Liu Hui opened the sack and managed a wry smile. "Xian'er, you really expect me to go out wearing this?"

Hu Xian'er pursed her lips and chuckled. "Yes, I really want to see what Buffalo looks like in ancient costume."

Liu Hui pulled a few pieces of historical garb from the sack and held them against himself, saying, "These look quite complicated. How exactly do I put them on?"

Hu Xian'er laughed. "Why don't I help you get dressed?"

Liu Hui handed the clothes over to Hu Xian'er, who took the ancient costumes in her hands and began carefully dressing him.

Noticing the fabric of the costumes was exquisitely luxurious, clearly brand new and unworn, Liu Hui asked, "Xian'er, aren't these costumes borrowed from a film set? Why do they look so new? And look at this material—it’s not cheap stuff, is it?"

Hu Xian'er smiled slyly. "Don't ask where I got them. I have my ways of borrowing things."

With Hu Xian'er's assistance, Liu Hui was quickly attired. He was wearing a flowing white robe, cinched at the waist with a gold belt, his head adorned with a scholar's square scarf, and on his feet, a pair of oversized padded cotton shoes. Hu Xian'er stepped back after meticulously smoothing out the wrinkles on him, took a few paces to observe, and declared with satisfaction, "There! Our Buffalo has become even more dashing now."

Liu Hui immediately stood before the mirror. Reflected back was the image of a scholarly gentleman in white robes and a scholar's cap. A small sachet hung from his belt, lending him an indescribable elegance and handsomeness that even stunned Liu Hui himself.

"Xian'er, was this custom-made for me? How does it fit so perfectly?" Liu Hui asked in surprise.

"Dream on. Who would tailor something specifically for you? I borrowed this from the set where my friend is working. It just happens to fit you perfectly. But I have to admit, you carry this outfit with real masculine charm. If only you had long hair, you’d be a genuine handsome scholar from antiquity," Hu Xian'er teased.

"But if I wear these ancient clothes, how are we supposed to go out and have fun?" Liu Hui asked with a bitter smile.

"Heh heh, you’re famous now; everyone recognizes you. If you wore ordinary clothes outside, you'd surely be spotted. Wearing this ancient costume will keep you hidden. I’m helping you disguise yourself," Hu Xian'er explained with a laugh.

"Fine. At least the scholar's scarf covers half my face; people probably won't recognize me. Let's leave right away," Liu Hui conceded.

And so, protected by two cars trailing behind, Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er arrived at Tseung Kwan O. This area boasted Hong Kong’s largest film city, filled with scenic beauty and numerous historical sites—a location Hu Xian'er had specifically requested.

As soon as Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er stepped out of the car in Tseung Kwan O, they immediately drew attention because his ancient attire was so conspicuous. Liu Hui felt a flush of embarrassment and used his sleeve to shield his face from the stares. Hu Xian'er smiled faintly and handed him a folding fan. Liu Hui instantly opened it, using it to obscure his face.

Hu Xian'er took Liu Hui's hand and led him up the mountain path. Walking together, they indeed exuded the air of a talented scholar and a beautiful lady. Liu Hui's bodyguards followed discreetly far behind, careful not to intrude.

As they walked, passing tourists stopped, curious about the man in historical costume. Some even pulled out cameras to take pictures. Liu Hui quickly turned his head away while Hu Xian'er giggled beside him.

Suddenly, a group of foreign beauties walking together spotted Liu Hui. They let out an excited squeal, surrounded him, and handed their cameras to Hu Xian'er, who was standing to the side, asking her to take photos of them with Liu Hui.

So, Hu Xian'er began taking pictures. Looking through the camera, she saw the foreign beauties affectionately draping themselves around Liu Hui’s neck, practically hanging onto him entirely. A pang of jealousy struck her. She quickly grabbed a passing bystander, handed him the camera, and asked him to take the photos. She then rushed over to Liu Hui, wrested his neck away from the foreign women, and held him tightly herself.

