Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

This place is indeed a melting pot of all sorts of people; you can find all kinds of faces here.

However, the more this happens, the better their information network becomes.

He found an empty table by the window and sat down, and Qingfeng and Dongkui followed suit.

Dongkui was eager to say something, but Xiao Yi gave her a look, signaling her to calm down.

The waiter quickly came up to us, a white cloth draped over his shoulder, his face beaming with smiles: "Gentlemen, what would you like to drink?"

Our Biluochun tea is absolutely superb, and we also have some newly arrived Longjing tea…”

Xiao Yi ordered a pot of Longjing tea and two plates of pastries.

After the waiter finished taking notes, he suddenly lowered his voice, took out a tael of silver from his sleeve and handed it over: "Waiter, I need to ask you about someone."

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, and he quickly tucked the silver into his sleeve, his smile widening: "Young master, you've said it yourself. I know at least a few people from Ping'an County."

"I'm looking for someone called 'The Informant'." Xiao Yi stared into his eyes. "I heard he specializes in finding lost people and things?"

The waiter paused for a moment, then nodded, a meaningful smile creeping across his face: "Young master, are you looking for Boss Zhou?"

He often comes here to drink tea.

"Wait here, I'll go and ask him if he's there."

After saying that, he turned around and ran away quickly.

Dongkui finally couldn't hold back any longer and leaned closer, lowering her voice to ask, "Brother Shiqi, what time is it? How come you still have the appetite for tea and snacks?"

Her tone was somewhat displeased, and her brows furrowed.

Qingfeng quickly explained, "Miss Dongkui, my master certainly has his own plans, so please don't worry."

Xiao Yi smiled, picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea, saying slowly, "Miss Dongkui, haste makes waste."

We've been searching for so long, a little more time won't make a difference.

This place is full of gossips, so if that gossipmonger dares to use that name, he must have some skills.

"Just wait, we'll get news from Tao'er and the others soon."

Xiao Yi understood that there was no time to rush things.

Dongkui was still skeptical, and ultimately said nothing more, only fidgeting and looking around restlessly.

After a short while, the waiter indeed led over a middle-aged man.

The man was in his early thirties, wearing an indigo long robe. He was lean and wiry, with small but exceptionally bright and sharp eyes that revealed him to be a shrewd individual.

He walked to the table, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi and the other two, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Xiao Wu told me that you were looking for me?"

Xiao Yi stood up and clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "You're 'The Informant'?"

"That is indeed me. My surname is Zhou, and my given name is Yong."

The man nodded and, without any hesitation, sat down at the table.

"Just call me Boss Zhou."

"I wonder if you've come to me, Zhou, to find someone or to inquire about something?"

Xiao Yi sat down as well and got straight to the point: "Boss Zhou has a good eye."

I am indeed looking for someone.

My younger sister and my nephew have gotten separated from us, and we'd like to ask Mr. Zhou for help in finding them.

Zhou Ming did not respond immediately. Instead, he picked up the tea that the waiter had just brought, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Since you gentlemen have come to find me, Zhou, you must know my rules."

Let me be clear from the start: if the person you're looking for is in Ping'an County, I can find them for you.

But if it weren't in Ping'an County, then Zhou would be powerless to help.

So you all need to figure out first whether the person you're looking for is actually in Ping'an County.

If they're not there, spending more money is pointless.

This is a straightforward statement, but it is also true.

Xiao Yi nodded inwardly. This person was honest and straightforward.

He thought for a moment and said, "Boss Zhou is a straightforward person, so I won't hide anything from you."

My sister and her friends must have been to Ping'an County, but I'm not sure if they've left yet.

But no matter what, I have to keep looking before I'm satisfied.

We hope Mr. Zhou can lend a hand.

Whether or not you can find the person, I will not give you a refund.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ming smiled and said, "Young Master is a wise man."

Since that's the case, I'll take this job.

One hundred taels of silver, no bargaining.

It's agreed that even if I can't find the person, I won't refund the money.

If you think it's suitable, then pay up.

Do you have a portrait of the person you're looking for?

"Yes." Xiao Yi turned to Qingfeng. "Qingfeng, give the portrait to Boss Zhou."

Qingfeng took out Tao'er's portrait from his bosom and handed it over with both hands.

Zhou Ming took it, unfolded it, and glanced at it.

The woman in the portrait is about eighteen or nineteen years old, with delicate features and a slightly upturned mouth, looking charming and lovely.

He examined the portrait for a moment, carefully folded it, and put it into his pocket.

"Please wait at the inn. My men will deliver the message to you before dark."

Zhou Ming stood up and cupped his hands in greeting to Xiao Yi.

"Don't worry, young master, as long as the person is still in Ping'an County, I, Zhou, will definitely find him for you."

Xiao Yi quickly stood up and returned the greeting: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Boss Zhou."

Zhou Ming waved his hand, turned around and strode away, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Dongkui watched his retreating figure, still somewhat uneasy: "Brother Shi Qi, is this person reliable?"

One hundred taels of silver is no small sum...

"Could he be a con artist?"

Xiao Yi sat down again and picked up his teacup: "Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust."

He must have some skill to have earned the reputation of being a "know-it-all" in Ping'an County.

We've been searching like headless flies for days without a clue. We might as well let the people in the industry do their jobs.

Besides, Boss Zhou was introduced by the shopkeeper, so there's definitely no problem.

"Dongkui, my master has seen countless people and will not misjudge them."

Don't worry.

No one in this world can deceive my master.

Qingfeng continued.

"oh………

Brother Qingfeng, I was just asking casually, but I felt his asking price was outrageous!

"It's like a winter mallow," Dongkui explained.

Xiao Yi glanced at the two of them and said, "Let's go back to the inn first."

Waiting for news from Boss Zhou.

Back at the inn, the three rested in their room for a while.

Xiao Yi couldn't sit still any longer, so he stood up and said, "Qingfeng, come with me for another walk."

"Dongkui, you stay at the inn and keep watch. That way, you can provide backup should Boss Zhou's men arrive."

Dongkui wanted to go with them, but knowing that Xiao Yi was right, she could only nod and say, "Seventh Brother Shi, please come back soon."

Xiao Yi and Qingfeng left the inn and headed down another street to search.

This street is more secluded than the main street, and it is mostly lined with small shops selling sundries and residential houses.

Xiao Yi knocked on doors one by one to ask, but all he got were shakes of the head and apologies.

As darkness fell, fewer and fewer pedestrians appeared on the street.

Xiao Yi stood at the alley entrance, watching the lights gradually illuminate the distance, feeling an indescribable anxiety.

Peach, where are you?

The young master is still so young, following you around in hiding, is he alright?

He thought of Tao'er leaving without saying goodbye, and his heart felt like it was blocked by something, making him feel suffocated.

Qingfeng said softly, "Master, it's getting dark, let's go back to the inn first."

Perhaps Boss Zhou already has some news.

Xiao Yi nodded, and the two hurried back.