Any inn of decent size has private rooms.

They're for the wealthy, for discreet meetings, or for anyone who just wants some peace.

Seo Woojin took one for himself, Cheon Suryeon, and the old monk.

He had the table loaded with food.

Cheon Suryeon tried to stand behind him, on guard, but he wouldn't allow it.

She had a stubborn streak of her own, though, so she sat quietly at the far end of the long table.

Even while she ate, her attention never left him.

The old monk, Hyegwan, glanced at her and laughed awkwardly.

"Heh heh, my, my. I must be making the young lady uncomfortable."

Seo Woojin sighed faintly and shook his head.

"She's more comfortable that way. Don't mind her, Great Master."

Hyegwan waved his hands.

"Heh heh heh. Great Master? Hardly. I'm just a fake monk who wanders about practicing."

Seo Woojin smiled.

"Anyone who embraces hardship for the sake of practice deserves respect, I think. So please, let me call you Great Master."

Hyegwan looked uncomfortable for a moment, then nodded.

"My, my. It's embarrassing, but if the benefactor prefers it, so be it."

"Thank you."

"Heh heh, my, my."

Seo Woojin poured him some tea.

"I've hardly seen any monks in Hangzhou... May I ask where you're from?"

Hyegwan smiled faintly.

"I simply wander, with nowhere in particular to go. It's been a long while since I left the little temple where I practiced and took to the road."

"Ah, is that so?"

Sipping his tea, Hyegwan glanced at him.

"The benefactor seems to know Hangzhou well. Do you live here, by chance?"

"I do."

Seo Woojin chose his next words with care.

"Not for very long, though."

Hyegwan nodded and looked out the window.

The street below teemed with people.

Hyegwan made a small, wondering sound.

"I'd heard all about Hangzhou's prosperity, but I never imagined this. Heh heh, I thought begging alms would be easy here. Thanks to you, I got out of that fix in one piece. Thank you once again."

Seo Woojin smiled wryly and shook his head.

"The…