After the photos were taken, the enthusiastic foreign ladies said their goodbyes and departed. Liu Hui, slightly breathless, said, "Xian'er, this outfit is still too conspicuous. Look, in just a short while, so many people wanted photos with me. How about I change and we just enjoy ourselves?"

Hu Xian'er laughed, "No way. I like seeing you in ancient costume." With that, she darted away. Liu Hui paused, chuckling, "You little sprite."

Then Liu Hui chased after the direction Hu Xian'er had run. They strolled along, admiring the scenery, chatting and laughing happily. The only discordant note was the constant requests from passersby for photos with Liu Hui, which left him increasingly flustered.

When noon arrived, Hu Xian'er found a resting spot, opened a bag she was carrying, and spread out a tablecloth on the ground. She then pulled out various food items from the bag and arranged them on the cloth.

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er sat side-by-side on the cloth and began to enjoy the meal.

"Mmm, this is delicious. Xian'er, did you make all of this?" Liu Hui began devouring the delicacies.

"Of course, I made it. Besides you and your parents, only my dad has ever enjoyed my cooking. If you think it’s good, eat more," Hu Xian'er said with a smile, placing a piece of chicken into Liu Hui's mouth.

"Why am I the only one eating? Xian'er, aren't you hungry?" Liu Hui asked.

"Heh heh, seeing you full keeps me from feeling hungry," Hu Xian'er replied with a laugh.

"Heh heh," Liu Hui responded with a silly grin.

Suddenly, someone rushed out from nearby. The person looked around quickly, spotted Liu Hui sitting on the ground, ran over, grabbed Liu Hui's arm, and said urgently, "What are you doing way out here? The director is about to start shooting! If you’re late, I won’t pay you."

Liu Hui wasn't sure who this person was, but seeing the meaningful look from Hu Xian'er, he complied and left with the man. Hu Xian'er signaled the bodyguards following them not to be alarmed, and then followed along herself.

Around a corner, in front of an ancient building, a film crew was shooting a scene. The man who had grabbed Liu Hui was telling the director, "Director, the extras are all assembled." He then pulled Liu Hui into a group of people also dressed in white scholar robes and instructed Liu Hui that when the main actors arrived, he just needed to kneel and kowtow along with the other extras.

Liu Hui found it amusing that he was being treated as an extra. Mingling among the crowd, he spotted Hu Xian'er standing among the onlookers, watching the shoot intently. When she saw Liu Hui being ushered into the extra lineup, she laughed heartily, utterly delighted.

Intrigued, Liu Hui decided to commit to this role of an extra. The scene required of them was simple: just kneeling and bowing. Soon, Liu Hui's part was over. He ran up, took Hu Xian'er's hand, and asked, "Xian'er, how was my acting?"

Hu Xian'er smiled, "Buffalo, I never knew you had talent for film. I spotted you immediately in that crowd of extras. It seems no matter where you go, you are always outstanding. You’re like a firefly in the darkness—so distinct, so exceptional, with that stubble on your chin..."

"Stop, that’s making me sick! When did you start watching Stephen Chow movies?" Liu Hui laughed.

"Heh heh, Stephen Chow is my idol. I still remember a few of his classic lines," Hu Xian'er admitted.

"Hurry up, hurry up! Look, that assistant director is walking toward me again. He probably wants to drag me into another scene," Liu Hui said, taking Hu Xian'er's hand as they made a hasty retreat.

The film director was reviewing the footage from the scene just shot. When he saw the segment featuring Liu Hui, he felt something was off. Suddenly, he slapped his forehead. "Where did we find this extra? His presence is so powerful, it completely overshadowed the lead actor's radiance! Even in just one brief shot, he made everyone forget the star was even there."

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er paid no mind to the director's musings. They had already left the set far behind and stopped to rest near a small stream.

