang Hexiang managed to scrape by, but that was enough for him. He had his parent's old home, and a salary comparable to the working village adults.
Hexian left, not wanting to disturb the eating Tang Hao, and made his way back home.
Looking back at the crumbling image of his master's house, Hexian wondered why Tang Hao lived in such a place.
Being the most adept blacksmith in town, Tang Hao should have enough money to by a better residence, even if he wastes most of his earnings on alcohol.
So why didn't he?
Didn't he know that living in such a house would have a negative effect on little San?
Tang Hexian shook his head.
It was useless to try to get into the mind of a crazy person.