“The others, the young men are in their early ‘20s, they may not be married yet, they are in the age that easily get impulsive. The probability for them to commit a crime is much greater than the others. The middle-aged man, who’s in his early ‘40s. His family must have declined, his sons or daughters surely have their own family now. Such age can not only be considered living a carefree life but also can easily commit crimes.”

“While the old man in ‘50s, obviously, he has bad legs. If someone, who has crooked mind suddenly stole the carriage. I’m afraid that he will not fight for it. Therefore, the man in ‘30s is the most suitable.”

Hu Feng swallowed a bite of pancake and asked: “This is only one reason, what are the others?”

Bai Zhi took a bite of pancake. After swallowing, she continued to say: “The second is, he is suitable.”

Hu Feng raised an eyebrow: “How come?”

Bai Zhi smiled and said: “Just like what you said, you can’t judge a person by appearance, just as you can’t measure the sea with a pint pot. Most people know this, but how many people can actually understand it?”

“He has a scar on his face, which made him look unkind. However, there is also a good effect from it, at least ordinary thief will be scared of him.”

Hu Feng nodded and bite the pancake again: “What about the third one?”

“Thirdly, when we parked our carriage, he rushed up with the other men to get this job. But, he didn’t show off like the others. He seemed to be shrinking in the crowd. When he looked at us, he was obviously looking sideways. He doesn’t want us to see the scar on his face. He doesn’t want us to misunderstand him because of this scar. He is not that confident. But such a person must be chosen. Because he will do his best to protect our carriage.”

Hu Feng was a little surprised. She was amazed by Bai Zhi’s observation skill and way of thinking. She was able to think exactly the same thought as him. She could see so many obvious things that could easily be overlooked in such a short amount of time.

Then, he asked: “You said that there are four important points, what is the fourth one?”

Bai Zhi stopped and looked back at the direction of the carriage. Although she was far, she seemed could see it clearly. She smiled brightly and said: “Because he looks likes he needs the money more than anyone else. It can be seen from his anxious eyes.”

Hu Feng then asked: “Since he urgently needs money, if he stole the carriage, won’t he get money more easily?”

Bai Zhi shook her head: “No, he is a local here. He works as a carriage watcher, so people in the neighborhood know him. If we inquire about him, we will know details about him easily. So, why he would do something that will only harm himself?”

Hu Feng didn’t talk anymore, but his lips were curving up. He seemed to be in a good mood.

After eating the pancake, Bai Zhi bought a silk scarf for her mother. Now, it’s the autumn season, the weather will get colder and colder. She has to give her mother something to keep her warm. The quilt at home was also thin. She can sleep well with it, but later on, she’s afraid that it will not be enough.

“There is cotton over there, I will go and ask.” Her mother’s needlework was good. She will buy some fabric and cotton before they go back home. There was also some cotton in the village, which is why they sew their own quilt.

Hu Feng made an ‘um’ sound, but his eyes kept staring at the stall that sells jewelry. The stall was decorated with a few pieces of jewelry, which looked very ordinary. They don’t look expensive nor delicate.

However, one of the white jade hairpins looks very delicate. It was slightly smaller compared to others. It was carved with a small flower, but perhaps because the sculptor has no flowers at home, the carved flower didn’t give off the same charm of a real flower.

 

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