"Xian'er, where’s your food? Bring it out quickly! I didn't get enough to eat before I was dragged off to film," Liu Hui requested.

Hu Xian'er slapped her forehead. "Oh dear, I was so busy chasing after you, I didn't even have time to pack up the food."

Liu Hui sighed dramatically. "What do we do now? I was really looking forward to eating your cooking!"

Hu Xian'er glanced at the stream before them. "It looks like there are fish in this stream. Why don't you go down and catch a few? I'll barbecue them for you."

Liu Hui pointed to his long robe and managed a wry smile. "You want me to go down in this robe? That’s rather inconvenient. Besides, it’s only March; the water is freezing. Aren't you worried I’ll catch a cold?"

Hu Xian'er laughed. "It’s for your grilled fish. If you don't want to, that’s fine; I’m not hungry anyway."

Liu Hui immediately smiled. "I’ll go down and catch them, okay? But I’ve never tried fishing in a stream in March before."

So, Liu Hui took off his cotton shoes, rolled up the bottom of his robe to his waist, rolled up his sleeves, and waded into the stream to catch fish. Although the stream water in the South was biting cold in March, Liu Hui was long accustomed to extreme temperatures. He merely pretended to shiver slightly as he began feeling around the crevices between the rocks in the stream.

Perhaps the weather hadn't warmed up yet, or perhaps there were simply no fish in that stream; after checking several hiding spots, Liu Hui hadn't found even a single whisker of a fish.

Hu Xian'er cheered him on from the bank. Liu Hui, feeling dejected, called out, "Did someone already catch all the fish here? I can't find a single one."

Hu Xian'er encouraged him, "Keep going, keep going! Maybe you’ll catch one any second now!"

"You say I'll catch one, so I will, ah..." Before he finished speaking, a sharp cry of pain erupted from him.

Hu Xian'er was shocked and quickly asked, "Buffalo, what is it? Don't scare me!"

Liu Hui pulled his hand out from between the rocks. A large, black-shelled crab was clamped tightly onto his left hand, refusing to let go, even as Liu Hui held it suspended in the air.

Liu Hui's bodyguards heard his scream and immediately looked over. Upon seeing that Liu Hui was pinned by a crab, they quickly averted their gaze to other directions, pretending they hadn't seen anything.

Hu Xian'er picked up a dry twig nearby and began tapping the body of the black-shelled crab. Only then did the crab release Liu Hui's finger and drop to the ground, glaring fiercely at Hu Xian'er while brandishing its large claws.

Liu Hui cursed his bad luck internally. Failing to catch fish only to be bitten by a crab—how humiliating! Hu Xian'er was equally furious at the crab that had bitten Liu Hui. She swung the dry twig at the large crab, but the creature showed no fear, using its two massive claws to ward off the attack.

Enraged, Hu Xian'er threw a large stone. The stone struck the crab's back, but its shell proved incredibly hard; it emerged from the impact completely unharmed, still brandishing its claws. It watched Hu Xian'er warily while slowly retreating back into the water.

Liu Hui laughed loudly watching the confrontation. Hu Xian'er snapped irritably, "What are you laughing at? I’m getting revenge for you, and you’re not even grateful?"

Liu Hui chuckled. "That's not what I mean. I mean that crab is too formidable. It has strong attack power, high defense, managed to draw blood from me, and can even withstand a stone attack. It reminds me of a mythical beast that roams the mainland."

Hu Xian'er dropped the twig and examined the wound where the crab had clamped Liu Hui's finger, noticing it was beginning to bleed. She took a band-aid from her bag, intending to cover the cut, but realized it needed disinfection first. So, she brought his finger to her mouth and carefully sucked the wound clean.

As Hu Xian'er drew Liu Hui's injured finger into her mouth, Liu Hui froze. He immediately felt the gentle pressure of her tongue cleaning the cut inside his mouth. In that moment, he felt a profound sense of attachment toward Hu Xian'er.

