Ma Chao and Pang De quickly arranged for people to light the charcoal braziers and then set up tents so that the ladies would have a warm place to rest their feet.
Not far away, several young masters in fine clothes walked towards them, clearly drawn by Ma Chao's outstanding demeanor and intending to make his acquaintance. The leader, walking at the very front, was the first to speak, introducing himself, "I am Sun Ce."
Sun Ce was tall and handsome, with a well-defined face full of masculine vigor. His sharp eyes shone like stars, revealing determination and courage.
After introducing himself, Sun Ce enthusiastically continued, "Ma Chao brother, I have long heard of your prestige. It is truly my honor to meet you today! Your demeanor fills us with admiration."
Ma Chao humbly replied, "Sun brother, you flatter me. I am merely of slight renown; how can I compare to you all?"
Sun Ce laughed heartily and continued, "Ma Chao brother, why be so modest? Your name has already spread far and wide. Meeting you today, it is indeed well-deserved. If I could fight alongside Ma Chao brother on the battlefield, that would surely be a joyful experience!"
Ma Chao smiled and replied, "Sun brother, what great spirit! If there's an opportunity, I will certainly fight alongside you all."
After exchanging pleasantries, Sun Ce introduced to Ma Chao:
Standing beside Sun Ce was Zhou Yu. He was tall and graceful, with a face like jade and eyebrows like bright stars. A gentle smile always hung on the corner of his lips, giving people a sense of warmth and confidence.
Mr. Xun Yu, on the other hand, had an elegant demeanor; a green robe further enhanced his grace. His features were delicate, his eyes deep and wise, and his every gesture exuded a calm and reserved aura.
The last person was Lu Su, who was slightly tall and had an honest and trustworthy appearance. On his broad face, a pair of eyes conveyed sincerity and kindness.
Ma Chao smiled and bowed to them, saying, "So it is Sun brother, Zhou brother, Mr. Xun Yu, and Lu brother, a pleasure to meet you!"
Sun Ce laughed heartily, "I have long heard of Ma Chao brother's fame; meeting you today, your demeanor is indeed extraordinary."
Zhou Yu also smiled and echoed, "It is truly fate to meet Ma Chao brother here."
Mr. Xun Yu nodded slightly and politely said, "Ma Chao brother, we have admired you for a long time and specifically came to make your acquaintance today."
Lu Su chuckled honestly and said, "Ma Chao brother, if you ever need help in the future, just say the word."
Ma Chao gratefully said, "Thank you all for your kindness; Ma Chao feels deeply honored. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will certainly drink with you all."
Sun Ce laughed heartily, "Good! Ma Chao brother is indeed a straightforward person; we must make good friends."
Zhou Yu smiled and said, "To meet Ma Chao brother today is truly one of life's great joys."
Mr. Xun Yu nodded and said, "Ma Chao brother is extraordinary and brave; he is sure to achieve great things."
Lu Su patted Ma Chao's shoulder and said, "Ma Chao brother, we must interact more often in the future."
Ma Chao responded to each of them, enjoying their conversation very much.
The few of them discussed their ages: Mr. Xun Yu was the oldest at 25, already having undergone the capping ceremony and having the courtesy name Wenruo. The remaining four had not yet undergone the capping ceremony and thus had no courtesy names. Lu Su was the second oldest at 16, while Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu were all 13.
Zhou Yu then explained their relationships to Ma Chao in detail: "Sun Ce and I are the same age, and we share similar interests, having long become close friends. Sun Ce is open-hearted and brave in battle, and I am very fortunate to have befriended him.
Mr. Xun Yu's father and my father are sworn brothers, so Mr. Xun Yu and I are also family friends. He is learned and exceptionally intelligent, a rare talent.
As for Lu Su, he and I once studied together under the renowned scholar Li Xianlong; we are classmates and close friends, sharing a deep bond of friendship.
Our coming to Luoyang together this time was also a fortunate coincidence. My father, Zhou Yi, was appointed Prefect of Luoyang, and I came to fulfill my filial duty. Sun Ce happened to be traveling with me, and on the way, we passed through Dongcheng County and visited Lu Su together. He gladly joined our company."
