After putting away the household registration and travel permit, and exchanging a few pleasantries with Meng Dazhuang, Lu Heng pulled Lu Bai along and stepped into the capital city.
Looking at the bustling shops lining the streets and the endless stream of people on the wide avenues, Lu Heng truly felt the liveliness of an ancient city.
Having spent considerable time waiting to enter the city, Lu Heng and Lu Bai, now inside, decided to find a larger inn.
The Meng Dazhuang they had just met had also recommended a few inns, stating they were good establishments within the capital, primarily because their prices were fair and they didn't treat customers differently based on their appearance.
"Let's go, we should find an inn first and secure a place to stay for the night," Lu Heng said, tugging Lu Bai along. Over the past few days, Lu Bai had gradually begun to adapt to human life.
Lu Bai nodded, his lips parting slightly before he closed them again without making a sound.
"Tanghulu, delicious tanghulu..."
"Hot buns, hot buns, freshly steamed and sold buns..."
"Tanggua, tanggua..."
On the street, cries of vendors rose and fell.
Perhaps due to their proximity to the city gate, the vendors here were selling food.
Lu Bai felt a little nervous looking at the crowded streets, sticking close to Lu Heng's side, his hand tightly gripping Lu Heng's.
However, his eyes were drawn to the small stalls around them, his nostrils occasionally twitching as he smelled the aroma of food wafting through the air.
"No rush, we'll spend a few days exploring the capital. Let's find an inn first," Lu Heng said, squeezing the other hand in his sleeve as he spoke to Lu Bai.
Weaving through the lively crowd, Lu Heng led Lu Bai for quite some distance. The flow of people ahead began to thin out, becoming less congested than near the city gate.
Lu Heng carefully surveyed the surrounding shops, finally stopping at a five-story inn.
"Guest, looking for a meal or a room?" a young attendant in a short tunic asked them with a smile as they paused and looked towards the inn.
"A room. What kind of rooms do you have?"
"Please come inside. Our superior rooms are spacious and offer excellent views. How many would you like?"
"One superior room. I see you have five floors here; on which floor are the superior rooms located?"
"The superior rooms are all on the fifth floor, where the views are the best. You see, there are no buildings taller than our five stories in the vicinity, so..."
"Alright, one superior room, booked for three days."
"Certainly, guest. Please follow me. I'll take you to register and pay a deposit."
Following the attendant's guidance, Lu Heng and Lu Bai went to the counter and, after presenting their household registration again, completed the registration.
After paying the deposit, the attendant, holding their room tokens, loudly announced in the lobby, "Room Tian Zi Number Two!"
"Please follow me," he then said in a low voice, bowing slightly to Lu Heng and Lu Bai.
Through the spacious wooden corridors, the attendant led Lu Heng and Lu Bai up to the fifth floor, stopping before a door marked "Tian Zi Number Two." The attendant used the key from the room token to open the door.
"Guest, this room was cleaned this morning. Our rooms are cleaned every morning. If you prefer not to be disturbed, you can let me know, and we'll send someone to clean when it's convenient for you," the attendant said, casting a meaningful glance at Lu Bai.
Upon entering the room, the attendant immediately opened the window and said to them, "As you can see, the view from here is the best in this area."
Releasing Lu Bai's hand, Lu Heng walked to the window and looked out. "It is indeed quite good. For the few days we are staying here, the room does not need to be cleaned for now. I will call you if we need anything."
"Very well. If you have any other needs, just call out from within the building, and we'll hear you downstairs," the attendant said respectfully, bowing again to Lu Heng and Lu Bai near the doorway. "Then I shall take my leave."