Hu Xian'er carefully cleaned the wound and then applied the band-aid. When she looked up, she saw Liu Hui gazing at her with an intense look, as if he had something to say. She became slightly shy, meeting his gaze with expectation.

But Liu Hui simply stared at Hu Xian'er without speaking. The atmosphere between them grew momentarily awkward. Suddenly, Hu Xian'er pointed abruptly and said, "Look, there seems to be something fun over there! Let’s go play!" Then she ran off, and Liu Hui quickly followed.

Throughout the entire afternoon, Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er toured all the famous spots in Tseung Kwan O. Though they chatted and laughed, the atmosphere between them was no longer as harmonious as it had been that morning; both carried their own thoughts.

It wasn't until evening that they left Tseung Kwan O. Passing a roadside dai pai dong (open-air food stall), Hu Xian'er suggested they have dinner there, and Liu Hui agreed. They got out of the car and settled at the stall, with bodyguards positioned discreetly around for security.

They ordered several dishes. Hu Xian'er asked the owner for a few bottles of white liquor, opened them on the table, and said to Liu Hui, "Buffalo, we've been together for so long, but it seems we've never shared drinks. Tonight, let's drink until we drop."

Liu Hui laughed. "Xian'er, I have a natural talent for drinking. When have you ever seen me drunk?"

Hu Xian'er replied, "Then if I get drunk tonight, I’ll have to trouble you to carry me back."

Liu Hui chuckled, "If you manage to take me down, then you'll be responsible for carrying me back too."

Hu Xian'er agreed with a smile. "It’s a deal then."

Soon, the owner brought out the freshly cooked dishes. He kept observing Liu Hui, as having a young man in full ancient costume dine at his stall was certainly unusual.

Liu Hui poured a full glass for himself and Hu Xian'er. "Xian'er, let's toast the first..." Before he could finish, Hu Xian'er had already downed the entire glass. The roadside liquor was harsh, and she coughed repeatedly.

Liu Hui drank his own glass, immediately transferring the liquor into his storage space. He patted Hu Xian'er’s back to help her catch her breath. After a spell of coughing, she recovered, but her face had turned a deep crimson from the alcohol.

"Xian'er, perhaps you shouldn't drink so much tonight," Liu Hui advised.

"Who says? They say women are naturally light drinkers, but I can handle a whole pound," Hu Xian'er insisted with a cheerful smile. She then picked up the bottle and refilled both their glasses.

Liu Hui suggested, "Then let's drink slowly..." But before he finished, Hu Xian'er clinked her glass against his and downed the whole thing again. Their glasses held two liang (about 100ml) each. After two consecutive glasses, Hu Xian'er’s face grew even redder.

Liu Hui gave a wry smile and finished his glass as well. They had consumed nearly four liang of liquor before taking a single bite of hot food.

Hu Xian'er seemed to be warming to the alcohol. She poured them both another full glass. Liu Hui tried to persuade her, "Xian'er, let's slow down. Why don't you eat some food first?"

Hu Xian'er chuckled, "This liquor is the essence of grain. Drinking is better than eating. Let's keep going." She clinked glasses with Liu Hui and drank it all down in one gulp.

Liu Hui paused for a beat, then quickly finished his drink too.

Suddenly, Hu Xian'er burst into loud laughter, pointing into the dark distance. "Buffalo, look at how many stars there are in the sky! They twinkle so beautifully!"

Liu Hui glanced in the direction she indicated; it was pitch black, and nothing was visible. He managed a strained smile. "Xian'er, you’re drunk. There aren't any stars there."

Hu Xian'er wobbled to her feet and declared loudly, "I am not drunk! You’re the one who’s drunk! I am clearer-headed than ever!"

Liu Hui moved to steady her, but she instantly plopped back down, collapsing onto the table, completely still. Liu Hui grew alarmed, rushed over, and lifted her up, shouting, "Xian'er, what's wrong?"