(Mr. Xun Yu's father and Zhou Yu's father are sworn brothers. Zhou Yu's father is Zhou Yi, the Prefect of Luoyang, hence his good relationship with Mr. Xun Yu. Because Zhou Yu grew up in his ancestral home of Shu County, Lujiang, during his youth, and Sun Jian was stationed in Shouchun, Zhou Yu heard of Sun Ce's reputation and specifically visited Sun Ce from Shu County, Lujiang. Sun Ce and Zhou Yu are the same age and were uniquely friendly with Zhou Yu, becoming close friends and maintaining frequent contact thereafter. Zhou Yu and Lu Su once studied together under the renowned scholar Li Xianlong. This is the relationship line between the few of them. Dear readers, while it is a novel, it must also have a certain logic and not feel forced together.)
Ma Chao suddenly understood, a flash of insight in his eyes.
The group then proceeded to comment on the manager's article, expressing their opinions and discussing it heatedly.
However, Sun Ce seemed less interested in the discussion of the article. He suddenly stood up, pulled Pang De to the side, and said heartily, "Come, come, Pang De, let's spar a bit and stretch our muscles!" With that, he pulled Pang De, wanting to spar.
Each of them had different literary accomplishments, and they chatted endlessly. Unknowingly, an hour passed. Sun Ce and Pang De had already finished their sparring, and Sun Ce had returned to his seat, looking sleepy.
It wasn't until the conversation turned to current affairs that Sun Ce's attention was drawn. His originally somewhat distracted expression instantly became focused, his eyes bright and alert, listening intently to everyone's remarks.
Subsequently, the topic shifted to strategy and military affairs, and Sun Ce became even more enthusiastic, actively participating in the discussion and expressing his views. His voice was loud, and his tone firm, as if he were on the battlefield.
Everyone also spoke freely, each with different perspectives. Some focused on strategic layout, some on tactical application, and others on soldier training and morale.
The entire scene was very lively, and everyone was immersed in the discussion of strategy and military affairs.
Over there, a group of young men passionately pointed out the country's affairs, full of youthful vigor.
Xiao Qiao excitedly spoke first, "Wow, look at that Sun Ce, he's really handsome! His hearty expression makes him seem full of a sense of justice!"
Da Qiao then softly said, "Hmm, I actually think Zhou Yu is more refined. His smile is extremely gentle, giving one a feeling of warmth like a spring breeze."
Cai Wenji blinked her bright eyes and giggled, "Did you notice that Lu Su? He looks a bit dull, but you know, once he talks about governing the country, he actually has quite a few insights of his own."
Lu Wan giggled and said, "Haha, don't just stare at their looks, everyone! I think each of them is unique!"
Xiao Qiao giggled, "Cai Wenji Meimei is right, this Lu Su looks honest and simple, but I didn't expect him to be quite insightful."
Da Qiao smiled and nodded in agreement, "Yes, it seems one shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
Cai Wenji asked curiously, "Then what do you all think they are doing gathered together?"
Lu Wan thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps they have something important to discuss."
Xiao Qiao's eyes lit up, "Why don't we go listen to what they're saying?"
Da Qiao hesitated, "That might not be good. After all, we are girls, it's not convenient to go over."
Xiao Qiao pulled Lu Wan's hand, "It's okay, we'll secretly hide nearby and listen; we won't be discovered."
Lu Wan smiled helplessly and said, "Alright then, but we must be careful not to be found out."
So, the girls quietly walked to a spot not far from the group of young men, hiding to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Just as they were listening intently, Sun Ce suddenly turned his head, and his gaze met theirs. For a moment, the air seemed to freeze, and time stopped flowing.
The girls immediately became flustered. Xiao Qiao's face instantly turned red. She lowered her head, her small hands tightly clutching the corner of her clothes, not daring to look up again.
Da Qiao was also a bit embarrassed; her smile froze on her face, unsure of what to do.
Cai Wenji was so startled she almost screamed. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide.
Lu Wan's heart rate instantly accelerated. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Sun Ce saw their reactions, first stunned, then showed a sunny smile and said, "Ladies, since you're here, why don't you come over and chat with us?" His voice was magnetic, making it impossible to refuse.