Jason Brooks certainly understood its significance. If you said it was useful, perhaps it was worth nothing at all; if you said it was useless, maybe it would help you at a critical moment. It all depended on who was handing over the calling card. As the saying goes, "To know the daughter, look at the father." Just by looking at this little girl Eve Foster, one could tell that this Helen Foster's official character couldn't be too bad.

He accepted the calling card and quickly cupped his fists in return. "Thank you for your great kindness, sir!"

Helen Foster smiled, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked away.

……

In the morning, the wharf at Weiyang County was bustling and lively, with people coming and going. In the eastern welcoming pavilion stood more than twenty local officials from Donghai Commandery, waiting to greet the new Prefect of Donghai Commandery, Helen Foster.

Behind the officials and yamen runners, over a hundred local celebrities from all walks of life had gathered, along with lion dance troupes, musicians, dancers, and other performers to add to the festivities. The gifts were already laid out, the grand display was ready—everything was set, just waiting for Governor Foster to arrive.

"Look! Governor Foster's boat is here!" an official shouted, pointing at a large ship in the distance.

A purple official flag fluttered in the wind atop the ship, indicating the presence of a fourth-rank or higher official. The officials waiting at the dock immediately grew excited and moved together toward the landing stage. The sound of drums and music rose, and a team of lion dancers leapt and tumbled, making the atmosphere extremely lively.

The large ship slowly docking was indeed the vessel of the new Prefect of Donghai Commandery, Helen Foster. After a journey of several thousand miles over half a month, the ship had finally reached its destination.

The bow was crowded with people ready to disembark. Helen Foster stood at the very front with his hands behind his back, followed by his family, several of his advisors, maids, servants, and a few sedan chair bearers—more than twenty people in all.

The little girl Eve Foster sat in the sedan chair with her mother, but her gaze searched everywhere through the curtain. Suddenly, she found him: her third brother was carrying a wooden box, also preparing to disembark.

Having arrived at Weiyang County, Jason Harper was ending his life as a crewman and getting ready to go ashore to find his eldest brother. In this world, he had no relatives or connections, but fortunately, the family of the Jason Harper he had possessed was right here in Weiyang County. He had an older brother—his home, his family.

Jason Brooks's gaze was fixed on a giant banyan tree not far from the dock. The tree stood about a hundred zhang tall, having weathered countless ages, still lush and verdant, like a giant umbrella covering the sky. This must be the king of trees outside Weiyang County, said to be twelve hundred years old.

Suddenly, his palm grew warm—a soft, smooth little hand had quietly slipped into his. It was Eve Foster who had sneaked over. She shook Jason Brooks's hand and pouted her rosy lips. "Third brother, you promised to keep telling me stories! You only finished the story of 'Havoc in Heaven,' but you didn't finish the others. The story of Little Dragon Girl and Yang Guo, and what happened to A'zi in the end—you only told me half, leaving me hanging. Don't forget, okay?"

Although Jason Brooks had found it a bit exhausting to tell stories to the little girl all the way, now that they were really about to part, he actually felt a bit reluctant. This little girl was smart and adorable—he liked her very much.

Holding her soft, smooth little hand, Jason Brooks couldn't help but feel a bit of affection for her and smiled, "Third brother always keeps his word. When I have time, I'll definitely come and tell you stories. Third brother has a belly full of good stories—I'll make sure you hear as many as you want."

Eve Foster's face bloomed with joy. She stretched out a tender, white little finger, tilted her head, and blinked mischievously. "Alright, let's pinky swear!"

Jason Brooks also extended his little finger, hooked it around her tender, scallion-like finger, and laughed, "Is it a pinky swear, hang ourselves, and never break the promise for a hundred years?"

Eve Foster's eyes lit up. She had never heard such a novel way to make a promise before. She pursed her lips and smiled sweetly. "Okay! Let's pinky swear, hang ourselves, and never break the promise for a hundred years!"

"Miss!"

The maid Megan hurried over, grabbing Eve Foster and scolding her, "I've been looking for you everywhere. Madam is already angry—she told you to come back quickly."

"You guys are so annoying! You won't even give me a moment. I have to say goodbye to my friend!"

"We've already disembarked—everyone's waiting for you. Hurry up!"

The maid Megan ignored Jason Brooks, pulled Eve Foster away, and Eve Foster looked back at every step, her eyes full of longing and reluctance.

The ship began to slowly dock. From the shore came the sound of gongs and drums, the excitement palpable. A dock worker ran up and shouted, "Excuse me, is this Governor Foster's ship?"

The advisor Eric Young answered from the bow, "This is indeed my master Governor Foster's ship. May I ask who you are?"

"Please inform Lord Foster that all the main officials of Donghai Commandery have come to welcome the Prefect."

Helen Foster was not far behind and heard everything. Stroking his beard, he chuckled and instructed everyone, "Let's disembark!"

He took the first sedan chair ashore, followed by the second, which carried Eve Foster and her mother.

Jason Brooks saw Eve Foster lift a corner of the sedan curtain to wave goodbye to him, so he smiled and hooked his little finger at her. Eve Foster's beautiful big eyes immediately lit up, and she hooked her little finger back at him. Just moments ago, she had looked so downcast, but now she was beaming with joy.

……

Chapter Two: Unaware of Being a Guest in a Dream